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Ephesians 5:5 – How’s Your Behavior

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Will

For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Truth to Learn

Christians should act like Christians, not heathens.

Behind the Words

The words “you know” are translated from the two Greek words este ginōskontes. The word este means “you (plural) are.” However, the better texts have iste ginōskontes. The word iste is a form of eidō, meaning “to see” or “to perceive.” Ginōskontes is a participial form of ginōskō (to know or understand). Now, whereas eidō suggests intuitive knowledge or understanding, ginōskō suggests acquired or experiential knowledge. Iste is expressed here in the imperative mood, therefore the opening part of this verse could be translated as “Know this, recognizing (by your own experience) that …”

The words “fornicator,” “unclean person,” and “covetous man” are based on the same root words as “fornication,” “uncleanness,” and “covetousness,” which we saw in verse three. In that verse they referred to the sinful actions, whereas in this verse they refer to the people who habitually perform such sinful actions.

“Inheritance” is translated from klēronomia. This is based on klēros, which refers to a “lot” or “portion” and nemō, meaning “to hold.” Thus klēronomia refers to the possession of a portion of an inheritance.

Meaning Explained

In verse three Paul introduced three types of life styles that he said are not “appropriate” for Christians. He told us that we should be walking in love instead. Then, in verse four he talked about avoiding other actions (filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting) that exemplify the three lifestyles mentioned in verse three.

He now explains why fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness are not appropriate for us. To the first century Greek mind a fornicator was someone whose life was defined by fornication. Likewise, an unclean person or a covetous person was not someone who occasionally committed an act of uncleanness or of covetousness; it was someone whose life was characterized by uncleanness or covetousness. So, Paul is not saying that anyone who occasionally covets something will be barred from heaven. If that were the case, none of us would be part of God’s kingdom. What Paul is saying is that since those fornicators, unclean people, and covetousness people will not be part of God’s kingdom, then we Christians should not resemble them in any of our actions.

Notice, now, that Paul equates covetousness with idolatry. Idolatry is when we consider anything in God’s creation of greater value than God Himself. In other words, when we have a greater desire for “stuff” than for acquiring a close personal relationship with God, we are worshipping an idol.

Application

Do your actions give evidence that you are part of God’s family or do you resemble people of the world and those who worship idols? Let’s all recommit ourselves to living like God’s children and confessing and forsaking everything else.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:4 – Not Sin, Thanks

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Will

neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Truth to Learn

Don’t do these sins. Instead, give thanks to God.

Behind the Words

“Filthiness” is from the Greek word aischrotēs, which is from aischros, meaning “indecent.” Aischrotēs refers to any kind of shameful conduct. It refers to conduct which, if done in God’s presence, would make a person embarrassed or ashamed.

The words “foolish talking” are translated from mōrologia, which is made up of mōros (from which we get our English word “moron”), meaning foolish and legō, meaning “to speak.”

“Coarse jesting” is translated from eutrapelia, which is composed or eu, meaning “good” or “well” but also interpreted as “easily” and a form of trepō, meaning “to turn.” Thus, the root meaning of this word is “well turned” or “easily turned.” In a positive sense it is a reference to a person who is quick witted and can easily turn a phrase. In a negative sense it refers to someone who can take ordinary speech and make it vulgar or crude. This seems to be Paul’s intent in today’s verse.

Anēkō is the word translated “fitting.” It is made up of ana, meaning “up” and hēkō, meaning “to come here.” So, we can see that the root meaning of anēkō is “to come up here,” that is, “to reach a certain point.” It is a picture of heaping up to an expected limit. You may recall from yesterday’s verse that prepō (to heap up) is an expression of what is suitable or proper. Anēkō is a similar idiom referring to something that has measured up to a given standard.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that God has made every Christian a saint. That is to say that God has “set us apart” from the world to a state where we are usable by Him. In verse thirty of the previous chapter we learned that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, which means that God will complete His promise of salvation without fail. Does that mean that we can live however we want, knowing that our salvation is guaranteed? Absolutely not! Paul addresses this very question in the sixth chapter of Romans where he says:

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (Romans 6:6)

Before salvation, we were owned by sin, we couldn’t avoid it. But now we have been set free. We have a choice to sin or not to sin. That doesn’t mean we can’t sin or we don’t sin, for we can, and we do. Whenever we let our “old man,” our sin nature, have control, we do things that are not fitting, not proper, and not appropriate for Christians. Paul mentioned some of these things in yesterday’s verse, and now he mentions a few others.

