by We live in a world that constantly measures people by what they produce, how they perform, or how they appear. But God looks at something far more valuable than outward success. He sees what He has placed inside you. According to Scripture, you carry something more powerful than you may realize. You carry the presence of God. That changes everything.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul reminds us that this treasure, the glory and power of the gospel, is not earned or achieved. It is placed in us by God’s grace. We may be jars of clay, but within us resides something eternal, holy, and unshakable. This treasure is not a feeling or a philosophy. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
—2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
Your true strength is not found in what you bring to God, but in what God has placed within you.
Big Idea 1: You Are Carrying More Than You Know
It’s easy to feel like what we offer is too small. The world is loud about achievement, status, and charisma; in comparison, we often feel average, unimpressive, or underqualified. But Scripture tells a different story. The treasure we carry is not about what we bring to the table. It’s not about our resume, personality, skills, or background. It is entirely about the Spirit of God who lives in us.
This treasure is Christ in you. It is the power of the Holy Spirit residing in you, the comfort He gives, the wisdom He provides, the strength He supplies when you have none of your own. It’s the unchanging truth of the gospel, the light of Christ shining through darkness, and the hope of eternal life anchored in God’s promises. This treasure does not just enhance who you are. It redefines you, giving value to the vessel and setting you apart. It infuses your life with divine purpose, heavenly direction, and lasting significance.
You may not feel special. You may not always feel spiritual. But your feelings do not determine the truth. If you belong to Jesus, the treasure is there. You are carrying more than you know. In your ordinary, God has planted something extraordinary. And He intends for it to flow through your life and into the world around you.
Big Idea 2: The Power Is from God, Not from Us
Paul clarifies why God places treasure in jars of clay: so that the surpassing power belongs to Him, not us. That statement alone reshapes how we see strength, success, and significance. God presents a radically different picture: fragile vessels filled with divine power in a world that glorifies self-made success, polished perfection, and personal independence.
This truth relieves the pressure. You do not have to be the hero of your story. You are not responsible for producing the results; God is. This means you do not have to carry the burden of knowing everything, solving everything, or doing everything right. The treasure you carry is not dependent on your ability. It is anchored in God’s authority and empowered by His Spirit.
When we truly embrace this, we step into freedom: freedom to stop performing, freedom to stop striving, freedom to be honest about our weaknesses, and freedom to rely on God’s limitless strength. God gets the glory not when we look strong but when we trust Him enough to be real. His strength shines brightest through surrendered lives, and His power flows best through humble hearts.
You are not the source—you are the vessel. And that is precisely how God designed it. He is the power, the treasure, and enough.
Big Idea 3: What’s Inside You Can Change the World
Jars of clay in Paul’s time were used for everyday purposes. They were practical, familiar, and often overlooked. They were not ornate or eye-catching, but they served a vital function. In the same way, you may feel ordinary. You may not see yourself as someone who makes a significant impact. But that vessel becomes sacred when God places His treasure inside something ordinary. Its value is no longer defined by what it looks like, but by what it carries.
The presence of Christ in you is not just for your benefit. It is meant to overflow into the lives of others. You are not just carrying hope; you are called to share it. You are not just holding truth, you are invited to live it out daily in your words, actions, and relationships. What God has placed in you was never meant to stay hidden. It was meant to be poured out.
You may feel unnoticed or unimportant in the eyes of the world, but you are filled with the living God. His Spirit empowers you to speak life when others feel lost, to serve when others need help, and to stand firm when the world shakes. The treasure within you is not passive. It is active. It can bring light into darkness, comfort into sorrow, healing into brokenness, and joy into weary places.
When you allow what’s inside you to flow outward in faith and obedience, God uses your life to impact others in ways you may never fully see. But make no mistake, the treasure within you is meant to change the world, one heart at a time.
Conclusion
What makes you powerful is not your charisma, credentials, or confidence. It is the treasure within you, the very presence of the living God. His Spirit dwelling in you is more valuable than any position, accomplishment, or outward strength. You carry something eternal. You carry something holy. And that treasure has the power to impact your life and the world around you in ways you may never fully realize.
God placed His Spirit in you not because you earned it, but because of His love and grace. He chose you as a vessel of His glory. And He wants you to live fully aware of what He has entrusted you. That treasure is not meant to be hidden. It is intended to be lived out, poured out, and shared.
So do not minimize what God has entrusted to you. Do not let fear, comparison, or insecurity make you forget what is inside you. The treasure you carry is divine and exactly what a hurting and searching world needs to see. Walk boldly. Live faithfully. Let the treasure within you shine.
Action Step
Reflect on how you’ve seen God’s power work despite your limitations. Write it down or share it with someone today.
“The world may see your flaws, but God sees His treasure in you. That’s what makes all the difference.” —Unknown
Prayer
Father, thank You for the treasure You have placed within me. Remind me that my worth is not based on what I can do, but on what You have already done. Let Your power shine through my weakness, and help me live as someone filled with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How has the treasure of God’s presence changed your perspective? Share your reflection in the comments.
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Blessings,
Chad
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Where have you seen God’s power work through your limitations? Share your story and encourage someone who needs to be reminded that God’s treasure shines brightest through our weakness.