Renouncing the Hidden Things of Dishonesty 2 Corinthians 4:2

Paul the apostle declared to the church members in Corinth, “seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not”, and in chapter four and verse two of Second Corinthians, Paul shares how he and his companions, “have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty”, where we read:

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.

The verse begins, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;” Paul began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “have renounced” or “spoke out, set forth, declared and given up”“the hidden things” which means “the concealed, secret or private” “of dishonesty” or “the confusion of one who is ashamed of anything, shamed, ignominy, disgrace, dishonor or a thing to be ashamed of”, “not walking” which means “not making one's progress, regulating one's life, conducting or passing oneself” “in craftiness” or “in cunning adroitness, trickery, sophistry or subtlety ”, “nor handling” which means “nor ensnaring, adulterated or managing deceitfully” “the word” or “the sayings, decrees, mandates, orders or moral precepts” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “deceitfully” or “ensnaring or corrupting”. Paul and his companions shared the gospel of Jesus without “dishonesty, craftiness or deceit”.

The verse goes on to say, “but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “by manifestation” which means “exhibition, expression or bestowal” “of the truth” or “of that which is true, in reality, fact and certainty” “commending” which means “showing, proving, establishing and exhibiting” “ourselves” which refers to “Paul and his companions” “to every man's” or “to each, all, the whole and every human being whether male or female's” “conscience” which means “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter while commending one and condemning the other” “in the sight” or “in the presence and face” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul and his companions shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with a “revelation of truth” while “showing and proving” themselves to each person's own judgment of “moral good and bad”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how it was important for the church members not only to know the “gospel of Jesus Christ”, but also the manner in which Paul and his companions shared it. Dishonesty was not allowed; Crafty walking was forbidden, and deceit was no way for Paul and his companion's to conduct themselves. The “gospel” must be declared in “truth”, and not only with words, but also by the life presented before others. Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with everyone who will believe and trust in Him, and when they do, they should not only care for their words but also live in such a way that the “good news” of Jesus is attractive and not “dishonest, crafty and deceitful”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members, “if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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