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1 Corinthians 1:4 – Give Him Your Best

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Will

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

Truth to Learn

We should give our best to any ministry we are involved in.

Behind the Words

“I thank” is translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which means “to be thankful,” “to show oneself grateful,” or “to give thanks.” It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and charidzomai, meaning “to grant as a favor.” This word is also used as giving thanks before eating a meal as in Acts 27:35.

The word translated “always” is pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, which carries the idea of “oneness and a totality of the whole” and tote, meaning “at which time.” Put together, this word expresses the idea of “all the time” or “always.”

“Given” is from a form of the verb didōmi, which means “to give.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. Thus, it indicates something given to the subject (you) in the past.

The Greek word translated “by” is en. Although by implication this word can show instrumentality (by), its basic meaning is positional (in). Therefore, this indicates that the grace that we were given is “in Christ Jesus.”

Meaning Explained

Paul knew that he was about to give the Christians in Corinth some very heavy criticism, so he starts out with a very positive message. He starts with a description of some of the things that happened at the time of salvation. The thing foremost in his mind is the grace of God. This is a constant theme in all of Paul’s letters because it is something incredibly wonderful. The salvation we have from God is freely given, not because we deserve it, but because He chose to give it to us. This is without a doubt the greatest gift we could ever hope to receive. It is by God’s grace that we are part of His family and it is for that gift of grace that Paul is continually thankful.

Once again, notice that Paul regularly prays about his ministry and for the people to whom he ministers. All of us who are actively serving God in the church should follow Paul’s example. Not only should we be praying that God will use us for His glory in the work we do for Him, we should be thanking Him for whatever fruit we see. This should also serve as a reminder to us that whatever fruit we might see is not a result of our own brilliance, talent, or hard work. The bringing forth of fruit is God’s doing. Later in this letter to the Corinthians Paul says,

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:7)

Some of you may respond with, “Well, if God produces the fruit, why should I work so hard? He’ll bring forth fruit whether I work hard or not.” First of all, that’s a very selfish viewpoint with regard to our service for God. Secondly, we work hard for Him because He deserves our best. As a result of the grace He has shown to us, we should give our best and serve Him in a manner befitting a King.

Application

Are you currently working in a ministry in your local church? Are you working hard, giving it your best, or are you just “getting by.” Remember that you’re not just working for your pastor or for your church, you’re working for your Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Give Him your best!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace and Peace

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first few verses in this letter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes, beginning in verse ten, may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Although it is part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent more than a year and a half with the Christians in Corinth, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. Though there are three persons in the Godhead who are each one completely God, there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:2 – A Letter to You

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Will

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Truth to Learn

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to all Christians of all ages.

Behind the Words

Ekklēsia is the Greek word translated “church.” This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of the verb kaleō, meaning “to call.” It literally refers to “the called out ones.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church.

“Sanctified” is translated from the Greek verb hagiadzō, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagiodzō is “to set apart from common use as something without blemish to be used in the service of God.”

The word “saints” is from the same root as hagiadzō. It refers to someone whom God has declared to be without sin.

“All” is translated from the Greek word pas, which carries the idea of “oneness and a totality of the whole.”

Meaning Explained

Paul wrote this letter to the ekklēsia in Corinth. Ekklēsia is roughly equivalent to the word sunagōgē (synagogue), which specifically refers to “those who have been gathered together.” However, sunagōgē is used in the New Testament to refer to a gathering of people of the Jewish faith. Early in the life of the New Testament church, the gathering of Christian believers was referred to as an episunagōgē to distinguish it from a gathering of Jews only. The term ekklēsia was first used by Christ as recorded in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 16:18, 18:17) and is used by all of the other New Testament writers with the exception of Mark.

Paul says that we are “called saints.” This does not simply mean that we are referred to as saints, but that we are saints who have been “called” or “appointed” as saints by God. In the New Testament, Christians are often referred to as saints. It means that God has set us apart from the rest of humanity because He has declared us to be righteous, or without sin. In the third chapter of Romans, Paul goes to great lengths to explain that although we are all sinners, the price of that sin has been paid by the blood of Christ and, as a result, we who believe have the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. As part of granting us that righteousness, God set us apart for His use; therefore, all believers are saints. It is not an act of the church or a pronouncement from the Pope that makes us saints; it is a pronouncement of God.

Paul specifically wrote this letter to the saints in Corinth, but he makes it very clear in today’s verse that the teaching in this letter is to all Christians. In his address he says, “with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” This means that if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then this letter was also written to you.

