Tag: hagios

1 Thessalonians 5:27 – Read God’s Letters

Posted on by Will

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

Truth to Learn

Reading God’s Word is essential for all Christians.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “charge” is horkidzō, which is based on horkos, meaning “a solemn oath.” The verb horkidzō means “to put someone to an oath” or “to ask someone to swear an oath.” In a more common English expression we might say, “Promise me that you will …”

“Epistle” is transliterated (a word of one language brought directly into another) from epistolē, which simply means “a written correspondence” or “a letter.”

The verb “read” is from anaginōskō, which is made up of ana, meaning “again” and ginōskō, meaning “to know.” The word anaginōskō originally meant “to know again” or “to perceive accurately.” Later, it came to mean “to recognize” and then “to read.” By the time of the New Testament anaginōskō always meant “to gain knowledge by reading” or simply “to read.”

Hagios is the word translated “holy.” It is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.” All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God. Therefore, all Christians are holy.

Meaning Explained

During the first century of the Christian church, the only Scripture (written teaching for mankind from God) that existed was what we today call the Old Testament. Originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic, it was translated into Greek a little more than 200 years before the birth of Jesus. When the Messiah (Jesus) came, He brought new teaching, emphasizing the intent of the law rather than the letter of the law. This new way of living (by faith, not by sight) was taught by His apostles to those who believed that Jesus is the Son of God and that He gave His life on the cross to pay for their sins.

As we know, word of mouth teaching can get easily perverted, either intentionally or unintentionally; therefore, the apostles wrote letters to the established churches explaining the teachings of Christ, applying these teachings to problems that had begun to spring up in the churches. Many of these letters were addressed to a specific church, but they contained doctrinal teaching that applied to all Christians. For this reason, these letters were copied and carried to other churches so that all Christians could benefit from the teaching.

This practice of copying apostolic letters may have originated from today’s verse. Since 1 Thessalonians was one of the first of these letters written (the letter written by James was probably the first), this practice of reading the letter to all Christians became a common practice.

Since the invention of the printing press, the contents of the entire Bible have been made available to all people, and this admonition of the Apostle Paul applies equally to all Christians. But, it applies to the entire Bible, not just this letter.

Application

How often do you read your Bible? Is it a daily practice that has become an important part of your life? If not, it should be. Reading God’s Word is essential for all Christians. How can God speak to you if you aren’t reading His letters to you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Ephesians 5:3 – Do What Fits

Posted on 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,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Ephesians 3:18 – Foundational Understanding

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:18  – Foundational Understanding

may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

Truth to Learn

Christian lives must be based on and rooted in Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

“May be able” is translated from the verb exischuō, a compound word made up of ex, used as an intensifier and ischuō, meaning “to have strength.” Exischuō means “to be in full strength” or “to be abundantly able.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of this happening.

The word “comprehend” is from the Greek verb katalambanō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Thus, katalambanō means “to completely take” or “to firmly take hold of.” The context indicates that it is a “taking to one’s mind,” that is, “understanding” or “comprehending.”

“Saints” is from the Greek word hagios, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.” Therefore, hagios is sometimes translated “holy” or “sanctified.” All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God, which is precisely the meaning of the word “saint.” In the Bible this term does not refer to someone who has been declared to be a saint by the church, but someone who has been declared righteous by God.

Meaning Explained

In our discussion of yesterday’s verse, we mentioned that the end of that verse belongs with this verse. When we put them together we read:

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

So, what does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? This could be taken to mean that as Christians all of our actions and deeds spring forth from the ideal of perfect love. Or, it could be taken to mean that all of our deeds and actions spring forth from God who is love according to the Apostle John:

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)

Paul uses two separate metaphors to express the source of our knowledge of His love. The first is a botanical metaphor: the source of our understanding is that into which our roots are sunk for nourishment. The second is an architectural metaphor: the base on which we build our understanding is the foundation of our lives – Christ.

Now Paul tells us that as we derive our spiritual nourishment from Him and as we build our life and service on Him, we will understand the width, length, depth, and height of … We will find out “of what” in tomorrow’s verse.

