Not a Secret

2 Corinthians 4:1–6 ESV

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Introduction - Breathe Illustration

People often try to keep the Gospel a Secret.

Motivations for being secretive

Contrast between Paul and the Other Leaders.

Paul was - Poor/Tentmaker, Suffering/Prison, Unimpressive Speaker.

Other Leaders - “Well off!”, “Successful”

To Make a Buck

To not Offend - (ie. to gather more people)

To feel privilaged.

Why might we be secretive?

The Popularity of making your voice heard on facebook.

We are swayed by what people might think of us.

We look at Paul, and we don’t want to be Poor, Suffering, Unimpressive.

People may ridicule us.

We do not want to offend anyone.

Paul has a different approach

The Gospel is meant to be spoken openly.

Paul’s Way of Life - of service and suffering is Jesus’ life and authentically represents the crucified & Risen Jesus.

What this Doesn’t Mean....

Skit Guys - The Skinny On Evangelism

Trying to navigate the Church without the lights on - Mike use your cell phone.

Because the Gospel is the best news ever.

One Begger telling another Begger where there is food.

Is Christianity Arrogant? - We are Slaves.

We do not proclaim ourselves - We proclaim Jesus. - It is not from our smarts.

Because the Gospel has changed our lives.

The Gospel itself calls for Honesty.

It is offered to everyone - Preach to every creature - Vs.

English Standard Version Chapter 16

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

So we all have some fears of sharing the Gospel.

Facing our fears of sharing the truth.

“Paul’s Point is not to be impressive, but to point people to the one who is, Jesus.” - Paul and the Apostle’s are slaves to Jesus.

It does take courage - That is how you know the Holy Spirit is breathing through you

You do not have to be impressive.

You do have to know everything - Tell what you know, research what you do not know.

If the reject it, remember they are not rejecting you, and you do not have to reject them with your love. - There is a stronghold that is blinding them, holding them back. Love them all the more.

And we do not need to use gimmicks.

Conclusion:

Who are you Willing to Share the Gospel Honestly and Openly With? Maybe it is open and honest to invite them to Church. - Big Day.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Chatechism: Q&A 22,65, 66, 67 Belgic Confession: Articles 29 Canons of Dort: Head I, Articles 3-5; Head II, Article 5; Head III and IV, Article 6-9, 17; Head V, Article 14