Application

As we take our daily walk through this letter from the Apostle Paul, keep in mind that he wrote it to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:1 – Commissioned Preacher

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Will

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Truth to Learn

We have a commission from our Lord to make disciples.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “called” is the noun klētos. It means “one who is called, invited, welcomed, or appointed.” It is not a verb, that is, Paul is not saying that he is “referred to as an apostle,” but that he is an “appointed apostle.”

“Apostle” is transliterated (a word of one language spelled with the letters of another language) from the Greek word apostolos. It is made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send.” Thus, literally apostolos means “one who is sent away.” It refers to those disciples of Christ who saw Him personally and were sent away to preach the gospel message.

Thelēma is the Greek word translated “will.” When used of God it expresses “what God Himself does of His own good pleasure.”

“Sosthenes” is a proper name which means “of sound strength.” He was a ruler of the synagogue in Corinth.

Meaning Explained

This letter is identified in our Bible as the first one sent to the Corinthians. It appears, however, that there was a previous letter sent to them from Paul (1 Corinthians 5:9), though it has never been found. The writer immediately identifies himself as the Apostle Paul. As pointed out in the introduction, there is little doubt that this letter was sent by him, and a number of the early church fathers have attributed this letter to him in their own writings.

Paul refers to himself as “a called apostle.” Throughout the ages there have been many who have identified themselves as apostles, but in Scripture only those who have been sent in person by our Lord are identified as apostles. In fact, Paul makes it very clear that he did not simply give himself the title of an apostle, nor was he given that title by other members in the church. He was appointed as an apostle by the determined will of God Himself. His commission from God was to preach the gospel, and he tells us later in this letter:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

A careful reading of the eighteenth chapter of Acts will reveal that Sosthenes was the second ruler of the Jewish synagogue who was converted by Paul’s preaching. Crispus was converted first (Acts 18:8). Later, after Paul’s trial before the proconsul Gallio, Sosthenes (also called the ruler of the synagogue) was taken and beaten by the Jews. This man is now identified by Paul as his companion in writing this letter to the believers in Corinth, and he is identified as a brother in the Lord (a Christian).

Application

We are not all apostles, but we have all been given a commission from our Lord to make disciples, to baptize those who believe, and to teach all things concerning our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:19, 20). This commission binds us to our duty just as much as Paul was bound to his. Woe to us if we do not make disciples and teach God’s truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians – Introduction

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Will

Before we begin our study of 1 Corinthians, here is some background information on the city and the letter we are about to study.

The City of Corinth

The city of Corinth was located approximately 45 miles southwest of Athens on the narrow isthmus which connects Achaia (Southern Greece) with the Peloponnesus, where the city of Sparta was located. At its narrowest point, this isthmus is only four miles wide, and it separates the Saronic Gulf on the west from the Gulf of Corinth on the east. The city of Corinth is near the middle of this narrow strip of land, where it was built at the foot of a high plateau. This plateau, some 2,000 feet above the surrounding area, provided a defensive fortress against enemies. For centuries, anyone traveling north or south in that area had to pass through or near this ancient city. Since travel by sea around the Peloponnesus involved a 250-mile voyage that was dangerous and time-consuming, ships were often carried on skids or rollers across the isthmus directly past Corinth. Because of its location, Corinth became a major trade city, not only for most of Greece, but for much of the Mediterranean area, including North Africa, Italy, and Asia Minor. In Paul’s time, Corinth was the capital of the province Achaia and the seat of the Roman proconsul.

Because of its strategic and commanding location, the high plateau above the city became a prime location for the Temple of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love (known as Venus by the Romans). It is believed that at one time there were as many as 1,000 priestesses (religious prostitutes) who “served” in the temple and in the town. Because of the depraved pagan religious beliefs of the people, Corinth soon became the center for the grossest forms of immorality. Even by the secular standards of the day, Corinth was considered one of the most morally corrupt cities of its time. It was so well known for its wickedness, that its name became synonymous with moral depravity, wickedness, and drunkenness. There is even a Greek verb, korinthiadzomai, which means “to lead a life of depravity and drunkenness.”

Who Wrote This Letter?

It is nearly universally agreed that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter. There is plenty of external evidence from early Church fathers, this letter being specifically referred to by Clement of Rome (around A.D. 95) as “the Epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul.” Other early church writers quoting the book include Polycarp (around A.D. 135), Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Irenaeus, Ignatius (around A.D. 110), Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian (around A.D. 200).

The internal evidence for Paul’s authorship is very strong as well. Paul refers to himself in 1 Corinthians 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 16:21. The arguments in 1 Corinthians 1:12-17; 1 Corinthians 3:4, 1 Corinthians 3:6, and 1 Corinthians 3:22 also support Pauline authorship. Corroborating facts between Acts and other letters of Paul, plus the strong flavor of genuine apostolic concern, rule out a forgery and make the arguments for authenticity overwhelming.

