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Ephesians 6:24 – Eternal Joy

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Will

Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God’s grace and His love are unfading and eternal.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis. This is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” It specifically refers to “an undeserved act of kindness causing joy or gratification, which is done without expectation of anything in return.” Here it is a specific reference to the joy that comes from knowing that God has granted salvation to those who don’t deserve it.

The word translated “Lord” is kurios, which is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.”

“Sincerity” is from aphtharsia, which is derived from aphthartos, meaning “incorruptible” or “imperishable.” When used as it is here it refers to the way in which we love our Lord. In other words, it refers to a love that does not fade away or decrease, an incorruptible love.

The word “Amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word amen, meaning “to be firm, steady, trustworthy, certainly, or completely true.” When used at the end of a statement or prayer, as it is here, it means “this is certainly the truth.”

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in yesterday’s verse, Paul is concluding this letter with a benediction, good words expressing his desire for those who read this letter. It is declared here as an implied prayer. In the previous verse he expressed his desire for all Christians to know the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:7), the love of God demonstrated by the gift of His only begotten Son (John 3:16), and saving and sanctifying faith which gets us through even the most difficult times (Ephesians 6:16).

In today’s verse he adds to these a joyous heart. Many of us have been taught in the past that “grace” means “unmerited favor.” In a sense that is true when it is referring to the gracious act that God has done for us. However, in its root meaning it really refers to the joy which is produced in our hearts as a result of God’s unmerited favor to us. We are all sinners and the penalty for our sins is death (separation from God for all eternity). For anyone who has accepted God’s gift of salvation, however, there is unspeakable joy in knowing that our sins have been forgiven. That joy can never be taken away from us, even in the face of physical death because we have a joyous hope of being in God’s presence forever.

Finally, in closing this letter Paul tells us something about the love that we Christians have for our God. This love, like our joy, not only will not cease, it will never diminish or fade.

Application

No matter what kind of difficulty you may go through, if you are a Christian you can rest on the fact that God loves you as if you were His only child, and He has forgiven you all your sins. Paul teaches elsewhere that you can never do anything to lose that salvation because you didn’t do anything to earn it; it is God’s gracious gift. Therefore, you will never be separated from God or from His love. You may suffer heartache or pain, but you will know eternal peace and joy because of His love.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:7 – God’s Gifting

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Will

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Truth to Learn

Each Christian has a job function to perform within the church based on how God has gifted him or her.

Behind the Words

The word “each” is from heskatos, which indicates “each” or “every;” that is, not just some, but all.

“One” is from heis. The fact that Paul says “each one” indicates “every one of us, individually.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers specifically to “that which causes joy or gratification.” When used in reference to God, it always refers to “an unearned and undeserved favor done by Him without expectation of anything to be done in return.”

The words “was … given” are translated from the verb didōmi, meaning “to give.” This Greek word is expressed in the aorist tense, passive voice, and indicative mood. This indicates that it was done completely at a point in time in the past to the subject (each one of us).

“Measure” is from metron (from which we get our English word “metric”), meaning “a measure of length or capacity.”

Meaning Explained

In this chapter the Apostle Paul has been teaching us how to behave within the body of Christ, the church. He has told us that we are to be humble, gentle, patient, supportive servants who are eager to work toward unity and peace. In the past few verses he gave us a number of examples of reasons why we should be working toward this unity.

Now, in achieving that unity we each have a calling, or a job, to perform. Even though we are all one in Christ, we are still individuals and each one of us has a different function to perform. Paul tells us that God bestows His favor on each one of us in the form of a gift or gifts. These undeserved gifts have been given to us to be used within the church. As we will learn a few verses from now, the purpose of these gifts is to enable us to minister to one another, the result of which will be, “the edifying of the body of Christ.” In other words, these gifts are not given to us for our own personal use or personal benefit. They are given to us to benefit others in the church.

We are also told here that God’s grace is bestowed on each of us, “according to the measure of Christ's gift.” What Paul means is that God determines which gift or gifts to bestow on us and He determines how much of each gift to give to each Christian. We do not all have the same gift, and we do not decide which gift or gifts He gives us, nor do we determine how much of the gift we are to receive. It is all determined by God and by Him alone. Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 14:1 that we are to desire certain gifts, but we don’t determine them.

Application

I have been in churches where a specific gift is so sought after that people are convinced you are not completely saved unless you have that specific gift. Paul would say, “Hogwash!” God determines your gift or gifts. Your only responsibility with regard to His gift is that you use it to the best of your ability to build up the body of Christ. Is that what you’re doing?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:5 – Undeserved Love

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:5 – Undeserved Love

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Truth to Learn

God loves us instead of giving us what we deserve.

Behind the Words

The words “when we were” are translated from the verb eimi, which is the verb of being, meaning “I exist.” It is expressed here in the first person plural (we exist), but it is written as a present participle as well. Thus, the most literal translation of this is “we being.”

The words “dead in trespasses” are translated from the same two words (ontas nekrous) translated that way in verse one of this chapter. Though verse one refers to “you” and this verse refers to “we,” in both cases Paul is talking about Christians before we were saved.

“Made us alive together” is from an interesting Greek word. It is sudzōopoieō, a double compound word made up of sun, meaning “together,” dzōon, meaning “to give life to,” and poieō, meaning “to make.” Thus, this word literally means “to make alive together.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, meaning “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.” When used of God’s grace toward us, since we don’t deserve it, it is sometimes referred to as “unmerited favor.”

The word translated “saved” is sōdzō, which means “to deliver, to protect, or to save.”

Meaning Explained

To understand this verse we must combine it with the previous verse:

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

There are three significant things expressed here: a main idea, a parenthetical idea, and a great theological truth.

Let’s start with the parenthetical idea. It is “because of His great love with which He loved us, we being dead in trespasses.” As we mentioned in yesterday’s verse study, the word translated “love” is God’s self-sacrificing agape love. The amazing truth that we are told here is that God loved us with this perfect love while we were sinners with a sentence of death on our heads, who were living in violent opposition to Him. We were so unlovable that only God could have loved us.

The main idea expressed in these two verses is: “But God, who is rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ” In the previous verse we said “mercy” means to overlook personal offenses and to treat an offender better than he or she deserves. While we were sinners, dead in trespasses, in violent opposition to God, He overlooked our offenses and gave us eternal life in Jesus Christ!

The great theological truth expressed here is that we are saved by God’s grace. We will expand on that in the next few verses.

Application

Before you were saved you were a dead sinner, in violent opposition to God, not deserving anything but God’s wrath. But – God loved you anyway! Can you say, “Thank you, God!”?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Truth to Learn

God loves us with the same love He has for Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “praise” is translated from epainos, composed of epi, meaning “upon” or “on” and ainos, meaning “praise given for benefits received.” Epainos refers to applause or commendation given in recognition of something that was done.

“Glory” is from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

“Grace” is from charis which we looked at back in verse two. It refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

The expression “made us accepted” is from charitoō, which is a verb form of charis. It means “to endue with special honor” or “to greatly favor.”

“Beloved” is translated from agapaō, meaning “to love with a perfect, self-sacrificing love.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis in on the effect. That is, God perfectly loved the Second Person of the Godhead (His Son) in the past, and the result is that He is His beloved Son.

Meaning Explained

The opening phrase of this verse, “to the praise of the glory of His grace” is a Hebraism, that is, a method of thought of the Hebrew people. The meaning they would ascribe to this phrase is “to His glorious grace!” In other words, by His choosing us and determining beforehand that we will be adopted as His children, God is shining the spotlight fully on His amazing grace. God did not have to choose us and He did not have to legally make us His children. We do not deserve to be chosen by Him, and we certainly do not deserve to be adopted into His family. And, He did not do these things for our benefit; He did them to show to all of creation how magnificent His grace is.

