Tag: chairo

Romans 12:15 – Give and Take

Posted on by Will

Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping.

Truth to Learn

Sharing in grief means taking, but sharing in joy means giving.

 

Behind the Words

“Rejoicing” comes from the Greek word chairo, which means “to be full of cheer, that is, calmly happy.” It was often used as a greeting or a parting salutation meaning “be well.” Today we mean essentially the same thing when we say “God bless you.”

The word translated “weeping” is the Greek word klaiein, a form of klaio, which according to The Word Study Dictionary means, “To weep, wail, or lament, implying not only the shedding of tears, but also every external expression of grief.”

 

Meaning Explained

As Paul has been teaching us, in Christ we are all part of one body, that is, we who are Christians. All members of the human race are not children of God, as many secularists and humanists would have us believe. In fact, here’s what Christ said to Pharisees in John 8:23:

You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

And in John 8:44:

You are of your father the devil, and want to do the desires of your father.

Just because someone claims to be a child of God does not make them so. Only those who have submitted to the authority of Jesus as Lord and have accepted his sacrificial death on the cross as payment for their sins can truly say, “I am part of the family of God; the body of Christ!” As we have seen in this twelfth chapter of Romans, membership in the body of Christ carries with it many responsibilities, including those identified by Paul in this verse.

Let’s look at the second half of this verse first. We are to weep with those who are weeping. What Paul is telling us is not to cry whenever someone in the body cries, for there are many reasons for us to cry. But, when that crying is from grief, we are to share in the grief of the suffering one by taking on some of that grief as our own. We are told by psychologists today that one of the ways a person can get over grief is to have others share in the expression of that grief with them.

The first half of this verse is actually the more difficult thing for Christians to do. We are to rejoice with those in the body who are rejoicing. The problem is that what we say and what we do are often two different things. It is easier to mourn with those who are mourning than to be happy with those who are happy. Instead, we often feel jealousy or envy toward those who have something to rejoice about. But this, my friend, is the sin of selfishness at work.

We all need to extend our sympathies and partake in the grief of members of the body of Christ who are grieving. But we also need to learn how to be truly joyful with those in the body who are experiencing joy.

 

Application

When we grieve with those who grieve we take to ourselves some of their grief. However, when we rejoice with those who rejoice, we are actually giving them some of our joy. And then, we give all the glory to God, for He deserves it! Let’s put these things into practice this week!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:13 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on by Will

but rejoice to the extent that you share Christ's sufferings, so that you may rejoice at the revelation of His glory, exulting.

Truth to Learn

We should be happy when we suffer as followers of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

“Rejoice” is from chairō, meaning “to have joy” or “to be well.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command for us to be joyful.

The word “share” is translated from koinōneō, meaning “to have things in common with” or “to participate in.”

“Sufferings” is from the Greek word pathēma, meaning “that which is suffered.”

 

Meaning Explained

Peter just told us not to be surprised at the fiery trial (the adversity) that is currently happening to us and that we are not to think that such adversities are strange. Here’s what Paul said:

all who determine to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Therefore, we shouldn’t think it unusual if we are being persecuted for trying to live godly lives. Instead of thinking it strange, we should rejoice in the midst of our persecution and suffering. Say what?! Are we supposed to be some kind of masochist and get really excited when we encounter pain and suffering? No, that’s not what Peter is saying. He is saying that we should rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s suffering. Paul said to the Philippians:

to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10)

And we should be willing, yes even desirous, of being identified as one of His, even in our suffering. James also said:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)

James even taught us that we will grow from these trials. And keep in mind what our Lord, Himself, told us:

Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, for your reward in Heaven is great. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12)

Any personal relationship is strengthened when both parties in the relationship share common experiences, especially if they are difficult or painful experiences. God wants us to develop a closer relationship with Him, and one of the ways we can do this is by sharing in the suffering of Christ.

 

Application

If we are suffering because of our godly witness and our testimony as followers of Christ, then we are, in fact, suffering with Him. As a result, we will be glad with exceeding joy when Christ comes back in His glory. We will be glad because He with whom we have suffered, with whom we now have a closer personal relationship, is returning as the conquering King who will receive all the glory He is due! Give Him praise!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice Always

Posted on by Will

Rejoice always,

Truth to Learn

Christians should always be filled with joy.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek verb translated “rejoice,” is chairō, which literally means “to be calmly happy, to be glad, or to rejoice.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Always” is from pantote, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “all the time.”

