Dear friends, I welcome you again to the column of our Daily Word for spiritual strength on wonderful day! As you know the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His mercies are new every morning, it is my prayers that the Lord will renew your strength this day in Jesus Name! For some times now we have been studying the passage from second Corinthians 4:1-5. These verses are full of wisdom and instructions just like all the rest of the Bible. We have underlined some key principles this passage that we can apply in our lives so that we can shine brighter for the Lord. Let us review some of the principles we has discussed before now: 1) I already have a ministry – it is to manifest God to others around me and to spread the aroma of the knowledge of God through my life. 2) My ministry is very important but I should always remember that I received it only by the grace and mercy of God and not because of any merit of mine. 3) I must not faint nor give up in the pursuit of my ministry for God. 4) I must renounce all hidden things of shame. 5) I must eliminate any form craftiness, and live honestly instead. Today we are going to note some more truth mentioned in that letter. 6) Do not handle the word of God deceitfully!
«… nor handling the word of God deceitfully…» (2nd Corinthians 4:2).
Some people handle the word of God deceitfully to obtain personal benefit, but people like that are only hurting themselves. Please, never use the word of God to manipulate people or use it to justify your wrong actions. Do not interpret the Bible the way your like, and do not twist the truth written there for personal gain. Always strive to understand God’s heart then share it with other people, so that those who listen to you might have life. That is the essence of the following challenge:
«Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth». (2nd Timothy 2:15)
In order to handle the word of God properly or minister it to others, you need to give in all diligence to be approved by God. That means your heart must be cleansed from all forms of greed and selfishness. You must serve God in such a way that others will not be able to accuse you of using your position as a minister for your own selfish interests. 7) Reve aling the truth be sincere and conscientious. «… but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God …» (2nd Corinthians 4:2).
The word «manifesting the truth» means giving account and providing the necessary proof or facts when required, in order to show your sincerity to people so that they see and believe that your motives are pure.
«But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil». (1st Peter 3:15-17).
We have to act according to our conscience, and speak the truth before God. Paul told us how he did that in the following passage: «Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, “Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.”». (Acts 23:1).
Paul demonstrated his pure conscience, defending himself from false accusations of his enemies. Instead of going against your conscience you better renew and cleanse it with the word of God. To live according to your conscience means living a sincere and honest life in everything, not just before God, but also before people. Listen to what Paul said also: «Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offence toward God and men». (Acts 24:16).
It’s necessary to have pure conscience before God and before people.
«Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake». (Romans 13:5).
Conscience is greater than the law and is the greatest judge, therefore, you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but because you want to live according to your conscience. 8) If we fulfil or do our part, then we are free from the blood of those who perish. «Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish; in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them». (2nd Corinthians 4:3-4).
Paul is saying that many people hear the Gospel but still are not enlightened by that. These people had made their choice to continue living in sin, therefore, satan, the god of this world had blinded their minds so that the light of Gospel remains unveiled to them, regardless of how hard somebody tries to share the gospel with them. Nevertheless, Paul and his partners presented to others the brightest light of the Gospel, – that is Christ Himself, who is the image of God. Paul was convinced that people should be able to see God in Christ, so he preached Christ and instead of preaching about himself. There will always be people who refuse to accept Christ as the Lord, regardless of how holy or righteous we live our lives. The most important thing for us is to never become a stumbling block for those who are seeking the truth, those who are deceived by religion. Our life must so reflect Christ in such a way that everybody who’s watching us could see God and experience His love, power and wisdom. «For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake». (2nd Corinthians 4:5)
Remember, you are God’s advertisement bill board! You are the epistle of Christ through which His salvation can spread through the whole world! God bless you abundantly! Rufus Ajiboye, pastor
