Today we return again to such a fundamental concept as faith. In the Bible this word most often means not simply trust in some information, but...
Today we return again to such a fundamental concept as faith. In the Bible this word most often means not simply trust in some information, but the ability at a critical moment to "take hold" of God, to lean on Him as on a firm pillar or rock.
Today's story about the Roman officer who asked Jesus to heal his servant, and whom Christ sets as an example for His disciples, illustrates this well. He is a military man, trained in army discipline, and he is absolutely certain that his order will be carried out, just as he himself is ready to carry out the order of his commander. In his relationship with God, such confidence rests not on discipline and military order, where a soldier is punished with death for disobedience, but on something no less strong: namely, on faith.
Strictly speaking, when Scripture speaks about faith, it is speaking about faith that is stronger even than death, so that the sick are healed and the dead are raised.
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1:8 We would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the trouble which befell us in Asia - Probably the same which is described in the nineteenth chapter of the Acts Act 19:1. The Corinthians knew before that he had been in trouble: henow declares the greatness and the fruit of it. We were exceedingly pressed, above our strength - Above the ordinary strength even of an apostle.
1:9 Yea, we had the sentence of death in ourselves - We ourselves expected nothing but death.
1:10 We trust that he will still deliver - That we may at length be able to come to you.
1:11 You likewise - As well as other churches. Helping with us by prayer, that for the gift - Namely, my deliverance.Bestowed upon us by means of many persons - Praying for it, thanks may be given by many.