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Romans 1:23 – Idol Worship

Posted on August 19, 2009 by admin

Romans 1:23

and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Truth to Learn

We tend to worship corruptible things that we can see, rather than our eternal God who we can’t see.

Behind the Words

“Incorruptible” is translated from the Greek word aphthartos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of phtheirō, which means “to waste away, to spoil, or to corrupt.” Hence, aphthartos means “that which does not waste away, spoil, or corrupt.” Later in this verse the word phthartos is translated “corruptible.” Man is corruptible and wasting away (dying, if you will), but God remains the same forever.

The word translated “image” is the Greek word eikōn, from which we get our English word icon. It means “a likeness, representation, or image of something else.” And, the word “like” is from homoiōma, meaning “a form or a resemblance.” Because of the order and case of these two words, a more accurate translation would be “and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the form of an image of corruptible man…”

Meaning Explained

Paul is talking about those men (and women) who suppress the truth about God. They deny His power and His very existence even though God has made Himself known to them through his creation. And because they refused to thank Him or to glorify Him, He gives them up to foolish reasoning, though they think themselves to be wise.

Paul continues on in today’s verse to describe some of their actions after the light of truth has been removed from them. Instead of worshipping the true God, these ungodly people choose to worship the creatures instead of the creator. The Old and New Testaments are filled with examples of animals and their images that have been worshipped throughout the ages. The Greek gods were nearly always in the form of humans with supernatural abilities. The Egyptian Gods, on the other hand, were in the form of birds, animals, and reptiles. Rome had adopted all of these as acceptable deities to worship. Secular history records the numerous creatures that have been the focus of man’s religion, and it continues on to the present day.

Today, one of the most prevalent forms of image worship is secular humanism. Though they would claim to not worship any god, it is themselves that they make to be the gods. In order to do this they claim that there is no God, so, instead, God turns them into fools believing in such things as “the big bang” and “evolution,” all the while promoting the supremacy of mankind.

Let me repeat what I said a few days ago. God is not mocked! Just because these unbelievers claim there is no God does not make it so, and Paul will continue in the next verse to describe what God’s response to their “wisdom” has been, and continues to be.

Application

It is easy for us to put our faith, trust, hope, and comfort in things other than God. It could be money, a job, a home, family, a worthy cause, even our church. Keep in mind that if it’s not the eternal, unchanging God of creation, it’s an idol. And … our God is a jealous God!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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2 Peter 3:18 – Eternal Praise

Posted on July 7, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Truth to Learn

We are to grow spiritually and give God all the glory.

Behind the Words

The word translated “grow” is auxanō, meaning “to grow.” This growth, however, implies the result either of some outside agent or the element of life within. It is the word used of a seed which grows into a plant, simply because it has the element of life in it. There is a different Greek word, prokoptō, which also refers to growth. This, however, refers to growth as a result of human achievement. So we see that even though Peter gives this to us as a command, our growth in grace (there is no definite article “the” in the Greek text) and knowledge of Christ is not a result of our active conscious effort, but a result of the spiritual life within us.

The word translated “glory” is the Greek word doxa. The root of this word, dokeo, means “favorable thought or opinion.” Hence, it is often translated as “glory, praise, or honor.”

“Forever” is translated from the Greek expression hēmeran aiōnos. The word hēmera refers to a “day.” It can refer to a specific twenty-four hour period of time, or it can refer to an indefinite period or point in time such as “the day of the Lord.” The word aiōnos refers to an “age of time.” It is most often used to refer to an indefinitely long period of time and, therefore, is often translated as eternity. These two words, therefore, refer to “the day of eternity,” that is, the time after the creation of the new heavens and the new earth when time will no longer have any meaning.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Peter told us to beware of the false teachers and scoffers, and we learned that we can only protect ourselves from false doctrine by studying correct doctrine. He now gives us another command. He says to “grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Peter tells us that we are to grow both in grace and in knowledge. Like a tree which continues to grow because it has life fed from the roots sunk deep in the earth, we are to grow because we are being fed from our roots in Christ through the Word of God. The only way to have continual growth is to be fed regularly from the book of life, the Bible. Only through regular constant reading and fellowshipping with the God of the Bible will we receive regular nourishment.

Peter then closes his letter with a word of praise for the one to whom we owe everything. He says, “to Him be the glory …” God, and God alone, is to be given recognition for who He is and what He has done. Peter proclaims that this praise and honor is His both now and into (or unto) the day of eternity.

Application

As we complete this study of 2Peter, let’s take a few minutes in prayer to give Him the worship and praise that He is due. And let’s submit ourselves wholeheartedly to Him and commit ourselves to doing His will…

… from now until the day of eternity!