We Christians should live our lives with the realization that Jesus Christ is standing (or sitting) beside us. We should not do things that we make us ashamed in His presence. We should not use language that is dirty or offensive to Him. We should not talk like the morons we used to be. Instead, we should spend our lives giving thanks to God for EVERYTHING!

Application

Do you still have trouble with some of the sins Paul has mentioned in the past two verses. Overcome that problem by giving thanks to God for everything in your life.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:3 – Do What Fits

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Will

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

Truth to Learn

We are saints, so we need to learn to live like saints.

Behind the Words

The word “fornication” is translated from the Greek word porneia. This word is indirectly derived from pornos, referring to a man who sells himself to others for sex. Porneia refers to any sexual act other than that between a man and a woman who are married to each other.

“Uncleanness” is from akatharsia, which is composed of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of kathairo, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to anything that is “unclean.” This word typically refers to something that is legally or ceremonially unclean. It was often used in reference to idolatrous worship practices of the heathen.

“Covetousness” is translated from pleonexia, which is derived from the noun pleion, meaning “more” and echo, meaning “to have.” This word refers to the condition in which a person is not satisfied with what he or she has, greedily wanting more.

Onomadzō is the Greek word translated “named.” It is derived from the noun onoma, meaning “a name.” The verb onomadzō means “to call by name” or “to mention.”

“Fitting” is from prepō, which means “to tower up,” that is “to be eminent or distinguished.” In the form used in today’s verse it means “that which is proper, acceptable, or fitting.”

“Saints” is from hagios, meaning “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.”

Meaning Explained

Previously Paul told us that as children of God we should mimic the thoughts and actions of our Father. The primary way of doing that is to demonstrate a real love for others the way our God has demonstrated His love for us. And, not only are we now God’s children, we are saints. That doesn’t mean that the church leadership has declared us to be saints because of all the good we’ve done and all the miracles we’ve performed. The church doesn’t make someone a saint, God does.

When we were saved, God adopted us as His children. He also sanctified us; that is to say, He set us apart. We are no longer part of the world system any more than we are part of Satan’s family. This is a theological concept known as “positional sanctification.” But, we’re not perfect and we won’t be until that day when God calls us home. Until that day we need to become more like our Father. This is called “progressive sanctification,” as the Apostle Peter described:

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

The word translated “holy” is the same word as “sanctified.” One way to mimic our Father is to avoid those things that don’t “fit” our new position, and three of those things are mentioned in today’s verse: fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness.

Application

Want to be more like your Heavenly Father? Continue to study God’s Word and put what you learn into practice. Change your behavior and become more sanctified to, and for, God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:2 – The Love Offering

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Will

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Truth to Learn

God gave us a sacrifice of love. We should give Him the same.

Behind the Words

Peripateō is the Greek word translated “walk.” It is composed of peri, meaning “around” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” Thus, it literally means “to walk around.” It is used here and elsewhere as a metaphor for how one lives one’s life.

The word translated “has … given” is paradidōmi, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “over to” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Paradidōmi means “to deliver over to the power of someone else,” as a prisoner is delivered over to the executioner. It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a single event having occurred in the past.

“Offering” is from prosphora, which is composed of pros, meaning “to or toward” and a form of pherō, meaning “to bring” or “to bear.” This word refers to something which has been “brought forward to an altar,” that is, an offering.

