We Believe, Therefore We Speak (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Paul, quoting Psalm 116, speaks of his like faith in which his confidence in God motivates his proclamation of the gospel.
We Believe, Therefore We Speak (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Paul, quoting Psalm 116, speaks of his like faith in which his confidence in God motivates his proclamation of the gospel.
- Confidence in God and His Message (4:1-7)
- Paul humbly knew he was a servant and a messenger of God; his confidence lay not in himself, but in God (3:5; 4:1-2, 5-7; cf. 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 3:5-7; 4:1-4).
- The source and truthfulness of his message relied not in himself but God (Gal. 1:11-12); this must be our same message and same confidence today.
- Confidence in Spite of Suffering (4:8-12)
- Suffering would make some quit (Matt. 13:20-21); thus we have encouragement against such (Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-13, 16).
- But Paul’s confidence in God (affirmed by experience) meant he would be faithful in living and preaching, in spite of such (1:3-11; 11:23-28; 2 Tim. 1:8-13; 2:8-13).
- Will we be faithful, will we proclaim the gospel, even when it is difficult? Or will we quit? It depends where our confidence lies.
- Confidence in View of Eternity (4:13-18)
- Paul knew one day all his preaching and suffering would be worth it for himself and those who obeyed gospel (Rom. 8:18; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
- He knows there is a home/reward awaiting after the judgment for all of those in Christ (2 Cor. 5); and so with this confidence he keeps proclaiming the gospel.
