Paul continues his discourse about gospel bearers in 2 Corinthians 4:13-15. This pericope or selection of text reveals God sustaining the message of Christ through his gospel bearers. Through faith and assurance of the risen Christ, the gospel bearers continue to proclaim the gospel despite hardships.
Paul extrapolates that the manifestation of Christ within the earthen vessels prompts gospel bearers to declare the gospel. Paul quotes a Psalmist who stated that his belief prompted him to speak. Therefore, in the same faith of the Psalmist, Paul bearing the same belief is prompted to speak. In this faith which exemplifies conviction in respect to one’s relationship to God, Paul maintains the belief or conviction and trust of the gospel. This trust propels him to not keep silent. He speaks with confidence, because he knows that he who raised Christ will also gather his believers to appear in his presence. He concludes that their ability to speak on Christ’s behalf allows people to receive the message with thanksgiving and abound in the glory of God.
Paul knew that the wasting away physically and emotionally could only be counteracted by having the living God within us. However, how does one maintain this living God within him or her? Paul addresses this as well. We are able, but more importantly, I am able to maintain the living God within me, by my faith and belief in Christ. As faith and belief has been defined, it is my conviction of the truth, trust, and holy fervor that reside in my inner being which ensures that God lives within me. The Lord possesses the heavier workload as he extends his power to compensate for my weakness. Despite this certainty, my response needs to be “I believe, so I speak”. Today’s Christians should also proclaim this response as we embrace the message of Paul.
Continue Reading: Gospel Bearers Pt.III
