II Corinthians 4:2 “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.”
In this verse, which follows the statement that Paul continues in the ministry God gave him and faints not, we see four things about how he was faithful to that ministry.
1. The Renouncing
Paul talks further about how he – and others with ministries from God – can rightly handle the ministry they were given. The first thing is to rid yourself of those things that are dishonest: business dealings, usage of time at work – are you doing your best, are you faithful to your spouse and children, etc.?
2. The Walk
It is also essential that our walk be right before God and man. Sometimes there may be guilt in trying to make yourself to appear to be something you are not when around other people. If you act one way at church and another way at home – it is crafty – less than honest and less than what Christs asks of us as His children.
3. The Word
It is easy to find pieces of Scripture that may seem to justify a particular action or type of thinking. But when the whole of Scripture is considered on a single topic – misinterpretation is impossible if you want the truth. People often look for “loopholes” in the Bible to justify some sin – this is “handling the word of God deceitfully.” Unfortunately for them – God will never justify any sin.
4. The Manifestation
Paul says that he works to live in such a way that Christ’s life in him is visible to all he comes in contact with. He appeals to different people in different ways, but does not compromise truth, so that he can be a consistent witness to those he meets.