Were it not for God’s holiness and righteousness, we wouldn’t need His grace. Because He is holy, he is completely separated from all sin and sinfulness. Therefore, but for His grace, He could not fellowship with us. Because He is righteous, He always does what is right, and He must judge (condemn) every sin and every sinner. Therefore, but for His grace, we are condemned as sinners and destined for Hell.

In the second chapter of this letter, Paul will get into a deeper explanation of this marvelous grace of His. For now, he tells us that by this grace, “He graced us in the beloved.” In other words, He showed great favor and bestowed great honor on us by placing us in His beloved Son. In Him we possess all that the Father loves in His Son. Thus, we are perfectly loved!

Application

What a blessing to know that God sees His beloved Son every time He looks at a Christian. The Father loves you and me with the same love with which He has always loved the Son. By His grace, He loves us with the love of Christ! How great is that?!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

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 kuron, 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 two or three verses in this chapter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes after these verses may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Though part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent three years with the Christians in Ephesus, 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,

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

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Romans 16:24 – Precious, Sacred, and True

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Will

Romans 16:24– Precious, Sacred, and True

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

Truth to Learn

We have the genuine Word of God.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from charis. This is the noun form of the verb chairō, meaning “to be full of cheer” or “to rejoice.” The noun form, charis, means “joy, pleasure, or gratification as a result of an undeserved kindness granted.” In other words, it refers to “an undeserved or unmerited favor done without expectation of anything done in return.” It is sometimes described as “unmerited favor.”

The word “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “a master or owner.”

“Jesus” is transliterated (spelling a word of one language with the letters of another language) from the Greek Iēsous, which is in turn transliterated from the Hebrew Yēshū’a, or Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is help” or “Jehovah saves.”

“Christ” is the transliteration of the Greek word christos, which is derived from the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Therefore, christos means “anointed one.” This is the equivalent of the Hebrew word Māshīach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Greek word amēn, which in turn is transliterated from the Hebrew ‘āmēn. It literally means “to be firm, steady, or trustworthy.” The Greek word is sometimes translated as “verily” or “truly.” Because we almost always end a prayer with amen, we tend to think of it as meaning “the end” but this is not the proper meaning of the word. At the end of a prayer, it is more appropriately equated to “it is truth” or “it is so.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is almost exactly the same as the second half of verse twenty, except that the word “all” has been inserted. Some of the major Greek manuscripts do not include this verse, so it is omitted in some translations. However, it is included in this translation so let’s look at it briefly.

According to his second letter to the Thessalonians, this is an expression that Paul uses to mark the genuineness of his letter:

The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (2Thssalonians 3:17-18)

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul alludes to a forged letter from him (2Thessalonians 2:2), so he may have used this valediction to assure them that it was truly from him. Thus, we see this expression in various forms in 1Corinthians 16:23, 2Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, 1Thessalonians 5:28, 2Thessalonians 3:18, 1Timothy 1:14, and Philemon 1:25.

As to why it is included in both verses twenty and twenty-four we can only speculate. Perhaps the first was written by his penman and this one was written by Paul himself.

Application

We are so privileged to have God’s truth presented to us in a single book, a book that we know to be genuine. We should treat it as precious, honor it as sacred, and follow it as God’s Holy Word. Amen.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 11:6 – God Verses Works

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:6 – God Verses Works

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Truth to Learn

It is either grace or works. It can’t be both.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “grace” is a form of charis, which we looked at in yesterday’s verse. I like how The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines charis:

A favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor.

“Works” is from the Greek word ergon, which means “to perform labor, to carry out some action, or to do a deed.” It is in these two latter senses that Paul uses the word in this verse.

Meaning Explained

Paul is now making a further point about the election of grace which he referred to in the previous verse. That verse said,

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)

The point he made there was that God’s choosing, His election, is by grace. It is done by God’s benevolent choice, without expectation of gaining anything in return. We did not earn it and we do not deserve it. And if it is truly unearned and unmerited, that means that we did nothing at all to earn it or to deserve it (we did not earn it or deserve it by deciding to get saved and asking Jesus into our heart).

In the current verse Paul says that if this election is by grace, then it is not the result of works, otherwise it would cease to be by grace. He is going to great lengths to show that God chooses whom he wants to save (whether in the Old Testament dispensation or in the church age), and he chooses strictly based on whom He wants to choose, not based on anything we have done or will do.

As I have said before, there are a lot of well meaning, committed Christians who claim that God foreknew who would believe and, as a result, chose them. But even believing in the truth of the gospel is an action on our part. It is a deed, an action, a work, and Paul says that if we are saved by a deed, then it is not by God’s grace. He says we are not saved by works, but by grace. It is God’s choice, not ours!

The “remnant in the present time” that Paul is talking about in these verses refers to the people saved during the church age, whom he is comparing to the remnant of Israel that God promised Elijah were set-apart in his day. It also refers to the remnant of Israel who will be saved when the Messiah returns. Paul tells us that each of these groups is chosen by God’s election, not based on their works (their faithfulness or any other of their actions) but by His gift of grace.

Application

My friends, I don’t know how Paul can make this any clearer. We are saved, not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done. I don’t deserve this salvation any more than you do and none of us did anything to earn it.

We are saved by God’s grace because He chose us. Period!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 11:5 – The Chosen Remnant

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:5 – The Chosen Remnant

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Truth to Learn

We are the remnant, chosen to be God’s children, by His grace alone.

Behind the Words

The word translated “election” is the Greek word eklogē. This is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of legō, meaning “to choose” or “to select.” Thus we see that it literally means “to choose out” or “to select out.” According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, “this word refers to the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they are led to embrace and persevere in Christ’s bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to be calmly happy or well off.” Charis specifically refers to “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life producing happiness and peace.” It is often thought of as “our undeserved favor from God.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now brings his readers back to the present (meaning both the present at the time this letter was written and the present time today). He says that it is just the same in the present, that a remnant has come into being. The remnant he refers to is a concept that Jews well understood. God promised the Jews that He would preserve a remnant out of Israel who would be saved. They have always believed that the salvation of the remnant refers to them being saved from the ravages of their oppressors and that the remnant would finally inherit the land and reign with the Messiah. Paul’s point, however, is that the remnant in his day is composed of those whom God has chosen “according to the election of grace.”

I know that election (God’s choosing those of us who are to be saved independent of any act or action on our part) is a difficult doctrine for many Christians to grasp. However, Paul states it so clearly and so often that, if you believe the Bible is truth, it is even more difficult to deny it than to believe it. Paul believed in and taught election as a fact. Therefore, we should simply accept it as truth, even if we don’t completely understand it.

Paul calls it “the election of grace” because he understands that election is not by choice on our part, it’s an undeserved gift from God. We don’t choose to be saved. We don’t simply decide that we will get saved and then say the sinners prayer. Before the foundation of the earth, God chose those who would be saved. It involves the sovereign hand of God which removes the blindfold from the eyes of the elect. Only then can we see, and understand, the truth of the gospel so that we may become saved. It is all God’s work and it is all by grace (totally undeserved by those who receive it) so God is the only one who can receive the glory for it. In the next verse Paul will make the specific point that this election is not by anything that we have done (works); it is strictly by His grace!

Application

God, thank you for your gift of salvation. I didn’t, don’t, and won’t ever deserve it! You deserve all the credit, all the glory, and all the praise. In thanks to you, I humbly submit my will to yours and ask that you use me in whatever way you determine, to bring praise to Yourself. Wonderful is your grace!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 6:15 – Grateful Willing Restraint

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:15

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

Truth to Learn

Just because our sins are all forgiven doesn’t mean we should let our sin nature run wild.

Behind the Words

The expression “What then?” is from two Greek words, ti oun. The first word, ti (a form of tis), in an interrogative pronoun means “who?” or “what?” or “which?” Oun is used between two clauses or sentences to show a connection between them or a cause and effect relationship. Paul is using it here to express a question that shows the relationship between what he has just said and the rhetorical question to follow.

“Under” is translated from the pronoun hupo (or hypo), which can mean physically “under” or “under the influence or dominion of” as it is used here.

Meaning Explained

Paul now asks another one of his rhetorical questions. His purpose for asking the question is to answer an objection that might be raised. He has just declared that we are not under the dominion and power of sin any longer because we are no longer under the Law but under grace. Remember, the people to whom he wrote this letter were predominantly converted Jews living in Rome. They had been brought up believing that the way to righteousness was by obeying the Law. When they were saved, they continued to believe that it was necessary to obey the Law.

But Paul has skillfully demonstrated, not only are we no longer bound to the Law, but we are no longer under the lordship of our sin nature. We are freed from the bondage of the Law, and we are freed from the dominion of sin. To a Jewish Christian who has felt the weight of the Law and sin his or her entire life, this would sound like a freedom cry and permission to sin without repercussion.

So Paul asks his rhetorical question: Shall we sin because we are not under Law, but under grace?

In his typical style, Paul immediately answers the question with the Greek phrase, “me genoito” which, as we have seen before, means “May it not be!” or “No way!”

We Christians are funny people sometimes. We labor for years under the false impression that we will be punished for our sins. We are very careful to be as obedient and faithful as we possibly can for fear of reprisal from God, as if He were a giant ogre just waiting for us to slip up so He can pounce on us and make us pay. But as soon as we learn that all of our sins are paid for (past, present, and future) and that we are no longer under condemnation, but are declared to be righteous, we immediately want to throw off the mantle of self restraint and let our sin nature run wild.

Instead, we should endeavor to be as obedient and faithful as possible, not because we will be punished for sinning, but because we have been set free and we owe it to our Master and Lord to act the way He wants us to act.

Application

We should be so grateful for having all of our sins forgiven that we willingly restrain our sin nature and live for Him the way He wants us to! But that’s not the way we think, is it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 6:14 – Freed by Grace

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Truth to Learn

Christians do not have sin ruling over them.

Behind the Words

The phrase “shall not have dominion over” is the translation of the Greek word kurieuō, which we looked at back in verse nine. It is the verb form of kurios, meaning “master, lord, or owner.” Thus, kurieuō refers to “lordship or ownership.” However in the current verse this particular verb is in the “future active indicative” form. The “indicative” is called the mood of the verb in Greek. There are four moods in the Greek language which are indicative, subjunctive, optative, and imperative. The indicative expresses the writer’s portrayal of real action whereas the others express the writer’s portrayal of potential action to varying degrees.

“Law” is translated from the Greek word nomos, which is the noun form of the verb nemō, meaning “to divide among” or “to parcel out.” So, technically nomos refers to that which has been parceled out, which someone has in his or her possession. It is also used to express regulations that have been delivered or parceled out, such as the Law of Moses.

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter telling us that we were buried with Christ by baptism and that our old man (our sin nature) was crucified with Him. As a result we should consider ourselves dead to sin so that we won’t be brought under the constant control of sin. Back in chapter four Paul made the doctrinal declaration that we are no longer under the Law, rather we are set free from the Law by the gracious gift of God when He declared us as righteous.

Since we were figuratively buried with Christ through baptism and our sin nature was crucified with Him, Paul now tells us that sin will not have dominion over us.

So why did we spend so much time and energy on a Greek grammar lesson regarding the verb kurieuō? It’s because of what is being said in this verse regarding sin having power or control over us. Since this verb is in the indicative mood it refers to real action, not potential action. So, Paul is not saying that sin may not have dominion over us or that sin should not have dominion over us but that sin will not have dominion over us.

And why will sin not have control over us? Because we are no longer under the dominion of Law; rather, we are under the grace of God. We have already been declared righteous! Knowing this, it would seem easy for us to cast aside all restraints and live as sinful as we want because we’re no longer bound by Law. But if we did, then we would be letting sin have lordship over us. And, this brings us right back around to the beginning, doesn’t it? If we are truly saved then we have died with Christ and sin will not have lordship over us.

Application

Since sin is no longer our master, we should be demonstrating by our attitude and actions that we have been freed from the bondage of sin! Is that what your attitude and actions are demonstrating?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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