 

Meaning Explained

Here’s a little nugget for all you trivia buffs. In the Greek text, this is the shortest verse in the New Testament. It is made up of only two words. John 11:35, which has the reputation of being the shortest verse in the Bible (Jesus wept), contains three words in the Greek text. Now, back to our study —

Back in verses twelve and thirteen, Paul instructed us on how we are to regard and respect our hard working pastors. Then he challenged us regarding how we are to deal with people in the church who cause division and how we are to comfort and support the timid and weak members of our church. In yesterday’s verse, he informed us that getting retaliation for bad things done to us is not what God wants us to do. Instead, we are to always pursue the performance of good deeds.

Now, for the next few verses Paul focuses on the attitudes and actions we need to give attention to in our personal lives. The first attitude he wants us to develop is that of a joyous outlook on life. He commands us to be joyful at all times. But what if I’m going through tough times and bad things are happening to me? you may ask. It is especially important in the midst of difficult circumstances to have an attitude of joy. Yes, it’s easy to get depressed and discouraged when bad things are happening to you; however, Paul is not making a suggestion here, he is giving us a command from God.

The key is to recognize that Paul is talking about spiritual joy, not just a fleshly, emotional happiness. As Christians we need to be constantly focused on what God has done for us and the promise He has given us. God is a holy, righteous God. He is totally sinless and because of His righteousness, He must judge sinners. When we realize how sinful we are and that the penalty for our sinfulness is eternal death and damnation, we begin to recognize how undeserving we are of God’s grace.

Bad things happen to us for three reasons:

  • They are the consequences of our own sinfulness (God promises us forgiveness of our sin, not avoidance of its consequence).
  • God allows them to happen to us in order to help us grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.
  • They are a result of the sinful, ungodly world in which we live.

No matter what the source, however, we can be filled with joy because one day we will leave this sinful world and we will spend eternity in God’s presence. This is much better than the eternal fate that unbelievers face, whether they know it (or believe it) or not.

 

Application

In the midst of difficult circumstances we can be filled with joy, knowing that we are God’s children and we will spend eternity in His presence. Therefore, my friend, no matter what your circumstances are, learn to be filled with joy.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

 

Behind the Words

“Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Its basic meaning is “gratitude” or “giving of thanks.”

The word translated “render” is antapodidōmi. This is a double compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” or “in turn,” apo, meaning “from,” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The meaning of antapodidōmi is “to give back in return for something received,” or “to repay.”

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

“Before” is translated from the Greek preposition emprosthen. This word is made up of en, meaning “in” or “in a place” and prosthen, meaning “facing toward something.” Therefore, emprosthen could be translated as “in the presence of” or “before.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul was not just a great evangelist and teacher of Christian doctrine, he was also a mighty prayer warrior. Not only did Paul pray constantly (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3) for every Christian he came in contact with, he prayed especially for those to whom he ministered (2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Also note how often he thanked God for the fruit of his ministry (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 14, 14:18; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

In today’s verse we see that his prayers of thankfulness were a kind of payback to God for what had been accomplished in his ministry. He did not take credit for the result of his tireless labor; he recognized that God was the source of all his success. He also recognized that he could never repay God with enough thanks for what God had accomplished through him.

It’s interesting to note that Paul also gave God the credit for the joy he felt in seeing the work of his ministry bearing fruit. And that joy was not for what God had done to or for him, it was for what God had done for others. Remember that Paul has frequently mentioned the persecution and anguish that he and others had experienced as a result of his ministry. Nonetheless, he was thankful and filled with joy.

 

Application

We need to get the focus of our ministry off of ourselves and onto God and those to whom we minister. The next time you are praying with a group of Christians, especially when you are with your ministry team, take note of how much time people spend in thanksgiving versus how much time is spent asking for things. We owe it to God to give Him thanks for the work He has accomplished. Remember, in ministry we are His ambassadors and His servants. Also remember that it is the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit, not our brilliant planning and hard work. Give thanks to God for every seed that produces fruit. We owe it to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice Always

Posted on by Will

Rejoice always,

Truth to Learn

Christians should always be filled with joy.