Application

Is your life built upon faith in Jesus Christ? Are your deeds based on the foundation that has been laid for us by Jesus, the Apostles and Prophets? If not, you won’t really understand God. If so, you will comprehend God and His love for you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:15 – Noteworthy Faith

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:15  – Noteworthy Faith

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

Truth to Learn

Some people show their faith in everything they do.

Behind the Words

The words “after I heard” are translated from the verb akouō, meaning “to hear.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it literally says, “having heard.”

The expression “of your faith” is translated from tēn kath humas pistin. The word tēn is the definite article (the). The word kath (from kata), meaning “down” or “among.” Humas is the second person plural pronoun (you-plural). And pistin is from pistis, meaning “faith” or “moral conviction.” So, literally this phrase reads “the among you faith.”

“Saints” is from the Greek word hagios, which is derived from hagos, meaning “something which inspires awe.” Hagios refers to something which has been set apart from common usage to be used for God’s glory. It is often translated as “holy, sanctified, or consecrated.” Here it refers to someone who has become a Christian. As a result of our salvation, we are set-apart by God and are, therefore, referred to as saints. Therefore, all Christians are saints, not just those who have been declared so by a church organization.

The word “love” does not appear in some of the best Greek texts and probably should be omitted.

Meaning Explained

This verse has been used by some to try to prove that Paul did not write this letter specifically to the Christians in Ephesus. As we discussed in verse one of this chapter, the words “who are in Ephesus” are omitted from verse one in two key Greek manuscripts. Some scholars try to use that fact and Paul’s comments in this verse to prove that this letter was written as a general epistle for a number of different churches, not specifically for the Ephesians. Their contention is, since Paul spent three years in Ephesus, he certainly knew of their faith in the Lord and would not have said, “after I heard of your faith in the Lord.”

On the other side of the argument, however, there is overwhelming manuscript evidence that the words “who are in Ephesus” were originally included in the opening verse of this letter. Therefore, there must be a different reason why Paul says that he “heard of” the faith of the Ephesians. As we saw in “Behind the Words,” a literal translation of this expression is “the among you faith.” In other words, Paul has heard of the faith among the people in the Ephesian church. Now that shouldn’t be too surprising since this letter was written about five years after he left Ephesus and there had been many others come to faith in the church during that period of time. And, since the word “love” does not appear to be part of this verse as Paul originally wrote it, it should read

Therefore I also, having heard of the faith of those among you in the Lord Jesus, which you show toward all the saints,

It’s because of that faith, demonstrated by the Ephesian Christians and visible to others, that Paul is thankful.

Application

Do you know Christians like that? People whose faith is so strong and obvious in everything they do? Have you thanked God for them? Have you thanked them for their example?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

Truth to Learn

If you are a Christian, this letter was written to you!

Behind the Words

“Apostle” is transliterated from the Greek word apostolos, made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to withdraw from” or “to send forth.” Thus, apostolos, as it is used here, means “one who is sent out by Christ.”

The word translated “will” is thelēma, which indicates “a determination or decision.” The verbs thelō and boulomai are both translated “to will” but boulomai expresses a desirous will (wish) whereas thelō expresses a determined will (decision).

“Saints” is from hagios, which literally refers to something which causes awe. Its root meaning is “that which has been set apart from common use to Godly use.” As we will learn from Paul in this letter, all Christians have been set-apart by God; that is, all Christians are saints.

Meaning Explained

Paul begins this letter with a typical salutation identifying himself (Paul the apostle) as the writer. He immediately sets the tone for this letter by indicating that his apostleship is a result of God’s determination (it was God’s decision). One of the key underlying themes of this letter is the complete sovereignty of God in choosing whom He determines. This doctrine of “election” has been hotly debated since the time of the Reformation in the sixteenth century; however, writings of the early church fathers indicate that the early church readily accepted it. Throughout this letter we will see that Paul clearly teaches that God chose us, not because we decided to get saved, but because He decided to save us.

