Stand Firm - Stand Broken

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves (2Co 4:7 NAS)

The conjunction ἵνα  (in order that, so that, that) can denote purpose, aim, or goal.  “Since ἵνα here marks a divine purpose, not an aim devised by Paul, it carries with it the implication that the purpose is achieved.” (Harris 340). ἵνα clarifies God’s purpose of putting His treasure in fragile vessels; “That people clearly recognize that the transforming power (δύναμις) of the gospel is God’s alone and that the strength (δύναμις) of its ministers to endure hardship comes from God alone.” (Harris 340).

This double significance of (δύναμις); that of transformation (Rom 1:16 justification; 1Cor 1:18 sanctification), and of endurance (2 Cor 13:4), enables the Christian to stand firm against the desires of the world the flesh and the devil! (1Jn 2:13-16; 1Jn 5:19)

 Principles that connect the power of God to the spiritual battle the believer encounters include:

*God’s power is revealed through the struggle. In fact, if there is no struggle, the treasure is safely tucked away along with God’s power.

*God’s power is released through our brokenness. 

*Through our commitment to “stand firm -stand broken”, others will see God’s power, and God ‘s name will be glorified!

 

“ we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;

  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Cor 4:8-9)