26 May 2024 AM – Text: 2Corinthians 4:1-6 – Topic: Witnessing
Introduction: In 2 Corinthians 3, we learned of Paul’s ministry that had changed lives. He was a minister of the New Testament that gives life, that provides righteousness, and that is much more glorious than the Old Testament law that killed and condemned. He referred to that ministry as he began chapter four. Though his witness and preaching were often opposed, he did not faint or lose courage (v.1). Keep that in mind as we read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.
Transition: In these verses, the Apostle Paul reveals three actions he took to remain a courageous witness and not give up. If you have tried to witness for Christ but got discouraged and quit, Paul’s three actions are what you need to get going again.
1. Paul Share the Truth Without Compromise (v.1-3).
a. He renounced three common compromises.
To renounce means to speak out against something.
1) He renounced the hidden things of dishonesty. Such hidden things were shameful. He did not stoop to unethical tactics or disgraceful methods. He had an honest testimony.
2) He renounced walking in craftiness. Craftiness speaks of that which is cunning, shrewd, or unscrupulous. It is using pragmatism to get people to listen. In other words, the end justifies the means. We see a lot of this today. Some are using social drinking, rock music, worldly dress, and course language to build bridges. Paul refused to do this.
3) He renounced handling the Word of God deceitfully. The word translated “handle” actually means to corrupt or to adulterate. In Paul’s context, it was mixing human traditions with the pure word of the gospel. It is watering down the Gospel to make it less offensive. While this may be tempting, it does not produce solid results.
b. He revealed the truth.
1) Paul’s practice was to make manifest or to reveal the truth. It may not be popular to talk about sin, judgment, and hell, but they are the truth.
2) On another occasion, while Paul was sharing the Gospel with the governor, Felix, he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Ac 24:25). God’s righteous demands, our lack of self-control, and the certainty of judgment to come were not any more popular in Paul’s day than today, but they are the truth.
3) Paul knew that the truth would work in the consciences of men (v.2). On the other hand, he also knew that if he hid the Gospel truth, it would be hid to those who were lost (v.3). If you go to the doctor with a pain in your chest, and he discovers that you have a heart problem, you don’t want him to hide that truth and say, “she’ll be right mate, no worries”! That is not going to help you. You need the truth.
4) When you get discouraged and tempted to quit witnessing for the Lord, do as Paul did, renounce all compromise and keep sharing the truth to the lost.
2. Paul Sought to Open Blind Eyes (v.4).
a. He knew that he was preaching to the blind.
1) Those who are “lost” (v.3) are those who believe not the Gospel (v.4). Why do people not believe? One reason is because they are sinners. However, Paul tells us here that another reason is that the god of this world (Satan) has blinded their minds.
2) As we witness, we must keep in mind that those listening are lost. They have no hope of eternal life in heaven. Being lost, they have no idea which way to go. We must also keep in mind that they are spiritually blind. The Gospel may be right in front of them, but they cannot see it.
a) Satan blinds many with religion. They are taught that baptism, communion, prayer, giving, etc. make them right with God. They are seeking to earn merit with God. Many choked on religion and spit the dummy.
b) Others Satan blinds with self-righteousness. “I am a good person.”
c) Satan’s lie of evolution has blinded many intelligent minds.
d) Today, he is blinding many young people with moral and gender perversions.
e) Other of Satan’s blinding tactics are busyness, materialism, pleasure, etc.
3) When an unbeliever rejects your witness, remember, they are blind. They need help.
b. He knew that only the Gospel could open eyes.
1) The light of the glorious Gospel of Christ alone can open their eyes.
2) Recently, we noted the commission God gave to Paul in Acts 26:18. HeHHe was, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” How are we to open their eyes? Do what Paul did when witnessing to Felix (above, Acts 24:25). They must see their sinfulness and need of God’s righteousness. This begins when we open our mouth to speak for Christ. Read Romans 10:14. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to convict them as we share the Gospel. Be sure to use Scripture as we witness. Then, we must pray earnestly that God will open their eyes.
3) When your witnessing courage is low, with God’s help seek to open blind eyes.
3. Paul Proclaimed Christ Jesus the Lord (v.5-6).
a. Paul did not preach to promote himself.
1) He was not seeking to become known as a great orator, or a captive speaker. His ministry was not about himself. It was about his Saviour.
2) Paul could not change the lives of lost sinners, neither forgive their sins, nor give them eternal life. Neither can you or I. instead, we are their servants for Jesus’ sake.
3) It is often helpful to share your personal testimony as you witness. Tell how Christ has changed your life. However, never forget that it is not our words that can save; it is the Lord who saves. For this reason,
b. Paul preached Christ Jesus the Lord.
1) Paul preached about the One and only One who can change lives – Christ Jesus the Lord.
2) Who was Christ Jesus the Lord?
a) He came to earth as God in human flesh.
b) He loves sinners like you and me, but he hates our sin.
c) Christ lived a sinless life on earth and then died on a cruel Roman cross as our substitute to pay for our sins.
d) He rose from the dead after three days to complete our salvation. (Luke 24:46-47) “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Christ alone can give remission (i.e., forgiveness) of sins.
3) Being God, He commanded light to shine out of darkness. This may refer to His original act of calling forth light in Genesis 1:3. Since God shined light in darkness in the physical world, he can also shine his light in our hearts spiritually, giving us the knowledge of his glory (v.6).
4) When your courage is lacking, do as Paul did and just tell people what you know about Christ Jesus the Lord.
Conclusion: Paul faced opposition when he witnessed. He was tempted, like you and me, to lose heart and courage to witness. When that happens, we must do as he did, share the truth without compromise, seek to open blind eyes, and preach Christ Jesus the Lord.
God can use our feeble witness, but he cannot use our silence.