The next phrase in this opening verse, “To the saints who are in Ephesus,” has been questioned by some. The reason for this is because the words “who are in Ephesus” are omitted in two key Greek manuscripts. Some scholars believe that the letter was written with these two words intentionally omitted, allowing copyists to insert the name of a particular church to make it more personal. An overwhelming number of the manuscripts, however, contain the words “who are in Ephesus;” therefore, it is reasonable for us to conclude that this letter was specifically addressed to the church in Ephesus.

The final phrase of this verse indicates that Paul intended that is should be read by more than just the Ephesians. He addresses this letter to all the “faithful in Christ Jesus.” This is not a reference to those who have a sense of fidelity and perseverance, but to those who are “of the faith.” In other words, this letter was sent to the Christians who lived in Ephesus and to anyone else who has professed faith in Jesus Christ. If you have accepted the blood of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins and have declared Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then this letter was written specifically to you.

Application

The God of all creation, the great I AM who lead Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness, wants you to know Him completely. It’s not very often that we recognize that God had the Bible written for you and me individually. This letter called Ephesians was written to you, Christian!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 16:15 – Family of Saints

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:15 – Family of Saints

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are saints and are God’s children.

Behind the Words

The name “Philologus” means “one who loves to learn.”

“Nereus,” by some sources is said to be derived from Nereo or Neriene. It is a name that signifies “strength” and is the word from which Emperor Nero’s name is derived.

“Sister” is from the Greek noun adelphē. This is the feminine form of the word adelphos, which means “brother.” Hence, adelphē means “sister.”

The word “saints” is translated from the Greek noun hagios, meaning “holy” or “set-apart.” It refers to things which have been set-apart from common usage and dedicated to use for God’s service. Throughout the New Testament, it is a term used of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior who are, therefore, sanctified or set-apart from the commonness of mankind and dedicated to God for His use and His glory.

Meaning Explained

Philologus, like a number of others in Paul’s greeting list, was named among the seventy disciples sent out by our Lord referenced in Luke 10:1. A man by this name (perhaps this same person) later became Bishop at Sinope (a city in present day Turkey). Julia (also sometimes written as Junia) is believed to have been his wife.

Nereus and his sister are the next ones greeted by Paul. We know nothing of this man or his sister. It is interesting to note in this lengthy list of people to whom Paul sends greetings by name that he does not greet Nereus’ sister by name. This would seem to indicate that either Paul forgot her name (unlikely, given his demonstrated ability to remember names) or he never knew her name.

The final person greeted by name in this verse is Olympas (or Olympius) who, like many others in this list, was listed among the seventy disciples sent out by our Lord. Olympius is also identified in writings outside the Bible as one of the Christian martyrs in Rome.

As in the previous verse, it appears that this group of five people may have been the core of a church group meeting together for worship and/or fellowship. The fact that Paul refers to the “saints” who are with this group indicates that it is more than just a group of friends, that it is a gathering of Christian believers.

By the way: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Apostle Peter was designated as the first Bishop of the Roman Church or “Pope” as he is called today. If this were true, one would expect Paul to have sent him greetings as part of this extensive list of personal salutations.

Application

If you are a born again Christian, the Bible declares you to be a saint. That means, as we have said previously, that you have been specifically set-apart by God for His use. You are not a commoner; you are a holy child of the King of Kings!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 15:25 – God’s Saints

Posted on by Will

Romans 15:25 – God’s Saints

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are saints.

Behind the Words

The word translated “minister” should be a familiar word to us by now. It is the Greek word diakoneō, a verb meaning “to serve or wait upon, with emphasis on the work to be done and not on the relationship between the served and the servant.”

The word translated “saints” is the Greek word hagios, which means, “holy one.” This word is believed to be derived from hagos, meaning “that which causes awe.” The root meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to the service of God.” It also carries with it the notion of ceremonial cleanliness and purity.

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out previously, Paul’s plan was to go to Spain and to stop by Rome on the way so that he could visit the Christians. First, though, he was planning on going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints there. We find a reference to this visit to Jerusalem and his subsequent plans to visit Rome in the book of Acts:

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (Acts 19:21)

It is not entirely clear whether Paul meant that he had purposed in his own spirit to make this trip or whether it was the Spirit of God who was directing him in his journeys. I suspect that it was the latter. Either way, he was not planning a vacation; he was planning to “minister to the saints.” Paul was going to Jerusalem as part of his calling to work, not to relax. He was taking money from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (both part of modern day Greece) to give to the saints in Jerusalem.

Let’s talk about the “saints” for a moment. In the New Testament this term is used frequently, not referring to extraordinary people who have performed miracles and have been subsequently proclaimed “saints” by the church, but to anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as savior. All of us who are born again Christians are saints according to the doctrines of the apostles. As we learned in the beginning chapters of this letter to the Roman Christians, when we were saved God bestowed His grace on us by proclaiming us to be righteous. In other words, in God’s record book, you and I are without sin because the blood of Christ has washed us clean. And because we now have the righteousness of Christ, legally in God’s court room we stand as holy as God, and we are set-apart for His use.

Application

If you’re a Christian, you’re a holy saint!

“But I don’t feel very holy!” you may say.

Fortunately, our position in God’s eyes doesn’t depend on our feelings or our actions. It depends only on God’s precious gift of grace which we didn’t, don’t, and never will deserve.

Why not get on your knees right now and thank Him for this gift of righteousness and holiness!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity

Posted on by Will

Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity

distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Truth to Learn

Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “distributing” is koinonointes, which is derived from the word koinonia, meaning “to have things in common” or “to share things with others.” Thus we see that the command is not to distribute to the less fortunate what the more fortunate have donated. Paul is telling us to give of our own possessions to meet the needs of others.

The word “needs” is from chreia, a form of chreos, meaning “a debt.” In the current usage, chreia refers to “that which someone is lacking or has need of.”

“Saints” is a translation of the Greek word hagios, meaning “something that inspires awe.” It is the word which is often translated as “holy” particularly in reference to the holiness of God. It also carries with it the notion of being “set apart.” Specifically, it refers to something that is set apart from common use and set apart to be used for God.

The words “given to” are from diōkō, meaning “to pursue” or “to persecute.”

Meaning Explained

Continuing on with Paul’s description of how Christians ought to live their lives, he says that we should be, “distributing to the needs of the saints.” Let us first address the term “saints.” It does not refer to someone who has been canonized by the Roman Catholic Church even though they are referred to by the Church as “saints;” instead, it refers to those who have been set apart by God, those who have been saved by God’s grace. Hence, all Christians are saints.

What we are told here is that we should willingly share what we have with fellow Christians who are in need. Even those of us who think we don’t have very much can share some of what we have with other Christians who have even less.

Paul also tells us that we should be pursuing hospitality, not just being willing, but actively pursuing such opportunities. This was a necessary virtue in the first century, when houses of public accommodation were scarce. It is not so much a necessity today in our society, which may be one reason why we have become more isolated from each other rather than more closely engaged with one another. One never knows who a stranger really is, for in the book of Hebrews we are told,

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)

Also, in Matthew’s gospel Jesus taught:

He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. (Matthew 10:40)

If we are truly in God’s family then we should show all kindness in sharing with our brothers and sisters in the Lord!

Application

I have known some Christians who are constantly looking for opportunities to share what they have to meet the needs of others. These people are usually smiling. I have also seen Christians who hoard what they possess and seldom give to those in need. These people don’t seem to smile very often.

Do you smile a lot?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 11:16 – Set-apart by Him

Posted on by Will

Romans 11:16 – Set-apart by Him

For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Truth to Learn

Like the believing Jews, we are set-apart by God for His use.

Behind the Words

The word “firstfruit” is from the Greek word aparchē, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and a form of archomai, meaning “to begin.” This word refers to that part of something that is taken from the beginning or the first part.

The word translated “lump” is the Greek word phurama, which is the noun form of the verb phuraō, meaning “to break,” or “to dissolve,” or “to knead.” In this case it refers to a mass of dough that has been kneaded in preparation for baking.

“Holy” is from the word hagios, which means “to be set apart.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just been telling us that it was because of His rejection of the unbelieving Jews that God turned to the Gentiles. He is now going to show us that although the Jews as a nation were rejected, it was a few believing Jews who were the beginning of the church.