The word “sacrifice” is translated from thusia, which is derived from the verb thuō, meaning “to kill and offer as a sacrifice.”

“Sweet-smelling” is from euōdia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good or well” and ozō, meaning “to smell.”

“Aroma” is from the Greek word osmē, which refers to “a smell” or “an odor” of any kind.

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter the Apostle Paul instructed us on how to take off our “old man” and put on the “new man.” Then, he told us to imitate God, since we are His children. Now, he tells us the most fundamental principle for living a successful Christian life, “walk in love.” This fundamental principle is one that permeates the Bible from beginning to end.

When God gave the Law to Moses, He began the process by giving him two tables of stone with the Ten Commandments carved in them. The first four of these commandments indicate how to have a loving relationship with God and the last six indicate how to have a loving relationship with others. Also, when Jesus was asked by one of the Pharisees “which is the great commandment in the law?” this is how He responded.

Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)

Notice, however, that God does not ask us to do anything that He has not already done for us. God loved us so much that He provided a way for us sinners to have all our sins forgiven. He sacrificed His only begotten son so that we can know Him, fellowship with Him, and spend eternity with Him.

Application

Since God was willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for our sakes, shouldn’t we be willing to sacrifice this life we have for Him. We do that by showing to everyone around us a self-sacrificing love for them. We can do that, but only through the empowering of His Holy Spirit. Are you willing to try?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:1 – Imitators, Not Actors

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Will

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

Truth to Learn

We need to live the part that God has given us.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from oun, which indicates a connection of two thoughts, sometimes indicating an affect from the previous thought, but often just a link between the two. I believe the best translation in this case is “Then.”

“Be” is the command form of ginomai, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “become.”

The word translated “imitators” is mimētēs, from which we get our English word “mimic,” meaning “to imitate or copy in action and speech.”

“Dear” is translated from agapētos, which is based on the verb agapaō, meaning “to love with a perfect, self-sacrificing love.” Agapētos refers to someone who is loved with that kind of love.

A more literal translation of this verse would be, “Then become imitators of God as beloved children.”

Meaning Explained

Nearly everyone has someone whom they look-up to with respect and admiration, in many cases wishing they could be just like them. Some people go so far as to imitate the clothing style of the one they admire, combing their hair the same way, and even talking like their idol. In fact, there are those who go to the extreme, having plastic surgery so that they even physically resemble the one whom they revere so much. Sort of crazy, huh? Perhaps in the extreme case; however, the Apostle Paul tells us that being imitators is a good thing, as long as the one we’re imitating is God.

In chapter four of this letter to the Christians in the church of Ephesus, Paul instructed them (and us) to take off the old man and put on the new man. In effect, he told us to quit behaving like our sin nature and begin behaving like our new nature. He even went so far as to instruct us in some of the characteristics of the old man (things we are to avoid) and some of the characteristics of the new man. Now, he gives us some practical insight into how we can put on the new man.

We’ve all seen actors who, even though we know their real identity, portray a character so completely that we perceive the character they’re playing rather than the actor. And, when we think of that actor, we often think of him or her as one of the characters they have portrayed. In reality, however, we all know that they are just acting like someone else; they’re not really the character they imitate.

Unlike professional actors, we need to become more than just pretenders. God doesn’t want us to pretend that we’re His children. We are His children! And He wants us to live like His children are supposed to live. While professional actors portray the character on the outside, we need to become the character on the inside.

Application

“I don’t want to be a phony, acting like someone I’m not,” you may say. Well, you don’t have to. If you are a born-again Christian, then you are a child of God. By learning how to think and behave like a child of God you become the new character that God has made you to be. If you learn the part well enough, others will see God in you. Think about that!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Will

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Truth to Learn

Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are of vital importance within the church.

Behind the Words

The verb “be” is translated from ginomai, meaning “to cause to be” or “to become.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command for us to “become kind and tenderhearted!”

