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1 Peter 1:7 – Genuine Refined Faith

Posted on October 7, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:7

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Truth to Learn

Difficult times in our lives strengthen our faith which results in praise, honor, and glory to God.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “that” is hina which could be translated as “with the intent that …” It is referring to “various trials.” In other words, the intent of these trials is that our faith may result in praise, honor, and glory to God.

The word translated “genuineness” is dokimion, which is an expression of worth and is thus translated “genuineness” or “worthiness.” It is related to the verb translated here as “tested.” This verb is dokimadzō, which means “to assay” or “to test for the purpose of finding value.” This testing is not intended to find fault but to determine something’s greatness.

“More precious” is the translation of the Greek word timiōteron, the comparative form of timeos, which means “valuable, costly, or honored.” Hence, the comparative means “more valuable” or “more honored.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse can be confusing if not analyzed carefully. Let’s look at it phrase by phrase:

“That the genuineness of your faith” – The intent of the various trials that we undergo is to assay, or evaluate our faith. It is an evaluation whose purpose is to determine the goodness, or value of our faith, not the badness or weakness of our faith.

“being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire” – Peter is not saying that your faith is much more precious than gold (though that may well be true), rather he is saying that the genuineness of your faith is more precious. Peter is saying that God values a stronger, more genuine faith over a weak, ineffective faith.

But, why does Peter refer to Gold as perishable? Isn’t gold a metal that doesn’t corrode? Isn’t it enduring? We have all heard the explanation of the golden ring in a wedding ceremony as a symbol of the eternal love that exists between Christ and His bride, the church. It is a “symbol” of this eternal love, it is not eternal itself. In fact, gold is a soft metal that wears away easily and which will disappear with the rest of creation at the end of time. The trial of our faith will produce eternal results and the genuineness of our faith can only be ascertained through trial.

“may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” – The reason for our rejoicing and the reason for the proving of our faith is that it might result in praise and honor and glory, not to us, but to the author and finisher of our faith when he comes back to claim us as His own.

Application

Compare this with what James said about this very subject in James 1:2, “My brothers, count it all joy when you encounter various trials.” We can count it all joy because we know that through these trials our faith is being purified, made stronger and more valuable. And, these trials will ultimately result in praise to God! After all, isn’t that what we all want?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:6 – Rejoice in Adversity

Posted on October 6, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:6

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

Truth to Learn

Even in the midst of difficult times we should be rejoicing that God has secured our salvation, forever!

Behind the Words

The word “rejoice” is translated from the Greek word agalliaō, which is a compound of agan, meaning “much” and a form of hallomai, meaning “to leap.” Hence, it literally means “much leaping.” By application, it refers to abundant joyful celebration. The word is used here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, indicating current, continuous action. Therefore, we could translate this as, “you are currently greatly rejoicing.”

The phrase “you have been grieved” is from the Greek word, lupeo which means “to be in distress” or “to be sad.”

“Various” is translated from poikilos, which means “variegated.” This is the word used to describe the skin of a leopard or the different colored shadings in marble. Hence, though the word “various” is an accurate translation, it refers to “various different kinds,” not just “a number of.”

The word “trials” is from the Greek word peirasmos which can mean “to entice” or “to tempt.” By implication it means temptations or adversities in general. This is different from the word translated “tested” in the following verse (dokimadzō), which means “to test or evaluate in order to ascertain value.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is saying, “In this new birth, which can’t be lost, and this guaranteed salvation which you have, you are greatly rejoicing …” He is not so much making a doctrinal statement as he is making a statement of fact. Apparently the people to whom he is writing had already demonstrated their rejoicing in their salvation and inheritance. And this is made even more noteworthy considering the trials that they were currently undergoing.

So what Peter is saying is that these people were rejoicing in the assurances they have from God in spite of the fact that they were currently undergoing distress or sadness from the temptations and adversities that they were suffering. It is clear from the next verse that they were not sad as a result of being tempted to do evil. They were saddened by the pain of the adversity they were undergoing, even though this adversity was causing their faith to be strengthened.

As Paul said:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Application

We all undergo adversities and trials in our Christian walk. One of the keys to peace and happiness is the realization that these are only temporary and they may result in even greater glory as we allow them to refine our faith and give the glory to God alone.

