This Treasure Series

• Remember the example of Jesus i.e. Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2:

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”

• With the heavenly calling comes a heavenly enabling;

• The apostle Paul believed that God would see him through.

• No matter how many difficulties he might experience.

SECOND, IT KEPT HIM .FROM BEING A DECEIVER (VS 2-4).

“Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

In the New Testament Church the apostle Paul encountered false teachers:

• False teachers always claim to base their doctrine on the Bible.

• They did in the apostle Paul’s day and they do today.

• i.e. If a Jehovah Witness knocks on your door;

• They will have a Bible in hand and will be happy to quote from it.

• But false teachers handle God's Word in deceptive ways.

• You can prove anything by the Bible!

• Provided you twist the Scriptures out of context.

• i.e. The Bible (Psalm 14 verse 1) says “There is no God”

• But if you read then verse in context it actually says;

• “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

• TRANSITION: The Bible is a book of literature;

• Therefore it must be interpreted according to the fundamental rules of interpretation.

• Quote: “A ‘text’ taken out of its ‘context’ leaves a ‘con’!”

• The apostle Paul had nothing to hide,

• Either in his personal life or in his preaching of the Word.

• Everything was open and honest; there was no deception or distortion of the Word.

Question: Why were the false teachers so successful in winning converts?

Answer:

• Because the mind of the lost sinner is blinded by Satan!

• They cannot tell the difference between error and the truth.

• i.e. We all know people who say;

• “All religions are the same, doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere”

• That is why we must share the gospel of Jesus Christ;

• With the people we encounter.

• As we do the light begins to shine! And the more we share the brighter the light!

Ill:

• The apostle Paul compared conversion to Creation,

• (As described in Genesis chapter 1 verses 2-3).

• God took an earth that was void, formless and empty;

• And gave it life and light.

• And when a person trusts Christ,

• God then begins to form and fill the life of that person,