Careful Of Repackaging!

Today we buy many products such as medications and food items in what is called “TAMPER proof” packaging. Some products even bear the warning that if the protective seal is broken or the packaging is punctured or torn, the product should not be used. The purpose of all this is for the protection of the consumer. The manufacture of these products recognizes the liability of ensuring the providing of a pure product to their customers. The seals and protective packaging are designed to keep anyone from slipping something in to corrupt the product’s quality.

As Paul spoke of his ministry in his second letter to the church at Corinth he affirmed…
“(1) Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. WE REFUSE to practice cunning or TO TAMPER WITH GOD’S WORD, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” ( 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV)

The Greek word translated “tamper” in the English Standard Version (also in the Revised Standard Version) is “dolountes”, from “doloo”, which means to distort, adulterate, handle deceitfully, or TAMPER. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words states this word “primarily signifies to ensnare; hence, to corrupt, especially by mingling the truths of the Word of God with false doctrines or notions, and so handling it deceitfully.”

A medicine bottle that has been TAMPERED with can cause an adverse reaction, sickness, or even death. Watered down medicines will not provide the potency needed and that which has been added to can cause serious side affects. All of this can also be true when the message God has provided is TAMPERED with by those who would take away from it or add their own doctrines to it, with the result also being spiritual sickness and even death (separation from God).

Through the ages God’s Word has come with a warning against it being added to, taken away from, going beyond, or being changed in any way. (i.e. Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19) If the message of God is packaged different than how He has revealed it in His Word we should reject it. It will not be good for us. We need to accept His Word and also share it as it is in order for the message to have the effect God intends.

Let us be diligent to do the thing Paul urged Timothy toward.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, RIGHTLY HANDLING THE WORD OF TRUTH.” ( 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV)

As Paul carried out his ministry conscious of doing so “in the sight of God”, so should we live and serve. It is God’s view which counts above all, for we shall ultimately be accountable to Him for how we accept His Word and what we do with it. May we keep it pure.

Have a great day HOLDING TO AND SHARING GOD’S WORD IN ITS PUREST FORM!
Carl

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