Are you undergoing adversities which are producing sadness in your life? Peter says, “Rejoice!”

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:5 – Guardian of Salvation

Posted on October 5, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:5

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Truth to Learn

God is guarding our salvation and will not allow it to be lost.

Behind the Words

“Kept” is translated from the Greek word phroureō, which is a compound of pro, meaning “in front of or before” and horao, meaning “to stare at or to attend to.” Hence, this word means “to be a watcher in front of,” that is “to guard something” like a soldier keeps guard as a protector. This verb is expressed in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which indicates current, continuous action.

The word translated “power” is dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “the ability to do something,” or “power.”

“Ready” is from the Greek word hetoimos, which refers to “a state of readiness or preparedness.”

The word “last” is translated from eschatos, meaning “the farthest, most remote, or final.” This is a reference to the end of time as we know it when eternity will be ushered in.

Meaning Explained

This verse is an extension of the previous verse and serves to corroborate and reinforce what was said there. What Peter is telling us is that through our faith, God guards us with the end result being our salvation which will be revealed at the end of time. Since there is no one stronger than God, he will not lose us. Even we are not able to escape his guardianship ourselves. We could not walk away even if we wanted to because He is guarding us (we cannot lose or give-up this salvation which He has given us and which He is guarding.)

Compare this with what is said in the following verses:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Timothy 4:18)

So we see that the first 5 verses of 1 Peter are a strong treatise on the doctrines of election and eternal security. It seems amazing to me that there are so many Christians who refuse to believe the message God has clearly given us regarding these two doctrines. We want to believe in eternal security though we don’t feel like we deserve it because we’re so sinful; and we don’t want to believe in election because we feel like it isn’t fair!

Application

Instead of getting hung-up about the doctrines of election and eternal security, we simply need to accept these teachings by faith and praise God continually for His mercy and grace!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:4 – Eternal Inheritance

Posted on October 2, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:4

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Truth to Learn

Our inheritance, as born again children of God, is guaranteed for us, and it will never be taken away from us.

Behind the Words

The word translated “inheritance” is klēronomia, which is made up of klēros, referring to “a lot” or “a share” and a form of nemō, meaning “to hold” or “to have in one’s power.” It is a reference to being in possession of a share of someone’s estate (in this case, God’s estate).

“Incorruptible” is from the Greek word aphthartos, which is a compound word of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of phtheirō, meaning “to corrupt” or “to destroy” or “to cause to waste away.” Hence, aphthartos refers to “something that does not waste away and cannot be destroyed.”

The word translated “undefiled” is amiantos, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of miainō, which means “to stain, to pollute, or to defile.” Hence, amiantos refers to “that which is pure, clean, and unpolluted.”

The expression “that does not fade away” is translated from amarantos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of marainō, meaning “to extinguish, to go out, to dry up, or to fade away.” Hence it refers to “something that is perpetual and does not diminish at all with time.”

Meaning Explained

According to Ephesians 1:5 our predestination results in our adoption by Jesus Christ himself:

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

And, in Ephesians 1:11 Paul says that we’ve received an inheritance from that predestination:

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Now Peter says that the inheritance which results from our being born again cannot be destroyed, is unpolluted, and does not diminish with time. Like Paul told us in Ephesians 1:14:

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

We have the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance, so Peter now tells us that the inheritance that we already have rights to cannot fade away or diminish. It is eternal!

Application

Here in the first 4 verses of 1 Peter we are instructed that not only were we chosen by God to obtain this salvation, but that it is irrevocable and will never disappear (in other words, we can never lose our salvation!)

No wonder Peter is so full of praise to God. We should be as well!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:3 – Spiritual Birth

Posted on October 1, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Truth to Learn

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have spiritual life.

Behind the Words

“Blessed” is translated from eulogētos, which is an adjective form of the verb eulogeō, meaning “to say good words.” It is the word from which we get our English word eulogy, which is a message of good words, or praise about someone. Hence, eulogētos means “well spoken of” or “honored.” In the New Testament this word is only used of God.

The expression “has begotten us again” is translated from the Greek word anagennaō. This a compound word made up of ana, meaning “again” and gennaō, meaning “to give birth.” Hence it means “to give birth again.” The verb is expressed here in the aorist tense, implying action that was performed at a point in time in the past.

