For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)
As it was then, so it continues to be. Those who speak the pure gospel of Christ stand in contrast to the hucksters who make merchandise of the word of God, peddling their adulterated message of the gospel for personal advancement and material gain. Why would a church charge people a fee to hear the word of God? Some do. Why would a church charge a fee for the activities they offer? Church-sponsored activities that request fees to participate are not from the word of God, for if they were, they would be offered to the public “without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). Truly, “by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words” (2 Peter 2:3). We stand before God and answer to Him. Therefore, let us speak the word of God with sincerity of heart and clarity of words, not with diluted speech and polluted motives. May we never charge for what God offers freely: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).
For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)
Religious hucksters who peddle the word of God hinder and harm the spread of God’s truth. The “prosperity gospel” that enriches its preachers while giving false hope to those captured by its promise of material wealth comes to mind. Then there are those who offer miracles and plead for your money so they can continue their curing crusade – all “in the name of Jesus.” (We speak as foolish people!) The apostles of Christ did not play on the covetous desires of their hearers, nor do we. They did not make merchandise of the word of God. Those who do so today deceive many, and help harden hearts against the truth. The apostles’ doctrine is about saving lost souls from sin, not lining the pockets of the peddlers of error (Acts 2:41-42). Paul said, “I do not seek yours, but you” (2 Cor. 12:14). He sought their salvation, not their material goods. Gospel preachers seek souls for Christ; False teachers seek souls for themselves. Beware those who handle the word of God deceitfully and adulterate the purity of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:2). How will you know the genuine gospel from the counterfeit, and the false teacher from the truth teacher? By their fruits you will know them (Matt. 7:15-20). Do they agree with the apostles of Christ? If not, they are not of God (read 1 Jno. 4:1, 6).
“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)
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