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Rightly Dividing
the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15)
Established
November 2008 Published weekly on Friday
This is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men (and women) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:3-4)
2 Corinthians (4:1-6) (Lesson 10)
Welcome to HBS. I thank you for being here today; Bibles and
hearts at the ready, prepared to learn at least one new thing about God
(Colossians 1:10).
Introduction to
Chapter 4
The first six
verses of this chapter answer a few prominent questions as to why the majority
of people do not believe the truth, speaking specifically of the gospel when they first hear it, or
after they’ve heard it repeated again and again (Matthew 7:13-14). These verses also answer questions about why
so many folks who profess to believe the
gospel quit walking with the
Lord, and why some people whom you’d never think would believe the gospel, do so. These verses remind me of a pastor’s comment. He said, “You’re going to be surprised by the people you see and don’t see in
heaven.”
Now that I have
more than a few years behind me, in my life-account, if I may borrow that term
from “The Unaffordable Care Act,” permit me to suggest an individual needs to have
experienced many years of trials (pressure)
to fully appreciate the book of 2 Corinthians. They need to have ridden on life’s roller-coaster for many years,
experienced the “high’s and the “low’s of life, in order to identify with our
Apostle Paul’s experiences. Otherwise they
won’t appreciate his heart or his motivation
in writing this letter. Most people say
the theme of 2 Corinthians is suffering,
and I won’t argue with the obvious. However,
I will point out Paul said the glory of this chapter is Christ revealed in the gospel – in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds
of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of (what) the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God (4:1).
********
Please
open your Bible at 2 Corinthians 4:1
Paul’s
Apostolic Ministry
Therefore, since we
have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose (what) heart, but we have renounced the
things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the
word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every
man’s conscience in the sight of God.
And even if our gospel is (what) veiled to those who are perishing, 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. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ
Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 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 (4:1-6).
Therefore, since we
have this ministry
(v1) - when Paul uses the plural pronoun “we”
here and throughout this chapter he’s actually referring to himself.
As
to this ministry - Paul’s
referring to “the ministry of the Spirit”
(2 Corinthians 3:8), also called “the
ministry of righteousness” (3:9).
Paul uses the word (Diakonia)
for service several times in this letter (3:7, 8, 9; 4:1; 5:18; 6:3; 8:4; 9:1,
12, 13; 11:8). Paul was saved to serve; as is every true
Believer. Saul/Paul was a changed man, at heart. He went from being the chief persecutor of
God’s Church to the chief of sinners
(i.e. “the first,” or “a pattern” - 1 Timothy 1:15), saved by God’s Grace; the founder
of Christianity, the Body of Christ, which prompted him to write this heartfelt statement to the Galatian
Church: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of
the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Galatians
2:20).
Paul
sought and experienced the Spirit’s leading
in his daily life. He taught this great
spiritual principle in the Believer’s life:
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (and
daughters) of God” (Romans 8:14). It is the ministry of the Spirit to take sinners and sanctify
them. He sets them apart for God’s
unique purpose.
Paul
was the steward of God’s Grace
(Ephesians 3:1); the conduit for the revealed Truth of God’s word. Paul asserted in 1 Corinthians 2:4: “My speech
and my preaching was not with
enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and
of power” (See Galatians 3:3).
If you examine the book of 1 Thessalonians carefully, you’ll find the
word Spirit occurs five times (1:5,
6; 4:8; 5:19, 23), four of these refer to the Holy Spirit and the other to the
human spirit (5:23). What’s significant
about this is Spirit-matters are
discussed by Paul at the beginning and at the end of this letter. He wants this church (and us) to know they were
saved by the power of the Spirit (1:5-6; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
As we received
mercy, we do not lose heart - although this was the ministry of the Spirit, it didn’t operate on autopilot, meaning
it was Paul’s ministry too. Throughout
scripture we see God using flawed
people to share hope to a flawed, dying world (1 Corinthians 1:22-29; Hebrews 13:20-21).