Behind the Words

The Greek verb translated “rejoice,” is chairō, which literally means “to be calmly happy, to be glad, or to rejoice.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Always” is from pantote, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “all the time.”

Meaning Explained

Here’s a little nugget for all you trivia buffs. In the Greek text, this is the shortest verse in the New Testament. It is made up of only two words. John 11:35, which has the reputation of being the shortest verse in the Bible (Jesus wept), contains three words in the Greek text. Now, back to our study —

Back in verses twelve and thirteen, Paul instructed us on how we are to regard and respect our hard working pastors. Then he challenged us regarding how we are to deal with people in the church who cause division and how we are to comfort and support the timid and weak members of our church. In yesterday’s verse, he informed us that getting retaliation for bad things done to us is not what God wants us to do. Instead, we are to always pursue the performance of good deeds.

Now, for the next few verses Paul focuses on the attitudes and actions we need to give attention to in our personal lives. The first attitude he wants us to develop is that of a joyous outlook on life. He commands us to be joyful at all times. But what if I’m going through tough times and bad things are happening to me? you may ask. It is especially important in the midst of difficult circumstances to have an attitude of joy. Yes, it’s easy to get depressed and discouraged when bad things are happening to you; however, Paul is not making a suggestion here, he is giving us a command from God.

The key is to recognize that Paul is talking about spiritual joy, not just a fleshly, emotional happiness. As Christians we need to be constantly focused on what God has done for us and the promise He has given us. God is a holy, righteous God. He is totally sinless and because of His righteousness, He must judge sinners. When we realize how sinful we are and that the penalty for our sinfulness is eternal death and damnation, we begin to recognize how undeserving we are of God’s grace.

Bad things happen to us for three reasons:

  • They are the consequences of our own sinfulness (God promises us forgiveness of our sin, not avoidance of its consequence).
  • God allows them to happen to us in order to help us grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.
  • They are a result of the sinful, ungodly world in which we live.

No matter what the source, however, we can be filled with joy because one day we will leave this sinful world and we will spend eternity in God’s presence. This is much better than the eternal fate that unbelievers face, whether they know it or not.

Application

In the midst of difficult circumstances we can be filled with joy, knowing that we are God’s children and we will spend eternity in His presence. Therefore, my friend, no matter what your circumstances are, learn to be filled with joy.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

Behind the Words

“Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Its basic meaning is “gratitude” or “giving of thanks.”

The word translated “render” is antapodidōmi. This is a double compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” or “in turn,” apo, meaning “from,” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The meaning of antapodidōmi is “to give back in return for something received,” or “to repay.”

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

“Before” is translated from the Greek preposition emprosthen. This word is made up of en, meaning “in” or “in a place” and prosthen, meaning “facing toward something.” Therefore, emprosthen could be translated as “in the presence of” or “before.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul was not just a great evangelist and teacher of Christian doctrine, he was also a mighty prayer warrior. Not only did Paul pray constantly (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3) for every Christian he came in contact with, he prayed especially for those to whom he ministered (2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Also note how often he thanked God for the fruit of his ministry (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 14, 14:18; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

In today’s verse we see that his prayers of thankfulness were a kind of payback to God for what had been accomplished in his ministry. He did not take credit for the result of his tireless labor; he recognized that God was the source of all his success. He also recognized that he could never repay God with enough thanks for what God had accomplished through him.

It’s interesting to note that Paul also gave God the credit for the joy he felt in seeing the work of his ministry bearing fruit. And that joy was not for what God had done to or for him, it was for what God had done for others. Remember that Paul has frequently mentioned the persecution and anguish that he and others had experienced as a result of his ministry. Nonetheless, he was thankful and filled with joy.

Application

We need to get the focus of our ministry off of ourselves and onto God and those to whom we minister. The next time you are praying with a group of Christians, especially when you are with your ministry team, take note of how much time people spend in thanksgiving versus how much time is spent asking for things. We owe it to God to give Him thanks for the work He has accomplished. Remember, in ministry we are His ambassadors and His servants. Also remember that it is the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit, not our brilliant planning and hard work. Give thanks to God for every seed that produces fruit. We owe it to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved