Introduction- ONE OF THE GREAT MYSTERIES OF GOD HOW HE TAKES IGNORANT & UNLEARNED MEN & MAKES SAINTS

1. There is a life changing power- a Reformation -NOT A REVOLUTION, amazes the world -Acts 4:13
2. The world has seen power to move empires- coming from strange & unusual men- weak & small
3. And through these men a Glory has been unleashed upon the earth that will not be dimmed, a voice of love and mercy that will not be silenced-

I.- THE TREASURE "THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL" V. 4

There is a treasure- The Philosophers stone- turning all it touches into pure gold! - alchemists

 A. THIS GOSPEL POWER IS HIDDEN TO THEM THAT ARE LOST.-v.3 AND HAS ANTAGONIZED THEM GREATLY

1. Men have tried to get this power by bribes, threats, tricks, bluffs,- education-science-drugs
2. But nothing men can do can change a wicked sinner into a saint- BUT GOD CAN CHANGE HEARTS
3. It is called a mystery- I Cor 2:7 and can only be discerned by the Spirit & Spiritual men-

B.- WE PREACH NOT OURSELVES, BUT JESUS CHRIST, AND OURSELVES YOUR SERVANTS FOR JESUS SAKE v.5

1. The people of the world-egocentric-push for themselves-Dictators -step on others- self esteem
2. But after Christ comes into our heart- What He thinks becomes more important than you think
3. It is the Lord Jesus that seeks, saves, keeps, and satisfied- not the preacher- of teacher.

C.- IT IS GOD THAT GIVES US THE LIGHT OF HIS GLORY IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST, v.6

1. Out of Darkness into brilliant light- glory-love-grace-mercy- no way to describe change
2. The worst sinner suddenly becomes a Saint of God- radiating the glory of Jesus Christ
3. We become ambassadors of Christ- with a ministry of reconciliation- making friends

This amazing power makes a rose garden out of every desert- an angel of demon

II.- THE EARTH N VESSEL "OUR EARTHLY HOUSE"

When stop and think of what God has to work with- I am amazed at the "Before & After"

A- THE FRAILTIES OF THE FLESH ARE ALWAYS UNDER ATTACK, AND PAUL FACED THEM ALL* 4:8-12

1. Note how he was troubled, but not distressed- perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted-
2. 4 expressions of suffering-2 of wrestling-, racing, boxing- 8&9 but it only brings out life
3. It is bad enough to make us groan- 5:2, but the reason 4+11- Our suffering shows Christ-

B. THE PROBLEMS OF THE THORN IN THE FLESH OF II Cor 12:7-9

1. The sinless weakness, imperfections of the flesh- some say ophthalmia- bad eyes was his thorn
2. Whatever the weakness- being soft, lame, tired, depressed, hungry, shipwrecked, -earthen Vessel
3. What about in Thought Process- no two think alike- Alcoholic, Sexaholic, Thief, Liar,-weakness -The Lord gives strength, power, glory, victory

C.- WE HAVE SUCH FRAIL AND WEAK NATURES THAT WE CANNOT EVEN EVALUATE OURSELVES - I Cor 41-3

1. Tim LaHaye's book- "Spirit Controlled Temperment"-4 basic Temperament types- choose parents with care. -
2. We have to learn to accept ourselves- God does! & Forgive ourselves- God does!-
3. We may have a wretched personality- Rom 7:24-body of death- But Jesus Christ can deliver!

If you don't like the "earthen vessel"- clay- then draw close to Jesus Christ--Victory

III. THAT THE EXCELLENCY OF THE POWER BE OF GOD!

I Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his sight- Not ourselves but God has the power!

A.- IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE POWER BE OF GOD, AND NOT OF US! II Cor 4:7b

1. This is God's World He created it good, All is in order but us We are the termites!
2. But God offers to us the Power-(Dynamite) Acts 1:8, Rom 1:16 - God loves us and gives us power
3. If the power were of us- because of our total depravity- we would kick apart everything!

B.- BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD OF FAITH, I SPEAK, I KNOW, II Cor 4:13-17

1. Paul received God's power through belief in the Lord- "Lord, What wilt thou have me to do" - Acts, 9:6
2. What he believed- he spoke! This gave more power- then v. 14 the spirit of resurrection
3. So we faint not at our human weakness- for the Inward man- of Christ- victorious- v.16

C.- WITH THE EXCELLENCY OF THE POWER OF GOD, WE MUST LEARN TO LOOK ON THINGS SPIRITUAL * v.18

1. We should become interested in Eternal Things- Spiritual wealth-
2. 5:11 - The Terror of the Lord
3. 5:14 - The Love of Christ-

And so as ministers we become as soulwinners-

Conclusion- WHAT ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD, DO YOU HAVE THE TREASURE?

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