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INDEX FOR 2CORINTHIANS
2Corinthians 4:10-12
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2Corinthians 4:16
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COLLECTIONS
Commentaries,
Word Studies, Devotionals, Sermons, Illustrations
Old and New Testament. |
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2
Corinthians 4:13 Commentary |
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2 Corinthians
4:13 But
having the
same
spirit of
faith,
according to
what is
written, "I
BELIEVED,
THEREFORE I
SPOKE," we
also
believe,
therefore we
also
speak (NASB:
Lockman) |
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Greek:
echontes
de
to
auto
pneuma
tes
pisteos,
kata
to
gegrammenon,
Episteusa,
dio
elalesa,
kai
emeis
pisteuomen,
dio
kai
laloumen,
Amplified: Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who
wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe,
and therefore we speak, [Ps. 116:10.].
(Lockman)
Barclay: Because we have the same spirit of faith as appears in
that passage of scripture where it stands written, “I have believed
and therefore have I spoken,” we, too, believe and therefore speak,
(Westminster
Press)
God's Word: The following is written, "I believed; therefore, I
spoke." We have that same spirit of faith. We also believe; therefore,
we also speak. (GWT)
Easy English: The Bible says, ‘I spoke because I believed.’ We
have that same kind of belief. Therefore, we believe and we speak out.
ESV: Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has
been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we
also speak, (ESV)
KJV: We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is
written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore speak;
NET: But since we have the same spirit of faith as that shown
in what has been written, "I believed; therefore I spoke," we also
believe, therefore we also speak. (NET
Bible)
NIV: It is written: “I believed; therefore I have
spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore
speak,
(NIV
- IBS)
NLT: But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of
faith the Psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” (NLT
- Tyndale House)
Phillips: Our faith is like that mentioned in the scripture: 'I
believed and therefore I spoke'. (Phillips:
Touchstone)
Weymouth: But possessing the same Spirit of faith as he who
wrote, “I believed, and therefore I have spoken,” we also believe,
and therefore we speak.
Wuest: But we have the same Spirit of faith [as the Psalmist]
according as it has been written and is at present on record, I
believed, wherefore I spoke. And as for us, we are believing,
wherefore also we are speaking, (Eerdmans)
Young's Literal: And having the same spirit of the faith,
according to that which hath been written, 'I believed, therefore I
did speak;' we also do believe, therefore also do we speak; |
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BUT HAVING THE SAME SPIRIT OF FAITH,
ACCORDING TO WHAT IS WRITTEN, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," WE ALSO
BELIEVE, THEREFORE WE ALSO SPEAK: echontes (PAPMPN) de to auto pneuma tes
pisteos, kata to gegrammenon, (RPPNSA) episteusa, (1SAAI) dio elalesa,
(1SAAI) kai emeis pisteuomen, (1PPAI) dio kai laloumen, (1PPAI):
(The same: Ac 15:11 Ro 1:12 1Co 12:9 Heb 11:1-40 2Pe 1:1) (Believed:
Ps 116:10) (We also: 2Co 3:12 Pr 21:28)
FIRM FAITH
ENABLES
PERSISTENT PROCLAMATION
But (de) introduces the
contrast - in spite of the frality and weakness of the clay pot in which the
Gospel has been entrusted (2Co 4:7-note) and the fact that
they were continually being tried (2Co 4:8, 9-note) "death
(continually) works
in us" (2Co 4:12-note), we have faith, a firm belief,
a confident, complete trust which allows
us to keep on speaking about and preaching Jesus.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
as I have said before is
helpful in providing interpretative clues, but one must use discretion for
it is a paraphrase (see
Chart comparing Literalism of Bible
Versions)
and I do not always agree with their interpretative paraphrase but in this
verse I do...
But we continue to preach because we have
the same kind of faith the Psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so
I spoke.”
(NLT
- Tyndale House)
Joseph Beet
sees this verse as a breakpoint writing...
Having explained the purpose and
result of the perils around, Paul now gives the motives which enable him to
continue his work in spite of them. He can do this because, led by the
Spirit, he believes the promises of God. By faith he knows (2Co 4:14) that
God will raise him from the dead in company with his converts; that (2Co
5:1–4) if his present body die a better one awaits him; that (2Co 5:6–8)
death will but remove him to the presence of Christ; and that (2Co 5:10)
from Him he will receive due reward for his work. (2 Corinthians 4:13 Commentary)
Ryrie
Though he is oppressed, Paul's
outlook is one of hope (2Co 4:14). Therefore, he does not lose heart (2Co
4:16), though his outer man is decaying, for this affliction is light and
temporary when viewed from the perspective of eternity.
(The
Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers
or
Wordsearch)
Having the same spirit of faith
- "having" = "possessing". Paul says this "enables us to go on preaching to
you...not distinctly the Holy Spirit,—but still not merely a human
disposition: the indwelling Holy Spirit penetrates and characterizes the
whole renewed man" (Alford)
Bengel
feels "same spirit of faith" refers to that of the Psalmist who wrote the
words in Ps 116:10.
Alfred Plummer has an
interesting observation regarding Paul's repeatedly uses echo (to have, to
possess)...
The Apostle again and again dwells upon
the goodly possessions of the Christian, and especially of the Christian
minister; confidence we
have (2Co 3:4-note),
having such hope (2Co
3:12-note), we
have this ministry (2Co 4:1-note), we
have this treasure
(2Co 4:7-note), having the same spirit of faith (2Co 4:13), we
have a
building from God (2Co 5:1),
possessing (having) all things (2Co
6:10), having these promises (2Co 7:1); and he often builds an
argument upon these goodly possessions. (Ed: Every use of echo is in
the
present tense
picturing the continuance,
persistence and permanence
of these possessions). (2
Corinthians 4:7 Commentary)
Same spirit of faith - You will
notice that some translations capitalize Spirit (Wuest, Weymouth,
most do not capitalize) indicating that they interpret this as a reference
to the Holy Spirit.
