Blind to the Light

Have you come across the disgraceful, underhand and manipulative ways by which some people distort the Gospel for their own ends? A good example is the so-called prosperity gospel, which promises health and wealth to disillusioned followers while the evangelist lives a life of luxury at their expense. Paul wanted nothing to do with such ways (2a)! “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” (Edmund Burke, 1729-1797).

Well, Paul was not a man to do nothing. It may be easier and more popular to say or to stand for things contrary to the Bible’s teaching, but not for Paul. He emphatically renounced anything unworthy of the Gospel. Rather, he proclaimed the Word of God with conscience-piercing clarity (2b), exalted the Lord and not himself (5) and demonstrated Christ-like servant leadership in all his dealings with the church.

John Lennox, Oxford University professor and Christian apologist, comments that there are Christian principles which 13-year-olds have no difficulty in grasping but which university professors find incomprehensible (Matt. 11:25). Paul’s explanation of this is straightforward: the god of this world blinds the hearts of unbelievers (4).

Why, then, are believers different? Paul begins by pointing out the source of his confidence. It is not his learning, his acute intelligence or his innate wisdom. It is the mercy of God (1). He concludes by pointing out something utterly remarkable. The God who created light with his spoken word does not merely direct that light to shine into our hearts. He himself, as the Living Word and in the Person of his Holy Spirit, shines directly in our hearts. This is what gives us that enlightenment which eludes the high and learned philosophers of this world. Hallelujah!

How did the light of Christ first break through to you? How could you be more of a servant to someone you are concerned about?