Earthen Vessels
God uses the weak and the foolish to confound the wise and to demonstrate His power and glory.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:7, which reveals that God places His treasure in earthen vessels, highlighting our human frailty and weaknesses. He explains that God intentionally chooses the weak and foolish to demonstrate His power, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, and that our imperfections do not disqualify us from being used by Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their vulnerabilities, as God delights in working through those who recognize their need for Him, just as He did with figures like Abraham. The sermon reassures us that despite our struggles and shortcomings, we are vessels of God's glory and purpose.
Text
One of the most encouraging Scriptures in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 4:7: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." Then Paul goes on to describe those earthen vessels as dying men, troubled on every side, perplexed, persecuted, cast down. Even though never forsaken or in despair, those men used by God were constantly groaning under the burden of their bodies, waiting anxiously to be clothed with new ones.
God mocks man's power. He laughs at our egotistical efforts at being good. He never uses the high and mighty, but instead he uses the weak things of this world to confound the wise. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not...That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Wow! Does that ever describe me! Weak thing! Foolish thing! Despised thing! A base thing! A thing not very noble, not very smart, not very mighty! What insanity to think God could use such a creature! Yet that is his perfect plan and the greatest mystery on earth. God calls us in our weaknesses, even when he knows we'll do it wrong. He puts his priceless treasure in these earthen vessels of ours, because he delights in doing the impossible with nothing.
God has determined to accomplish his goal, here on earth, through men with weaknesses. Abraham had weaknesses: He lied, and he almost turned his wife into an adulteress, but Abraham "...believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3).
Sermon Outline
- God uses the weak and the foolish
- God's power is not in human strength, but in His divine plan
- God's goal is accomplished through men with weaknesses
- The Bible describes those used by God as dying men, troubled on every side
- God chooses the weak things of the world to confound the wise
- God mocks man's power and laughs at our egotistical efforts
- God delights in doing the impossible with nothing
- Examples of men with weaknesses used by God include Abraham
Key Quotes
“God mocks man's power. He laughs at our egotistical efforts at being good.” — David Wilkerson
“God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” — David Wilkerson
“That no flesh should glory in his presence” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize that God's power is not in human strength, but in His divine plan.
- Be willing to acknowledge and accept your weaknesses, knowing that God can use you despite them.
- Trust in God's sovereignty and power, and rely on Him to accomplish His goals through you.