January 16 PM

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken: we believe, and therefore speak. 2 Cor. 4:13.

We should greatly admire these phrases, according as it is written—according to the scriptures. If our faith is not founded upon and agreeable to these, it is only a fanciful delusion. “The same spirit of faith.” With whom? St. Paul ever has his eye upon Christ. He refers to Psalm 116:10, where Christ speaks by the mouth of David. But what need had Christ of faith? never forget that he was perfect man, like unto us. As such, all the graces of the Spirit dwelt in him. Faith, in his Father’s promises; hope, in his love; delight, in his law; zeal, for his glory; holy fear and reverence of his name. You see the whole chain of graces in that word, “who in the days of his flesh, when he offered up prayers and supplications, with strong cryings and tears, unto him who was able to save him from death; and was heard in that he feared.” (Heb. 5:7.) Here is faith in the ability of God, hope in him, prayer to him, fear of him, etc. This is joyful to consider; there is not a grace in us, but what was in Christ our head, and flows to us from him. “The Spirit of faith.” It is a spiritual gift; it is a lively grace. It is not a dead notion in the head, but it brings the enjoyment of God into the heart. If we share in the graces of Christ on earth, we shall, surely, enjoy his kingdom in glory. See the genuine effects of faith. We believe, and therefore speak. Faith in the heart, opens the lips. We shall speak, (1st.) To God the Father, as to our Father, with the holy boldness and loving confidence of children. We shall delight to draw near to him, to tell him of our sorrows, our enemies, our sins, etc., yea, of all that is in our hearts. “For like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” (Psalm 103:13.) (2d.) For the glory of God, we shall speak of his everlasting, electing love, the freeness of his sovereign grace, and the riches of his abundant mercy, in giving his Son to be our Saviour. (3d.) We shall speak of his Son’s redemption of us from all sin; the glory of his righteousness, in justifying us from all condemnation; and everlastingly saving us from sin to holiness, from hell to heaven. Lastly, we shall speak to the glory of the Spirit, for quickening our dead souls, and making us happy in the Father’s love, and the Son’s salvation. Such is the spirit of faith. Lord, help our unbelief! Lord, increase our faith!

When we pray, or when we sing,

Or read, or speak, or hear,

Or do any holy thing,

Be this our constant care:

With a fixt habitual faith,

Jesus Christ to keep in view,

Trusting wholly in his death

In all we ask or do.