April 4, 2016: SOAP #2314:

Scripture: 2Corinthians (NIV) 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore, I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 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.

Observation: Paul was quoting David from Psalm 116:10. What is believed in the heart finds expression in our words and actions. Hope is a general attitude that all things will work together for good to those who love the Lord. (Romans 8:28) Faith is a confident mental assurance that a specific thing will come to pass. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith acts like it is already accomplished even before it is fulfilled. Paul’s faith in the above verses is that after death both he and the Corinthian believers will be together in God’s Presence.

Application: What difference does such faith make? From verses 16-18 I get the following three applications: 1. I am not to let things discourage me because what is happening in me is much more important than what is happening to me! 2. Present trouble is preparing me for greater future glory! 3. I need to focus my attention more on the eternal things of God’s kingdom rather than the temporary things of this earthly life.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, what a difference it makes when I set my mind to think within the boundaries set above. As I matured mentally and physically I learned to color within the lines of the pictures. As I mature spiritually help me to think within the lines given in your Word. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!