2 Corinthians 4:13
Verse
Context
Treasure in Jars of Clay
12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, 14knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We having the same spirit of faith - As David had when he wrote Psa 116:10 : I believed, therefore have I spoken: we also believe that we shall receive the fulfillment of all God's promises; and being fully convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, we speak and testify that our deliverance is from God; and that he does not fail those who trust in him, and that he saves to the uttermost them who come unto him through Christ Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "BUT having," &c., that is, not withstanding the trials just mentioned, we having, &c. the same spirit of faith, according as it, &c.--Compare Rom 8:15, on the usage of "spirit of faith." The Holy Spirit acting on our spirit. Though "death worketh in us, and life in you" (Co2 4:12), yet as we have the same spirit of faith as you, we therefore [believingly] look for the same immortal life as you [ESTIUS], and speak as we believe. ALFORD not so well translates, "The same . . . faith with that described in the Scriptures" (Psa 116:10). The balance of the sentence requires the parallelism to be this, "According to that which is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak," namely, without fear, amidst "afflictions" and "deaths" (Co2 4:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
We having the same Spirit of faith,.... By faith here is meant, not the doctrine, but the grace of faith; a believing in the doctrines of the Gospel, and in the person of Christ; an exercise of that grace upon the death and resurrection of Christ; and particularly a looking by faith in full expectation of the saints' resurrection from the dead, and eternal glory, together with a reliance on the power, faithfulness, and promises of God to support under the afflictions of this life. Now of this faith the Spirit of God is the author; this is not of ourselves, of our own power, it is the free gift of God, and a valuable gift it is; it is of the operation of God, and the produce of his almighty power; and of this the Spirit of God, in conversion, is the powerful operator: hence he is here called the "Spirit of faith". So the "third" number in the Cabalistic tree of the Jews, the intelligence sanctifying, which answers to the third person in our doctrine of the Trinity, is called (x), "Nmwa hnwma and , "the artificer of faith", and "the author or parent of faith", because from its power faith flows.'' Which is the "same" in all saints; the Spirit is the same in one as in another, and so is the faith which he is the author of; see Pe2 1:1. Faith is the same in all the saints that have been from the beginning of the world, under the Old and New Testament dispensations; it was the same in all the churches in the apostle's time, in Rome as at Ephesus, in Ephesus as at Rome, and in Thessalonica as at Rome and Ephesus, and so in all the other churches; though it may be, the apostle may chiefly design the sameness of faith, and of the Spirit, in him and his fellow ministers, and in these Corinthians, though death was working in the one, and life in the other; which appeared in their free and bold ministration of the word, notwithstanding all they met with on account of it, in imitation and encouraged by the example of David, according as it is written, Psa 116:10. I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak: where there is true faith, and the true Spirit of faith, there will be a speaking of, for, and in the name of Christ, as there ought to be: for as "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, so with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". This is true of believers in common, sooner or later, at one time or another; but more especially of the ministers of the word, who have a firm and well grounded belief in the doctrines of the Gospel, and person of Christ; and therefore speak freely, and without any doubt and hesitation about these things, boldly, and without the fear of men, and sincerely and faithfully, as in the sight of God: hence they make Christ the main subject of their ministry, because they believe in him, and nothing can stop their mouths from speaking of him; faith, and a spirit of faith, fit for public work and service, and give freedom and boldness in the ministration of the Gospel, and are a great support under persecution for the sake of it. (x) Sepher Jetzirah, Semit 3. p. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13-14 The secret of Paul’s resilience was in the same kind of faith the psalmist had, (see Ps 116:10), which is centered in the living Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:13
Treasure in Jars of Clay
12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, 14knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Helps You Live by Faith
By Warren Wiersbe4.5K40:52PSA 116:10MAT 6:332CO 4:132CO 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's word to bring order and light out of chaos and darkness. He encourages believers to have faith in God's ability to transform their lives and circumstances. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in generating faith through the word of God. The speaker also highlights the importance of testimony, which is the result of treasuring God's word, enduring trials, and trusting in Him.