“Living” is translated from dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” It is expressed here as a participle describing “hope.” Hence it refers to “a living hope” or “a hope that is alive.”

Meaning Explained

Peter starts this verse with an expression of praise to God, declaring His blessedness. The reason for his praise of the Father is that He “gave birth to us again.” This is essentially the same as the expression that Christ used when He said to Nicodemus in John 3:3:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Peter is clearly giving praise to God the Father for His mercy through which He has born us again. As Jesus described to Nicodemus, this is not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual rebirth. Peter is clearly connecting our election by God the Father with our spiritual birth. His point is clearly that our spiritual birth is not something we did any more than our physical birth was. God chose us and God gave us spiritual life.

The result of our being born again is a hope that is alive. It is not mere speculation or hopeful anticipation that we have, but a living assurance. The Pharisees believed in the hope of a resurrection, but their hope was a dead hope. They lived under the condemnation of the law and were held under the law without mercy. But, because of God’s mercy, we are freed from the condemnation of the law.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead and is living today, God’s promise is that we shall also be raised from the dead physically and we have already been given life spiritually. So, not only do we have the hope of eternal life, but we have spiritual life and fellowship with the Father right now!

Application

Peter is proclaiming in this one verse what should be the proclamation of every Christian today: though I am deserving of hell fire, God in his mercy has chosen me and has given me spiritual life, and assurance of life for all eternity.

Praise God!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:2 – God Selected

Posted on September 30, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:2

elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Truth to Learn

God chose us to be saved.

Behind the Words

“Elect” is translated from the Greek word eklectos, meaning “one who is selected or chosen.” It is from the verb eklegō, which means “to select or chose through thoughtful and deliberate consideration.”

The word translated “foreknowledge” is translated from prognōsis, a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before” and a form of ginōskō, which means “to know.” Hence, it means “to have knowledge or recognition of something before it occurs.”

Meaning Explained

I’m going to take a risky walk across some thorny ground on today’s verse. Not because I believe this verse is unclear or not corroborated by the rest of scripture (which it most certainly is), but because the whole doctrine of election, of God’s choosing us to be saved, is much argued. The Biblical Scholar Albert Barnes once said the following in reference to the Apostle Paul’s teaching on election:

There is no doctrine that is usually so unpopular; none that is so much reproached; none that is so much abused. There is none that people desire so much to disbelieve or avoid; none that they are so unwilling to have preached; and none that they are so reluctant to find in the Scriptures. Even many Christians turn away from it with dread; or if they “tolerate” it, they yet feel that there is something about it that is especially dark and forbidding. Not so felt Paul. He felt that it laid the foundation for eternal praise; that it presented glorious views of God; that it was the ground of confidence and hope; and that it was desirable that Christians should dwell upon it and praise God for it.

Peter, here, makes no excuse for God’s actions but states very simply that we are, “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God …” He does not state what it was that God foreknew about us. Some have speculated that he foreknew who would accept his offer of salvation and, therefore, chose them, but if that were true then it would no longer be God’s choice, would it? We don’t know what it was about us that God foreknew which caused him to choose us. What we do know is that it isn’t fair! If God were fair we would get what we deserve, eternity in the lake of fire.

God the Father is only one part of the Godhead who was involved in our salvation, however. The other two members of the Godhead were involved as well. The Father chose, the Spirit sanctified, that is, He made us holy and pure, He set us apart and baptized (placed) us into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13) resulting in obedience, and Jesus, the Son, sprinkled us with His blood, marking us as His own and ceremonially cleansing us of our sin. All this, and much more, occurred when we were saved.

Application

Nothing is so humbling and so motivating to service than the realization that God chose me to be His child, not because I deserved it, but simply because He decided to.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:1 – From Peter, To All Christians

Posted on September 28, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 1:1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Truth to Learn

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins then this letter, written by the Apostle Peter, is for you.

Behind the Words

The word translated “pilgrims” is parepidēmois, which is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “beside, near, or close to,” epi, meaning “over, upon, or among,” and dēmos, meaning “a people.” This word literally refers to someone who has become integrated among a nation of people. Hence, its full meaning is a foreigner who has settled down, however briefly, next to or among the native people.