Therefore,
this phrase has to be understood with this detail in mind and in context with
what he wrote in verse 4:16, to which I add, Paul was as human as you or I. By this I mean he felt like “throwing in the towel” several
times. I’ve never heard a sermon
preached on this topic, but if you look in this book you’ll find several
instances of Jesus appearing to Paul to encourage him (Acts 18:9-10, 23:11,
27:24; 2 Timothy 4:17). But in this
instance, despite the physical trials and multiple problems with the Corinthian
Church, Paul’s confidence was in the merciful God; He knew God was in control of
this situation too (2 Corinthians 3:12).
Paul didn’t focus on the trials; his
focus was on the work at hand. The ministry was too important to lose heart.
but we have
renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness
or adulterating the word of God – Paul’s saying he preached the gospel with sincerity – just as he received it from the risen Lord (Romans
2:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
The
Greek word for adulterating is Doloo (pronounced: dol-o’-o), a Verb, Strong’s Greek # 1389 from
#1388; meaning: to corrupt. Paul didn’t add
anything to the gospel he received from the Lord, and he didn’t take anything
away from it. This means he didn’t “water it down” in order to make it
palatable, i.e. acceptable to his audience and Paul didn’t mix his message with
“human wisdom” or his own personal opinion.
I’ve
mentioned this a time or two before but the prosperity gospel, the social
gospel movement, and the emergent church movement (they may be known by other
names) are three current threats against the church coming from within. Many Believers are being caught up in their
“web of lies” and are falling away from the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Whatever
label they choose to be known by, please know they are not in agreement with
the gospel that saves today, and as our Apostle said: they
are to be accursed (Galatians
1:6-8).
But by the
manifestation of truth – the term truth refers
to the gospel of Jesus Christ, i.e.
the New Covenant. The false teachers, which were prevalent
throughout the Roman Empire, acted in shameful
ways, secret ways, but Paul preached the full truth, publicly (2 Corinthians 13:8). Paul writes:
For there are many rebellious
men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who
must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things
they should not teach for the sake of
sordid gain… they profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him…(Titus
1:10-16).
commending
ourselves to every man’s conscience – here Paul speaks of limiting his freedoms
for the sake of others, or considering another’s highest good which fulfills the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Galatians 6:2). We’re not talking about “compromise” but
voluntary self-limiting of freedom because of the cultural hang-ups, religious
traditions, or personal preferences some people have. Paul was all about spreading the truth of the gospel far and wide; not personal freedoms or hang-ups.
In the sight of God
– this
phrase is used in a similar way in other Pauline texts and is equivalent to, “as God is my witness” (See Galatians
1:20; 1 Timothy 5:21, 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:14, 4:1). See: 2
Corinthians 1:23, 11:31; and 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10.
And even if our
gospel is
veiled to those who are perishing, 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 (v3-4).
And even if our
gospel is
veiled to those who are perishing - Paul
calls it his gospel here because it was the life-saving message that he
preached to all: Now to Him who is able to establish you according to (what) my gospel and the preaching of Jesus
Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret
for long ages past… (Romans 11:25-27).
The
point Paul’s making is this, if the
gospel which he preached is veiled to those who are perishing,
if it’s is not understood, if its
meaning is hidden (veiled); if its glory is not perceived or seen by the
listener, this fact could not be the fault of the gospel itself because its message is plainly spoken as it is
concise. God has not purposely veiled the gospel’s message; therefore it must be due to other causes.
Do
you remember what Paul wrote last week?
Let’s return to 2 Corinthians 3:15-16 and take a look at what this book
says: “But to this day whenever Moses is read, a (what) veil lies over their (what) heart; but whenever a person turns
to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
When I read this, I understand it to mean someone or something is
keeping them from knowing the truth. Does that make sense?
So,
who’s holding the veil over people’s
hearts and minds (v 4:1)? Our Apostle
Paul doesn’t want you guessing who this is he tells you - the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving.
Now,
the casual Bible reader may read right on through this verse without taking the
time to examine it – to find out what Paul means to say. A careful examination of this book reveals
Satan is called the god of this age and
the prince of this world (John
12:31, 16:11).
A
careful review of present day activities reveals satanic worship is growing
rapidly in the U.S.; perhaps this is why one of the T.V. Networks offered a
weekly series with the devil as the lead character. It quickly became a hit, by the way. There’s so much more going on. Recently one of the members from a local satanic
Temple up in Alaska was allowed to make an opening prayer to Lucifer at a
council meeting. Meeting attendees were
reminded that they did not have to participate in the opening ritual… how
thoughtful.
