(II Cor. 4:7, The Amplified New Testament)
Paul the apostle had been accused of secretive, underhanded measures in the conduct of his ministry. In defending his integrity, he declares that nothing has been hidden, that he is free from crafty misleadings, and testifies to a clear conscience before God and man. Then the apostle goes on to say that because of God’s mercy, he is not driven to despair; he is not disheartened. The integrity and dignity of his ministry are dependent upon the power of God and not his own abilities. In fact, he goes on to acknowledge his weaknesses. Although he used the editorial "we," Paul might just as well have written, "I have this treasure in an earthen vessel ..." The metaphor was in reference to the Romans who carried their treasures in either glass jars or small clay receptacles which were fragile and easily shattered. The apostle recognized his weakness, and because of it sought to escape pride. William Barclay saw the main characteristic of man to be "not his power but his weakness." Pascal noted that "a drop of water or a breath of air can kill him."
Some of the apostle Paul’s critics have accused him of spiritual pride in the forms of arrogance, conceit and perfectionism. But a close study of his writings will reveal several disclaimers to any kind of sinless perfection (Rom. 7:14-21; II Cor. 12:7; Phil. 3:12-14; I Tim. 1:15). After fifteen years of seeking to cast the vision of revival, I am convinced that the greatest barrier to revival is spiritual pride. So much of the American Church is locked into the delusion of the Church of Laodicea, saying, "We are saved and sanctified and blessed of God. We are above sin and reproach, and have no need of repentance." Oh, but the Lord saw the Laodicean Church from a different perspective. He said to it, "You do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked ... You are neither cold nor hot ... I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ... Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:15-20).
