Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians
"We have renounced the hidden things of shame..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:2
A CLEAR STATEMENT ABOUT PRINCIPLES OF MINISTRY
Paul knew about false teachers who resorted to devious contrivances in their so-called “ministry”. In this text Paul made it very clear how he and his team ministered for the Lord!
“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,
but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves
to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:2
1. “But we have renounced”
a) Paul refused all false ways.
b) The context is with reference to the ministry of the Word of God.
c) The following are some of the things that false teachers practised but are renounced by Paul:
i) Anything that is shameful.
ii) Some tried to hide their ways of shame.
iii) No craftiness at any time.
iv) No deceitful handling of the word of God.
2. In the context of today’s ministry of the word of God
a) Making false promises of spiritual power.
b) Offering false hopes of healing and wealth.
c) Twisting the word of God to pander to people’s desires.
d) Making the Word of God appear secular and worldly-wise.
These would have been renounced and rejected by the Apostle Paul.
3. How then should the ministry of the word of God be practised?
a) “By manifestation of the truth”
i) The word of God should be made plain.
ii) It should be clearly and accurately taught.
iii) Truth must stand out if the word of God is taught properly.
b) “Commending ourselves to every man’s conscience”
i) The servant of God must live uprightly.
ii) His conscience should be clear.
iii) Life and ministry should be consistently practised.
c) “In the sight of God”
There must be a strong sense of consciousness of the Presence of God in life and ministry!