Fragile Clay Jars Message 2

Living in the Light of His Truth.

2 Corinthians 4:2 (CSB) — 2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.

1. A higher standard.
   1. Living in a fishbowl.
      1. Many people think that pastor should live by a higher standard.
      2. Pastors are spiritual leaders.
      3. There is a biblical mandate. 1 Timothy 3:2
      4. Trust and Authority. 2 Timothy 2:15
      5. Pastors can have great influence.
   2. I am what I am.
      1. I agree with all of that.
      2. I am not without flaws.
      3. Here is something I’ve noticed.
2. I’m fine…
   1. Here is the truth.
      1. We all wear masks.
      2. We all have sin that plagues us.
      3. If this is true, can we ever have a good relationship with God?
   2. Remember mercy. V:1
      1. And Grace.
      2. Holy Spirit convicts – we confess - we repent.
      3. Let God show us how to live in the light of his truth.
3. The Call of Every Believer.
   1. The essence of their ministry.
      1. 2 Corinthians 4:1–2 (CSB) — 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, *we do not give up.
      2. 2 *Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully, or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.
      3. Paul is saying this is the essence of his ministry.
      4. And it’s a call to every believer.
      5. To renounce the hidden and shameful things.
      6. To avoid deceit.
      7. Handle the word of God with integrity.
   2. Renounce…
      1. NIV “The secret and shameful things.”
      2. CEV “We don’t do shameful things that must be kept secret.”
      3. When we renounce these hidden things, we open our lives to God's purifying light.
      4. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.
   3. Don’t distort the gospel.
   4. Answering to Go
      1. We rightly divide the Word.
      2. Our message should line up with our lives.
4. Right message, right conduct.
   1. Hypocrite.
      1. The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.
   2. Let honesty and integrity rule.
      1. Being honest is not always easy.
      2. The lie seems so easy to tell.
      3. Our lives will either validate or invalidate the words we speak.
5. A renewed life.
   1. Make a commitment.
      1. From this day forward.
      2. Practice what you preach.

May God help us to live not in the shadows of shame, but in the light of His truth.