2 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Homiletics

"Therefore seeing we have this ministry," etc. These words present to us a true minister of Christ as he is in himself and in his labours, that is, his character and work.

I. HIS CHARACTER . It is here suggested that his character is marked by three things.

1 . Its strength . "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." Having in mercy such a gospel as this to preach, we are not disheartened. "We faint not;" on the contrary, we are courageous. The character of every minister of Christ should be marked by strength—strength of conviction, strength of principle.

2 . Its purity . "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty," or rather, of "shame." Every element and form of sin is a thing of "shame," a thing which makes the conscience blush. Falsehood, inchastity, meanness , selfishness, dishonesty, are all things for shame and disgust. A true minister has renounced all these things, he is thoroughly cleansed of them.

3 . Its straightforwardness . "Not walking in craftiness." No attribute of character is more common, at the same time more morally ignoble and anti-Christian, than artfulness or stratagem. Ministers of religion are frequently charged with this "craftiness," and the charge is, alas! too often true. The craft of priests is notorious. Now, a true minister is free from this; he is a man of frankness, candour, transparent honesty.

II. HIS WORK . How does he fulfil his mission? The answer is given here:

1 . Negatively . "Not handling the Word of God deceitfully." It is thus handled when it is used to support a system, to advance a sect, to exhibit self , to gain a living and to win popularity. He is not a true minister who does this.

2 . Positively . "By manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."

(a) fear,

(b) affectation, and from

(c) dulness.