“Kind” is the translation of chrēstos, which is derived from the verb chraomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed” or “to treat well.” Chrēstos, when used of people, means “useful toward others, that is, good-natured, gentle, or kind.”

The word “tenderhearted” is translated from eusplagchnos. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and splagchnon, meaning “intestine” or “bowel.” The Greeks believed that the intestines were the source of emotions. Thus, “good intestined,” as eusplagchnos literally means, refers to the characteristic of having good feelings, especially compassion for others.

“Forgiving” is from charidzomai, which is derived from charis, meaning “grace” or “a favor freely given.” Charidzomai means “to be gracious or to forgive someone.”

The first occurrence of “one another” is from allēlōn, meaning “one another” or “each other.” The second occurrence of “one another” is translated from heautou, meaning “yourselves.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse twenty-two the Apostle Paul told us to “put off … the old man,” that is “quit living under the influence of your sin nature.” Then in verse twenty-four he told us to “put on the new man,” the new nature that God created for us. Since then, Paul has told us what it means to live under the influence of this new nature. Yesterday, he instructed us to do away with bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor, blasphemy, and all badness.

Earlier we learned that we all should be using our spiritual gifts in the building up of the body of Christ. In today’s verse, Paul is not talking about specific gifts, but general attitudes that should replace those things he told us to stop doing yesterday. The first thing he tells us is that we should be kind, gentle, or useful to each other. The second thing is to be tenderhearted to each other; that is, we should demonstrate compassionate care for each other. If every church member were to regularly demonstrate kindness and compassion to everyone else in the church, no one would ever want to leave.

The third thing Paul tells us in today’s verse is that we should be forgiving. After all, he says, each one of us has been forgiven so much by God through the blood of Christ that we should willingly forgive others for what they have done to us. But notice that Paul used the pronoun heautou (yourselves) in reference to forgiveness. We need to be freely forgiving of others in the church, but we also need to be freely forgiving of ourselves. God has forgiven us, so we should too.

Application

Of the three attitudes that Paul admonishes us to exhibit in today’s verse, forgiveness may be the most important. Let’s all commit to be completely forgiving of others this week, and let’s be forgiving of ourselves as well.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:31 – Grieving Actions

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Will

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Truth to Learn

These are things which make God sad. Let’s not do them!

Behind the Words

The word “Bitterness” is the translation of pikria, from pikros which means “that which is unpleasantly sharp or extremely distasteful.”

“Wrath” is from thumos, which is from the verb thuō, meaning “to move violently, like a strong wind.” The word thumos refers to “a violent passion of the mind.” This describes the outward violent expression of the anger that is within.

The word “anger” is from orgē, which we saw back in verse twenty-six. Orgē refers to “excitement of the mind.” It is the inward feeling that sometimes is expressed outwardly as wrath.

“Clamor” is translated from the noun kraugē. This is from the verb kradzō, which is onomatopoeia (a word that mimics the sound of its meaning, such as “meow”) for the loud, coarse cry of a raven. Kraugē, which can ge used in a good or bad way, is used to describe the clamorous outcry of the crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:23), the fearful cry of the disciples who saw Jesus walking on the water thinking Him to be a ghost (Matthew 14:26), and to Stephen’s loud declaration of forgiveness for those who were stoning him (Acts 7:60).

The words “evil speaking” are from blasphēmia, which refers to “slanderous verbal abuse, attacking someone’s reputation.”

“Malice” is translated from kakia, derived from kakos which refers to “that which has no worth” or “that which is bad.” It refers to the internal quality as opposed to the outward expression or effect (which would be the word ponēros).

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse the Apostle Paul commanded us to stop grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Allow me to point out here that you can’t grieve a “thing.” You can only grieve a person who possesses emotions. This is evidence to us that the Holy Spirit is one of the three that makes up the Trinity or the Godhead. He is one God but three persons. Why does Paul talk about grieving the Holy Spirit rather than the Father or the Son? Because, as Paul told us in the previous verse, the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a seal and guarantee of our salvation. He somehow lives within us and is a constant witness to our thoughts and actions.