The
TST has 7 chapters in the USA and Europe and claims more than 100,000 members. One of its goals is to imbed Lucifer in the
public school systems by establishing afternoon school clubs, these would be
called, “After School Satan,” which is TST’s response to a Supreme Court’s
ruling allowing evangelical programs to operate in schools. They would be operating right alongside
Christian children’s school programs.
Although
there are those who worship and adore Satan, he is not now and never will be
God’s equal. The name Satan means adversary and by saying he’s the god of this age means to convey the
message he is the supreme example of evil.
Jesus put this in other terms by saying, “He was
a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth
in him. When he lies, he speaks his
native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). The Apostle John said, “the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned
from the beginning” (1 John 3:8). Bottom
line: if you do not belong to the God of
the ages, then you are of Satan – the
god of this age. There’s no place
else to run to. “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of
hosts: I am the first and I am the last,
And there is no God besides Me (Isaiah 44:6).
Remember,
the name Satan means adversary, right? At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth,
who showed up to divert Him from God’s path?
Satan did. At the end of His
ministry, who prompted Judas to betray Jesus, thinking if he could kill Him
this would thwart God’s eternal plan?
Satan did. The devil is a
powerful spiritual being whose primary goal is turn Believers away from
God. This book says he disguises himself as angel of light or
his brand of truth (2 Corinthians
11:14). There is a warning sign in
Scripture, which our Apostle Paul put up, that reads: “Do
not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27). Good advice!
Satan
is definitely working his plan each and every day. What plan would that be? He’s ensuring people do not see the light of the
gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Satan will do everything within his power
to deceive people. He wants everyone in the world to think he is the “all-in-all;” that his way is the best way
– but it isn’t folks. You’re literally
playing with “fire;” for the devil’s path leads straight to hell and then to
the eternal Lake of Fire. Don’t forget,
Satan’s a defeated foe. Jesus Christ conquered
him at the Cross. One day future his
defeat will be recognized fully and the Lord Jesus Christ will be recognized a
King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Whose
side will you be on? There’s still time
to make a decision?
For we do not
preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants
for Jesus’ sake. 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 (v5-6).
I’m
not the first one to admit trying to interpret some of Paul’s writings is like
listening to only one-half of a telephone conversation, which means sometimes
you reach a point where assumptions enter in.
The
meaning and reason for verse 5 is not very clear. But if we consider what he wrote in other
parts of this letter, as well as his other letters to the churches, here Paul
gives the Corinthians a reason for his conduct in the ministry. If you’ll recall,
Paul had wrote earlier: For we are not like many, peddling the word
of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight
of God (2 Corinthians 2:17, 4:1-2).
The
reason for this wasn’t to build a
kingdom for Paul; he wasn’t advancing his own interests. Paul was all about advancing the kingdom of
God by preaching Jesus Christ crucified,
to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:23).
For God, who said “Light
shall shine out of darkness,” (v6a) – Now some people think Paul is referencing
the creation event here (Genesis 1:1), but I come at this comment from a
different perspective and I’ll tell you why that is. The word Light
is capitalized and that always denotes deity. Read the Genesis account in your Bible; the
word “light” is not capitalized.
Therefore,
Paul is referencing Jesus Christ’s first advent and we read about this in the
first chapter of John 1:6-9: There came a man sent from God, whose name
was John (the Baptist). He came as a witness, to testify about the Light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the Light, but he
came to testify about the Light.
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens
every man (and woman).
Verse
9 should cause people to sit up and do some serious thinking, but the majority
just read right on over it without giving it much thought at all. It’s saying no one who has ever been born
into this world can say, “I never had a chance to know Jesus.” The true
Light enlightens every man (and woman) coming into the world. Put
another way, it’s saying, “People are
born with the innate knowledge of God.”
Permit
me to leave y’all with that thought.
We’ll pick it up from here next week.
(To
be continued)
©
Copyright 2011
GJ
Heitzman’s Ministry
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Rights Reserved
