Manifestation of the Truth

2 Corinthians
{4:1} Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not

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We are all called to be ministers of Christ.

Our ministry is Christ, His grace and truth.

Each person who accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior is by the very nature of all that is Christ, compelled to live for Him. No, we can't all be great speakers, we can't all be teachers, we can't all be preachers or missionaries in the conventional sense but in our daily lives in whatever it is we are doing, we are Christ's representatives. It doesn't matter if you're a homeless person, or a physicist, an office worker, or a garage mechanic, every one of us who accept Christ and live for Him are representing Him in all we do.

As we receive Christ's mercy we cannot faint at our task of walking as Christ walked. The mercy of Christ enables us to to be strong, to do the things we need to do. Don't be fooled into thinking that you don't have to do anything as a follower of Christ, listen to this...

2 Corinthians
{4:2} But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,

*Renounced the hidden things of dishonesty. You give up being dishonest. Very few people announce their ability to deceive, to cheat, to be dishonest. When caught a person earns a reputation as being someone dishonest, but as a rule and by it's very nature dishonesty isn't something people wear on their sleeves for all to see. As Christians we have to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty. Even those little things that people call white lies need to be rethought here because dishonest, is dishonest. No, I'm not for deliberately hurting anyone with a blatant truth as I perceive it- such as - 'Do you like my dress?' When it's the most hideous thing to me. It's not a lie to say. 'I suits you nicely.' Because in truth, if the person admires it then it is suiting that person's taste. It's not dishonest to be kind. Now if someone is wearing their shirt inside out and asks the same question of whether or not you like it, and you tell them, well... it's inside out so... You are doing them a kindness if there is an opportunity for them to correct the problem. I could give endless examples but there is no need.

2 Corinthians
{4:2}'...not walking in craftiness,'

*We're not to walk in craftiness.

Dict. Craftiness 1. Skilled in or marked by underhandedness, deviousness, or deception.

We're not to be dishonest, we're not to be deceitful, crafty, underhanded, devious- all negative traits that some applaud themselves for counting themselves very skilled when they can put one over on someone. We're not to even try to put one over on anyone.


2 Corinthians
{4:2}'... nor handling the word of God deceitfully;'

We can't handle the word of God deceitfully. You know, you'd think that a Christian wouldn't want to even imagine handling the Word of God with deceit and yet many do. Many pick it apart taking bits and pieces of things to suit what they want to believe and follow. They do that with Christ's teachings, with Christ's message as well. We can't do these things and call ourselves Christians. Christians, true followers of Christ are open, honest, forthright...


2 Corinthians
{4:2}'... but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.'

We have to manifest truth!

Dict. manifest -
Clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; obvious

Nothing hidden, nothing deceitful, the truth must be obvious in us. God alone will judge us, God alone knows and understands us. We need to put aside deceit, dishonesty, craftiness and put on truth. Christ needs to be readily seen in us.

2 Corinthians
{4:3} But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

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While we might not be evangelists, or professional speakers, or great writers, we each have our own little world we exist in and to that world our belief cannot be hidden. Christ has to be seen in us, in our lives.

The precious love and mercy Christ is something we can't keep to ourselves. Unfortunately it is hidden to those who are lost and want to stay lost, and don't fool yourself, many, many do want to stay lost believing that this world is all they have to live for and nothing else can persuade them otherwise.

2 Corinthians
{4:3} But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
{4:4} 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.

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See! Do you see?! Satan blinds them that choose not to believe. The don't want the truth so they won't get the truth. Everyone has a chance to accept the truth in Christ Jesus, everyone and if the choice is made against Him then they are allowed to remain blinded by Satan.

2 Corinthians
{4:5} For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. {4:6} 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.

AMEN!

AMEN!

Again I shout...AMEN!

We don't preach about ourselves, but Christ. He's the one all eyes should be upon. We are but His servants. God the very God who created light will shine light into our hearts! The light of knowledge and that knowledge is the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!

All glory to God! All praise to God. May the light of knowledge shine in our hearts so that we can help others to see the love of God working in us through His most glorious, most wondrous Son, Jesus Christ!

Amen!

Psalms {91:4} He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.