II Corinthians 4:1-4 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.
In all nations people have heard about Jesus to some extent. Upon seeing a picture of a man on a cross, most all know a little bit about it. The gospel of Jesus is a familiar story. The Bible remains the best seller of all times. How then can it be hidden? Why is the gospel hidden?
The devil is behind all efforts to keep us from eternal salvation. His most successful instrument in keeping the gospel hidden is us. Verse 4 says the gospel is glorious and is light. If the shades in your house are pulled during the day, the sunlight still is noticeable. The gospel has a glow that stands high above any religion or philosophy. It emits such a light that it can shine in the darkest of souls.
Jesus is the image of God. As the Son of God, He became the image of man in order to suffer our greatest curse–the hopelessness of our future. He fully became our Savior so we can fully become God's children. The more we try to deny the gospel, the more real it becomes. But how can it be hid?
The scripture says if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them which are lost. I want us to look at two instances of being lost. First, we are all lost by nature. We cannot help being lost; we were born that way due to the sin of Adam. Without belief in God and acceptance of His Son, this is where we are–lost. Second, there are those who have lost something they used to have. Did you once have a personal relationship with God? Have you given it up for other things and stopped believing the truth of the gospel? Have you lost Jesus, so to speak. We can help this–it is by our choice that this happens.
You know if your heart is right with God or not. If you fall away, it is by choice. Quit praying? Quit church? Quit relying on God? All were your own choice. Thereby you have hidden Him.
Can we blame it on Hollywood, television, hypocrites in the church? No. We conceal it ourselves. We starve ourselves spiritually and conceal Jesus. As the scripture says we have taken on the hidden things of dishonesty. We lie to ourselves. If Jesus is where He should be in our lives, HE WILL SHOW. If you are doing this, renounce your dishonesty with yourself. Admit your wrong. Admit your straying. It is not easy to hide Jesus from ourselves. When we wake in the morning and hear a bird sing we are reminded of God. We see the moon and know it does God's bidding; we know that He cares for us.
Are you right with God? Are you moving away? Do not let yourself be deceived. You know what is false, and you know what is true–what is right. When we push aside the right, we deceive ourselves. We push away our only redemption, the only real love we will ever know, when we hide the gospel. Face your mirror. Take a good look. Where is the gospel in your life? Where is Jesus? Is He hidden? If so, where did you hide Him? You know. Have the courage to take Him out of hiding. It is time to let Him be visible.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 