May God richly bless you as you do these things.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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2 Peter 1:17 – A Father Well Pleased

Posted on April 27, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 1:17

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Truth to Learn

God the Father is, and has always been, pleased with His Son.

Behind the Words

The word “honor” is a translation of the Greek word timē, which also occurred back in verse 4 of this chapter. It refers to “having value.” In verse 4 it was used in reference to the promises that have been given to us and there it was translated as “precious,” i.e. very valuable. In today’s verse it is translated as “honor.” According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, the word honor means, “High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem” but this doesn’t quite carry the same sense as the Greek word. It is more than respect or esteem, it is recognition of His value in the order of creation, He is preeminent, that is, the highest, most valuable, and greatest!

The word “glory” is from the Greek word doxan, which refers to “glory, dignity, or honor.” There is a subtle but distinct difference in these two words that Peter used (glory and honor). The first refers to His worth as a being and the second refers to recognition for what He has done.

The word translated “Majestic” is from the Greek word megaloprepēs, which is a compound made up of megas, meaning “great or big” and a form of prepō, meaning “that which is right or proper.” In English, this word implies something “resplendent, glorious, magnificent, or majestic.”

Meaning Explained

Peter has just talked about his eyewitness account of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountaintop. In today’s verse he recounts some of the details of that event. Before we talk about his details, however, let’s look at the word translated “transfigured” from Matthew 17:2. It is the Greek word metamorphoō, which is a compound word made up of meta, which means “a change of place or condition” and morphoō, which means “to form.” So Matthew is telling us that he didn’t simply change appearance, he actually changed in form on that mountaintop.

In today’s verse Peter tells us that Jesus Christ received “honor and glory from God the Father.” He then tells us how glory and honor were bestowed on Jesus. There was an audible voice carried forth from the majestic (or magnificent) glory saying, “This is my son – the beloved, with whom I was well pleased” (literal translation). Jesus received glory in that God the Father referred to Him as “my Son” (the Son of God), and He received honor from God the Father when He proclaimed, “with him I was well pleased.” This does not mean that the Father is no longer pleased with the Son. Rather, it means that He has been pleased with the Son of God since eternity past.

Application

Although we will never attain the same position as Jesus (i.e. we will never be God), we who have accepted Christ as Savior have had His righteousness bestowed upon us and we have been adopted into the same family. And, if we are faithful and diligent in our efforts for Him during this life, we may someday hear, “Well done good and faithful servant!”

Is that what you want to hear from your Heavenly Father?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 5:11 – Our Eternal God

Posted on March 18, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:11

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God is mighty in position and power, deserving of our worship now and for all eternity.

Behind the Words

The word translated “glory” is doxa, (from which we get our English word, doxology). The meaning of giving glory to God is, “ascribing to Him His full, rightful and deserved recognition.” Contained in the idea of giving God glory are the notions of praise, worship, and obeisance (an act of recognition of another’s superiority).

The word translated “dominion” is the Greek word kratos, which literally means “strength” or “might,” but it carries more of the meaning “especially manifested power” or “dominion.” It is, again, a recognition of God’s superiority in terms of power and authority. It is recognition that God is great and powerful having supreme authority and power, and we are small and weak having little, if any, authority and power.

The expression “forever and ever” comes from the Greek eis tous aionas ton aionon, which literally means “unto the ages of the ages.” An age refers to a period of time or the collection of events within that period of time. The Greek expression, eis ton aionon (unto the ages) is interpreted as “unto eternity” or “until the end of the ages.” The added tous aionas in today’s verse changes the meaning of this expression to “throughout all of eternity,” meaning that it doesn’t stop when time ends and eternity begins, rather it continues on throughout all of eternity.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse starts with “To Him.” The obvious question is “To whom?” The answer lies in the first part of yesterday’s verse, “The God of all grace.” So, we could read today’s verse as, “To the God of all grace be the glory and the dominion throughout all eternity. Amen”

Peter is, as we all should be, ascribing praise, worship, and reverence to the one who is most powerful and mighty and who shall be so throughout all of time and eternity!

He closes his benediction with the word amen, which is not a Greek word but a Hebrew word. It is not simply a formula type word for ending a prayer as we so flippantly use it today. In the New Testament it is often translated as “verily” or “truly.” Its most basic meaning, however, is, “this is true with absolute certainty!” It is not so much a period on the end of a prayer as it is an exclamation point.