Joseph Beet favoring "same spirit"
as reference to the Holy Spirit writing that...
the Holy Spirit moving men to believe the
promises of God, especially the promise of resurrection and of life with
Christ. Cp. 1Co 4:21; Eph 1:17-note.
Although faith is the condition (Ga 3:14) on which we receive the Spirit,
yet, when received, by revealing to us (Ro 5:5-note)
the love of God, He works in us a firmer and broader confidence in God. The
assurance which enabled Paul to pursue his apostolic path, he felt to be a
work of the Spirit. The same Holy Spirit: who moved the Psalmist to
write. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
KJV Bible Commentary
agrees....
That is, the same Spirit of 2Co 3:17-note,
who is the Holy Spirit, often designated by the effects which He produces
(e.g., He is called the Spirit of adoption, Ro 8:15; the Spirit of wisdom,
Ep 1:17-note;
the Spirit of grace, He 10:29-note;
the Spirit of glory, 1Pe 4:14). Here He is so called because He is the
Spirit who produces faith. Thus, in much the same way that David expressed
himself in Psalm 116:10, Paul extols the goodness of God.
(Dobson,
E G, Charles Feinberg, E Hindson, Woodrow Kroll, H L. Wilmington: KJV Bible
Commentary: Nelson
or
Logos)
ESV Study Bible says
Some hold...that this is a reference to
the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spirit is the one who creates faith, who
conforms one to Christ, and who secures the promises of God (see 2Co 1:22;
3:6 7 8, 18; 5:5). (ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles)
Vincent offers a "hybrid"
thought...
Spirit of faith: not distinctly the Holy
Spirit, nor, on the other hand, a human faculty or disposition, but blending
both: faith as a gift of the Spirit of God.
Faith
(4102)(pistis)
is synonymous
with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in
Scripture usually speaks of belief respecting man's relationship to God and
divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor
born of faith and joined with it
As pistis relates to God, it is the conviction that God exists and is
the Creator and Ruler of all things well as the Provider and Bestower of
eternal salvation through Christ. As faith relates to Christ it represents a
strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through
Whom we obtain eternal salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of
Heaven. Stated another way, eternal salvation comes only through
belief in Jesus Christ and no other way.
Wayne Grudem defines faith that saves one's soul...
Saving faith is trust in Jesus
Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life with
God. This definition emphasizes that saving faith is not just a belief in
facts but personal trust in Jesus to save me... The definition emphasizes
personal trust in Christ, not just belief in facts about Christ. Because
saving faith in Scripture involves this personal trust, the word "trust" is
a better word to use in contemporary culture than the word "faith" or
"belief." The reason is that we can "believe" something to be true with no
personal commitment or dependence involved in it. (Grudem,
W. A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Zondervan)
(Bolding added)
According to what
is written - Refers to a quotation from Ps 116:10, but don't miss the
axiomatic truth that while Paul
held firmly to
Scriptures such as these (and knew the OT well), it was ultimately the truth
of the Scriptures which held
him firmly when the winds
of affliction and adversity began to blow (as they often did in his
tumultuous life!). It behooves us all to imitate Paul (1Co 11:1) and to make
it the passionate practice of our life to know His Word better and better
(and especially to know Him more intimately), specifically allocating the
time and effort (it is work but it's reward is eternal) to memorize
Scripture so that in our hour of testing the Spirit of God might use that
internalized ("eaten" - cp how a "tested" man was enabled to hold fast and
not turn aside - Job 23:12-note
in context of Job 23:10, 11-note)
Word of Truth to hold us firm in the harbor named "God's Trustworthy Word"
(See
Memorizing His Word
and
consider beginning a discipline [under
grace not law] of
Memorizing Verses by Topic).
You are memorizing God's Word of Life
aren't you? You can't NOT be memorizing because the growth and strength of
your faith depends on ingestion and assimilation His living and active Word
(Ps 119:9, 10, 11-note;
Ro 10:17-note).
Written (1125)(grapho
from root graph- = primarily means to scratch on or engrave as on an
ornament, reports, letters, etc; English = graph, graphic, etc) means
to engrave or inscribe with a pen or stylus characters or letters on a
surface which can be wood, wax, metal, leather, stone, parchment, dirt (John
), paper, etc. (Click
to review all 191 uses of grapho in the NAS)
It is written occurs 76 times
in the NAS (Click
for these uses). When we were children and our parents told us to do
something and we questioned "Why?", the answer was usually "Because I said
so!". Why are we commanded to be holy? Because God said so!
Robertson says the phrase Paul used
"according to what is written" was a "formula in legal documents
in the papyri."
I believed and therefore I spoke
- Paul is quoting from the
Septuagint (LXX)
of Psalm 116, not the Hebrew which is very difficult. "That
faith must find expression, that it cannot be silent, is the Apostle’s
adaptation of the words (of Ps 116:10)" (James
Denney)
I believed when I said, “I am
greatly afflicted.” (Ps 116:10). (English of original Hebrew)
I believed, therefore I have spoken:
but I was greatly afflicted. (English of Lxx which is what Paul quotes)
Joseph Beet comments on Paul's
use of this Psalm noting that: the words quoted (are from the
Septuagint),
though not an exact rendering (of the original Hebrew), sum up accurately
the sense of the whole Psalm. Like Paul (who has been delivered by God
again and again from sundry afflictions), the writer of the Psalm has
been in deadly peril and has been delivered by God, in answer to his prayer.
His deliverance has given him strong confidence in God, a confidence which
finds expression in this Psalm. (In the same way Paul believed God and
this caused him to speak) Paul, rescued from peril, preaches (the Gospel).
The Psalmist’s faith, strengthened by peril and deliverance, moved
him to song: Paul’s faith moves him to proclaim the Gospel, undeterred by
the prospect of future perils. But it was the same faith, wrought by the
same Spirit. And in each case faith found suitable utterance. As usual, the
real reference is not so much to the words quoted as to their entire
context. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
Kent
Hughes adds that: Psalm 116 describes a time when the writer (King
David) almost died (cf. Ps 116:3, 8, 15-see
note),
but God delivered him from death (cf. Ps 116:8 9 10). David “believed” that
God had delivered him and therefore “spoke”of it (Ps 116:10). As this
statement in verse 10 is the center and pivot of the Psalm, it places faith
at its very heart.
(Hughes,
R. K. 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness. Preaching the Word. Crossway
or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Spurgeon comments: I could
not have spoken thus if it had not been for my faith: I should never have
spoken unto God in prayer, nor have been able now to speak to my fellow men
in testimony if it had not been that faith kept me alive, and brought me a
deliverance, whereof I have good reason to boast. Concerning the things of
God no man should speak unless he believes; the speech of the waverer is
mischievous, but the tongue of the believer is profitable; the most powerful
speech which has ever been uttered by the lip of man has emanated from a
heart fully persuaded of the truth of God. Not only the Psalmist, but
such men as Luther, and Calvin, and other great witnesses for the faith
could each one most heartily say, "I believed, therefore have I spoken."
Paulus Palanterius: It is not
sufficient to believe, unless you also openly confess before unbelievers,
tyrants, and all others. Next to believing follows confession; and
therefore, those who do not make a confession ought to fear; as, on the
contrary, those should hope who speak out what they have believed.
John Trapp: Though I have had
my offs and my ons, though I have passed through several frames of heart and
tempers of soul in my trials, yet I believed still, I never let go my hold,
my grip of God, in my perturbation.
Joseph Caryl: The tongue should
always be the heart's interpreter, and the heart should always be the
tongue's suggester; what is spoken with the tongue should be first stamped
upon the heart and wrought off from it. Thus it should be in all our
communications and exhortations, especially when we speak or exhort about
the things of God, and dispense the mysteries of heaven. David spoke from
his heart when he spoke from his faith. I believed, therefore have I spoken.
Believing is an act of the heart,
"with the heart man believe" (Ro 10:10- note);
so that to say, "I believed, therefore have I spoken," is as if he had said,
I would never have spoken these things, if my heart had not been clear and
upright in them. The apostle Paul takes up that very protestation from David
(2Corinthians 4:13): "According as it is written, I believed, and therefore
have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak"; that is, we move
others to believe nothing but what we believe, and are fully assured of
ourselves. (
Psalm 116:10 - Treasury of David)
John MacArthur comments that...
Those who lack conviction in their preaching do so because they lack
conviction in their hearts. Because they have weak confidence in the truth
of God, they seek the comfort, prestige, and popularity that come from
muting the message.
True belief impels strong, consistent, unwavering testimony to the truth. On
trial for his faith before the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther defiantly
declared,
Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy
Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds and reasoning—and my
conscience is captive to the Word of God—then I cannot and will not recant,
because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience. Here I stand.
I can do no other. God help me! Amen. (James M. Kittelson, Luther the
Reformer [Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986] 161)
Those who genuinely believe the truth cannot help but speak that truth.
(MacArthur,
J: 2Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press
or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Therefore we also speak - Why speak? Because of the faith just
mentioned. Like the Psalmist who believed and spoke, Paul's faith
drove him on to proclaim the Gospel.
"Continue our preaching of the Gospel, notwithstanding such vast hindrances
within and without." (Henry
Alford)
"Speak without fear, in the midst of affliction and death (2Co 4:17-note)"
(Johann
Bengel)
Warren Wiersbe cuts to chase writing that...
True witness for God is based on faith in God, and this faith comes from
God’s Word (Ro 10:17). Nothing closes a believer’s mouth like unbelief (see
Lk 1:20) (Ed: I would add "or unconfessed sin").
(Wiersbe,
W: Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament. 1989. Victor
or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Guzik comments that...
This is a great principle - that faith creates the testimony. Paul really
believed God had a purpose in his death-like sufferings, and really believed
he lived and experienced the resurrection life of Jesus. Therefore, he
wasn’t hesitant to speak about it! If you can’t say we also believe, then
you should not speak! “That is one great secret of power and success in
the Christian ministry. If you do not believe, shut your mouth. That is a
word for young ministers. If you do not believe, do not talk.” (Morgan)
(2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
Paul is saying in essence "Our lips are not sealed. We must speak of the
precious treasure! (2Co 4:7-note)"
Paul's "burning passion" reminds me of Jeremiah's words...
But if I say, "I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name," Then
in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones and I am
weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it." Jer 20:9 (May
his tribe increase!) |
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2
Corinthians 4:14 Commentary |
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2 Corinthians
4:14 knowing
that He who
raised the
Lord
Jesus will
raise us
also with
Jesus and will
present
us with you.
(NASB:
Lockman)
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Greek:
eidotes
oti
o
egeiras
ton
kurion
Iesoun
kai
emas
sun
Iesou
egerei
kai
parastesei
sun
humin.
Amplified: Assured that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus
will raise us up also with Jesus and bring us [along] with you into
His presence.
(Lockman)
Barclay: for we know that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will
raise us up also with Jesus, and will present us with you.
(Westminster
Press)
God's Word: We know that the one who brought the Lord
Jesus back to life will also bring us back to life through Jesus. He
will present us to God together with you. (GWT)
Easy English: We know this: He who made Jesus alive after
his death will also give us life with him. He will take us with you to
where he is.
