Treasure of Spiritual Calling
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The concept of the "Treasure of Spiritual Calling" is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of God's purpose and plan for each believer. This treasure is not material but spiritual, encompassing the gifts, talents, and divine purpose bestowed upon individuals by God. It is a calling that invites believers to participate in God's work on earth, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the spiritual calling as a treasure. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, he writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." Here, the "treasure" refers to the light of the gospel and the knowledge of God's glory, which believers carry within themselves. This treasure is precious and powerful, yet it is housed in "jars of clay," symbolizing human frailty and the humility required to carry out God's work.

Divine Purpose and Gifts

The treasure of spiritual calling is closely linked to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul explains, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These spiritual gifts are part of the treasure, enabling believers to serve the body of Christ and fulfill their divine calling.

The Call to Holiness and Service

The treasure of spiritual calling also involves a call to holiness and service. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This calling is not only about utilizing spiritual gifts but also about living a life that reflects God's holiness and love. It is a call to be set apart, to live according to God's standards, and to serve others selflessly.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

Faith and obedience are crucial in realizing the treasure of spiritual calling. Hebrews 11:8 highlights the example of Abraham, who "by faith obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance." Abraham's journey illustrates the necessity of trusting God's promises and stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. Obedience to God's call often requires sacrifice and perseverance, but it leads to the fulfillment of His purposes.

Eternal Perspective

The treasure of spiritual calling is not limited to earthly life but has eternal implications. In Philippians 3:14, Paul expresses his goal: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." This heavenly calling is the ultimate treasure, promising eternal life and communion with God. Believers are encouraged to keep their eyes on this eternal prize, allowing it to shape their earthly journey and priorities.

Conclusion

The treasure of spiritual calling is a profound and multifaceted concept in the Christian faith. It encompasses the gifts, purpose, and divine calling bestowed upon believers, urging them to live lives of holiness, service, and obedience. This treasure is both a present reality and a future hope, guiding believers toward their ultimate goal of eternal life with God.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Corinthians 4:6,7
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Spiritual Gifts.
... in all this warfare it has a calling to fulfill ... are not lost, but form an accumulated
treasure, increasing still by the ever-renewed additions of spiritual gifts ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ...
... you need not seek after any higher calling or better ... says, it is great riches, a
precious treasure, to possess ... Of spiritual benefits you know we had none under ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighteenth sunday after trinity treasure.htm

The Hidden Treasure.
... The power of attributing a distinct spiritual import to every light ... until he has
made his own calling and election ... the secret were to lose the treasure; and in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/v the hidden treasure.htm

Thomas Traherne and the Spiritual Poets of the Seventeenth Century
... that compose what I have been calling "spiritual religion""an ... always finds the {334}
terminus of spiritual life in ... full of operation as God of treasure."[44]. ...
/.../chapter xvii thomas traherne and.htm

God's True Treasure in Man
... Israel: 'Ye shall be unto Me a peculiar treasure above all ... Is that worth calling
ownership at all ... value and greatness of the material and the spiritual in this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... of all right living, the supreme and eternal treasure of him ... were called in one hope
of your calling; one Lord ... body and partakers of the same spiritual blessings ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

Wisdom and Revelation.
... we are thus reminded that the calling of God ... fulness, the inheritance of grace, the
spiritual Canaan which ... are His peculium, or special treasure, like Israel ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

Rich in Good Works
... to men; as the laying up of a treasure in heaven for ... It is because of the low spiritual
state of the ... Christians have no due conception of their calling to live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xviii rich in good works.htm

Man's True Treasure in God
... The only thing that is worth calling mine is something ... text, rises to the very height
of spiritual and, in a ... that God is our portion and our treasure, the more ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/mans true treasure in god.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... [Supplement.] The Christian treasure, 1 Cor. ... Redemption and protection from spiritual
enemies. ... Divine love making a feast, and calling in the guests, Luke 14. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Resources
What does it mean that “where your treasure is there will your heart be also”? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price? | GotQuestions.org

How can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Treasure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Treasure

Treasure Cities: Built for the Storage of the King's Substance

Treasure in Heaven

Treasure of Spiritual Calling

Treasure of Spiritual Understanding

Treasure of the Graces of the Spirit

Treasure of the Object of the Affections

Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Hidden

Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Jesus Forbids the Hoarding of

Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Money

Treasure: A Thing of Highly-Estimated Value: Precious Stones

Treasure: Gospel Called

Treasure: Parable of

Related Terms

Treasure (66 Occurrences)

Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence)

Treasure-chests (1 Occurrence)

Treasurer (6 Occurrences)

Treasured (20 Occurrences)

Peculiar (11 Occurrences)

Treasury (25 Occurrences)

Brings (155 Occurrences)

Sell (58 Occurrences)

Bringeth (313 Occurrences)

Drachmas (6 Occurrences)

Drams (6 Occurrences)

Wicked (476 Occurrences)

Overseer (84 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

Lackest (2 Occurrences)

Lack (86 Occurrences)

Garner (4 Occurrences)

Fills (20 Occurrences)

Tirshatha (5 Occurrences)

Rameses (5 Occurrences)

Realm (23 Occurrences)

Disfigure (3 Occurrences)

Mammon (4 Occurrences)

Myriads (24 Occurrences)

Produces (27 Occurrences)

Possessions (84 Occurrences)

Possess (193 Occurrences)

City

Consume (136 Occurrences)

Armory (5 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Archives (3 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Speaks (109 Occurrences)

Secret (341 Occurrences)

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)

Pound (13 Occurrences)

Forth (1639 Occurrences)

Coats (29 Occurrences)

Hoard (2 Occurrences)

Follow (267 Occurrences)

Treasures (77 Occurrences)

Whatever (411 Occurrences)

Dumb (34 Occurrences)

Bring (1372 Occurrences)

Glory (590 Occurrences)

Treason (6 Occurrences)

Joy (422 Occurrences)

Desirable (49 Occurrences)

Provide (74 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Reign (468 Occurrences)

Speak (855 Occurrences)

Poor (276 Occurrences)

Charge (379 Occurrences)

Riches (118 Occurrences)

Substance (99 Occurrences)

Hidden (181 Occurrences)

Silver (329 Occurrences)

Provided (68 Occurrences)

Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)

Heap (66 Occurrences)

Homage (51 Occurrences)

Vase (3 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Hast (1968 Occurrences)

Nuggets (2 Occurrences)

Needy (83 Occurrences)

Needful (17 Occurrences)

Unfailing (29 Occurrences)

Originate (5 Occurrences)

Official (45 Occurrences)

Jars (28 Occurrences)

Jehi'el (12 Occurrences)

Luxuries (2 Occurrences)

Lays (30 Occurrences)

Treasure in Jars of Clay
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