Scripture#
2 Corinthians 4:13-15"And since we have the same spirit of faith, according
to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”
we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who
raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus,
and will present us with you. For all things are
for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the
many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory
of God."
Observation#
Context#
Paul has just spoken of carrying the treasure of the gospel in “earthen vessels” (v. 7) - our weak human bodies - so that God’s power, not human strength, gets the glory.
He describes the trials of ministry: “hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed.” (vv. 8 - 12). The apostles are constantly near death so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in them.
Verse 13 - Faith that Speaks Paul quotes Psalm 116:10, a psalm where the writer proclaims trust in God despite affliction:
“I believed, therefore I spoke,”
- “Same spirit of faith” - not the Holy Spirit here, but the same *attitude or disposition of faith that the psalmist had.
- **“We also believe and therefore speak” - Paul preaches despite persecution because genuine faith cannot remain silent. Belief naturally overflows into confession and witness.
Key Idea: Faith produces bold speech. Even under pressure, Paul speaks beacuse he trusts God’s promises more than he fears man’s threats.
Verse 14 - Hope in the Resurrection
“Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus…”
Paul’s endurance is rooted in resurrection certainty:
- Past event: God raised Jesus
- Future Promise: God will likewise raise believers.
- Relational assurance: “Present us with you” - Paul expects to stand with the Corinthian believers before Christ in resurrection glory.
Key Idea: Suffering now is temporary because resurrection life is guaranteed. The same power that raised Christ will raise His people.
Verse 15 - Purpose of It All: Grace -> Thanksgiving -> Glory
“For all things are for your sakes…”
Everything Paul endures serves a redemptive purpose:
- “All things for your sakes” - His hardships spread the gospel to others.
- “Grace having spread through the many” - As more people receive God’s grace, the circle of gratitude expands.
- “May cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” - The ultimate aim of all ministry: God’s glory thorugh multiplied gratitude.
Key Idea: Suffering -> Ministry -> Salvation -> Thanksgiving -> Glory. Paul’s pain becomes a conduit for God’s grace to reach more hearts and ignite worship.
Summary
| Verse | Theme | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Faith speaks | True belief gives courage to proclaim truth despite danger |
| 14 | Resurreciton hope | Assurance that God will raise believers as He raised Christ |
| 15 | Purpose and praise | All suffering serves to spread grace and glorify God through thanksgiving |
Application#
- Keep believing, keep speaking - Real faith testifies, even when opposed.
- Anchor hope in resurrection - Trials lose power when seen through eternity’s lens.
- Live for God’s glory - Every hardship can become an avenue for grace and gratitude.
Prayer#
Lord, give the same spirit of faith that moved Paul to speak even in suffering. Strengthen my heart with resurrection hope - that You who raised Jesus will raise me too. Use every challenge in my life to spread Your grace, awaken gratitude in others, and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.