This last week I have been thinking about the encouraging words Paul wrote to the Church at Rome. In Chapter 16 he writes a number of specific things to specific people commending them on aspects of their character. For instance, he writes, “Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ.” When one looks at the words he uses there is a whole new depth of meaning. The Greek word that is translated ‘approved’ is the word Dokimos. It was used in the common Greek language for clay pots that had been through the fire of testing and the testing proved it to be genuine, accepted and approved.
The word was also used by James, in chapter 1 verse 3 he says “2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” The word “testing” is our Greek word “Dokimos”. It’s a word found on the underside of many ancient pieces of pottery unearthed by archeologists in the Near East. This mark meant that the piece had gone through the furnace without cracking; it had been approved. God allows us to go through trials and testing in order that having gone through the fire, we might be a vessel or pot of honor. In every trial, God’s initial purpose is to produce perseverance. This word comes from a combination of two words that, put together, literally mean, “to abide under.” God’s “Good Faithkeeping Seal of Approval,” dokimos, is applied only to those who persevere, or abide under the tests He sends. Enduring those tests is what brings about the maturity that is God’s ultimate purpose for our lives (verse 4).
Paul, the apostle also uses the analogy of clay pots in referring to you and I as believers. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 he says, “we have this treasure in jars of clay”. The treasure he is talking about that is in us is Christ. Jesus promised us he would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When a person gives their life to Christ, God comes in the power of His Spirit to live within that life (Revelation 3:20, Colossians 1:27). We are not expected to live by our own strength, we are just a “jar of clay.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 goes on to say; “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” God’s power and strength is shown through our weak vessels, our jars of clay, these mortal bodies. There is a strength and power that comes to the believer when, through simple faith and trust, we rely on His resources, not our own. Whatever trial, temptation, or situation you are in today, consider lifting up your head, bowing the knee, and “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22).
