Exposition of 2nd Corinthians Chapter 4

Richard Sibbes was known in his lifetime as "the sweet dropper" for his ability to render even the most demanding Scripture into liquid comfort for the hungry soul. This posthumous exposition of 2nd Corinthians Chapter 4 captures that gift in full. Here, the great Puritan divine unfolds Paul's famous meditation on treasure hidden in earthen vessels, the light of the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ, and the strange paradox that sustains every faithful minister: we who are hard pressed, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, yet not forsaken. Sibbes writes for readers who have felt the weight of their own fragility and wondered whether anything lasting can come of it. His answer is the same one he offered his 17th-century congregation: the very weakness of the vessel serves to display the surpassing greatness of the treasure within. This is spiritual reading for those who need to be reminded that God's strength is made perfect in our insufficiency, and that the light He kindles in our hearts outlasts every form we occupy.