For all God's promises are "Yes" in him.

.... And so through him we can say "Amen," to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20). As always, words like “for” and “therefore” link a verse to its context.  Paul had told the Corinthians that he would visit them, but had been hindered from doing so. I seems some were saying that he was fickle, that his “yes” was  really “no” (verses 17, 18). He denies this, but takes the opportunity, with this morning's verse,  to say that when God makes a promise,  there is  nothing in all of creation that can hinder Him from coming through. In other words when God says He will do something, He will do it, come hell or high water! The difference between God and us, is well, He is God and He is in control.  And He is always able to do what He says He will do (Romans 4:21)!

Of course, there are going to be times when we give our “yes,” fully intending, as Paul did, to do what we say.  We are not in control however, if for example we get knocked down on a way to a meeting, we might not be able to make it. Having said that,  our “yes,” should certainly be “yes.” For the Christian there should be no need to swear on a stack of Bibles that you will do something. Jesus put it this way “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).  In other words we Christians should have the reputation of saying what we  mean,  and meaning what we say. Others should be able to take our plain and simple words to the bank!

The word “Amen” is an interesting word. In the context here, Paul is saying that we can say Amen to God's promises, and what that means is twofold. Firstly we are saying it is sure, and secondly that we are taking the substance of the promise to heart. There are two kinds of promises, God's unconditional promises i.e. “Never again will will I flood the whole earth” (Genesis 9:11). Then there are the conditional “if – then” promises. For example “If you continue in my Word, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32). If you say “Amen” to this promise, you are agreeing to continue in His Word, holding fast to His teachings and living in accordance with them (Amplified Bible version). For such promises,  if we do our part, He will do His, Amen. 

Father, Lord Jesus, I want to thank You this morning that Your exceedingly great and precious promises are Yes and Amen. Thank You for the unconditional promise and assurance that You have given in verse 22, showing that our salvation is secure. Paul tells us there that You have “sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” Thank You too Lord,  that You have qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12). Your promises are sure Amen. What You have promised You are able, and You will perform (Romans 4:21; Jeremiah 33:14). Amen, Amen and Amen