ESV: knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also
with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. (ESV)
KJV: Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise
up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
NET: We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus
will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his
presence. (NET
Bible)
NIV: because we know that the one who raised the
Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us
with you in his presence.
(NIV
- IBS)
NLT: We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also
raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. (NLT
- Tyndale House)
Phillips: For we too speak because we believe, and we know for
certain that he who raised the Lord Jesus from death shall also by him
raise us. We shall all stand together before him. (Phillips:
Touchstone)
Weymouth: For we know that He who raised the Lord Jesus from
the dead will raise us also to be with Jesus, and will cause both us
and you to stand in His own presence. .
Wuest: knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus shall also
raise us with Jesus and shall present us with you, (Eerdmans)
Young's Literal: knowing that He who did raise up the Lord
Jesus, us also through Jesus shall raise up, and shall present with
you, |
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KNOWING THAT HE WHO RAISED THE LORD
JESUS WILL RAISE US ALSO WITH JESUS AND WILL PRESENT US WITH YOU: eidotes (RAPMPN)
hoti o egeiras (AAPMSN) ton kurion Iesoun kai hemas sun Iesou egerei (3SFAI)
kai parastesei (3SFAI) sun humin: (That: 2Co 5:1-4 Isa
26:19 Jn 11:25,26 Ro 8:11 1Co 6:14 15:20-22 1Th 4:14) (Will present:
2Co 11:2 Eph 5:27 Col 1:22,28 Jude 1:24)
FUTURE HOPE
FUELS
PRESENT FAITH
The idea continued from the 2Co 4:13
is that "we also speak" (ultimately the Gospel of Jesus Christ) "because
we know, because we are assured" of the truth of His resurrection. If
you don't fear death, then you have nothing to fear in life. Paul had "nothing
to fear from either life or death!" (Wiersbe) Paul knew that the
resurrection of Christ from the dead was the ultimate proof of His triumph
over death, the great "equalizer" and great fear of every individual ever
born, unless or until they meet and receive (Jn 1:12) Jesus Christ, the One
Who conquered death forever. Paul recorded our Lord's triumph over death in
his first epistle to the Corinthians...
But when this perishable will have put on
the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will
come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O
DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of
death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who
gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:54 55 56
57)
Until you are prepared to die
You are not really prepared to live!
Beloved, what you believe about the
future will indubitably impact how you live in the present. The apostle John
beautifully expounded this principle in his first epistle...
Beloved, now we are children of God, and
it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears,
we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone
who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1Jn
3:2-note
1Jn 3:3-note)
WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
determines
WHAT YOU ARE LIVING FOR
and
WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DIE FOR
Knowing truth (the sure hope of
the resurrection) kept Paul proclaiming the Gospel (this is the main
effect of knowing as discussed above) but undoubtedly also
kept him from losing heart over his sufferings for Christ (Observe
that Paul uses the phrase lose heart like "bookends" in this chapter
- see 2Co 4:1-note
and 2Co 4:16-note).
Remember that Paul's confidence in the
bodily resurrection of Christ from the dead was the very cornerstone of the
Gospel he proclaimed (1Co 15:1-note,
1Co 15:2-note,
1Co 15:3, 4, 5-note)
for
if Christ has not been raised, your
faith is worthless (mataios);
you are still in your sins (in Adam, spiritually dead, Ro 5:12-note).
Then those also who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ have perished. If
we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be
pitied. (1Co 15:17 18 19)
Writing to the Philippians Paul
declared his desire was...
that I may know Him, and the power of His
resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His
death in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Php
3:10, 11-note)
Guzik adds that for Paul
Every death-like trial was just the
prelude to resurrection power!
Knowing
(1492)(eido/oida
- eido is used only in the
perfect tense
= oida) means in general to know by perception.
Literally eido/oida
refers to perception by sight (perceive, see) as in
Mt 2:2
Where is He who has been born King of the
Jews? For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to
worship Him."
Eido/oida is
distinguished from ginosko (epiginosko, epignosis - the other major
NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to
knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". On the other
hand, eido/oida often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although
this distinction is not always clear cut. Eido/oida is not so much
that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled
into one's heart. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an
understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can
only be given by the Holy Spirit.
And so eido/oida
suggests fullness of knowledge, absolute knowledge (that which is without a
doubt), rather than a progress in knowledge (cp ginosko) a distinction
illustrated in the following passages.
Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews
about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) you have not
come to know (ginosko) Him, but I know (eido/oida)
Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido/oida) Him, I shall
be a liar like you, but I do know (eido/oida) Him, and keep
His word. (John 8:55)
He who raised up the Lord Jesus - He is
referring to the Father. God the Father literally, bodily resurrected Jesus
Christ. See Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33, 37; Ro 8:11- note;
Ro 10:9-note;
1Co 6:14; 15:15; 2Co 1:9 Gal. 1:1; Col. 2:12-note;
1Pe 1:21-note
With Jesus - Jesus has been resurrected almost
2000 years ago. So what does Paul mean that we will be raised up with
Jesus? In his first letter Paul presents truth that helps us answer this
question...
But now
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits (at
moment of His resurrection = the "prototype" and provision for subsequent
"harvest" = resurrection of all believers ~ in this sense God "will raise
us also with Jesus") of those who are asleep (~dead). For since by a
man (Adam) came death, by a man (Christ) also came the resurrection of
the dead. For as in Adam all die (Ro 5:12-note,
Ep 2:1-note),
so also in Christ all shall be made alive (Context is speaking primarily
about receipt of our resurrection bodies). But each in his own order: Christ
the first fruits (speaking of His resurrection), after that those who are
Christ's at His coming (1Co 15:20 21 22 23)
Comment:
In simple terms, Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all
believers. Christ is the firstfruits, giving promise that those who belong
to Christ will also be raised when He returns. Without going into great
detail here Scripture teaches "two general resurrections", with only
believers participating in the first resurrection (See
The Two Resurrections - "First" and
"Second" - on a timeline). The important point is that the
first resurrection is predicated on Christ's resurrection, i.e., the first
fruits of all those who believe in Him.