(Grace Baptist) Die to Self
By Bill McLeod3.7K12:45SelfACT 27:14ACT 27:232CO 4:52CO 4:132CO 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of bad things turning out good, both in Scripture and in contemporary life. He uses the example of David fleeing from King Saul and seeking refuge among the Philistines. Despite the initial danger and uncertainty, David's decision ultimately led to a positive outcome as he gained favor with King Akish and acquired more than he had before. The preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God and praying in difficult situations, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul when he faced a deadly storm at sea. Through prayer and trust in God, Paul and his companions were saved from the storm and even gained spoils from their enemies. The sermon highlights the idea that God has the power to bring good out of bad situations and encourages listeners to trust in His plans.
Judgement & a New House
By Robert B. Thompson5701:00:08PSA 149:5JHN 14:22CO 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of judgment and the importance of living a righteous life. He emphasizes that while we may be able to hide our true selves in this world, we cannot hide from God's judgment in the day of resurrection. The speaker references Daniel 12:2, which states that those who sleep in the dust will arise to either life or shame and everlasting contempt. He also quotes from 2 Corinthians 4:13-18, highlighting the belief in the resurrection and the need to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. The sermon concludes with the message that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and it is crucial to make righteous judgments in our lives.
Faith That Works
By Brian Guerin91:15:18Faith in ActionSpeaking LifeGEN 1:32KI 4:1MAT 17:20MRK 11:23JHN 14:13ACT 3:6ROM 10:92CO 4:13HEB 11:1JAS 2:17Brian Guerin emphasizes the necessity of faith in the life of a believer, illustrating that faith must be active and accompanied by works to be effective. He discusses how speaking in faith and taking action are crucial components in manifesting God's promises, using biblical examples such as Peter healing the lame man and Elisha's miracles. Guerin encourages the congregation to recognize the power of their words and the importance of stepping out in faith, even when circumstances seem impossible. He challenges listeners to examine their own faith and works, urging them to take bold steps in their spiritual journey.
Of the Concern the Spirit of God Has in the Covenant of Grace.
By John Gill0Covenant of GraceThe Role of the Holy Spirit2SA 23:5ISA 48:16MAT 1:18JHN 16:14ROM 1:42CO 4:13EPH 1:132TH 2:13TIT 3:5HEB 10:22John Gill emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the Covenant of Grace, illustrating that the Spirit is not merely a bystander but an active participant who approves and engages in the covenant's promises and provisions for salvation. He highlights the Spirit's involvement in the incarnation of Christ, the application of salvation to believers, and the empowerment of the church through various gifts and graces. The Spirit's work includes conviction of sin, regeneration, and sanctification, all of which affirm His commitment to the covenant. Gill asserts that the Spirit's actions are a testament to His agreement with the Father and the Son in the redemptive plan. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the comprehensive nature of the Spirit's work in fulfilling God's promises to His people.
Psalm 119:13
By Brent Yim02CO 4:13Brent Yim emphasizes the transformative power of immersing oneself in the Word of God, leading to a deep understanding and declaration of His truths. Just as the psalmist declared all the judgments of God's mouth, believers are called to boldly proclaim the revelations they have received through divine instruction. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, individuals can confidently share the righteous wisdom they have gained from God, reflecting a heart that is attuned to His voice and teachings.
Reconciling Religious Dissensions Among Christians
By James Arminius0MAT 10:34ROM 10:102CO 4:132CO 10:5GAL 4:161TI 6:102TI 4:3HEB 2:4James Arminius preaches about the nature, effects, causes, and remedies of religious dissensions among Christians. He highlights the presence of evil in all ages, the conflict between divine benevolence and human perversity, and the prevalence of discord within Christendom. Arminius emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of dissension, its causes like pride, avarice, and pleasure, and the perpetuating factors like prejudices and fear. He warns against false remedies like blind faith and universal salvation, advocating for a deeper knowledge of true doctrine and a humble approach to reconciliation.
