"If our gospel is veiled..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:3
WHEN THE GOSPEL IS RESISTED
The ministry of the word of God is not an easy one. Thus, we must determine our approach to ministry. Anything that is false must be renounced! Only that which is good in the sight of the Lord may be practised! The preaching and teaching of the word of God is of paramount importance!
But even then, the ministry of the word of God would not be easily accepted. The sinful human heart will resist the Word of God. We cannot forsake the ministry of the word at any time!
“But even if our gospel is veiled,
it is veiled to those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 4:3
1. “But even if our gospel is veiled”
a) The word “gospel” was used deliberately.
b) Paul was making reference to the ministry of preaching the Gospel.
c) The reference to the ministry of the word of God is closely associated.
2. The ministry of the word involves the following aspects
a) The preaching of the gospel
i) This is essentially the work of evangelism.
ii) Evangelism must involve the preaching of the word of God.
b) The teaching of the Scriptures
i) New believers must be taught the Word of God.
ii) It is not enough just to get someone to “say the sinner’s prayer”.
iii) The teaching of the Scriptures will ascertain whether there is true conversion.
iv) The teaching of the word of God will enable the believer to grow in his faith and spiritual life.
3. “If our gospel is veiled”
a) There are reasons why some do not respond to the word of God.
b) To some the gospel is veiled.
i) They cannot grasp what the Scriptures teach.
ii) They cannot fathom the truth proclaimed.
iii) They are not interested in the word of God at all.
4. “It is veiled to those who are perishing”
a) How do we know if a person has truly come to salvation in Christ?
b) The gospel would be understood and loved.
c) To those who are perishing, the gospel will remain veiled.
d) Thus, it is of utmost importance that we evangelise using the word of God!