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Romans 11:10 – Blind Disobedience

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Will

Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always."

Truth to Learn

Whether blinded or obedient, we will all bow before Him.

Behind the Words

“Eyes” is translated from ophthalmos, which refers to the eyes either literally or figuratively. From this Greek word we get our English word ophthalmologist, referring to an eye doctor.

The word “darkened” is from skotidzō, meaning “to darken” or “to deprive of light.”

“See” is from the Greek word blepō, Which can refer either to the physical sense of sight or the mental ability to perceive or understand. We use the word “see” in the same way today.

The words “bow down” are translated from the verb sunkamptō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and kamptō, meaning “to bend the back” or “to bow.” Thus, we see that sunkamptō literally means “to bend down together.” It is a picture of captive slaves whose backs are all bent under the weight of burdens.

Meaning Explained

This is the second half of the quotation Paul is making from the Psalm of David, Psalms 69:22, 23. In our discussion of the previous verse, we noted that this is a condemnation by David of the Jews at the time of Christ. They were living in ease and luxury while they crucified Jesus as a common criminal. The second half of this quotation from the Psalms is really covering the point that Paul is making in this part of Romans.

This is an imprecatory declaration by David. That is, he is calling down evil on these proud and ignorant Jews. David was asking God to blind them from the truth as retribution for their lack of faith. In other words, David is saying, “Lord, because they refuse to believe, don’t let them see the truth.” Because they gave Him vinegar to drink while they ate richly from the blessings that were being provided by the very One whom they were torturing, God has responded to David’s request and has blinded them from any future faith. And that is precisely what Paul is saying that God has done to the non-elect today.

While these few verses are specifically talking about the Jews, Paul will make the point that God deals the same way with the Gentiles, which makes this a cautionary warning that we all will be held accountable for our decisions regarding the Savior. Paul will show us that it was primarily because of this blindness of the Jews that the gospel message has come to the Gentiles, but he also warns us not to take this message lightly.

Application

When we look around us and see unsaved people enjoying the riches of this world, we are prone to think they are enjoying the blessings of God in spite of their overt sinfulness. However, because of their blindness to the truth, one day they will bow before their Judge as He condemns them to eternal torment. Likewise, we see many Christians prospering in spite of their unwillingness to submit to God as their Lord and Master. One day they, too, will stand before their Savior and watch as all their deeds go up in smoke, while the faithful few receive rewards for their humble obedient service.

As saved Christians we need to recognize that God is our Lord and Master, so we need to be bowing to Him, submitting our will to His, not the other way around.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:15 – Carefully, not Fearfully

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Will

Observe then how carefully you walk, not as fools but as wise,

Truth to Learn

Be careful that you live a godly example, loving others.

Behind the Words

“Observe” is translated from the Greek verb blepō, which is one of several verbs used with regard to seeing. Blepō refers to the ability to see or perceive, as opposed to being blind. It also means “to look at” something, that is “to observe.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Walk” is from peripateō, which we learned earlier in this chapter is a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life.

The word “carefully” is translated from akribōs, which is derived from akribēs, meaning “accurate or exact.” Akribōs means “accurately, diligently, carefully, or exactly.”

The word “wise” is from sophos, referring to someone who possesses wisdom (the ability to understand and skillfully apply what one knows). In the New Testament, however, this word also implies an understanding of who God is and what He wants from man.

“Fools” is translated from asophos, which is made up of a, meaning “not” and sophos, meaning “wise.” Thus, it literally means “unwise,” which in our vernacular means “a fool.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been teaching us to avoid close fellowship with those who live their lives in an ungodly manner. In yesterday’s verse he challenged us to wake up and to stand up from among the dead ones. In doing so, Paul tells us that God will give us His light. That is, not only will He illuminate us with the understanding of His word, He will give us His light to reflect onto the dead ones around us.

Now Paul gives us a couple more nuggets of truth regarding how we should live. He starts today’s verse with “observe then how carefully you walk.” Some translations translate the word akribos as “circumspectly.” The English word “circumspectly” means “looking around,” that is, “being cautious.” This is not the message Paul is giving us. He is not saying “be cautious.” He is saying “be diligent, exact, or careful” regarding how you live your life.

In other words, Paul is telling us to observe ourselves, to look at our own manner of living. As we reflect the light of God’s truth on those who are living for themselves, producing unfruitful works of darkness, we need to be aware of how we are living. We need to be careful that we are living a godly example. Too many Christians live their lives in fear – in fear of attacks from our enemy, or in fear that God will punish them for sinning. God does not want us to live in fear, but in hope. Others have learned a set of rules and are living their lives based on those rules. Often this produces a legalism that looks a lot like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time.

