The Family Together Friday

 

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 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. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED AND THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:1-15)

 

Paul’s Pertinent Preaching

 

There are several indications of the work accomplished by the preaching of the gospel in this context.  Notice them carefully and use them today.

 

The gospel is to be carefully used.  Paul and his companions preached honestly, not in craftiness or deceit.  They knew they were responsible to God for what they taught.  Read verses 1-2.

 

Rejection of the gospel is serious business.  The “god of this world,” Satan, can blind men so that they do not “see” what is really important.  He can do that to us if we are not careful.  Read verse 4. 

 

Preaching is enlightenment.  The gospel is not intended to merely produce funny feelings or odd sensations.  It shines in men’s hearts to “give the knowledge of the glory of God.”  Read verse 6.

 

Standing for the gospel produces problems.  If we teach others like we should we are likely to be distressed, perplexed, and persecuted.  But it’s OK.  So were the apostles.  And so was Christ.  Read verses

8-11.

 

The gospel assures us of resurrection.  No matter what troubles us, no matter how we are treated because of our stand for the gospel, we know that He who raised up Jesus will do the same for us one day.  Read verses 12-15.

 

- Dee Bowman