Articles
2Corinthians 02 - Therefore We Also Speak
Therefore We Also Speak
But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. (2Corinthians 4:13-14)
Paul quotes, in the above text, from Psalm 116:10. Paul, like the Psalmist, reasons that because he believes, he speaks what needs to be said even if it brought afflictions which even endangered his life (2Corinthians 4:11-13). This must be our attitude, too. This certainly was the attitude of all of the people of faith mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Many of those listed, did lose their lives because they believed. Even those who did not directly lose their lives suffered various persecutions and hardships. This happened because they all believed the right thing—the truth of God and the fact that God is almighty.
A prerequisite for us, of course, is that we also believe the right thing. We can believe in God’s power because of the vast amount of proof. We can believe in His truth, and we, like Paul and his companions, can speak His truth in word and in deed. Even though we believe, there may be times not to speak (Matthew 27:12), however, when speaking the truth properly, we put to silence foolish men (1Peter 2:15).
We believe men must believe and be baptized in order to be saved (Mark 16:16). This is the truth of the Christ’s own words, therefore we speak it regardless of the consequence.
We believe that, if saved, it will be through the word and obedience to it and not through some miraculous action (Matthew 4:4; Romans 1:16; John 8:32). This is the clear teaching of God’s word, therefore we speak this.
We believe that it takes the blood of Jesus to cleanse men from their sins (Romans 5:8,9; Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 9:28). We see the evidence and the explanation within God’s word, therefore we speak about it.
We believe that men must reach this blood—the blood of the Christ—to be saved and that it is reached in the water of baptism in the likeness of His death and resurrection through the response of a good heart seeking a good conscience (Romans 6:1-4; 1Peter 3:21). We speak.
We believe that people who hear, believe and are baptized become God’s children and are “in” Christ (Galatians 3:26,27). Therefore we say that God's children are in His family, the church (1Timothy 3:14,15). We believe that there is salvation in no other (Acts 4:12), therefore we speak.
We believe that Jesus has one family—the He built one church (Matthew 16:18). God says that His family is not made up of various factions (1Corinthians 1:10-31). We say, too, and insist that His church is better than any church built by anyone else.
We believe that Christians must assemble together and engage in fellowship with God and with one another, worshipping God and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25). We therefore speak.
We believe that Christians must give—lay by in store—as they have been prospered (1Corinthians 16:1,2). Many do not like to give. Many choose to “fund-raise.” God said for each of us to purpose in our hearts to give, therefore we speak this, no matter how unpopular it may be to some.
We believe the local church is God’s organization to do the work he authorized it to do (Acts 6:1-5). In speaking, we insist, therefore, that the church do the work it is supposed to do and that in all things respect the authority of the scriptures.
We believe there is a work for each and every individual Christian other than the collective work of the Christians as a body (1Timothy 5:16). Therefore we speak this, much to the chagrin of those who want to let the “church” take care of everything.
We believe that men must not go beyond that which is written (2John 9) and work outside the authority of God’s word. This is why we endeavor to be speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where the Bible is silent.
We believe that Christians must live godly lives (Titus 2:11,12; Philippians 2:14). Many purported “religious” people claim that the deeds which are done in this life do not matter, however, God states that this is not the case, therefore we talk about the importance of being holy.
We believe that there will be a judgment (2Corinthians 5:10). We will be judged by our deeds in respect to God’s words (Romans 2:5-10; John 12:48). Therefore we speak, insisting on making preparation.
We believe, therefore we speak.
- 2Corithinans_02_-_We_Speak.pdf (590.15 kB)