In today’s verse Paul expands on some of the things that grieve the Holy Spirit. Because He can’t be taken away from us, the Holy Spirit is ever present when we exhibit characteristics of our sin nature. When we act bitter, saying things that are sharply unpleasant to others, it grieves Him. When we get angry for the wrong reason and let it explode into an outburst of wrath, it grieves Him. When we are loud and clamorous, stirring up hate and resentment in others, it grieves Him. When we verbally attack others, impugning their reputation, it grieves Him. In fact, when we do anything “bad,” He is grieved.

Application

None of us wants to cause sorrow for those we love and who love us. Since we possess the Holy Spirit of God at all times, let’s put on the “new man” and not grieve Him who has sealed us, who preserves us until our redemption is completed. Our reason for obedience is not to preserve our salvation, it is to please Him who loves us!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:30 – Signed, Sealed, and Deliverable

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Will

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God.

Behind the Words

“Grieve” is translated from the Greek verb lupeō, which is derived from the noun lupē, meaning “sorrow, heaviness, sadness, or grief.” Thus, lupeō means “to cause sorrow, heaviness, sadness, or grief.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood (a command) with the negative particle mē. It is also in the present tense and active voice, so it could be translated as “stop grieving!”

The words “you were sealed” are from the verb sphragidzō, which means “to stamp or seal with a signet or private mark.” The purpose of the seal was to show ownership and to prevent any unauthorized access or change to the contents. The word is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating action completed in the past as a single event (not a process).

“Redemption” is from apolutrōsis. This is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of lutroō, meaning “to pay a ransom.” Therefore, apolutrōsis refers to “the payment of a ransom to obtain a release from captivity.”

Meaning Explained

Paul continues his teaching about what it means to “put on the new man.” He tells us here that one of the characteristics of putting on the new man is to “stop grieving the Holy Spirit of God.” The obvious question is, “What kinds of things grieve the Holy Spirit?” Based on the grammatical construction of these few verses, it appears that the following verse (verse thirty-one) elaborates on what Paul means. It includes bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and badness. We’ll cover these more as we talk about tomorrow’s verse.

Paul now tells us something about our relationship with the Holy Spirit. He tells us that we (Christians) were sealed by the Holy Spirit. In the Greek text is actually says that we were “sealed in the Holy Spirit.” Do you recall what Paul said earlier in this letter to the Ephesians?

in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13b-14)

At the moment we believed God’s truth about Jesus Christ paying for our sins on the cross, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. And, according to verse fourteen above, the Holy Spirit is our guarantee. When we got saved, God the Father sealed us by giving us the Holy Spirit. Not only is He God’s seal of ownership on us, but as our guarantee He can’t be taken away. And, today’s verse says we were sealed for (actually, the Greek says unto) the day of redemption. That day of redemption is the day in the future when Christ will present us to the Father as His spotless bride, paid for (redeemed) with His own blood. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit until that event takes place and nobody can remove or break God’s seal.

Application

There are many Christians today who believe that they can somehow “lose” their salvation. Paul tells us differently. God is the one who sealed us with His Holy Spirit and nobody can break or remove that seal, not even you! If you are saved, you are signed and sealed – and one day you will be delivered.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:29 – Constructive Words

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Will

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Truth to Learn

Our speech should build up, not tear down.

Behind the Words

“Let … proceed” is translated from the verb ekporeuomai, which is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out of” and poreuomai, meaning “to travel, to depart, or to go.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. Since English doesn’t have a similar command form, the word “let” is used to provide this emphasis. Therefore, when you see the word “let” used with a verb in the Bible it almost always implies a command type of directive, not a statement of permission.

The word “corrupt” is from the Greek word sapros, which is based on the verb sēpō, meaning “to putrefy, to rot, or to perish.” Thus, sapros refers to that which is rotten or putrid.

