Exploring 2 Corinthians 4:7 with Verse Mapping

2nd Corinthians, Bible Studies

Collette Sawyer

My true passion is to inspire women to find their hope, joy, peace, and purpose in our Lord Jesus Christ, and to live intentionally for His glory.

In this blog post, we will explore verse 7 using the DEEP Bible Study Method using the SOAKER verse mapping process: Spend time in prayer, Open His Word, Ask questions, Keep His Word before you, Enlighten, and Respond.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (ESV)

Let’s break down the key terms, explore the original language, and trace the themes throughout Scripture. We can also look at the original Greek or Hebrew, compare translations, and see how this verse fits into the broader context of the chapter and even the entire Bible.

Verse mapping helps us really get into the heart of what this verse is saying. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of not just the words but the meaning behind them. We’re not just reading the verse; we’re meditating on it, mapping out the connections, and letting the Holy Spirit guide us as we study.

Grab your Bible and let’s map this verse together!

S: Spend Time in Prayer

Before we begin, it’s essential to center ourselves in prayer and ask God to open our hearts to His Word. Prayer invites God to soften our hearts and prepare us to receive the truths in His Word.

“Father, we open our hearts to You. Holy Spirit, teach us what You want us to learn. Help our hearts to be open and pliable to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

O – Open His Word

Now, let’s open 2 Corinthians 4:7 in various translations to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (NIV)

“However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.” (AMPC)

Several keywords stand out: treasure, jars, clay, and power. Let’s look at what these mean:

Treasure: A storehouse for precious things, representing the gift of salvation.
Jars: Earthen vessels, fragile yet useful for storing valuable things.
Clay: Represents our human frailty, moldable by God.
Power: The Greek word “dunamis” means miraculous, dynamic power from God.

This verse reminds us that God’s immense power resides in our fragile, human bodies.

A – Ask Questions

Let’s break down the verse by asking questions:

What is the treasure?
The treasure refers to salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us.
Why jars of clay?
We, as humans, are fragile and temporary, like clay. However, God uses us as vessels to display His power.
How do we compare to jars of clay?
Our bodies are weak and destructible, yet God molds and shapes us into beautiful, usable vessels for His glory.

Consider these additional Scriptures to deepen your understanding:

Lamentations 4:2: “How precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of the potter’s hands.”
John 16:33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.”

For additional guidance on verse mapping, check out this helpful guide to Bible verse mapping.

K – Keep the Word Before You

One of the most important aspects of Bible study is meditation. To keep God’s Word at the forefront of your mind, consider writing out this verse, posting it somewhere visible, or even setting it as your phone wallpaper. Reflect on how God’s power shines through your human frailty.

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT)

This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

E – Enlighten

Now, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how this Scripture applies to your life. How can we allow God to work through our fragile, imperfect selves to display His glory?

Despite our weaknesses, God’s power is made perfect in us. This is a humbling reminder that our victories and successes are not from our strength but His. In our brokenness, He can show His ultimate power and sufficiency.

R – Respond to Scripture

What steps will you take to live out this truth? Consider this:

Surrender your weaknesses to God: Trust that He will use your fragility to reveal His power.
Embrace His strength: Instead of relying on yourself, allow God’s power to work through you.
Share this truth with others: Encourage those around you by reminding them that God’s strength shines through our weaknesses.

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 4:7 teaches us that we are fragile jars of clay, yet we carry a precious treasure—God’s power within us. By applying the SOAKER method, we not only understand this truth but also live it out in our daily lives.