Why "this treasure" in 2 Corinthians 4:7 refers to the face of Jesus Christ mentioned in verse 6

 

Why "this treasure" in 2 Corinthians 4:7 refers to the face of Jesus Christ mentioned in verse 6

2 Cor 4:6-7 "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves." 

Category	This treasure refers to the face of Jesus Christ
Reason	1. 2 Cor 4:6 mentions that God's glory shines on the face of Jesus Christ 2. This light shines in believers' hearts, giving them the treasure 3. "Face" (Greek) refers to the area around the eyes, indicating inner thoughts and feelings
Significance	1. This treasure is the glorious Christ, who is God's embodiment  2. Christ becomes the believers' life and everything 3. This treasure is the source of divine supply for Christian life
Explanation	1. Only when believers live before Christ's face and observe His expression can they truly feel Him as treasure 2. Beholding the face of Jesus Christ is the most precious thing in the universe 3. This is not merely doctrine or teaching, but a lovely person
Application	1. Through beholding Christ's facial expression and enjoying His presence, abandon the old self  2. Accept Christ as our new person 3. Experience the preciousness of the indwelling Christ, letting His glory shine through us
Practical Application	1. Need to be quiet before the Lord daily, fixing our gaze on His face  2. Compare worldly pleasures with Christ, not loving the world due to recognizing Christ's transcendence  3. Practice living before Christ in daily life, making His presence real  4. Through continuous communion with the Lord, let His glory shine on us and through us to others
Related Scriptures	2 Cor 4:6-7 "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves."   2 Cor 2:10 (regarding the usage of "face") I also forgive whatever you forgive, and if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it for your sake in the presence of Christ.  2 Cor 4:4 "In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

 

Conclusion:

The treasure in 2 Corinthians 4:7 refers to Christ Himself, particularly as revealed through His face, which shows His inner being and divine nature. This understanding emphasizes the personal and experiential nature of our relationship with Christ, rather than merely doctrinal knowledge.

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 17 Christ as the Image of God and as Treasure