MacDonald
makes another point to help understand 1Co 15:20-23 explaining that "Adam
and Christ are presented as federal heads. This means that they acted
for other people. And all who are related to them are affected by their
actions." So when Christ was resurrected, all who are in union with Him by
grace through faith also will participate in the resurrection of their dead
body just like Christ was resurrected from the dead. In this sense God
will raise us also with Jesus.
Beet explains will raise us also with Jesus
in a slightly different way
Since our
resurrection...is a result of Christ’s resurrection, wrought by the same
power, as a consequence of our spiritual union with Christ (cp
in
Christ), and is a part of that heritage which we share
with Christ, Paul overlooks the separation in time and thinks of his own
resurrection and Christ’s as one divine act (A
commentary on St. Paul's Epistles to the Corinthians)
Will raise us also with Jesus - This assurance
certainty made the afflictions to Paul's mortal body (including possible
death) to be of little concern. The hope of the resurrection seems to never
be very far from the great apostle's mind, which is as it should be for
every saint. Would we think
more on the truth of the absolute certainty of our future bodily
resurrection when we will obtain strong, imperishable, incorruptible,
spiritual bodies, we would surely worry less about the momentary, light
afflictions (comparatively speaking) affecting our weak, perishing,
corrupting, natural bodies!
And thus Paul
repeatedly reminds us of the glorious future assured to every believer...
Now God has not
only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His
power. (1Co 6:14)
But if the
Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised
Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
through His Spirit who indwells you. (Ro 8:11- note)
For our
citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into
conformity with the body of His glory (a lengthy description of the
transformation that occurs at our resurrection), by the exertion of the
power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. (Php 3:20, 21-note)
But we do not
want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you
may not grieve, as do the rest who have no
hope
( Don't miss this - In
Christ is an endless hope but outside of Christ is a hopeless end!).
14 For if (since - if in this case does not express doubt) we believe that
Jesus died and rose again (which we do), even so God will bring with Him
those who have fallen asleep (died) in Jesus (in union with Christ). 15 For
this we say to you by the word of the Lord (it comes on good authority!),
that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not
precede those who have fallen asleep (Note Paul's use of "we" here implies
he was living with the expectation that he would see Jesus in the sky! Such
belief can radically impact one's behavior! If you're looking for Him, you
will be living for Him!). 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven
with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God;
and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain
shall be caught up (harpazo
- this is what is referred to as the "Rapture")
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we
shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore (Why? On the basis of this
glorious truth, death is not the end for believers but really the beginning
- indeed for us the best really is yet to come - so we can...)
comfort
(present
imperative
= Command to make this your habitual
practice to come alongside and encourage others with the
hope
of the resurrection) one
another with these words. (1Th 4:13 14-note
1Th 4:15 16-note
1Th 4:17 18-note)
DEATH IS THE GREAT
DIVIDER
RESURRECTION THE GREAT REUNITER!
Matthew Henry rightly reminds us that
The grace of
faith is an effective remedy against fainting in times of trouble. They knew
that Christ was raised, and that His resurrection was an earnest ("down
payment" -
cp "pledge" of the Holy Spirit)
and assurance of theirs. The
hope
of this resurrection will encourage in a suffering day, and set us
above the fear of death.
And will present us with you - To whom will Paul
and the Corinthian believers (and all believers in the church age) be
presented? The Church as the Bride of Christ will be presented to her
Bridegroom, Christ (see 2Co 11:2 below, cp Ep 5:27-note.)
at which time the marriage supper of the Lamb will be celebrated. What a
glorious day that will be beloved! (see Re 19:7-note,
Re 19:8-note,
Re 19:9-note)
With you - Earlier Paul had stated "death works in
us, but life in you" (2Co 4:12), so in using the phrase "with you"
here, he keeps in front of his mind and theirs (the saints at Corinth) the
fact that one day in the future they will all stand before God's Throne of
glory robed in the righteous raiment of His Son (1Co 1:30, 2Co 5:21 Php 3:9-note).
And thus not only is he encouraged by this truth but desires that this sure
hope might encourage the saints at Corinth to run with endurance the race
set before them (He 12:1-note).
Indeed, the fact that you and I will stand before Him with Paul and the
Corinthian saints should stimulate in us a deep desire to lay aside every
weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, fixing our eyes on our
glorious Lord Jesus (He 12:2-note,
cp 2Co 3:18-note),
so that we too might run like the wind (and to win! - 1Co 9:24-note,
1Co 9:25-note,
1Co 9:26-note,
1Co 9:27-note),
our proverbial sails continually filled with His Spirit (Ep 5:18-note,
Zech 4:6) all for the glory of God.
Beloved, take a
moment today
to ponder that moment in the future.
Think about those
dear ones who have gone into His presence before and with whom you long to
be reunited. Imagine standing side by side with them as you gaze upon His
glory. Does this truth not make your heart race!
So let the sure hope that we will one day (soon) all be reunited and be
presented with them (our friends, co-laborers and loved ones in
Christ) to Him, serve to motivate us to be diligent to intentionally
pursue holiness (He 12:14-note),
to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and spirit and to
perfect holiness in the reverential fear of God (2Co 7:1-note)
Present (3936)
(paristemi
from para = near, beside + histemi = place, set)
literally means to place or set beside or near and hence to place at
someone's disposal.
Later in this same letter Paul use paristemi again
writing...