In the opening part of this chapter Paul tole us to “be imitators of God” and to “walk in love.” If we are watching our own manner of life, we should see godly, loving actions and nothing else.

Application

Instead of living in fear, live your life imitating God and loving those around you. If you do, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’re breaking the rules. Rather, do as James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:22 – Working, Walking Faith

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Will

You see that faith worked together with his works, and out of the works faith was perfected.

Truth to Learn

When we undergo trials in our Christian walk, our obedient works provide evidence of our faith.

Behind the Words

“See” is translated from the Greek word blepō, which literally refers to sight, but is often used metaphorically, as it is in English, meaning “to perceive” or “to understand.”

The words “working together” are translated from the Greek verb sunergeō. This word is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of ergon, meaning “work or toil.” Hence, the meaning is a reference to two or more things that work cooperatively together to achieve a common objective. In the current verse the word is in the imperfect tense indicating past continuous action.

Back in James 1:4 we looked at the noun teleion, which refers to “a state of completion.” The verb form of the same word is here translated as “was perfected.” James is saying that works demonstrate the finality or completion of faith. In other words, we could say that the final state of faith is good works.

Meaning Explained

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we were saved by faith alone. But, as we walk through this life, like Abraham, we are constantly undergoing trials of our faith. Our responses to these trials, our works, are the proof of our faith. As we pointed out in the previous verse, Abraham’s salvation, his having been declared righteous by God, occurred some twenty to thirty years before he offered Isaac on the altar at Mt. Moriah. So what does James mean that Abraham’s faith was perfected by his works? The first thing we have to ask ourselves is, “What faith is he talking about?” Is he saying that Abraham’s salvation, his saving faith, was made complete by works? To answer that question, let’s look at what it says in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews:

By faith, being tested, Abraham offered up Isaac, and he having received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," reasoning that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. (Hebrews 11:17-19)

It is clear from this passage that James is not talking about Abraham’s saving faith, but his walking faith; “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). When we believed in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, that was saving faith. As we walk through life, however, our faith is continually tested by trials. This is our walking faith. During these trials, our faith is tested, and it is proven when we obey through faith.

In response to James’ teaching here, John Calvin once said, “We are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.”

Application

Is your faith being tested right now? Don’t despair! It doesn’t mean that God is mad at you. It means that God loves you and wants to make you more like His son. Give Him thanks for building your faith and show through your obedient works how much you love Him and that you truly believe Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:26 – Calling the Lowly

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Will

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

Truth to Learn

God calls lowly sinners to His kingdom and to His family.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “you see” is blepō, which means “to look at” or “to see.” The form of this verb is ambiguous. It could be present tense, active voice, indicative mood, meaning “you see.” But it could also be present tense, active voice, imperative mood, meaning “look at!”

“Calling” is from klēsis, which refers to “an invitation.” As we explain below, here it refers to those who respond to the invitation and accept it by faith.

The word translated “mighty” is dunatos, meaning “that which is powerful.”

Eugeneis is the Greek word translated as “noble.” It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and genos, meaning “a race” or “a family.” Thus, eugeneis literally means “well born” or “born into a good family.”

Meaning Explained

In verse twenty-four, Paul told us that to those of us who are called, the gospel message is “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Back in verse nine we talked a little more about this calling. It does not refer to everyone who has heard the gospel message; it refers to everyone who has believed the good news. Now he gives us some additional information about those of us who believe.

Remember that Paul has been contrasting the wisdom and power of the world system with the wisdom and power of God. To the world, especially the wisest, the most powerful, and the ruling class, the death of Christ and the gospel message are foolishness. It is likely for this very reason that He did not call many of them. Notice that Paul does not say that none of them are called, rather he says that very few of them are called. Instead, God pours out His grace on the “foolish,” the powerless, and the common people. To the world this seems like foolishness because these people have little or nothing to offer Him, which is precisely Paul’s point. Jesus, in one of His prayers, put it this way:

At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. (Matthew 11:25)

Later, in verse twenty-nine, Paul tells us God’s reasoning: “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” In our fleshly nature we want to take some or all of the credit for our salvation, but all the credit and all the glory belongs to God. Our salvation is not ours because we have done anything; this salvation is ours because God has done everything and has freely given it to us. It was not given to us because we deserve anything. It was given to us because we do not deserve anything except eternal damnation. That’s God’s wisdom!

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, it is not because you have done anything; it is because God has done everything for you. That should drive all of us to our knees with thankful hearts!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:15 – Carefully, not Fearfully

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Will

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Truth to Learn

Be careful that you live a godly example, loving others.