In the Old Testament, the “firstfruit” was the part of the crop that ripened first and was to be offered to God before partaking of the remainder of the crop. It was a way for the Jews to signify that the entire crop came from God. Even though man planted it, God alone caused the seed to germinate, God alone provided the rain and caused the plant to grow, and God alone caused the fruit to form and ripen. This current verse seems to be a reference to Numbers 15:20, 21 which says:

You shall offer up a cake of the first of your ground meal as a heave offering; as a heave offering of the threshing floor, so shall you offer it up. Of the first of your ground meal you shall give to the LORD a heave offering throughout your generations.

I believe that Paul’s reference in the current verse is to the fact that it was a few Jews who were the first to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. And it was first to the Jews that the glorious message of His resurrection was announced. These Jewish believers were holy. That is, they were “set apart,” set apart from the world of unbelievers and set-apart to God for His use and for His glorification.

If these first few Jews were set-apart by God, so also will the remainder of the church be set-apart. Likewise, Paul refers to the root of an olive tree as being holy which causes the remainder of the tree, the branches, to be holy (set-apart). Paul will now use this metaphor of the olive tree to show us why we are totally dependent on God for His blessing and favor.

Application

Remember what Paul has been teaching us, that we are not the ones responsible for our salvation and the blessings that come from it. God, as we are told in Hebrews 12:2, “is the author and finisher of our faith.” He is the one who caused us to believe; hence, we are not the authors of our faith, He is. We do not cause the plants to grow and produce seed, God does. We are totally dependent on God for all of life and especially for spiritual (eternal) life. This should not make us proud; instead, it should humble us in the presence of Almighty God who chose us.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 8:27 – Holy Intercessor

Posted on by Will

Romans 8:27 – Holy Intercessor

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit knows what to say and how to say it when He prays to the Father for us.

Behind the Words

The word translated “searches” is the Greek verb ereunaō, which means “to investigate, explore, or make inquiry.”

“Mind” is translated from phronema, a derivative of the verb phroneō, meaning “to think or to have a mind set.” Hence, phronema means “the thinking or mindset” that is to say “the tendency or inclination of the mind.”

“Intercession” is translated from the Greek word enthugchanō. We looked at a form of this word in yesterday’s verse. It is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and thugchanō, which literally means “to strike an opponent with a weapon.” When these two words are combined, however, the word has the meaning of “to fall in with or in behalf of another” or “to make a defense or appeal with another person.”

The word translated “saints” is the Greek word hagios, which means “a holy one” or “sanctified (set-apart) one.” Contrary to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, you don’t have to be canonized in order to be a saint. Anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has been justified and cleansed of all sins, has been set-apart (sanctified) by God as His own, and is referred to as a “saint” in the New Testament.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that the Spirit of God within us prays for us when we are spiritually or physically weak. There are many who believe that this verse applies to us any time we are praying since, compared to God, we are always weak. But whether it is in those times when we think we are weak or at all times since we are spiritually weak compared to Him, the Holy Spirit is our perfect prayer partner.

Notice that the words “the will of” are in italics in our translation (The New King James Version). These are words inserted by the translators; there are no equivalent words in the Greek text. A more literal translation of the last phrase of the current verse would be: “because He makes intercession for the saints according to God.” That is to say, the intercessory work of the Holy Spirit is according to what God has determined, not according to our wants or desires.

When we put this all together we see why the Holy Spirit is such a perfect prayer partner. It is because He (God, who is the one who searches our hearts and knows us even better than we know ourselves) also knows what His own thinking is and, therefore, can speak directly to the Father for us in the most effective way and in perfect keeping with the will and purpose of God the Father.

Application

I have heard Christians say, “I’m not very good at praying.” What Paul is telling us is that we don’t have to be. In Phillipians 4:6 he tells us, “let your requests be made known to God.” We don’t have to use a lot of theological words, with an occasional “Thee” and “Thou” sprinkled in. We simply have to open our hearts and talk directly to God. Then, the Holy Spirit will be our interpreter, our representative to the Father.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: