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Matthew 2:9 – Diligently Seek Him

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Will

And having heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they saw in the East went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

Truth to Learn

Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (1Chronicles 16:10)

Behind the Words

The words “having heard” are from akouō, which literally means “to hear” or “to listen to.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it literally means “having heard.”

“Departed” is from the verb poreuomai, which means “to go from one place to another.”

Idou is the Greek word translated “behold.” It is an imperative (command) form of horaō, which means “to stare at.” In today’s English, we might say, “Look!”

The words “went before” are from proagō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “forth” and agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go.” Thus proagō means “to lead forth” or “to go before.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous action in the past. It could be translated as “it began leading them” or “it was going before them.”

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek words estathē epanō. Estathē is a form of the verb histēmi, which means “to stand” and epanō means “above” or “over.”

“Child” is translated from the Greek noun paidion, which is derived from pais, meaning “a child.” It denotes a baby, but it is different from the word used in Luke 2:16, where he referred to a brephos, meaning “a new born child.”

Meaning Explained

In this quest for the true King, we find three types of people in this narrative who represent unsaved people even today. If you read verses four through nine, you find Herod, who was opposed to the new born King, the chief priests and the scribes (the “religious” people) who ignored the new born King, and the magi who were zealously seeking the new born King in order to worship Him.

Once the magi knew where to find the King, they immediately set out to find Him. They had left the comforts of their homes and set out on a quest for the true King. God had already spoken to them through scripture (prophesy) and the diligence of their own profession about how to find the King. Upon leaving Herod, they were once again guided by the star, which implies that it was evening or even night when they left Herod.

There has been a lot of speculation as to the nature of the star the magi followed. Some claim it was a comet, while others claim that it was a supernova (a star exploding) or even a conjunction of several planets lining up in the sky. However, none of these fully explain how they could have been guided to a specific spot within the town of Bethlehem. We don’t need a full scientific explanation of what occurred that night. We simply need to believe what the Bible tells us (and not worry about what it doesn’t tell us). What we do know is that God somehow provided just the guidance these seekers needed in order to find the true King.

The same applies today for those who are whole-heartedly searching for the truth. For unsaved people who are searching for truth, God will miraculously guide them to just the right place or person that they need in order to meet our Savior. And — for Christians who are honestly seeking a closer walk with God, He is ever faithful and always available.

Application

Many Christians who have been saved for years have forgotten how exciting it is to have a personal relationship with God. Others are hungry for that close fellowship and walk with God on a daily basis and are diligently seeking Him. So, let me ask you, my friend; Are you like Herod, trying to disprove the truth and destroy faith that others have in Christ, or – are you like the chief priests and scribes, simply ignoring the messages that God is sending you, or – are you like the Magi, diligently seeking Him, eager for a closer walk with your Savior, your God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 10:18 – Worldwide Music

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Will

But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

Truth to Learn

The Gospel message continues to be proclaimed worldwide.

Behind the Words

“Have they not heard” is from the Greek mē ouk akousan. Both mē and ouk are negative particles. The negative particle mē indicates that a negative answer is expected, whereas the negative particle ouk blends with the verb. Akousan is a form of akouō, which Paul has been emphasizing throughout these last few verses. We could translate this as, “Did they fail to hear?”

The words “Yes indeed” are translated from menounge, an unusual word which we looked at back in Romans 9:20. We could paraphrase this as “Now wait just a minute” or “Of course they have!”

“Sound” is from phthongos, which refers to “a musical sound, whether from a musical instrument or the voice.”

The word “ends” is translated from peras, which refers to “the extreme end or the farthest parts.”

Finally, “world” is translated from oikoumenē, which refers to “the place where people live.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just declared that faith comes by hearing the Word of God, that is, the good news (Gospel) of the Messiah. He now anticipates the objection from the Jewish Christians in Rome that not everyone has heard God’s message. He responds to this theoretical objection by asking one of his rhetorical questions, “Have they really not heard?” And his response is even more emphatic, “Of course they have!”

Remember how beautiful God considers those who proclaim the gospel message? Paul refers to the sound of that message being like a musical sound and he declares that it has gone out to the very ends of civilization.

Paul’s quotation here is from Psalms 19:4 in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament. Here’s what the first part of that Psalm says:

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day to day they utter speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor are there words where their voice is not heard. (Psalms 19:1-3)

The Gospel message continues to be carried to all inhabited parts of the earth. That is our responsibility as Christians. We are to boldly proclaim it to everyone. And even though there may be some who have not heard the gospel message of Jesus’ death and resurrection, they are not innocent because there is sufficient evidence in God’s creation that proclaims God’s magnificence and man’s sinfulness.

Application

Today when you walk outside, take a good look at God’s handiwork and think about how foolish and ashamed those people who want to believe in evolution rather than creation are going to feel when they appear before their Creator and their Judge! They may ridicule us and call us fools, but we are to love them with God’s love and tell them the glorious gospel message. Life is neither meaningless nor hopeless for those who believe God’s truth, and it is undeniable.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 10:14 – You’re the Preacher

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Will

How then can they call on the one in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching?

Truth to Learn

The responsibility of sharing the Gospel message falls upon everyone who has believed it.

Behind the Words

“Believe” is from the Greek verb pisteuō. This word is based on the noun pistis, which means “firm persuasion, conviction, or belief in the truth.” Hence, pisteuō means “to have a firm conviction or belief in some truth.” It does not mean to simply accept a statement as fact, but to firmly grasp it as reality.

The word translated “heard” is akouō, which can refer to “the physiological process of hearing a sound” or to “the process of understanding spoken ideas.”

“Without someone preaching” is translated from chōris kērussontos. Chōris means “at a space from” or “separate from” and kērussontos is a form of kērussō, which we saw back in verse eight means, “to proclaim or herald as a public crier would do.” It is expressed in this verse as a present participle, literally meaning “preaching.” Thus, we see that Paul says, “How shall they hear apart from preaching?”

Meaning Explained

Previously we pointed out that Paul was seen as a traitor by many Jews who believed that he deserted the Jews and the adherence to the Law as the way to righteousness, and that he had turned to the way of the Gentiles. Paul, himself, will say in the next chapter of this letter that he was called to be the Apostle (one sent with a message) to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). But he has been demonstrating in this chapter that salvation and righteousness are through faith, which belongs both to the Jews and the Gentiles. And in the previous verse he proclaimed, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

Since that “Everyone” includes the Gentiles, he now makes the point that the Gentiles need to hear the gospel message. He says, in order to call on Him they have to believe first, and in order to believe they have to hear the good news, and the only way they will hear the good news is through the preaching. This is the very crux of Paul’s ministry, preaching the gospel message to the Gentiles so they can believe.

The Jews have had the Law and the Prophets proclaiming the gospel message to them for centuries (as Paul has just demonstrated), but the Gentiles have been denied these sources so they need someone to proclaim the message of salvation to them. However, Paul is not the only one who is supposed to proclaim the blessed news of salvation by grace through faith. All of us who possess the gift of eternal life have an obligation to proclaim the news to those around us. It is the gospel (the good news) that is offered to all of mankind!

Application

If you have recognized your sinful condition, humbling yourself before the mighty hand of God, and have appealed to Him for the salvation that you don’t deserve, then you now have an obligation to share this truth with others. Have you shared this message with someone else recently? Don’t think it is someone else’s responsibility to share the Gospel message. It’s yours. You are called to be a preacher!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Will

For we hear that there are some among you walking in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we hear” is akouō, from which we get our English word acoustic. It means “to hear something” or “to listen to something.” The form of the word used here indicates present continuous action. Thus, it appears that Paul was repeatedly hearing about these problem people.

“Walking” is from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” It refers to the manner in which someone lives his or her life.

The words “in a disorderly manner” are from atakteō, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to be disorderly.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Busybodies” is translated from the verb periergadzomai, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and ergadzomai, meaning “to work.” Literally, it means “to work around.” It refers to someone who is constantly busy, but never really accomplishing anything. It also refers to someone who meddles in the affairs of others instead of doing their own work.

Meaning Explained

People who have nothing of constructive value to do often end up meddling in the affairs of others. This problem was not (and is not) something that only occurred in Thessalonica. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said:

And besides they learn to be idle, going about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)

Also, the Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle said:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. (1 Peter 4:15)

From this we can see that Peter categorizes people who are busybodies in the same group as murders, thieves, and other doers of evil things.

We all know people who have a habit of sticking their noses into other people’s affairs. They act like know-it-alls and like to share their knowledge with others whether others want it or not. They are often quick to give advice but seldom willing to take advice. Paul, in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica seems to have been talking to just such people.

that you also Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

We see here another fine line. This one between “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Philippians 2:4) and being a busybody. Let’s make sure we don’t cross that line.

Application

It is good and right to look out for the concerns of others, but don’t step over the line and become a know-it-all busybody. Instead, be humble as you work hard to provide for yourself and others and show your love to others with generosity, grace, and humility.

In God's service, for His glory,

Matthew 2:9 – Diligently Seek Him

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Will

And having heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they saw in the East went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

Truth to Learn

Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (1Chronicles 16:10)

Behind the Words

The words “having heard” are from akouō, which literally means “to hear” or “to listen to.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it literally means “having heard.”

“Departed” is from the verb poreuomai, which means “to go from one place to another.”

