2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe… I. First, A MAN MUST HAVE FAITH BEFORE HE CAN HOPE TO SPEAK SUCCESSFULLY. Believing deeply must go before speaking heartily. Take it with regard to any department of human science; suppose a man did not believe in the principles of astronomy or of geology, and yet pretended to teach these sciences, his heartlessness would quickly make his teaching useless. For suppose a man not to have this faith, how often will his judgment be at fault; how often will his spirit fail in the day of adversity; how often will his zeal expend itself in worthless objects. II. THAT IN PROPORTION TO OUR FAITH WILL BE THE ENERGY OF OUR SPEECH. Peter and John believed, when they stood calm and self-reliant before the Sanhedrim. Whitfield and Wesley believed when they roused the religious convictions, and awakened the dormant consciences of this country in the last century. III. WHEN A MAN BELIEVES, HE IS BOUND TO SPEAK. It is a heaven prescribed duty; his soul-enshrined obligation. The whole problem of human progress hinges upon this obligation. It is "a day of good tidings; and we do not well if we hold our peace." (W. G. Barrett.) Parallel Verses 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; |
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