Young Adults' Group

The Deliverance Of God

by Pastor Mark
November 16, 2017

Paul’s understanding of deliverance

In his life and ministry, the Apostle Paul encountered many challenging circumstances…even life-threatening ones. But Paul would always look to God for His deliverance. When Paul wrote his epistle to the Philippian brethren, he was very confident that he would be delivered from prison, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” (Phil 1:19) The Lord would have intimated to Paul this understanding that he would be delivered. He knew he would be delivered through the prayer of the brethren. Their prayers mattered to Paul. He would also be delivered through the supply of the Spirit of Christ. The Greek word for “supply” is “epichoregia” which means “strong support”. The Spirit of Christ, who is also known as “another Comforter,” would give strong support and help to Paul and to bring about His deliverance.

The place of faith and trust in seeking the Lord’s deliverance

Paul gave greater insight concerning the place of faith in seeking the Lord’s deliverance in his epistle to the Corinthian church. He was sharing with the brethren about his troubles when he was in Asia Minor. The circumstances were so adverse that they feared for their lives and were despairing of life…everything seemed so overwhelming. (2 Cor 1:8) Their lives were in grave danger.

Yet, Paul was able to place his absolute trust in the Lord, “that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,” (2 Cor 1:9) The word “trust” in Greek is “peitho” which means “persuade”. There is the use of the perfect tense. Paul, having already been persuaded, was able to place his trust in the Lord and not in himself. Let us be challenged to cultivate this kind of faith and trust in the Lord.

A strong trust in the deliverance of God

Paul was able to write about his strong trust in the Lord for His deliverance.

1. Reflecting on the deliverance of God in the past

“who delivered us from so great a death,” (2 Cor 1:10)

The Greek word “rhoumai” means “to save or rescue”.  Paul used the aorist tense to indicate that God had rescued him in the past. His life was severely threatened and yet God saved him out of such a great death. Let us reflect on God’s deliverance in the past.

2. Relying on the deliverance of God in the present

“and does deliver us;” (2 Cor 1:10)

As much as the Lord had delivered in the past, He continues to deliver in the present. Paul was able to continue to rely on the Lord’s deliverance in his present circumstances. He used the present tense to indicate continuity of deliverance. Let us be challenged to rely on the Lord’s deliverance in the present troubles of life.

3. Resolute hope in the deliverance of God in the future

“in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,” (2 Cor 1:10)

The word “trust” here in the Greek is “elpizo” which means “hope”. As Paul looked to the future deliverance of God, he had hope in Him. Through this hope, there will come trust in the Lord and His future deliverance. Let us be challenged to have such a dynamic understanding of the deliverance of God and how we should apply our faith and trust in Him.

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