Behind the Words

“See” is translated from the Greek verb blepō, which is one of several verbs used with regard to seeing. Blepō refers to the ability to see or perceive, as opposed to being blind. It also means “to look at” something, that is “to observe.”

“Walk” is from peripateō, which we learned earlier in this chapter is a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life.

The word “circumspectly” is translated from akribōs, which is derived from akribēs, meaning “accurate or exact.” Akribōs means “accurately, diligently, carefully, or exactly.”

“Fools” is translated from asophos, which is made up of a, meaning “not” and sophos, meaning “wise.”

Meaning Explained

Now Paul gives us a couple more nuggets of truth regarding how we should live. He starts today’s verse with “See then that you walk circumspectly.” This is one of the few times I think the NKJV is poorly translated. The English word “circumspectly” means “looking around,” that is, “being cautious.” This is not the message Paul is giving us. He is not saying “be cautious.” He is saying “be diligent, exact, or careful” regarding how you live your life.

A literal translation of the first part of this verse is “Then observe how carefully you walk.” In other words, Paul is telling us to observe ourselves, to look at our own manner of living. As we shed the light of God’s truth on those who are living for themselves, producing unfruitful works of darkness, we need to be aware of how we are living. We need to be careful that we are living a godly example. Too many Christians live their lives in fear – in fear of attacks from our enemy, or in fear that God will punish them for sinning. God does not want us to live in fear, but in hope. Others have learned a set of rules and are living their lives based on those rules. Often this produces a legalism that looks a lot like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time.

In the opening part of this chapter Paul said, “Be imitators of God and walk in love.” If we are watching our own manner of life, we should see godly, loving actions and nothing else.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 14:14 – Personally Forbidden

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Will

Romans 14:14 – Personally Forbidden

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Truth to Learn

What God forbids for me He may not forbid for you.

Behind the Words

“Know” is from the Greek verb eidō, which primarily means “to see.” However, it does not mean to simply to have a visual experience (that would be the Greek verb blepō), but to see with perception. Thus, eidō refers to the visual perception as well as the mental perception (understanding) of some truth or fact.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense which, in Greek, refers to completed action with a resulting state of being where the emphasis is on the resulting state of being.

The word translated “persuaded” is peithō, which means “to be persuaded or to be convinced.” This verb is also expressed in the perfect tense. So what Paul is saying is, “I have perceived and have been persuaded; therefore, I know and am convinced.”

“Unclean” is from the Greek adjective koinos, which means “that which is available to all” or “common.” Those things which were forbidden by the Law of Moses were available to the “common” people. Therefore, calling something “common” was the same as declaring it as “unclean” or “forbidden by the Law.”

The word “considers” is translated from logidzomai, which means “to reason, to impute, or to consider.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now gets back to the original topic with which he started off this chapter: whether we should abstain from certain foods or not. He begins this verse by making a strong statement of conviction. He says, “I know and am convinced.” So, what is Paul so convinced about? He is convinced that “there is nothing unclean of itself.” The law abiding Jews were forbidden from eating certain foods, which all the rest of mankind were allowed to eat. Since all the common (non-Jewish) people ate this forbidden food it was referred to as common food meaning unclean or forbidden food. But, Paul is now saying that he is convinced that nothing is unclean, or forbidden, in and of itself.

He begins the next phrase with the Greek words ei me, which mean “except, unless, or but.” His teaching, therefore, is that even though nothing is in and of itself unclean, if a brother or sister is convicted by God that a certain food or activity is unclean then to him or her it is indeed unclean.

When I was first saved I liked to play pool, a lot! In fact, I spent nearly every waking moment at the pool table. God convicted me about the fact that pool had become more important to me than a relationship with Him. For me, playing pool was unclean, and I had to completely abstain from it in order to learn to get my focus on God. Many years later, after my walk with God had matured, I found that it was no longer wrong for me to play pool. God used this in my life to demonstrate how important it is not to let anything get in the way of my close walk with Him.

Application

Is there something in your life today that is unclean? Something which has come between you and a close fellowship with God? What are you doing about it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 11:10 – Blind Disobedience

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:10 – Blind Disobedience

Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.”

Truth to Learn

Whether blinded or obedient, we will all bow before Him.

Behind the Words

“Eyes” is translated from ophthalmos, which refers to the eyes either literally or figuratively. From this Greek word we get our English word ophthalmologist, referring to an eye doctor.

The word “darkened” is from skotidzō, meaning “to darken” or “to deprive of light.”

“See” is from the Greek word blepō, Which can refer either to the physical sense of sight or the mental ability to perceive or understand. We use the word “see” in the same way today.

Meaning Explained

Application

As saved Christians we need to recognize that God is our Lord and Master, so we need to be bowing to Him, submitting our will to His, not the other way around.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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: