Tag: logos

2 Thessalonians 2:17 – Comfort For Our Walk

Posted on by Will

comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Truth to Learn

Comfort is God’s doing, but walking in faith is up to you.

Behind the Words

“Comfort” is translated from the Greek verb parakaleō. This word has the same root as the word translated “consolation” in yesterday’s verse. It means “to comfort, encourage, and challenge” just as a coach does for an athlete.

Kardia is the word translated “heart.” The English word “cardiology” (the study of the heart) is obviously from this Greek word. It refers not only to the physical heart, but figuratively to “the seat and center of human life, including thoughts and feelings.”

The word “establish” is from stēridzō, which is derived from histemi, meaning “to stand or to set in place.” Stēridzō means “to make firm” or “to place securely.”

Agathos is the word translated “good.” This word refers to the general character or quality of goodness or usefulness.

“Word” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to “an expression of intellect.” That is “a word or a saying.”

Ergon is the Greek word translated “work.” It refers to “something done or performed, an act or a deed.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is directly connected with the previous one. In fact, grammatically, verse sixteen is the subject of the sentence and this verse is the predicate. You will recall that in the previous verse Paul equated the Father and Jesus Christ as one by using singular verbs with the plural subject. He continues that form in today’s verse. Though this sentence has a plural subject (Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father), the verbs “comfort” and “establish” are singular verbs.

There are two key lessons to learn from Paul’s prayer. The first is that our God is the one who comforts our hearts and who makes our stand firm. In his teachings at the Last Supper in the upper room, Jesus said this to His disciples:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

In other words, He said, “Don’t allow your hearts to be troubled or afraid.” Modern day psychology indicates that worry and fear are the results of our own minds; that is, we do it to ourselves. Comfort and peace, on the other hand, are the result of outside agents working on us to sooth us. Paul is praying for God to be that outside agent working on us both to comfort us and to make our stand firm.

The other thing we learn from today’s verse is that the Christian life is not just about what we claim to be. We all know people who profess to be Christian, but the way they live their lives does not demonstrate true faith. In other words, don’t just talk the talk, also walk the walk. Let your Christian witness be the way you act and the way you treat others. You may know the words of Christianity, but do you do the works?

Application

Think about your faith this way: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Words of Comfort

Posted on by Will

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Truth to Learn

Knowledge of the rapture should be a comfort to us all.

Behind the Words

Hōste is the Greek word translated “therefore.” It is composed of hōs, meaning “in this manner” and te, an article of connection, which serves to closely connect that which has been said to that which follows. We could translate hōste as “so then.”

The verb translated “comfort” is one that Paul uses frequently and one that we have seen several times in this chapter. It is the word parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, comfort, or challenge.”

“One another” is from allēlous, meaning “each other” or “one another.” It indicates reciprocal action on the part of each member of a group.

“Words” is translated from the Greek noun logos. This word is derived from legō, meaning “to speak intelligently.” Logos, therefore, represents the words that are used to express thoughts.

Meaning Explained

In the previous five verses Paul has been teaching about the rapture. At the time of the rapture, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven to the atmosphere of the earth, bringing with Him every Christian who has died physically. He will make a loud proclamation, accompanied by a blast on a trumpet. For a few more details, let’s look at what Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

From this we see that at the rapture every Christian will have his or her decaying, mortal body changed into an incorruptible body. This is the eternal, heavenly body like that which Jesus has right now. This new body will not be subject to disease or decay. From Paul’s teaching here in 1 Thessalonians we learned that the dead in Christ will have their decaying (or completely decayed) body changed first, then we who are alive and remain will receive our new bodies as we are snatched away from the earth.

Remember at the beginning of this teaching (verse thirteen) that  Paul did not want us to be overly sad about Christians who have already died physically? That’s because we will be reunited with them again at the rapture, we will all receive our new bodies, and we will eternally be in the physical presence of our Lord. There will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness, only glorious celebration and joy. Because of this new knowledge we can comfort and encourage each other.

Application

No matter what kind of pain or suffering you are experiencing right now, it will all be over soon. Be encouraged, my Christian friends, it could be any day now!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:8 – Demonstrating Our Faith

Posted on by Will

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

Truth to Learn

Demonstrating our faith in everyday words and actions is the responsibility of every Christian.

Behind the Words

“Word” is from the Greek noun logos, which is based on the verb legō, meaning “to lay forth,” that is, “to express a thought in words.” Hence, logos refers to something said. However, it means more than just the word as spoken or written down; it includes the thought behind the word.

Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.” When accompanied by the definite article as it is here, it is a reference to “the Lord,” that is to God, who is our Lord and our Master.

The words “has sounded forth” are translated from the Greek verb exēcheomai. This word is made up of ex, meaning “out” or “out of” and ēcheō (from which we get our English word echo), which means “to make a loud noise.” Thus, exēcheomai means “to send out a loud sound.”

“We do not need” is the translation of the word chreia, which is derived from the verb chraomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed.” Chreia refers specifically to employment; however, it is often used as a metaphore for “that which is needed” or “that which is necessary.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse three the Apostle Paul praised the members of the church in Thessalonica for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience. In verse six he said that they joyfully received the Word of God even in the midst of much affliction. He then said that they were examples to Christians all over the areas of Macedonia and Achaia. The reason they were such great examples to others included more than their labor of love and patience.

According to today’s verse, the Christians in Thessalonica proclaimed the word of the Lord far and wide. God has gifted each and every Christian with spiritual gifts, God given abilities, to be used within the church. He lists a number of these gifts in Ephesians 4:11 and 1Corinthians 12:8-10. But Jesus gave us all a commission to preach the gospel, baptize believers, and teach those who have been saved (Mark 28:19, 20). Just because you don’t have the gift of evangelism doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be proclaiming the gospel. And just because you don’t have the gift of helps doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be helping others within the church.

The members of the church in Thessalonica were so bold in proclaiming the gospel and they were so willing to put their faith into practice that they had a reputation throughout the Christian world of their day. In fact, their reputation was so great that Paul didn’t have to tell anyone, they already knew.

Application

As we asked yesterday, are you a “supposed Christian” or a “committed Christian?” Do your words and actions announce to everyone around you that you are a disciple of Christ? If not, why not?.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?

Posted on by Will

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Truth to Learn

All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived from the verb legō, meaning “to speak or to say something intelligible.” Thus, logos refers to “something spoken” and is often translated as “word, saying, or discourse.” It is expressed here in the singular. Therefore, we could translate this as “a message” or “a word.”

 “Boldly” is translated from the Greek word parrēsia, which is a compound word made up of pas, meaning “all” or “every” and rhēsis, meaning “the act of speaking.” Therefore, this word means “all speaking” or “all freedom or frankness of speech.”

The words “make known” are from the verb gnōridzō, which is based on the same root as ginōskō, meaning “to know.” Gnoridzō means “to make known” or “to declare.”

“Mystery” is transliterated (carried directly from one language to another) from musterion. In the New Testament this word refers to something that has been hidden in the past but which is now being made known.

Meaning Explained

After Paul finished his description of the Christian’s spiritual armor, he told us that we need to pray constantly with all kinds of prayers and that we need to be watchful. Our enemy doesn’t like it when we talk to our Commander-in-Chief, because he knows that it will make us stronger.

While on the subject of prayer, the Apostle now asks for prayer for himself as well. There are two specific requests that Paul makes. The first is that he might be given something to say. The second thing he asks for is that he might boldly open his mouth to make known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do these seem a little strange to you? They do to me.

Here we have one of the greatest evangelistic preachers of all time asking others to talk to God about giving him something to say and to give him boldness to say it. This is the very same person who boldly stood before some of the greatest thinkers of his time at the Areopagus (see Acts chapter seventeen) to proclaim the Gospel message.

If there were ever a person that we didn’t think needed prayer, it would be the Apostle Paul, especially prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Perhaps the reason that Paul was so successful in his proclamation of the Gospel was because he had a lot of people praying for his ministry!

Also notice the subject matter of Paul’s prayer request. What he asks for is something that will result in glory being given to God. He’s not asking for his own sake, he’s asking for something that will result in God getting all the praise.

Application

Next time you’re in a group that is about to pray and prayer requests are expressed, notice how many of those requests are focused on personal issues. I’m not saying that Aunt Suzie’s arthritis or the Jones’ financial problems aren’t appropriate for prayer, but how much glory will God receive when those requests are answered? Instead, let us all learn to focus our prayers on things that will bring glory and praise to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:29 – Constructive Words

Posted on 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,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

Posted on by Will

Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians will have to testify regarding what they have done for God while on this earth.

Behind the Words

Paul starts off the current verse with the Greek words ara oun, which basically mean, “So, in conclusion, …” This expression applies to what he will say in this and the following verse.

“Each” is translated from the Greek word hekastos, meaning “each one” or “every one.” It is expressed in the singular, indicating that we will be standing individually before the Judge. Only our individual actions will matter.

The word “give” is didōmi, which means “to deliver up” or “to give over.” And “account” is logos, meaning “a word” or “something said.” Thus, it appears that we will each have to talk about how we spent the life that was given to us.

“Himself” is the reflexive pronoun heautou, indicating that the account given will be that of the one giving the account not of anyone else.

Meaning Explained

Let me start off by saying that this verse clearly shows that Paul believed that Jesus Christ is God. You will notice that this verse is still in reference to the judgment seat (bematos) of Christ, and it is clearly Jesus Christ who is sitting on this seat. Also, in John’s gospel account our Lord taught that the Father entrusts all judgment to the Son.

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)

Yet in this verse, Paul tells us that we will have to give an explanation of our actions to God. Jesus Christ is the Creator, our Savior, our Judge, and our God.

The next thing that Paul has to say regarding our appearance before the bema seat of Christ is that “each one of us will give account concerning himself to God.” That is, when we appear before Christ’s judgment seat, we will have to give an explanation of what we have done for Him. We will not be called upon to give testimony about anyone else, nor will He be calling us as a witness to anyone else’s actions, only our own. Therefore, since God’s focus at the judgment seat of Christ will be on our works done for His glory, our focus in this earthly life needs to be on what we are doing for God, not on what other Christians are or aren’t doing.

Also, notice very carefully that this is a judgment of our works, not our sins. According to 2Corinthians 5:10, which we looked at a couple of verses back, this judgment will be “according to what each person has done.” Our sins, on the other hand, have already been judged. They were judged at the cross when Christ paid the penalty for all our sins with His blood. When we believed God’s promise, like Abraham we were declared righteous. All of our sins – past, present, and future – were judged and paid for; hence, they cannot be the subject of the judgment seat of Christ.

Application

Let us all judge our own actions, not the actions of other Christians, so that He will judge them worthy on that day! We would all rather receive rewards than the smell of smoke.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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