From Where Was This Letter Written?

After being in Corinth for about a year and a half, Paul went to Ephesus, taking Aquila and Priscilla with him. But, leaving them there, he continued on to Jerusalem. Then he travelled back over the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, eventually returning to Ephesus where he remained for more than two years. It is reasonably clear that Paul wrote this letter while he was in Ephesus this second time (see 1 Corinthians 16:8).

When Was This Letter Written?

As certain as we are about the author of this letter, we are much less certain of the date this letter was written. Although each Biblical scholar who determines the exact date is convinced he is correct, their dates vary from A.D. 53 to A.D. 59. It seems most reasonable to place the time of writing of this letter at around A.D. 55. Chronologically, it was the fifth book of the New Testament to be written.

Historical Background

On his second missionary journey, after leaving the city of Thessalonica, Paul travelled to Athens, where he ministered for a short while before moving on to Corinth. There he met up with a man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. Because they were tentmakers like Paul, he stayed with them while he began his ministry in Corinth. Then, after Silas (Sylvanus) and Timothy rejoined him, he began reasoning with the Jews in the local synagogue. When the Jews refused to listen to his claims that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Paul made his famous statement, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6).

He then started preaching and teaching in the house of a man named Justus, next door to the synagogue. As a result of Paul’s tireless preaching, the ruler of the synagogue and many other Corinthians believed and were baptized. But because of jealousy over his success, the Jews rose up and took Paul before the proconsul Gallio, accusing him of teaching people to worship God contrary to the law. But, when Gallio realized that it was a religious matter, not a civil matter, he sent them away.

After ministering in Corinth for a year and a half, Paul left Corinth and headed to Ephesus, taking Aquila and Priscilla with him. Then, leaving this husband and wife team at Ephesus, Paul journeyed back to Jerusalem. Sometime after Paul left Ephesus, a gifted and eloquent man by the name of Apollos came to Ephesus. He was very knowledgeable in the Jewish Scriptures, but not well taught in the ways of Christianity. Aquila and Priscilla took him under their wing and taught him Christian doctrine. Apollo then headed to Corinth where he was very helpful in the church in Corinth, perhaps even being their pastor for a while.

Why Was This Letter Written?

As noted earlier, the city of Corinth was known for its depravity and debauchery. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists some of the specific sins for which the city was known. Therefore, it is not surprising that many of these same sins crept into the church. One of these sins, incest, was so vile that it was even condemned by the pagans who lived there (1 Corinthians 5:1). It’s not surprising that in the midst of such depravity, some of the Gentiles who had become members of the Corinthian Church showed the influence of their old habits. Neither is it surprising that the apostle found it necessary to rebuke such behavior again and again.

What was especially troubling in this church was the propensity of the members to cause divisions within the church. There were several factions within the church which claimed they were the true followers, some claiming to follow Peter, some claiming to follow Paul, some claiming to follow Apollos, and others claiming simply to follow Christ. While Paul was ministering in Ephesus, a letter was brought to him seeking his teaching on such problems as marriage, the wearing of veils by women in the church, the proper conduct with regard to sacrificial feasts, the practice of Christians taking other Christians before the heathen courts, the proper use of spiritual gifts, and even on the nature of the resurrection from the dead. This letter from Paul to the Christians at Corinth was an attempt to address all these issues.

Lest we become overly proud, we must recognize that many of the problems in the church in Corinth exist in one form or another in Christian churches around the world today. As we walk through this letter from the masterful preacher/teacher, let’s learn how we can overcome such problems in our own churches.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Will

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that charis is “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Christos is the word transliterated “Christ,” which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Thus, christos literally means “the anointed one.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew word mashiach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word ‘āmēn, meaning “to be trustworthy, steady, or firm.” It is often translated as “truth,” “verily,” or “it is so.” It is usually appended to the end of a prayer or a hymn.

Meaning Explained

Paul closes this letter with his typical salutation of grace. Probably more than any other characteristic of God, Paul is ever mindful of God’s grace toward us. Every single letter of Paul’s ends with a reminder of God’s grace In fact, the only other writings of the New Testament that end with a mention of God’s grace are Hebrews (which some people believe was written by Paul), 2 Peter, and Revelation. For this reason, it is possible that the “sign” that Paul referred to in the previous verse may be this closing benediction. It appears to be a signature or “sign” of the authenticity of this letter from the Apostle Paul.

God’s grace, as shown in our salvation and the many blessings that result from it, should serve as a constant reminder to us that without it we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) and destined to receive the wrath of God. It is only by God’s grace that we who deserve eternity in hell, separated from the love of God, should receive His merciful and priceless salvation, fellowship with Him while on this earth, and the promise of eternity in His presence, bathed in His love. A thorough understanding of God’s grace should cause every Christian to humbly fall before our Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving.

But, Paul tells us something else here about God’s grace. It is “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This could also be translated as “the grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace comes, not simply from the godhead (all three persons), but specifically from the second person of the godhead, our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is not just our God, but our Lord. Jesus Christ has purchased us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). We do not own ourselves, we were bought by, and now are owned by, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He is our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

Application

By the grace of God, we will not get what we deserve (eternity in hell); instead, we will get what we don’t deserve (eternal salvation). Let us all fall on our faces with humble thanksgiving and gratitude, and let us strive to do the will of Him who owns us – our Lord Jesus Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Will

The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

Truth to Learn

We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us.

Behind the Words

Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which means “to salute.” Thus, aspasmos refers to “a salutation or greeting.”

The expression “with my own hand” is from tē emē cheiri, which literally means “by me the hand.” The word order in Greek indicates that Paul is emphasizing the fact that it was done with his own hand.

The word “sign” is sēmion, which refers to “a sign, a mark, or a miracle with a spiritual end and purpose.” It is commonly used to indicate a signature or mark of a person’s identity. In the gospels and other places in the New Testament, this word is also used to indicate a miraculous occurrence that is given as a sign of God’s mighty power.

Meaning Explained

Most of the Apostle Paul’s letters were written by an amanuensis (a scribe), who did the physical writing of what Paul dictated. We see distinct evidence of this in his letter to the church at Rome:

I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. (Romans 16:22)

One possible reason for him using a scribe is that Paul may have had a problem with his vision. In Galatians 6:11 he said,

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

Note that the word translated “letters” (the Greek word gramma), could also refer to an entire epistle, but since we know of only one letter that he wrote to the Galatians, it is reasonable to assume that he was referring to the size of his lettering, not the size of the epistle. If Paul did, in fact, have a problem with his vision, it would explain why he used a scribe.

Paul put a similar statement of a salutation from his own hand in his letters to other churches (1 Corinthians 16:21 and 1 Corinthians 16:21).

But, why would Paul indicate that this letter was from him and not a forgery? You may recall, back in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 he said the following:

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us …

It was not uncommon during the early years of the Church for letters to be written to other believers in which the writer claimed to be Paul, Peter, John, or another of the apostles. For this reason, and because the subject matter of this letter is so vital in correcting false teaching, Paul gave irrefutable proof that this was a genuine letter from him.

Application

What we have in the Bible today is God’s word, revealing Himself to us. He used many different human authors, but they were all controlled by the Holy Spirit so that their writing is inspired (God breathed). What we do with God’s Word is up to us. We cannot live a fruitful Christian life is we don’t read it regularly and put into practice what He tells us. Read your Bible, my friend. Read your Bible. Read your Bible!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Will

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Truth to Learn

There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God.

Behind the Words

“Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

Autos is the Greek word translated “Himself.” This word literally means “self” and is used for emphasis, setting apart “the Lord” from everyone and everything else. In Greek, word order is very important and in the Greek text of this verse, the word autos is the first word, making it emphatic that it is the Lord and no one else who gives us peace.

“Always” and “every” are both translated from forms of the word pas, which contains the idea of oneness and a totality of the whole.

The word “way” is from the Greek word tropō, which literally means “a turn” as one would turn from one path to another. It is used symbolically to refer to “a general manner of life.”

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching in this letter, Paul now closes with a benediction, as is his custom. The expression “the Lord of peace Himself” is found nowhere else in the New Testament, although Paul uses the expression “the God of peace Himself” in his first letter to the Christian believers in the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Why is it so important for him to refer to the God of peace or the master of peace? You will recall that the purpose of both of these letters was to correct some false teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. Because of this false teaching, the believers in Thessalonica were confused and concerned that they had missed the rapture and were living during the time of God’s great wrath. Now having corrected this teaching, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to stop worrying and, instead, experience peace in their lives. As the God of peace and the master of peace, only He can provide us with this “peace that surpasses all understanding,” as Paul called it in Philippians 4:7.

Notice that God can give us this peace at all times no matter what is occurring in our lives. “But I don’t feel at peace right now,” you may say. If we believe that Jesus Christ is a loving God, the God of peace, and He is our Lord, the one who has supreme authority over every aspect of our lives, then we don’t have to worry. He will provide for us. He will watch over us. He will protect us. He will guide us. And, He will keep all His promises. What is there to worry about?

