Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.

 

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

 

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Today’s Scripture focuses on “the manifestation of truth” and presents a few elements. 

 

First, we “renounce” the things hidden because of shame.  “Renounce” is defined as “to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration”.  Click here: Renounce – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary  “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  Galatians 5:19-21.  “Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the outcome of those things is death.  But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”  Romans 6:21-22.  

 

Second, we do not walk in craftiness.  “Do not be wise in your own eyes;  Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”  Proverbs 3:7

 

Third, we do not adulterate the word of God.  “Adulterate” is defined as “to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element”.  Click here: Adulterate – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary  We can adulterate the word of God in different ways, but an example is when we quote Scripture but also add a frequently home-spun statement to make it appear that it also comes from the word of God like:  “God helps those who help themselves.” or “God gave man free-will.”  Remember that Satan only slightly twisted the word of God in trying to tempt Jesus in the wilderness.  See Matthew 4:1-11.  

 

Fourth, we accurately handle the word of truth.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15   We consider the context of the Scripture when we quote it to make sure that we preach and teach in truth.  We consider other Scriptures as a cross-reference and quote them too.  We don’t only “let our good deeds speak for themselves”, but rather we try to explain our good deeds and our experiences in terms of Scripture to better manifest the truth.

 

Fifth, we present Christ who is “the Truth”.  John 14:6.  “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.”  2 Corinthians 4:5.  “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2.