“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. ³But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” II Corinthians 4:2-3

There has been many clever approaches to try to bring people into the kingdom of God. It is often done with the best intentions. Tactics are used because there is a sense that men need an aid to help them understand the word so they can believe. In our text we learn that we are not to handle the word deceitfully. We are not to beat around the bush; we are not to pull the old bait and switch. We must be convinced that the truth is sufficient and effective for bringing people to the Lord, even if it seems difficult to comprehend. Paul concludes this by saying (I will paraphrase), “If the people don’t understand, it isn’t because they can’t understand the truth, it is because they want to remain lost.” Saints, don’t handle the truth deceitfully.