In 2 Corinthians 4:1 he says “do not lose heart” in vs6-12 he contrasts physical light with the spiritual light of the gospel …For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”

The treasure is the greatness of the gospel, the greatest treasure of all creation. This great treasure is stored in Clay pots – everyday dishes. Jesus lived a life in “an earthen vessel.” God is not embarrassed to use clay pots like us. If we are “hard pressed…crushed… perplexed. Struck down” then look at the triumph and victory of Jesus. Amidst life’s struggles Paul is saying we have the spiritual reality of his life which is “the way” to eternity. This is within us in Philippians 3:10 he says ” that I may know Him and the power if His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings…