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AN OPEN MINISTRY
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
2 Corinthians 4:2
1 Thessalonians 2:3-5
 
“… commending ourselves to
every man’s conscience …”
 
AN OPEN MINISTRY
 
2 Corinthians 4:2 contrasts the ministry of Paul with that of the false teachers. The ministry was one that was open and transparent whereas that of his accusers were steeped in deceit and lies.
 
Paul’s ministry was an open ministry in two ways. First, Paul’s ministry was conducted in true holiness. The “hidden things of dishonesty” (2 Cor 4:2) refer to a secret life of sin. Sin brings shame, but man often seeks to hide behind a facade of religiosity, covertly committing evil and iniquity. Such were the religious teachers during Jesus’ time who came in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly were ravening wolves (Matt 7:15).
 
Paul once led such a double life when he was a Pharisee. However, following his conversion on the way to Damascus, he had sincerely renounced such a hidden life of shame (aischunēs). He now abhored sin and earnestly shunned from sinful deeds. It was a walk of commitment to a blameless life and a life of godliness. His life was an open book of the beauty of Christ.
 
Second, Paul was a true preacher of the Word. He earnestly sought to preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27) and held nothing back. He did not teach “sweet” doctrines only and neglect the “sour” but taught all which the Lord desired him to declare. He also did not manipulate (panourgia) the Scriptures like “Play-Doh” for personal gain. He was a workman who rightly divided the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). He was an example of a true pastor (see 2 Tim 4:1-6).
 
On the other hand, his opponents engaged in much duplicity for the sake of pay, power and popularity. Such men who play a fool with God’s Word will not go unpunished (cf. Rev 22:18-19).
 
Serve openly and transparently before God and men. Be not pretentious. God will not be fooled.
 
THOUGHT: No hidden skeletons.
PRAYER: Father, let me not live a life of duplicity.
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