Idou is the Greek word translated “behold.” It is an imperative (command) form of horaō, which means “to stare at.” In today’s English, we might say, “Look!”

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek words estathē epanō. Estathē is a form of the verb histēmi, which means “to stand” and epanō means “above” or “over.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:21 – Living The Truth

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Will

if indeed you heard Him and you were taught by Him, as truth is in Jesus:

Truth to Learn

Christians know the truth and should live as such.

Behind the Words

“If indeed” is the translation of the Greek word eige, which is made up of ei, meaning “if” and ge, meaning “indeed.”

The Greek verb akouō, meaning “to hear” is translated here as “you heard.” It is expressed in the aorist tense and the indicative mood, indicating real action which occurred at a point in time in the past. Some translations have this as “you have heard,” but a more accurate translation of this word is “you heard.”

“You were taught” is from the verb didaskō, meaning “to teach.” It is expressed in the aorist tense, passive voice, and indicative mood, indicating past completed action done to the subject (you). Thus, the proper translation is “you were taught.”

“Truth” is from the Greek word alētheia which means “that which is real and true.” In the New Testament it is translated as “truth” or “reality.”

Meaning Explained

In the opening part of this verse, it may appear that Paul is questioning whether or not the Christians in Ephesus are really saved. The expression “if indeed you heard Him” seems to imply that they may not have. However, if we look at the Greek grammar of this expression, we learn something entirely different. In Greek there are four types of conditional clauses; however, only three of them appear in the New Testament. They are referred to as first class conditional, second class conditional, and third class conditional clauses. In the first class conditional clause there is an underlying assumption that the “if statement” is true. An example might be, “If you want to live, you have to keep breathing.” The assumption is that you want to live. In the second class conditional clause there is an underlying assumption that it is false. An example of this might be, “If I were you I wouldn’t do that.” The assumption is that I am not you. The third class conditional makes no assumption about the truth of the “if statement.”

Based on the grammatical structure of the “if statement” in this verse (ei used with a verb in the indicative mood), it is a first class conditional clause. In English a close approximation of the first class conditional clause would be to replace “if” with “since.” If we apply this and the translation suggestions mentioned above, this verse would read, “Since indeed you heard Him and you were taught by Him, for the truth is in Jesus.”

We who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have heard the truth, and we have believed the truth. Therefore, as Paul said in verse seventeen, we should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk. We are not in the dark, and we are not blinded by Satan; therefore, we should live our lives in accordance with what God desires from us.

Application

When I was a young Christian, I heard a question that really made me think about how I live my life. It is this: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” How about you, would you be found guilty?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:15 – Noteworthy Faith

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Will

Because of this, I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints,

Truth to Learn

Some people show their faith in everything they do.

Behind the Words

The words “having heard” are translated from the verb akouō, meaning “to hear.”

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, “having heard of your faith in the Lord” if this letter was written specifically to Ephesus.

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 probably should read

Because of this, 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,

Ephesians 1:13 – Seal of Ownership

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Will

In Him you also hoped, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Truth to Learn

God has branded us as His property and His children.

Behind the Words

The word “hoped” does not actually appear here in the Greek text. It is borrowed from the previous verse as a parallel expression.

“Having heard” is from akouō, which refers to hearing in general. It is also used to refer to listening with attention.

The word “truth” is translated from the Greek word alētheia, which refers to that which is truth or reality.

The word “salvation” is translated from soteria, which is derived from the noun soter, meaning “one who rescues or saves.” Thus, soteria refers to “salvation or deliverance from danger or destruction.”

“Having believed” is from the Greek verb pisteuō, meaning “to be firmly persuaded regarding some truth,” or “to believe.”

The word “sealed” is translated from sphragidzō, which means “to stamp or to set a seal or mark upon something as a token of its authenticity or of ownership.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul talked about how the Jews had previously had their hope in the Messiah, the Christ, as the one who was to come and redeem them from their bondage. Notice that Paul used the pronoun “we” in the previous verse, since he also was a Jew who had previously had his hope in the Messiah.

In the current verse he uses the pronoun “you” to refer to the readers of his letter. In other words, Paul is now talking about Christians. He is telling us that we also hope in the same Redeemer, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Also remember that the word hope refers to more than just a fanciful desire; it refers to something that we fully expect to come to pass. Paul tells us that we have this hope because we listened attentively to the gospel message (good news) about salvation. But, Paul says that we did more than just listen attentively to the gospel, we believed it as the word of truth. That’s the thing which makes us Christians. We’re not Christians because we live in a Christian country. We’re not Christians because we belong to a Christian church. We’re not Christians because we obey God’s commandments. We’re Christians because we believe the good news that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins.

