A Transparent Approach to Gospel Ministry
2 Corinthians 4:2
When you set out to shine the light of the gospel to nonbelievers and believers alike, you may not anticipate the adversity that may come your way as a result. The apostle Paul himself experienced adversity to an intense degree in his teaching ministry. His candid response to this adversity provides us with a Christlike example to follow. Though the letter he wrote, called 2 Corinthians, provides you with a resource for studying his response in an in-depth way, you can gain some upfront, summary thoughts from the fourth chapter of this letter. In verse one, you learn not to retreat in the face of adversity to the gospel because you are engaged in a ministry that is far better than before, and it is a calling that you do not deserve. But if you will not retreat when adversity comes your way, then how should you behave instead? That’s what 2 Corinthians 4:2 explains.
Reject Dishonest Methods
When people push back against you for teaching the New Testament truth of the gospel, whether for salvation or for Christian living, then a subtle temptation grows to adjust your methods in ways that are contrary to the gospel. Paul chose to reject and avoid such changes, which he described in a threefold way as (1) “hidden things of shame,” (2) “walking in craftiness,” and (3) “handling the word of God deceitfully.”
By “hidden things of shame,” Paul most likely refers to teaching and ministering in a way that “covers up” any wrong, underlying motives that would be shameful if they became public. Earlier in this letter, he refers to people who “peddle” the Word of God, handling their teaching ministry like a retail business, using the gospel for monetary purposes only. False teachers hide this motive from their public audience because it is shameful. In contrast, Paul refused to minister for any such motive. When you encounter adversity to the gospel in a personal way, it is easy to persist in ministry for no other reason than financial or material benefits. So, if your motive for serving Christ has degenerated to this degree, then take a warning from Paul and renounce it.
By “walking in craftiness,” Paul refers to mixing tricky, crafty, sophisticated methods to gain followers. This concept conveys a willingness to do anything, whether honorable and honest or not, to secure a positive response. Paul uses this word craftiness (translated deceived) to describe the way that Satan tricked Eve into disobeying God. When you experience adversity to the gospel, you may be tempted to resort to deceptive methods which may increase your rate of favorable feedback. You may feel a need for clever “tricks” to get people to come to church, make a decision for Christ, donate money, or get involved in church ministry functions. If you find yourself moving in this direction, then take a warning from Paul and renounce it.
By “handling the word of God deceitfully,” Paul refers to changing what the Bible says to make it more appealing. When you do this, you hide the true meaning of Scripture by claiming that is says one thing when it says another. This happens when you consider first what your audience wants you to say and then find a way to say that from Scripture, even if Scripture says no such thing. No amount of negative feedback or unfavorable response should cause you to follow this approach. Teaching the clear and accurate meaning of Scripture will never be popular and doing so will certainly bring a measure of adversity your way. But when you find yourself losing heart, do not find ways to diminish your suffering by adjusting Scripture to suit your audience. Take a warning from Paul and renounce this approach.
Embrace an Honest Approach
Rather than follow these dishonest methods, Paul chose an honest approach which he described as a “manifestation of the truth” and “commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” By “manifestation of the truth,” he refers to teaching the truth of God in a clear, plain, and accurate manner regardless of response. This approach does not measure success based upon the number of positive decisions, the total amount of financial contributions, or the degree of public enthusiasm. It measures success based upon whether or not the message he gives reflects the clear truth of God, regardless of how people respond.
It is not easy to follow this approach, because doing so will require you to say unpopular things (2 Cor 4:2). Nevertheless, despite whatever adversity he may have faced, by “commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God,” Paul committed himself to speaking the truth as God wanted him to speak. Furthermore, Paul refrained from providing his audience with glowing letters of recommendation for himself or from seeking such letters from them to send to others (2 Cor 3:1). Instead, he chose to teach the word of God accurately and faithfully, letting that alone serve as the authentication of his ministry. When you follow your calling to represent the gospel of Christ and to teach God’s truth to others, you will experience adversity from nonbelievers and believers alike. When this happens, be like Paul and don’t retreat from teaching the truth in a clear and honest manner, regardless of the immediate results.
Thomas Overmiller serves as pastor for Faith Baptist Church in Corona, NY and blogs at Shepherd Thoughts. This article first appeared at Shepherd Thoughts, used here with permission.
Check out our Resources page for recommended books and other materials helpful for your ministry.