“Dispersion” is translated from the Greek word diasporas, which literally refers to “the dispersion.” This is the same term used by James in the opening of his letter. It is a specific reference to Jews as they were dispersed throughout the world since the Babylonian captivity.

Meaning Explained

Peter opens this letter with a typical salutation indicating, first off, who the letter is from. Historically, there never has been any doubt as to who this letter was from. The unvarying testimony of history, and the uniform belief of the church, both ascribe this Epistle to Peter. Indeed, there is likely no ancient writing whatever of which there is more certainty in regard to its authorship.

Having identified who the letter is from, Peter now identifies who the letter is to. Since the expression “pilgrims of the dispersion” refers specifically to Jews, we have to ask ourselves, “Was this letter written to Jews or to Christians?” As you will discover from reading the book of Acts, most early converts to Christianity were Jews. Because of this, many people in the first century, especially Jews, considered Christianity simply a sect of Judaism. 1 Peter 1:3 makes it clear, however, that he is writing to Jews of the dispersion who are also believers in the resurrection of Christ (who … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead).

The specific Christians Peter is writing to were those who lived in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were all provinces of Asia Minor which are in present day Turkey, the area of the world first evangelized by the Apostle Paul and his associates.

The Greek text actually contains an additional word before parepidemois, which is the word eklektois, meaning “chosen ones” or “the elect”. Hence, this passage should really read, “to the chosen pilgrims of the dispersion …” In order to make the next verse easier to understand, however, the translators moved the word “chosen” to the beginning of the next verse.

Application

Even though this letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to Jews who had become Christians living in Asia Minor, the truths that Peter teaches in this letter apply to all Christians throughout history, in all parts of the world. This letter is to you, my sister or brother in Christ!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

Galatians 6:18 – Grace!

Posted on April 1, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:18

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Truth to Learn

There is no excuse now for being caught-up in legalistic practices in our communion with and worship of God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “grace” is the Greek noun charis, which comes from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” The noun refers to “a favor done without expectation of return which causes joy, pleasure, or gratification.” Specifically, it refers to the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men, finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of God. It is sometimes expressed as unearned or unmerited favor.

Meaning Explained

Paul has used great wisdom and knowledge given him by God to lay out very clearly the fact that salvation is by God’s grace alone. He has shown that the acquiring, securing, or preserving of our salvation has everything to do with God’s grace and nothing to do with our actions or obedience. He has been specifically pointed in his remarks against the teaching that circumcision, or any other formal observance of the law, is required for salvation.

Based on the clarity, thoroughness, and force of Paul’s arguments, one would expect that this issue would have been settled for the church once and for all. Unfortunately, history has proven otherwise. Legalism is alive and well within our churches today like never before. Sunday after Sunday, messages are proclaimed from pulpits around the world declaring that confirmation, baptism, church membership, and/or obedience to a set of rules are necessary for salvation, that the law is the believer’s rule of life, and that we are saved by faith but kept by works.

Surely we can all see the trappings of Judaism, which have been brought over into Christianity through a humanly ordained priesthood, with its distinctive clothing and isolation from common Christians. We also see it in church buildings patterned after the Old Testament temple with their elaborate and costly decorations and a church calendar supporting and even enforcing observances, feasts, and fasts.

Some of the modern day legalists even go so far as to declare that there is a difference between the ceremonial law, which they say we needn’t keep, and the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, which they say we must keep if we are to truly be saved. In contrast to this, Paul refers to the Ten Commandments as “a ministry of death” in 2 Corinthians 3:7. Paul makes it quite clear that legalistic observances produce death, whereas the grace of God alone produces eternal life.

Application

Instead of trying to please God with our works of obedience, let us simply humble ourselves before Him who knows us better than we know ourselves. Let us commit to serving our Lord and Master in the way He leads rather than the way we want. Let us listen intently to Him through regular reading and studying of His Word and through constant prayer, confessing our sins and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives.

And, above all, let us seek praise and glory for Him alone!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 6:17 – Marked for Christ

Posted on March 31, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:17

From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Truth to Learn

We should all display the evidence of our salvation and be proud to be identified with Christ.

Behind the Words

“From now on” is translated from the words tou loipou, which literally translate to “of the remaining.” In this situation, it is used in reference to time. Hence, it means “for the remainder of time,” or, as it is translated here, “from now on.”

The verb “trouble” is translated from two Greek words, parechō and kopos. Parechō is a compound word made up of para, meaning “unto, at, or near” and echō, which means “to have or hold.” Therefore, it means “to hold out to someone” or “to present to someone.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command, hence the word “let.”

The other Greek word kopos is the noun form of the verb koptō, meaning to strike. This word refers to “a beating” and is used to express the beating of one’s chest as a sign of grief. By usage it has come to mean the grief or hardship that someone feels as a result of what someone else has done to them. If we combine kopos and parechō we see that Paul is saying, “let no one give me any grief.”

Finally, “marks” is translated from stigma, which is the noun form of the verb stidzō, meaning “to make a puncture or a mark.” It refers to a mark, brand or tatoo that identifies ownership of a slave. In Paul’s case he is most likely referring to the scars on his body which he received from the Jews, as he tells us in his second letter to the Corinthians:

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. (2Corinthians 11:24)

Meaning Explained

Paul has made a masterful defense of salvation by grace apart from the works of the law and he has shown that, not only do works not produce salvation; they do not complete or secure salvation either. Hence, Paul now proclaims that he has thoroughly debunked the legalistic doctrine of the false teachers; therefore no one should trouble him with this questionable teaching ever again.

The false teachers taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul has said that this mark in the flesh means nothing. Instead, it is the submission to God and belief in the crucified Messiah that brings about salvation. And, Paul’s final proclamation is that his ownership by God is evident, not by the mark of his circumcision, but by the marks of the beatings which he received as a result of his witness for Christ. The false teachers were afraid of persecution by the Jews, but Paul was proud of the persecution he had suffered and wore the evidence of such persecution as a badge of honor and brand of ownership by Jesus Christ.

Application

Any Christian who has fully submitted himself or herself to God through Jesus Christ should gladly display the evidence of salvation to those around them.

Is the mark of your salvation evident to those around you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 6:16 – Faith March

Posted on March 27, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:16

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Truth to Learn

Peace and mercy are upon those who walk by faith.

Behind the Words

The opening words of this verse “as many as” are translated from the Greek word osoi. This is the same way Paul started verse 12 and it may be seen as a contrast between the two. That is, he is contrasting those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh with those who walk according to this rule.

The word translated “walk” is stoicheō. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary this word means “To stand or go in order, advance in rows or ranks.” It is a military term referring to the rows, or ranks, of soldiers all marching in step. In the New Testament this word is used figuratively to mean to walk orderly. In this verse the word is written in the future tense so the opening part of this verse could be translated as, “And as many as will walk according to this rule …”

“Rule” is translated from kanōn, which is derived from kanē, meaning a reed or cane. It refers to anything straight which is used in examining or measuring other things. As used here, it refers to a rule of conduct. Incidentally, it is also the word used as a technical term for those accepted books of the Bible which are considered inspired, the canon of Scripture.

Meaning Explained

There is some question as to specifically what rule Paul is referring to in this verse. It could be that he is referring to the central doctrine of this letter, that man is saved and declared righteous by God through faith, not works of law. Or, he could be referring to the previous verse where he declared that neither circumcision nor the lack thereof matter at all regarding salvation, the new creation is what really matters. Although there is only a subtle difference between the two, it appears that he is tying this thought with the previous verse and contrasting those who live out their Christianity by the new birth, through faith, with those who attempt to please God with outward fleshly acts of obedience (verse 12).

Paul’s use of the word stoicheō shows that he is not referring to wandering through this life in a willy-nilly manner. Instead, he sees the Christian walk as being united with other Christians and done in an orderly, mutually supportive manner. We do not face the world and our adversary alone, but as an army of God marching with unity and strength. It is this type of daily walk that results in the peace of God and an appreciation for His mercy.

Finally, Paul proclaims the blessing of peace and mercy on the Israel of God. That is, the spiritual Israel (the seed by faith), his called ones, not the Israel of the flesh.

Application

It should be obvious to us all by now, Paul teaches that the source of blessing from God is through a life of faith. Acts of contrition and obeying rules carry no weight with Him.

Therefore, let us all walk together by faith, not by observance of the law and manmade church rules!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –