2 Corinthians 4 – Thoughts From Our Devotions

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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. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:1-7)

As we were reading this passage in our devotions this morning, I was struck with how this applies to preaching. Preachers should not handle the Word of God deceitfully. This can be done in many ways. I believe one way is to preach a message from a text that is not in the text. I think too many preachers think they have to have a message for God’s people rather than giving God’s people God’s message. We should “preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.” When we preach this way, “the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

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Published by Jeff Voegtlin

Dr. Jeff Voegtlin has been in Christian service for over twenty years. He is an associate pastor at Fairhaven Baptist Church in Chesterton, Indiana, and a Vice President of Fairhaven Baptist College. As conductor of the church and schools' orchestra program, and overseer of the educational program of the college, his teaching has helped to train hundreds of young adults to prepare for full-time ministry. After completing a bachelor's degree from Fairhaven Baptist College, he received a master's degree in Bible from Pensacola Christian College. In 2007, he completed the requirements to finish a doctor's degree in education from Bob Jones University. Dr. Voegtlin is available for seminars in instrumental and choral music practice and philosophy, for education seminars, and to preach and present the college ministry.

5 Comments

  2. I agree this happens all the time. How is it that men will change? When these types of preachers are promoted as the model of preaching, does that not tend towards reproduction of this style. Men become more interested in crafting a sermon than finding out what God said and delivering it. You speak here like you hear this type of thing. Do you?

  3. I have to admit that, to me, there are varying degrees to which this happens. And I must say that, to a fault, I am a theoretical purist. So, I see this in a fair amount of sermons I hear and I must guard against having a critical spirit.

    I believe there is a difference between preaching man’s philosophy with a text tied to it and preaching biblical doctrine with a text tied to it. The first is wrong, for sure; the second drives me nuts.

  4. You bring out a great point Brother Jeff.
    Let us preach from Gods Word and Gods Word alone. Decisions made on “man’s philosophy” do not last, but decisions made from God’s Word and His doctrine will change lives. Let us preach only what is in the text and pray for those who don’t.

  5. Thta was some good preaching in and of itself!! Hi Pastor Voegtlin!! I know you miss all of us students! How’s the library move coming? Is it ready to go next week? Have a great Christmas!!!

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