"So Spake"
By Samuel Logan Brengle0The Power of the SpiritEffective PreachingPRO 16:24JHN 3:16ACT 14:1ACT 20:21ROM 1:142CO 4:132CO 5:14PHP 2:172TI 1:121PE 3:15Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound impact of the apostles' preaching in Iconium, attributing their success to three key elements: their manner, matter, and spirit. He highlights that their gracious and persuasive manner won the hearts of many, while their message was filled with the joy and seriousness of the Gospel, calling for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Brengle asserts that the right spirit, fueled by love and faith, was the driving force behind their ability to inspire a multitude to believe. He encourages preachers to cultivate a heartfelt connection to God, as it shapes both their message and delivery. Ultimately, Brengle concludes that a heart filled with love for God and others is essential for effective ministry.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We having the same spirit of faith - As David had when he wrote Psa 116:10 : I believed, therefore have I spoken: we also believe that we shall receive the fulfillment of all God's promises; and being fully convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, we speak and testify that our deliverance is from God; and that he does not fail those who trust in him, and that he saves to the uttermost them who come unto him through Christ Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate as Greek, "BUT having," &c., that is, not withstanding the trials just mentioned, we having, &c. the same spirit of faith, according as it, &c.--Compare Rom 8:15, on the usage of "spirit of faith." The Holy Spirit acting on our spirit. Though "death worketh in us, and life in you" (Co2 4:12), yet as we have the same spirit of faith as you, we therefore [believingly] look for the same immortal life as you [ESTIUS], and speak as we believe. ALFORD not so well translates, "The same . . . faith with that described in the Scriptures" (Psa 116:10). The balance of the sentence requires the parallelism to be this, "According to that which is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak," namely, without fear, amidst "afflictions" and "deaths" (Co2 4:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
We having the same Spirit of faith,.... By faith here is meant, not the doctrine, but the grace of faith; a believing in the doctrines of the Gospel, and in the person of Christ; an exercise of that grace upon the death and resurrection of Christ; and particularly a looking by faith in full expectation of the saints' resurrection from the dead, and eternal glory, together with a reliance on the power, faithfulness, and promises of God to support under the afflictions of this life. Now of this faith the Spirit of God is the author; this is not of ourselves, of our own power, it is the free gift of God, and a valuable gift it is; it is of the operation of God, and the produce of his almighty power; and of this the Spirit of God, in conversion, is the powerful operator: hence he is here called the "Spirit of faith". So the "third" number in the Cabalistic tree of the Jews, the intelligence sanctifying, which answers to the third person in our doctrine of the Trinity, is called (x), "Nmwa hnwma and , "the artificer of faith", and "the author or parent of faith", because from its power faith flows.'' Which is the "same" in all saints; the Spirit is the same in one as in another, and so is the faith which he is the author of; see Pe2 1:1. Faith is the same in all the saints that have been from the beginning of the world, under the Old and New Testament dispensations; it was the same in all the churches in the apostle's time, in Rome as at Ephesus, in Ephesus as at Rome, and in Thessalonica as at Rome and Ephesus, and so in all the other churches; though it may be, the apostle may chiefly design the sameness of faith, and of the Spirit, in him and his fellow ministers, and in these Corinthians, though death was working in the one, and life in the other; which appeared in their free and bold ministration of the word, notwithstanding all they met with on account of it, in imitation and encouraged by the example of David, according as it is written, Psa 116:10. I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak: where there is true faith, and the true Spirit of faith, there will be a speaking of, for, and in the name of Christ, as there ought to be: for as "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, so with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". This is true of believers in common, sooner or later, at one time or another; but more especially of the ministers of the word, who have a firm and well grounded belief in the doctrines of the Gospel, and person of Christ; and therefore speak freely, and without any doubt and hesitation about these things, boldly, and without the fear of men, and sincerely and faithfully, as in the sight of God: hence they make Christ the main subject of their ministry, because they believe in him, and nothing can stop their mouths from speaking of him; faith, and a spirit of faith, fit for public work and service, and give freedom and boldness in the ministration of the Gospel, and are a great support under persecution for the sake of it. (x) Sepher Jetzirah, Semit 3. p. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13-14 The secret of Paul’s resilience was in the same kind of faith the psalmist had, (see Ps 116:10), which is centered in the living Lord.