WHAT THE REAL PREACHER IS NOT

"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (2 Cor 2:17)

What a tragedy that there are "many" who "corrupt the Word of God!" It is not that the word itself is defiled. God's Word is "very pure" (Psa 119:140). No part of it is blemished: "Every word of God is pure" (Prov 30:5). What, then, is meant by corrupting the Word of God?

This corruption refers to misrepresentation. Other versions refer to "peddling the Word of God" (NKJV, NASB) or being "peddlers of God's Word" (NRSV). The idea is using the Word of God "for profit" (BBE), or making a trade of the Word of God. There is a vast difference in proclaiming the Word of God and using it to support a personal agenda. There are those who have a message that not only did not come from God, it is in direct contradiction of the truth. Such people pull texts out of the Scripture to support their personally-conceived message. They have "corrupted" the Word by mixing it with their carnal motives.

Such individuals are not limited to the Jim Jones' and David Koresh's of the corrupt religious world. People who are in quest of silver, gold, and great riches, support their lustful search with the Word of God. Others promote national interests with Scripture. Still, others buttress their emphasis on dietary practices, Sabbath-keeping, and religious procedures with texts of Scripture. The purpose and message of God is really not the point with such impostors. It is THEIR agenda that dictates their use of Scripture–not the good will of God.

By comparison, the real preacher speaks out of sincerity–without carnal motives. His message is unmixed with personal objectives. He speaks with an acute awareness that the message has come "from God" (NASB). The report is spoken "in Christ," as one who has been justified, and whose life is hidden in Him. It is also delivered "in the sight of God," or with a driving compulsion to please God with both his message and manner. He does not preach to please men, but to please God (Gal 1:10).

There are some serious implications in this text. Those who use the Word of God for their own purposes are NOT sincere–regardless of their profession. They are NOT speaking "in Christ," or as His representatives. Further, they are not living or speaking with a consciousness of God Almighty. They are spiritual hucksters, peddlers who distort and misrepresent the Word of the Living God.

I fear that many who boast of training preachers do not leave their students with a dominating persuasion of the truth of this text. But it IS true, and men will be judged by it. If you are going to preach, embrace this text–heartily!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, grant all who speak in Your name to do so with sincerity and with an acute awareness of Your presence.

-- Monday: FRUIT UNTO GOD --