II Corinthians 4:1-4

II Corinthians 4:1-4 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 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. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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. Paul tells us that we used to be wicked sinners and displeasing to God. But now we are saved and we are different. But there are two parts to our salvation: we are saved and become a brand new creature. But in another sense, there is a gradual change in our lives; there is a gradual improvement. We read the Bible and are daily becoming more and more like Jesus. That is called sanctification. Our salvation is instantaneous, but our sanctification is gradual. And in order to be changed every day, we must read the Bible and let the Holy Spirit speak to us and change us. This is an ongoing process. But what if we get lazy? What if we don’t read the Bible and obey what the Holy Spirit tells us? Well then, we are not being changed into a better Christian; we are not becoming more Christ-like. So what do others see in us? They see a hypocrite; they see someone who says one thing and lives another thing. And our verse says that our “gospel is hid”. Others do not see Jesus in us; they only see lies. So if we are poor Christians and bad examples, who is happy? Satan is happy! The devil has blinded people to their sins and he is using our bad example to keep the gospel from shining into their hearts. So, here is the question: Do you want to be a bad Christian and be used by Satan to deceive people, or do you want to be a good Christian and be an example of a changed life for Jesus Christ? I know what I want to be. And I think that I know what you want to be too. Let’s let the Holy Spirit change us. Let’s be a good example for others.