Like Abraham in Genesis 15:6, the moment we believed the gospel message, God declared us to be as righteous as Christ. But, that’s not the best part of what Paul is telling us now. Once we believed and were declared righteous, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. This seal is very much like a brand on a head of cattle. It identifies who the owner is. In our case, the seal of the Holy Spirit identifies us as belonging to God; we now belong to Him because He has purchased us with sacrificial blood.

Application

We don’t know how God sealed us with the Holy Spirit, but we do know that He indelibly and undeniably identifies us as His property. Not only do we belong to God, He has adopted us as His children! He’s our God, our owner, and our Father!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:5 – Poor Heirs

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Will

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those loving Him?

Truth to Learn

If God has chosen the poor and the weak to be His children, why do we put so much importance in recognizing those who are rich and powerful?

Behind the Words

“Listen” is translated from akouō, which means “to hear.” The word is used here in the imperative mood, which indicates a command. It is as if James were saying, “Listen up and hear what I have to say to you!”

The word translated “chosen” is a form of eklegō, a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of,” and legō, meaning “to say” or “to select.” This word is used here in the aorist tense, implying past action performed at a single point in time. It is also expressed in the middle voice, meaning action that is performed by the subject on himself. Hence, this phrase could be translated as, “did not God select for Himself the poor of this world.”

The word “heirs” is translated from klēronomos. This is a compound word made up of klēros, which means “a lot” or “a portion” and nomos, which refers to the law, but which originally meant “to partition” or “to distribute.” Hence, klēronomos literally means one to whom portions are distributed, that is, an inheritor or an heir.

Meaning Explained

James carries the admonition of the preceding verses one step further by pointing out that God has chosen the poor of this world and has made them rich in faith. Not only does God not show favoritism to those who we might consider more desirable, but he seems to prefer the lowly and downtrodden. Perhaps He does so because they are more humble and more willing to honor God, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Paul, in his first epistle to the Corinthians also speaks of the poor weak ones whom God has chosen rather than the great and mighty:

For ye see your calling, brothers, that there are not many wise men according to flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, who are called: But God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and low-born things of the world, and things which are despised, and things which are not, so that He might bring to nothing things that are: that no flesh might glory in his presence. (1Corinthians 1:26-29)

You see, compared to God, even the richest man is poor. And compared to God, even the most powerful and noble people are weak and beggarly.

Application

Let us welcome all who come to hear the Word of God, no matter what their outward appearance, race, national origin, or financial position! We are God’s subjects and ambassadors, so let us represent our King as He would represent Himself!

Let us welcome the poor of this world, just as God has done.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:9 – They Can’t Understand

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Will

But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him."

Truth to Learn

Natural man can’t understand the mystery of salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “it is written” are translated from the Greek verb graphō, which literally means “to grave,” that is, to carve or to write. It is written here in the perfect tense, so it means “it was written in the past and, therefore, it is written (as a confirmed statement of fact).”

“Seen” is from a form of the verb horaō, which means “to see” or “to perceive.”

“Heard” is from akouō, which means “to hear something.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, to refer to someone understanding the truth of what is said.

The words “entered into” are from the verb anabainō, which literally means “to go up.”

Eis is the word translated “into.” It literally means “into.”

The word “prepared” is translated from hetoimadzō. This verb means “to make ready” or “to prepare.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is one that is often misunderstood. Many people think that it is a reference to the things in heaven which God has prepared for believers. This is precisely the problem that occurs when we quote verses out of context. If we look carefully at the context of this verse, we learn that Paul is not talking about heaven, but about something entirely different.

Upon looking at the preceding verses, we see that Paul is talking about the mystery of God’s wisdom regarding the gospel. He even contrasts that mystery with the secrets of some false religions. The difference between the mystery of God’s wisdom and the secrets of the mystery religions is the fact that this mystery is now openly revealed. In tomorrow’s verse, Paul will tell us that the things spoken of in today’s verse have already been revealed by the Holy Spirit.

The glories of heaven had not yet been fully revealed. There is a brief description of the heavenly scene found in Revelation chapters twenty-one and twenty-two, but the book of Revelation had not yet been written when Paul wrote these words. So, Paul is not referring to heaven in today’s verse; he is talking about the wonder of salvation through faith and the glorious fellowship we have with God as a result.

He tells us three things about the mystery that is now revealed. The first is that the eyes of natural man have not perceived it, the ears of natural man have not understood it, and the deepest part of natural man’s being (the heart) has not received it. The reason that the natural man (one who has not accepted the gospel message by faith and, therefore, does not truly love God) is explained by Paul in tomorrow’s verse.

Application

The gospel message and fellowship with God cannot be grasped by human intellect alone. This understanding only comes once we have believed God’s truth about what Jesus Christ did on the cross. We can’t logically argue anyone into believing. We can only witness and pray. The rest is up to God.

In God's service, for His glory,