Application

Worry is nothing more that lack of trust. No matter what your circumstances, God is there beside you and will take care of you. Work hard and trust in Him. If you do, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Will

Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Truth to Learn

Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment.

Behind the Words

The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai, which is based on the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go before.” Metaphorically, this word means “to lead out before the mind,” that is, “to regard, esteem, count, or reckon.” Today, we might say “… don’t think of him as …” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Enemy” is from echthros, which refers to “someone who is an enemy” or “someone who is hated.”

The word translated “admonish” is translated from noutheteō. It is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” and tithēmi, meaning “to put” or “to place.” Thus, noutheteō means “to place in the mind” or “to warn, admonish, or exhort.” This verb is also expressed here in the imperative mood.

“Brother” is from the Greek word adelphos, which we saw a couple of verses back. As used here, it means “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

Meaning Explained

The concept Paul is talking about in yesterday’s verse and this one is often referred to as “church discipline.” It is necessary in any organization to have some form of action against those who cause problems. Within the church, it is just as important for such discipline to be done with love and with the end objective being to restore the person to full fellowship with the Lord and with the church. Notice that what Paul is talking about here is not a punishment; it is not to be used as retaliation for their actions, but as discipline with a loving attitude. This is to be done like a parent disciplining a child in order to make him or her a better person.

There are several kinds of behavior that require discipline within the church and each has its own proper response. If a brother or sister sins against you, you are to confront him or her in person, then confront him or her in the presence of two or three witnesses, then reveal it to the church, and if all these fail, reject that person from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). If someone in the church is teaching doctrinal error, that person should be patiently taught the truth (2 Timothy 2:23-26) and if he or she persists, then the church leadership should rebuke that person (Titus 1:10-14). If a brother or sister is overtaken in sin, then one who is spiritually mature should restore him or her in love (Galatians 6:1-3). If a brother or sister is causing division within the church, he or she should be warned twice and then rejected (Titus 3:10). If someone in the church is living in open immorality, you are not to keep company with him or her (1 Corinthians 5:9).

What Paul is specifically addressing in this letter is the brother or sister who is a busybody and refuses to work. He says that if such a person does not respond to the teaching in this letter, we are not to have fellowship with that person, and we are to warn that person but not treat him or her as an enemy.

Application

Whenever discipline is necessary, it must be done with love and humility in order to cause restoration, not as vengeance or retribution.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Will

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Truth to Learn

We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient.

Behind the Words

“Obey” is translated from the Greek word hupokouō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and akouō, meaning “to listen” or “to hear.” It is a picture of a student sitting under the instruction of a master and applying what is being taught.

The word translated “note” is sēmeioō, which means “to sign, mark, or make a mental note about.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, indicating action that is done by the subject to himself or herself. Thus sēmeioō, as it is used here, means “to make a mental note to yourself.”

Sunanamignumi is the Greek word translated “keep company.” It is a double compound word made up of sun, meaning “together” or “with,” ana, meaning “on” or “again,” and mignumi, meaning “to mix or intermingle.” This verb is also expressed in the middle voice, so as used here it means “to intermingle yourself again with someone else.” In other words, it means “to associate yourself” or “to keep company with.”

The words “may be ashamed” are from the Greek verb entrepō, which is made up of en, meaning “in or upon” and trepō, meaning “to turn.” Therefore, entrepō literally means “to turn upon” or “to turn in.” It is expressed here in the passive voice indicating something done to the subject. Thus, as it is used here it means “he may be turned into himself.” In other words, it means “he may look into himself and understand why this has been done to him.”

Meaning Explained

Over the past few verses, Paul has been talking about people within the church who are being lazy and expecting others to provide for their needs, and walking around sticking their noses into other people’s business. He instructed that everyone is to work hard without complaining or telling others what to do. In yesterday’s verse, we were reminded not to get discouraged by such behavior, but to continue doing good deeds to everyone.

In this verse and the following one, Paul gives instruction regarding those who don’t put into practice what is being taught from the Word. This is not just directed at the unruly members of the church, but at anyone who refuses to follow sound Biblical teaching. Back in verse six, Paul said,

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Unfortunately, in the past, the Roman Catholic church has perverted this teaching in order to “excommunicate” anyone who disagrees with their church teaching. That’s not Paul’s purpose, as we will see in tomorrow’s verse.

Application

We are commanded to “break fellowship” with Christians who reject sound doctrine. But, we are to do so in love, in order to help them to submit to the lordship of Christ. This means that we first have to be submitted to Him ourselves. Are you?

In God's service, for His glory,