But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7
There is no doubt that Paul is speaking of himself and other elders, pastors, and missionaries.
“This treasure” is our gospel, that glorious good news of a perfect righteousness before God in Christ, the forgiveness of all sin through his blood, and an inheritance reserved in heaven for all believers. This gospel we preach in the power of God to save.
“We have this treasure in us;” in our minds to understand how God in Christ can be just and justifier; in our hearts to receive, believe, and love Christ Jesus, our Redeemer; in our mouths to preach it without compromise nor covetousness; in our hands to take it to the far corners of this earth. Paul, in Gal. 1, said, “God revealed his Son IN me.” This treasure is in us.
“In earthen vessels.” This treasure of treasures is not in a vessel of pure gold, valuable and perfected. This treasure is not in a vessel of steel, hard, strong, and immovable. This treasure is not in a vessel of fine wood, polished without stain to be admired. God has put this treasure in earthen vessels (clay pots), frail dust from the earth and destined to return to the same, that anything of power, excellence, or eternal which is accomplished through these pots may be ascribed to his person, power, and purpose, and not to the vessel. Thank God for all of his true servants, but thank God we are not dependent on them for any grace. They shall be saved even as we are saved--in Christ!
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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