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2 Corinthians 4:13-15
The power of God is at work in the Apostle Paul, and he overflows with the love of God working through him. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:13a (NKJV), “And since we have the same spirit of faith,”. This is in reference to Psalm 116:10 as the psalmist cries out to God for relief from his afflictions, and then gives praise to God as he recommits himself to God as he states in Psalm 116:16c, “You have loosed my bonds.” Not meaning that the same spirit that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead is the same spirit that works in us to give us life (as I stated in the previous lesson which I have removed and replaced with this lesson). This reference to Psalm 116:10 is relating to the same spirit that worked in the psalmist in his crying out to God is the same spirit/attitude that works in us today as we cry out to God.
Paul also answers a question that many people may ask, and that is, “Why would/does God do all this for us. It is to bring glory to Him as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:15, “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”
This is a promise and example that we can cry out to God in the same way as did those who believed in God many years before.
We all have afflictions in which we cry out to God to help us. This is not something to be embarrassed about but to be thankful that we worship and believe in a God who can actually help us in times of need. The Bible teaches us in Psalm 86:5 for all who are sincere to God, “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. God wants to hear from us in our time of need. He wants to help us, but first we must be sincere in our hearts to Him.
Dear LORD,
We thank You for hearing our prayers as we submit to You with our lives to seek Your will for us in all we are and all we do. We need Your help in this world to navigate its trials, tribulations, and afflictions. Please hear our cries to You and help us to understand that it is with a sincere heart to You that opens the door to our salvation – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.