To the God of all grace be the glory and the dominion throughout all eternity. Amen

Application

How easily and carelessly we toss about a verse like this. Think about what it means. First of all, we are recognizing that God is supreme and we are but lowly creatures. By implication we are recognizing that He is the one who made everything that exists out of nothing. Next, we are saying that He deserves recognition for who He is, and that recognition includes worship and praise. Finally, in expressing this, we admit that He transcends time and that His exalted position will continue long after time has ceased. This is truth!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 5:10 – Temporary Suffering

Posted on March 17, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:10

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Truth to Learn

God will use our suffering to make us complete in Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “all” is pas, which as we saw in verse seven means “all” or “the whole.”

“Perfect” is from the Greek katartidzō, meaning “to complete or repair thoroughly.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set securely” or “to turn resolutely in a certain direction.”

The word “strengthen” is from the Greek sthenoō, which means “to give bodily vigor or strength to.”

And the word, “settle” is from the Greek themelioō, which means “to place firmly on a foundation.”

Meaning Explained

Now Peter gives us a few more words of encouragement lest we think that we are fighting this battle alone. He tells us that even in the midst of our suffering, the God of all grace will do something for us. He is not simply a gracious God (the God of grace) but the God of all grace. The implication is that there is no grace which does not come from God.

Peter goes on to tell us that not only does He bestow favor on us that we don’t deserve, but he also invites us to approach His eternal glory. Approaching this glory is only possible for us because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This is the glory that James, John, and Peter got a glimpse of at the transfiguration:

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:1,2)

God has invited us (called us) to come and see His glory! According to Peter, this same God will complete, securely set, strengthen, and firmly place us after we have suffered a little.”

God will not stop His work until He has absolutely completed what He wants to accomplish in us. God will establish our position in Christ, firmly and securely. God will make us spiritually strong. Our position in Christ will be built “on Christ” as we are used by God to build his church of which Christ is the chief cornerstone.

All of this will be done to us when? Peter says, after you have suffered a while. The word translated “a while” is oligon, which literally means “puny in degree or duration.” That is to say, our suffering here under God’s divine providence will be insignificant when compared with what is promised us in eternity.

Application

Though the suffering that you may be undergoing right now seems to be almost more than you can stand, God will use the suffering to bring you to a more Christ-like condition, and He will use it to bring glory to Himself. And … when we reach heaven, we will look back on the suffering and say, “Now, that wasn’t so bad after all!”

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 5:1 – Peter the Elder

Posted on March 4, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:1

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Truth to Learn

Pastor Peter is about to give instruction to church leaders.

Behind the Words

The word translated “elders” is presbuterous, which literally means “older ones, or those who have a long history of the Christian experience” but is used by Peter and others to refer to those who have oversight responsibilities in the churches.

The words “fellow elder” are translated from the Greek word sumpresbuteros. This is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and presbuteros, which we just looked at, meaning “an elder.” Hence, this word means “an elder along with you.”

“Partaker” is translated from koinōnos, meaning “one who has something in common with others,” or “one who shares.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now changes the emphasis of his message to give some specific instruction for the leaders of the churches to which this letter is being circulated. He does not speak to three distinct orders of overseers such as “bishops, priests, and deacons” as some churches teach. Nor does he proclaim that he has preeminence among them as the leader of all the churches.

Instead, he says of himself that he also is an elder. This is significant in that as an apostle he could have claimed this special position in the church as a reason for admonishing the elders under him. If he felt that he had a superior position in the church universal, he surely would have used that position to strengthen his message to the other church leaders. Instead, he simply describes himself as a fellow elder.

The only two things that he claims as distinctive for himself are: he was a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and he shares in the glory that is going to be revealed. Clearly, he was in the garden when Christ was seized, and he was present at His trials. And although there is no direct evidence in the Scripture that Peter was at the crucifixion, we can infer it from:

And all those known to Him stood at a distance; and the women, those accompanying Him from Galilee, were seeing these things. (Luke 23:49)

There is some difference of opinion as to whether “a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed” refers to the fact that Peter was among the few present at the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1,2 and Mark 9:2,3) or that he was going to share in the glory of Christ when He is to be revealed at the second coming. I hold to the second interpretation (though both are true), since Peter refers to the glory that “will be revealed.” If he had been referring to the transfiguration, he would likely have said “that was revealed.” Again, note that he is not claiming to have a higher office, but to have been a personal witness of Christ’s suffering and to have a hope of sharing His glory. Clearly, Peter did not see himself as Pope, but as a fellow elder, one who shares a common expectation, and one who had witnessed the sufferings of Christ in person.

Application

Are you a pastor or have you been a Christian for many years? If you answer yes to either of these, then you have a responsibility to others in the body of Christ. Pay close attention to the next few verses, and ask God to speak to you regarding your ministry to others.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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