“A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes him and tries to teach him; Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction].”

Proverbs 15:12 AMP

Today we see a perfect picture of this generation. The writer describes the subject in question as a “scoffer.” The word scoffer is the Hebrew word meaning “one who mocks. taunts, or speaks with words without meaning or substance.” It also means to “speak words which show no respect for the object, making fun of the object, with a focus of speaking in the situation with confidence and authority but lacking substance.” I could not describe this generation any better! When sin is exposed and confronted, one of two things happen. Either the individual is cut to the heart about their condition or a raging anger or flippant attitude of mocking surfaces to hide their conviction. When I see the faces of the anger and rage of those wanting everyone to accept their sin, my heart is broken. We must always remember that they are under the deception of the enemy of our soul, Satan. The Apostle Paul reminded us of this fact,

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. 2But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 4among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 AMP

Notice that our part is to “not walk in trickery of adulterating the Word of God, but by stating the truth.” We need s remember the words of the Apostle again,

“And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming to you the testimony of God [concerning salvation through Christ], I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom [no lofty words of eloquence or of philosophy as a Greek orator might do]; 2for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].3I came to you in [a state of] weakness and fear and great trembling. 4And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them], 5so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom and rhetoric of men, but on the power of God.” 

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 AMP

The Word of God does not need culturalized, homogenized, or sanitized! The Word of God is designed to bring us to the knowledge of how short we have fallen of His desire and that we can be restored in our relationship to Him! Remember that,

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16 AMP

If we change the Word of God it is rendered ineffective and lacks its transformational power. Those who are living in sin are trapped like prisoners in caves with no one to say give them back! Our job is to love, speak the truth, and model the life of one who has been called out of the darkness into this marvelous light. Yes they will scoff, but the reality of their destiny should drive us to our knees to fight the battle for their souls! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken