Definition: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 2 Corinthians 1:9. It’s a really powerful message about our relationship with God and how to navigate life's challenges. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: We’re facing a situation where we feel like we can’t do anything on our own – that we are utterly dependent on ourselves. It’s a feeling of vulnerability and fear. Let's unpack the parts: “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves…” : This is a really significant phrase. "Death" isn’t literal, but it represents a loss – a feeling of hopelessness, inadequacy, or even despair. We feel like we’re at the bottom of something and that our problems are insurmountable. We've recognized that we can’t handle things alone. “…that we should not trust in ourselves…” : This is the core of the verse. It means we need to shift our focus away from trying to solve everything for ourselves . We’re letting our own limited abilities and resources cloud our judgment. “but in God which raiseth the dead” : This is where the key message comes in. "Raiseth the dead" – this is a very poetic image. It means God, through His power and grace, lifts us up to overcome challenges that we can't handle on our own. It’s about a divine intervention that rescues us from our struggles. So, what does it mean practically? It’s a call to: Trust in God: We need to rely on God for strength and guidance rather than trying to solve problems ourselves. Recognize our dependence on Him: We are not independent; we are created by God and need His help. Let go of self-reliance: Don’t try to do everything yourself – that's a recipe for failure. In essence, this verse is a reminder that we are called to submit to God’s will and allow Him to be the one who brings us through difficult times. Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain it further with an example? Discuss what this verse might mean in a specific context (like when we're facing a challenge at work or in our relationships)?