Not Of Us

2 Corinthians 4:1-7  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  (2)  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 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.  (3)  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  (5)  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  (6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  (7)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

            There are moments when I would like to be able to put the broadside of my boot against my backside.  I know if I don’t, eventually God will.  Last evening I was talking to my Pastor concerning the writing of these devotions.  I later realized I was taking credit for an ability God has given me.  It is not of me, for without God and His Son Jesus, I would be wallowing in a burning Hell.

            Our verses above teach us to renounce “hidden things of dishonesty.” (Pride is likely our most dishonest attribute.)  We are warned to “not walking [walk] in craftiness,” (wherein possibly our minds walk.)  God also warns us not to “handling [handle] the word of God deceitfully.”  If we quote a verse, God expects us to know the context of that verse, (how it is used, the extent of its usage, and for whom it is intended.)

            (We can see we have been warned.)  Now, we must see the task God has given us.  God tells us, “if our gospel be hid,” it is hid to those who haven’t heard the Gospel at all.  As Christians, we must be certain we are not putting the Gospel in “our inner closet” (for safekeeping so we will not lose it.) 

            The Gospel is like an early “facebook™.”  Its intention is to be shared with friends and acquaintances.  Otherwise, how will they know “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ?”  As Christians, our light from Jesus should shine towards others and light our way to them.

Psalm 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

God’s light MUST shine through us regarding our walk and our talk.  (Our Bible refers to our “conversation” as our lives, worldly and spiritually,) [because we live here, not because we are within it.]   

            The “god of this world” [Satan] has blinded “unsaved eyes” to the Gospel of Christ.  We must strive within ourselves to NOT let Satan “blind our eyes” to his people.  If God’s Gospel is hidden, it is   us (Christians) who are hiding it (by allowing Satan to direct us away from his world.)

            We need to be as brash with the Gospel at “Wal Mart™” as we are on “facebook.™”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas

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