Handling Scripture

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Intro:

2 Corinthians 4:1–4 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.

As practiced by Paul the apostle (4:1–2, 5–7)

Paul had received his ministry from God
He knew the honor and responsibility of proclaiming the gospel.

1. His approach in regard to the divine message (4:1–2, 5)

a. He does not use secret and shameful methods (4:1–2a).
There was no hidden agenda
Paul had no duplicity and secret immoralities.
Paul’s public ministry matched his private lifestyle
This appears to be a direct response to the accusations leveled against him
They had accused him of ulterior motives
perhaps they said he sought power and control over others
They denied the genuineness of his faith and message
Paul was consistent.
b. He does not distort the Word of God (4:2b).
The wording here is adulterating: “to tamper with” IN non-biblical sources, it was used to refer to the dishonest business practice of diluting wine with water.
He proclaimed the whole counsel of God.
He didn’t twist nor hold back the word.
He did mix falsehoods with truth, but only held out the truth of the gospel.
He accurately and faithfully handled the OT and the Gospel.
c. He preaches Jesus and not himself (4:5).
Paul remained humble and pointed people to Jesus
1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
AP: We must follow Paul’s example
Proclaim the truth
Never twist nor distort
Never use it to our benefit
Proof texting
Lifting verses out of context
Be consistent
Stay the same every time.

2. His attitude in regard to the human messenger (4:6–7)

2 Corinthians 4:6–7 ESV
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. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
God, as Creator made the physical light.
So too must He bring Spiritual Light
a. The illustration (4:6–7a):
Paul pictures our body as a jar of clay, into which God has placed the treasure of the gospel.
We are but jars of clay. We are temporary, flesh, yet God has poured Eternal Life into us.
This is modeled after God Himself
In Jesus, God took on flesh
Eternal Light was contained in a vessel of flesh
b. The implication (4:7b):
This is done “so everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.”
Any power, anything praiseworthy, anything Nobel we accomplish is due to GOD
God is at work within us
God is transforming us
God is bringing Himself Glory
AP: We are to shine that light.
Matthew 5:13–16 ESV
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

As practiced by Satan, the adversary (4:3–4):

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV
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.
They accused Paul of Preaching an outdated message
Paul showed that the problem was not with the message nor with the messenger but with those headed to hell.
They are blinded by the “god of this world” Satan
He blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of the gospel.
Satan fights with all he has to stop people from understanding the gospel
This is why they fight so hard against a Godly worldview and work to promote a secular one
They twist truth to explain away what God has done
They work to keep each other in the dark
AP: We face the same enemy
The current world mindset expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes, and views of the majority of people.
That mindset is the battle we face
2 Corinthians 10:3–6 ESV
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
People are NOT our enemy
They are enslaved to the enemy, Satan, and his world system

Conclusion:

Accurately handle the Word of God
Shine His light to all around you
Be on guard against our real enemy, Satan.
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