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 (2 Corinthians 4:13, KJV)

Paul asserts that “we,” the believers in Christ, possess the same “spirit of faith.” He quotes Psalm 116:10: “I believed, and therefore have I spoken.” So, what is the ‘spirit of faith’?

Interestingly, Bible scholars have differing views on the term “spirit” in this context. Some suggest that it refers to the Holy Spirit, who is indeed the spirit of faith in the same sense as He is the spirit of wisdom and the spirit of power(Isaiah 11:2-3). Others interpret it as the attitude of faith.

Several factors indicate that “spirit” here likely refers to an attitude of faith. First, Paul cites Psalm 116:10, which primarily describes the Psalmist’s attitude of believing in God and proclaiming that belief amid challenges. Second, the term “same” implies that Paul considers the Psalmist to have had the same “spirit.” Paul defines this spirit with the phrase, “According as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.”

While the Holy Spirit is the one who engenders faith in our hearts, interpreting this verse as referring to Him would be imposing an external truth onto it—Biblical truth but external in this verse.

In essence, the spirit of faith is the attitude of trusting God despite facing great difficulties and verbalizing what you believe. This interpretation aligns with Paul’s use of the term in 2 Corinthians 12:18: “Did Titus make a gain of you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps?” (2 Corinthians 12:18, KJV).

Walk in this spirit of faith. Regardless of the circumstances, stand firm on God’s Word: believe it and speak it. This heart-mouth connection is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, vital for our faith journey (e.g., Mark 11:23, Romans 10:9-10).

Meditate

Reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:13 and consider how it applies to your life.

Apply the Word

Identify what God says about your challenges, accept it as true, and confess it over your life. This is how you achieve victory in this world (1 John 5:4).

Pray

Ask the Spirit to help you walk in the spirit of faith.

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