2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (Part 22) Features of Life in the Church Age

Features of life in the church age

A. We need to relate to the category of doctrine: 1) Doctrine: God’s, Man’s, Satan’s. The process that needs to work coming out of those three things: a) Avoiding and eliminating man’s doctrines. How? Identification, Comparison, Avoidance; B) Seeking of God’s.

B. We need to relate to the category of positive and negative commands

C. We need to relate to the category of principles

D. We need to relate to the category of human rules

E. We need to relate to the category of positional truth—“in Christ” (we have been placed in union with Christ)

Paul’s resolve in service—4:1-6

• The attitude that is called for by the New Testament—3:12; 4:1; 4:16; 5:6.

• The renunciation that is called for—4:2. 1) Main verb—renounced (decisively—aorist tense). How is it shown daily? a) Paul’s daily renunciations . . . 1) Not walking in craftiness; 2) Not handling the Word deceitfully; 3) Commending ourselves.

Observations

• God’s truth needs no artificial aides

• The glory of the New Testament is so great it needs no decoration

• The Word of God—how it is handled is our responsibility. How it is received is the hearer’s responsibility.