For I am
jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband,
so that to Christ I might present (paristemi) you as a pure virgin.
(2Corinthians 11:2)
Paul used paristemi in Colossians
Yet (see our
old attitude toward God - Col 1:21-note)
He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to
present you before (katenopion = look down in ~ a searching,
penetrating gaze) Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach (Col 1:22-note).
Comment:
When is this presentation? Commentators vary somewhat, but it seems Paul
does not exclude that in a sense the presentation is at least in part in
this present life (for we are indeed positionally holy and blameless before
God because of the efficacious work of Christ). Marvin Vincent
rightly states that "whether the reference is to God's future judgment or to
His present approval" cannot be determined dogmatically, but he favors this
as a reference to the future judgment seems the more natural as marking the
consummation of the redemptive work described in Col 1:20-note
Col 1:21 22-note.
Compare 1Th 3:13-note,
and Ep 5:27, which corresponds with the figure of the bride, the Lamb’s
wife, in Rev 21:9-note
sqq. This view is further warranted by the following words, if ye continue,
etc., the final presentation being dependent on steadfastness."
A T
Robertson comments on the meaning of present as used by Paul in
this context: Paul has the same idea of his responsibility in rendering an
account for those under his influence seen in He 13:17-note.
Paul desired to present every man mature
writing...
We
proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom,
so that we may present (paristemi) every man complete (mature,
conformed to the image of Christ) in Christ. (Colossians 1:28-note)
Jude echoes Paul's assurance of future hope in
spite of present pressing circumstances...
Now to Him
Who is able to keep you from stumbling and
to make you
stand in the presence of His glory
blameless with great joy
to the only
God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty,
dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude
1:24, 25) |
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2
Corinthians 4:15 Commentary |
|
2 Corinthians
4:15 For
all
things are
for
your
sakes,
so that the
grace which is
spreading to
more and more
people may
cause the
giving of
thanks to
abound to the
glory of
God .
(NASB:
Lockman) |
|
Greek:
ta
gar
panta
di'
umas,
ina
e
charis
pleonasasa
dia
ton
pleionon
ten
eucharistian
perisseuse
eis
ten docan
tou
theou.
Amplified: For all [these] things are [taking place] for
your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual
blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the
many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of
God.
(Lockman)
Barclay: Everything that happens to us is for your sake, so that
grace may abound more and more, and so swell the thanksgiving which
rises from many to the glory of God.
(Westminster
Press)
God's Word: All this is for your sake so that, as God's
kindness overflows in the lives of many people, it will produce even
more thanksgiving to the glory of God.(GWT)
Easy English: All this is for your advantage. God’s kindness will
help more and more people. As a result, they will offer more prayers
of *thanksgiving to the *glory of God.
ESV: For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more
and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (ESV)
KJV: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace
might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
NET: For all these things are for your sake, so that the grace
that is including more and more people may cause thanksgiving to
increase to the glory of God. (NET
Bible)
NIV: All this is for your benefit, so that the grace
that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to
overflow to the glory of God.
(NIV
- IBS)
NLT: All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches
more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will
receive more and more glory. (NLT
- Tyndale House)
Phillips: We wish you could see how all this is working out for
your benefit, and how the more grace God gives, the more thanksgiving
will redound to his glory. (Phillips:
Touchstone)
Weymouth: For everything is for your sakes, in order that
grace, being more richly bestowed because of the thanksgivings of the
increased number, may more and more promote the glory of God. .
Wuest: for all things are for your sake in order that the
grace having been multiplied through the intermediate agency of the
many [in their prayers for me] may cause the thanksgiving to
superabound, resulting in the glory of God. (Eerdmans)
Young's Literal: for the all things are because of you, that
the grace having been multiplied, because of the thanksgiving of the
more, may abound to the glory of God; |
|
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FOR ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES,
SO THAT THE GRACE WHICH IS SPREADING TO MORE AND MORE PEOPLE MAY CAUSE THE
GIVING OF THANKS TO ABOUND TO THE GLORY OF GOD: ta gar panta di' humas, hina e
charis pleonasasa (AAPFSN) dia ton pleionon ten eucharistian perisseuse
(3SAAS) eis ten doxan tou theou: (All: 2Co 1:4-6 Ro 8:28
1Co 3:21-23 Col 1:24 2Ti 2:10) (That the grace: 2Co 1:11 8:19 9:11,12
Ps 50:14,23 Ga 1:24 Eph 3:20,21 Col 3:16,17 Heb 13:15,16 1Pe 2:9 4:11 Rev
4:8-11 5:8-14 19:4-6)
SELFLESS
SERVICE
FOR THE SAINTS
For all things are for your sakes
- Another way of describing his daily death to self (Mk 8:34), doing
nothing from selfishness or empty conceit but humbly regarding others as
more important than himself, not merely looking out for his own person
interests but the interests of the saints at Corinth (cp Php 2:3, 4-note).
All that Paul had experienced was for the spiritual benefit of the saints.
This was the "warp and woof" (idiom = the basic element) of Paul's
ministry - to see grace spread and ultimately to see God glorified.
Wiersbe draws a parallel with Romans 8:28-note
explaining that the phrase all things are for your sakes...
gives us the
assurance that our sufferings are not wasted: God uses them to minister to
others and also to bring glory to His name. How is God glorified in our
trials? By giving us the “abundant grace” we need to maintain joy and
strength when the going gets difficult. Whatever begins with grace, leads to
glory (see Ps 84:11-note;
1Peter 5:10-note).
All things - In context this
refers especially to all his "variegated" (multi-colored, cp Greek
poikilos) pressing circumstances (cp 2Co
4:8, 9-note
2Co 4:10, 11, 12-note)
and labors to the point of exhaustion (2Co 6:5, 11:23 27 cp
kopiao in Col 1:29-note)
Matthew Henry comments that
their
sufferings (all things) were for the advantage of the church, and to
God's glory. The sufferings of Christ's ministers, as well as their
preaching and conversation (= their general course of manners or behavior
especially their moral conduct), are for the good of the church and the
glory of God. The prospect of eternal life and happiness (2Co 4:14) was
their support and comfort.
Guzik quips that...
Some forget the immediate goal and have a
“pie-in-the-sky” super-spirituality. Others forget the ultimate goal and are
man-focused, becoming either proud or discouraged. We need to keep both in
mind!
So that (hina) expresses
the purpose of all Paul had endured for their sakes.
The grace which is spreading - Refers
to the grace of God that the Spirit makes known through the Gospel of God.
Beet comments on the grace
which is spreading writing that...
All these perils Paul endures in order
that the pardoning favor of God may multiply, i.e. may shine on a larger
number of persons; that thereby the favor of God may increase abundantly the
thanksgiving which from this larger number will go up to God, and may thus
manifest the grandeur of God. Cp.2Co 1:11; Ro 3:7.
GRACE: HOLY LOVE
ON THE MOVE!
SPREADING
Grace (5485)(charis
from from chairo = to rejoice. English =
charity. Beggars need "charity" even as sinners need grace,
for we are all spiritual paupers outside of Christ, but "God gives where
he finds empty hands"-Augustine [cp Mt 5:3-note])
in simple terms is God's
unmerited favor and supernatural enablement and empowerment for salvation
and for daily sanctification. Grace is everything for nothing to those who
don't deserve anything. Grace is what every man needs, what none can earn
and what God Alone can and does freely give (see Ro 8:32-note
where "freely give" is
charizomai [word study]
from charis = a grace gift!).
Grace addresses man's sin, while mercy addresses man's misery. The gift
of grace makes men fit for salvation, miraculously making separated
strangers into God's beloved sons (1Th 1:4-note,
1Jn 3:1-note,
1Jn 3:2-note,
1Jn 3:3-note).
J H
Jowett summarizes grace as God's "holy love on the move"
(Others credit H G C Moule).
The
grace of...spreading reminds me of the phrase that God is like the
"hound of heaven" chasing after sinners, sinners who before
Christ saved them by grace through faith, chased after sin but
now because of the transforming power of sanctifying grace, no longer chase
after sin but now sin "chases" after them! And so we see the continual need
for God's the grace of God to keep spreading!
It is hardly too much to say that God
has in no word uttered Himself and all that was in His heart more distinctly
than in this word grace (charis)! (Cp Zech 4:7 "Grace,
grace to it!")
Chrysostom wrote of the
spreading grace...
That grace (the grace which preserves us
in trials and works life in you), being made the greater (multiplied), by
means of the greater number (of its recipients), may cause the thanksgiving
to abound to the glory of God.
DYNAMIC
GRACE!
In the letter to Titus Paul wrote that
"the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men"
(Titus 2:11-note)
and here he says that same grace is spreading. Mark it down - God's
grace is not static but dynamic! That means beloved it is an active, dynamic
force in your spiritual life, the very "water" and "oxygen" of your soul!
Are you resisting the Spirit and His
grace? Are you in known unconfessed sin? Do you have secret sins, sins that
no one knows about but God? Do you secretly hold on to the most abominable
sin of all, pride?
Then you are choking off God's
spreading of grace. Confess. Repent. Humble yourself
under the mighty hand of God that He might exalt you at the proper time (1Pe
5:6-note).
Enabled by His Spirit's gift of desire and power (Php 2:13NLT-note),
cast out vile pride and begin to even boast about your weaknesses (2Co 12:9-note,
2Co 12:10-note).
When that begins to happen beloved, you will begin to experience the full
measure and force of God's spreading grace, of His holy love
on the move to strengthen you to fight the good fight of faith. Let it never
leave your mind that God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the
humble (Jas 4:6-note).
May God's grace be spreading more and more in
your soul so that the giving of thanks is more and more your attitude and
practice as you begin to see more clearly that in all of this the very
purpose of your existence is to proclaim the supremacy of the glory of God.
I pray for you (and myself)...
May "the grace which
is spreading" in our heart and soul
"cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God."
Amen!
Spreading (4121)
(pleonazo
from pleion = more) means to cause to increase or superabound and so
to be present in abundance or to have plenty (2Pe 1:8-note,
Php 4:17-note).
To have more than is necessary or more than enough to meet one's needs (2Co
8:15). To become more and more in Ro 6:1-note
Here in 2Co 4:15 Paul uses pleonazo
to refer to grace increasing or spreading which results in more giving of
thanks to God. The NET Bible translates it "the grace that is
including more and more people". NIV "the grace that is
reaching more and more people". NLT "as God's grace brings
more and more people to Christ." "that grace, as it extends to
more and more people." (NRSV) "as God's grace reaches more and more
people" (The English Version) "And the more of you who are won to Christ"
(TLB). "that the grace having been multiplied." (YLT, Wuest) "that the grace
abounding through the many" (Darby) "as grace extends to more and more
people" (ESV) "that grace which is multiplying" (MLB - Berkeley)
A T Robertson phrases
spreading as...
“making more through the more”...(Robertson
adds) One can think of Bunyan’s Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Ed:
This is the convicting account of the spiritual autobiography of John Bunyan
which was written during his first 11 years in prison, imprisoned for
preaching the Gospel! I dare say his testimony to God's abounding grace is
very much a practical treatise on what Paul said in 2Co 4:12 for while death
was working in Bunyan in prison, life would be working in those who read his
account of the spreading of God's grace.) (John
Bunyan's - Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners - Table of Contents)
(As an aside Those who have read both Grace Abounding and The
Pilgrim’s Progress will realize that the latter in substantial measure
is the same life as that described in Grace Abounding, but in allegory form
rather than straightforward narrative.)
Giving of thanks (2169)
(eucharista
from eú = well, +
charizomai
= to grant, give freely; English =
Eucharist as related to Lord's Supper) is the expression of thanks or
gratitude for favor and mercy shown. Thankfulness from one (every believer)
conscious of benefit received.
Thanksgiving
expresses that attitude (and those words) which ought never to be absent
from the life of any of God's redeemed (Ps 107:2). We should always be ready
to express our grateful acknowledgement of past mercies to such great
debtors as we are. Is it any wonder that the beautiful songs (Psalms) in the
world are filled with thanksgiving?
Read through the following Psalms -- not
mechanically but actively, taking care to observe the "associations" with
thanksgiving (the
5W'S & H - eg, why give thanks? How? When? etc)
allowing the Spirit to work in your innermost being to cause thanksgiving to
well up in your heart and to proceed from your mouth
Ps 6:5, Ps 7:17, Ps 9:1, Ps 18:49, Ps
26:7 Ps 28:7 Ps 30:4 Ps 30:12 Ps 33:2 Ps 35:1 Ps 42:4, 5 Ps 44:8 Ps 45:17 Ps
50:14 Ps 50:23 Ps 52:9 Ps 54:6 Ps 56:12 Ps 57:9 Ps 69:30 Ps 75:1 Ps 79:13 Ps
86:12 Ps 92:1 Ps 95:2 Ps 97:12 Ps 100:4 Ps 105:1 Ps 106:1 Ps 106:47 Ps 107:1
Ps 107:8 Ps 107:15 Ps 107:21 Ps 107:22 (cp Heb 13:15) Ps 107:31 Ps 108:3 Ps
109:30 Ps 111:1 Ps 116:17 Ps 118:1 Ps 118:19 Ps 118:21 Ps 118:28 Ps 118:29
Ps 119:7 Ps 119:62 Ps 122:4 Ps 136:1 Ps 136:2 Ps 136:3 Ps 136:26 Ps 138:1 Ps
138:2 (cp Ps 138:2KJV) Ps 138:4 Ps 139:14 Ps 140:13 Ps 142:7 Ps 145:10 Ps
147:7.
It is notable that one
the chief traits of unregenerate men is the absence of gratitude to God,
which makes the all to often paucity of thanksgiving in God's children (me)
all the more sad. Paul uses the related verb
eucharisteo
in Romans 1, explaining that..
for (he is amplifying why they are
without excuse Ro 1:20-note)
even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give
thanks (eucharisteo); but they became futile in their speculations, and
their foolish heart was darkened. (Ro 1:21-note)
Jamieson adds a cogent reminder
that...
Thanksgiving invites more
abundant grace (2Chr 20:19 20 21 22; Ps 18:3; Ps 50:23).
As
John Piper asks
How can we not be thankful when we owe
everything to God? (A
Godward Life [Sample] Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life -
Desiring)
ONE SURE MARK OF GRACE:
GIVING OF THANKS ABOUNDING
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
Cause...to abound
(4052)(perisseuo
from perissos = abundant,
exceeding some number, measure, rank or need, over and above) means to
cause to superabound, to be superfluous, to overflow, to be in affluence (an
abundant flow or supply), to excel. Perisseuo carries the idea of
exceeding the requirements, exceeding a fixed measure, to be extremely rich
or abundant. The idea is to overflow like a river out of its banks!
It is not surprising that the Psalms link thanksgiving with
giving glory to God...
I will give thanks to Thee,
O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Thy Name forever.
Psalm 86:12 (cp Ps 106:47)
Is the giving of thanks abounding in your life and from your lips
beloved? If so, you can be
sure that the grace of God is spreading throughout your inner man,
permeating every crevice of your soul, exposing every hidden fault (cp Ps
19:12, 13-note).
Oh, for the grace empowered giving of thanks to abound from the lips of all
God's children so that all who are lost in darkness would see "the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (the living, life
giving Gospel) as His children let their grateful, grace filled lights shine
before men! (Mt 5:16-note)
John MacArthur reminds us
that...
Clearly, Paul’s goal was never his own
comfort, reputation, or popularity. Nor was it ultimately the salvation of
others. The final goal of Paul’s selfless, sacrificial service was that more
voices would be added to the hallelujah chorus of praise and worship to God.
The Lord’s servants bathe their hearts and souls in the light of God’s glory
reflected in the face of Jesus Christ. They then selflessly reflect that
majestic glory to others so that they can be saved and worship God. In the
words of Daniel 12:3-note,
Those who have insight will shine
brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead
the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
God’s astounding plan is to use common
clay pots (2Co 4:7) to carry the priceless treasure of the glorious gospel to needy
sinners. As they humbly, faithfully serve Him, His power flows through them
to others. The final result is that more and more people will worship and
glorify God, crying out,
To Him who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb,
Be blessing and honor and glory
and dominion forever and ever
(Rev
5:13-note).
(MacArthur,
J: 2Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press
or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Kruse sums up the purpose of
Paul's apostolic labors and sufferings...
We see here then both the
penultimate (for your sake) and the ultimate (to the
glory of God) purposes of Paul’s apostolic ministry (which) are (first) that
people should experience the grace of God (penultimate
purpose) and that as a result thanksgiving should be increased to the glory
of God (ultimate purpose). (Kruse, C. G. 2Corinthians: An
Introduction and Commentary Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press)
Phillips paraphrase conveys the heart of Paul (Phillips first
phrase from 2Co 4:16-note
is included to help "round out" the picture Paul intends to portray in this
very personalized section)...
The more grace God gives,
The more thanksgiving will redound to His glory.
This is the reason why we never collapse. |
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