Where does our value come from?

 But we have this treasure…

The BDAG lexicon translates the word treasure, (θησαυρός), as;

1. a place where someth. is kept for safekeeping, repository

2. that which is stored up, treasure

    a. of material things

    b. of transcendent things 

        α. of the treasures in heaven

        β. θησαυροὶ σκοτεινοί treasures lying in darkness

        γ. of the gospel and its glory 2 Cor 4:7

       “A θησαυρός was a storehouse or strong room for precious things or any receptacle for valuables; hence it referred to anything precious, “treasure.” (Harris 339) Paul only uses this word here and in Col 2:3 where he identifies the treasure as wisdom and knowledge, the chief receptacle being Christ, himself, who in his person, contains the true knowledge of the mystery of God (Col 2:2)! The revelation of the mystery of Christ is discovered in the gospel  Col 2:9-15 as the power of salvation that not only brings life with God, but freedom from death, and the deliverance of the bondage from the evil one, (rulers and authorities of death). It is this very gospel that Jesus brought to us for salvation, and later entrusted this power to us to carry it as stewards with the purpose to bring it to others.

 

Harris cites the general meaning of θησαυρός (a store room) for the definition of the treasure. The implication is that the value, which comes from the item stored, is imputed, or given to the one who houses the item. In other words, the treasure makes its guardian a valuable, and precious place!

The BDAG in contrast cites the second definition referring to object as the source of what gives the storehouse value. These two nuances provide an incredible incite to our passage. The believer has great value because he is the “earthen vessel” of the gospel. He is not valuable because he is a worthy vessel, but rather, the believer is valuable because of the treasur he holds!

Those who house the gospel treasure develop a new sense significance and purpose in life. They take on a new sense of self worth, not because they are better than anyone else, in fact ,the gospel reveals the opposite it true. Their new sense of self worth does not come from their flesh, or earthen vessel, but from the value of the gospel they carry inside. When the apostle Paul discovered this treasure, he said;

“ I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, (Phil 3:8)

This treasure is so precious; one becomes willing to give up whatever earthly treasure that comes between them and following Christ. It is so valuable that one is willing to bear suffering and persecution in order to bring this good news to the nations. It is so life giving, that one grieves and fervently prays for those who are blinded by the “god of this age” who has veiled this treasure to keep them in darkness  (2 Cor 4:3-4).

The next time you feel discouraged, and feel like you have little worth, take a look at the gospel that is layed up in your heart, and remember that you are not valuable because you are a worthy vessel, but because of the treasure you hold!