“Word” is translated from the Greek noun logos, which refers to something said. However, it refers to more than just the word itself, but also to the thoughts behind the word.

“Necessary” is from chreia, meaning “that which is needful, necessary, or useful.”

The word “edification” is translated from oikodomē, which we saw earlier in this chapter. It literally refers to “building a house.” Metaphorically, it refers to “building up” or “strengthening” someone or something.

Meaning Explained

Paul is teaching us about the “new man” with which we are to clothe ourselves. Characteristics of this new man include not lying, not being sinfully angry, not stealing, and now – being careful about our speech.

Usually when we read today’s verse we think that it applies specifically to cursing, or as we call it, swearing: the use of four-letter swear words or using the Lord’s name in vain. It seems, however, that Paul has a much broader concept in mind. He specifically refers to it as putrid, or rotten, words and thoughts. And, as we have already pointed out, in Paul’s typical style he tells what the proper thing is right after he tells us the improper thing. The proper type of communication is “that which is good toward the needful edification of those who hear.”

One of the advantages of this style of teaching is that it tells us a little bit more about what to avoid. The type of speech which we are to avoid is that which does not build up. In other words, any communication which tears down or which prevents building up is the rotten communication Paul refers to. Yes, it would necessarily include swearing, but it also includes insulting or belittling speech. It includes bragging about oneself. It includes intentionally deceptive words and any type of speech which blasphemes God. In other words, if the words you say don’t encourage or build up your brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t say them.

Application

Your mother may have taught you like my mother taught me when she said, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” That sounds like Apostle Paul-talk to me.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:28 – Give or Take

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Will

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Truth to Learn

Overcome the problem of stealing by giving to others.

Behind the Words

The words “stole” and “steal” are from kleptō, from which we get our English word, kleptomaniac. It means “to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right.”

“Labor” is translated from the Greek verb kopiatō, which basically means “to feel fatigue, especially from hard labor.”

“Working” is from ergadzomai, meaning “to be engaged in labor.” It usually refers to a specific trade or profession.

The word translated “hands” is cheir, which originally meant the entire arm from the shoulder to the end of the fingers. Later, it referred only to the hand.

“Good” is from agathos, which refers to “the general characteristic of goodness or usefulness.”

“Give” is translated from metadidōmi, which is made up of two words. The first is meta, indicating accompaniment (being with someone or something). It is different from sun, which implies a joining or a union between people or things, whereas meta implies simply being in the presence of someone or something. The other word is didōmi, meaning “to give.” Thus metadidōmi implies sharing something with those around you.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse seventeen Paul began teaching us how we are to behave as members of the body of Christ. First, he told us not to behave like the Gentiles who do not believe in God. Then, in verse twenty-two he began giving us guidelines on what our behavior should look like. We are to take off our sin nature and put on our new nature that God created for us. One of the characteristics of taking off the old man and putting on the new man is to stop lying and tell the truth instead. Other characteristics of putting on the new man are getting angry for the right reasons and not letting anger last, leading you into sin.

Now he teaches us another characteristic of putting on our new nature. Literally, the Greek reads, “Let the one stealing, steal no more …” Not every Christian has an obvious problem with stealing any more than every Christian has an obvious problem with anger. We all have issues with these things to some degree, but some of us have an especially severe case of one or more of these. Some people have little respect for the property of others and take whatever they can, even though it doesn’t belong to them. Paul is speaking directly to these people, telling us that the solution is to create things ourselves that we can share with those who have greater needs than we do.

There are many excuses for stealing, from feeling like we deserve to have something more than someone else to simply wanting something and believing the owner doesn’t need it or won’t miss it. Whatever the excuse, Paul says, “Stop doing it!”

Application

If you have a problem with “borrowing” things from others (with no intention of returning them), you need to develop the habit of giving things to others who have less than you or giving your time to help the less fortunate. Can you do that?

In God's service, for His glory,