Tag: elegcho

Ephesians 5:13 – Be The Light

Posted on by Will

But all things that are exposed by the light are revealed, for whatever has been revealed is light

Truth to Learn

God’s light exposes sin for what it is.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “exposed” is elegchō, which we learned back in verse eleven means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

“Are revealed” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In today’s verse the definite article (the) is included with “light.” Therefore, it is a specific light, it is the light.

 

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul said that we are not to have any close relationships with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, we are to stand against and expose such evil actions. But then, in yesterday’s verse he told us that it is disgraceful or shameful to even talk about such things. On the surface that looks like a paradox. How are we supposed to expose and resist the works of darkness if we aren’t supposed to talk about them?

In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “exposed” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things which are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.

Now, what does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). So, we can conclude that “the light” is a reference to God who is revealed in the Word of God.

The expression, “whatever has been revealed is light” seems a little strange, since it seems to say that the evil deeds that are exposed by the light actually become light. Here’s what Dr. Marvin R. Vincent, a noted Greek scholar, said about this expression:

Whatever is revealed in its true essence by light is of the nature of light. It no longer belongs to the category of darkness. Manifestation is a law of good and evil alike. That which is of the truth seeks the light and cometh to the light. That which is evil avoids the light, and loves darkness better than light, but none the less is brought to the light and appears in its own light.

Back in verse eleven we were told to have no close relationships with the works of darkness. These works of darkness are not seen until they are exposed and then then they are seen for what they really are. They are not a source of light, but being exposed, they become lit up. Let’s take the moon as an example of this concept. The moon is not evil, but it has no light of its own. We only see the moon because it is lit up by the light of the sun. As a result, it becomes a light in its own right. In the same way, evil has no light of its own, but it lights up (is exposed) when the light of God shines upon it.

Now let’s put this all together. Going back to verse eleven we see that instead of having close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose them (with the light). There are times when we encounter the works of darkness, either because we see them or because we are invited to join-in by others. Instead of joining in with such deeds or approving them, we need to recognize them for what they are and bring God into the picture. We need to be a witness to those doing these deeds. This is the time to remember Bible verses that talk about such sinfulness and quote them. This is the time to talk about the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life that God offers. But – we need to shed the light in love and with grace, then walk away, having no close fellowship with the deeds or those who practice them.

 

Application

Quoting the Bible is an effective way of exposing sin for what it really is. However, if you can’t think of what to say, then let your own life be an example of what God is like. If you live what you believe, others will see God in you. You will become a light in darkness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:11 – Be Light – Expose Darkness

Posted on by Will

And have no partnership with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Truth to Learn

Christians should always do what is right, avoid what is wrong, and expose evil for what it is.

 

Behind the Words

The words “have … partnership” are translated from the Greek verb sungkoinōneō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and koinōneō, meaning “to participate, to have fellowship, to share things in common, or to be in partnership with.” The prefix sun indicates that this is more than ordinary fellowship; it implies a stronger, mutual relationship, that is, a partnership..

“Unfruitful” is from akarpos, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and karpos, meaning fruit. Thus, this word refers to something that is barren, not producing any fruit.

“Rather” is translated from mallon, which is the comparative of mala, meaning “very.” So we can see that mallon compares two things but giving more emphasis on the second. When combined with the Greek word de (“but” or “and”), it means “but more so.”

The word “expose” is from elegchō, which in Classical Greek meant “to shame” or “to disgrace.” In New Testament Greek, however, it means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verse eight Paul commanded us to walk like children of light. As God’s children we are to show forth the light of goodness, righteousness, and truth, which things are the evidence of our being part of God’s family. Then, in yesterday’s verse, Paul told us that by living like children of light, we discover what pleases our Father.

As we saw earlier, Paul’s teaching style is such that he often tells us what not to do as well as what to do. Here is another example, although here he tells us what to do before telling us what not to do. The thing we are to do is “Walk like children of light.” The thing we are not to do is “have no partnership with the unfruitful works of darkness.” Notice that when we walk like children of light, we produce fruit, but the works of darkness do not produce fruit. If you read through the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, you will see several references to trees that do not bear good fruit; they are to be cut down and cast into the fire (Matthew 3:10, Matthew 7:19, Luke 3:9, Luke 13:7, 9). Likewise, when Christians stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be judged. Those which are good will produce rewards, but those which are worthless (unfruitful) will be burned up in the fire.

But, Paul does not stop there. We are not to simply avoid the fruitless works of darkness; we are to expose them for what they really are and stand against them. The world that we live in is controlled by Satan (see Ephesians 2:2, John 14:30, John 16:11, & 2Corinthians 4:4) and his influence seems to be getting stronger daily. It’s not politically correct to be critical of others, but when we see ungodliness, we need to call it what it is, rather than ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug.

 

Application

Are you living for God? Is He your supreme authority? Are you doing all you can to be pleasing to Him? Well done! But, are you exposing and resisting evil at the same time? That’s what light does to darkness. Be light in a dark world.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 2:9 – Sinful Favoritism

Posted on by Will

but if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.

Truth to Learn

When we show special attention to those who are rich and powerful, we are sinning!

Behind the Words

“But if you show partiality” is a conditional clause, which, based on the grammatical construction, is a first class condition. There are three classes of conditional clauses in the Greek New Testament. The first class condition assumes the “if” clause (called the protasis) is true. Since James has just accused us of showing partiality, it is natural that he would use this first class condition. Because of this, some would use the word “since” rather than “if.”

The word translated “partiality” is a word that we looked at in verse one of this chapter, literally meaning “to lift up the face on a person,” that is, to show favoritism. Hence, in its root meaning, it refers to “treating one person in a more favorable way than another.”

The word translated “commit” is from the Greek word ergadzomai, which refers to “work or toil,” as one would do for an occupation. It is much stronger than the word poieō, meaning “to do,” which is usually used in reference to sinning. Hence, James is saying that when we show partiality, we are working hard at sinning. This is not something that a Christian should be doing.

“Convicted” is translated from a form of elegchō, meaning “to reprove, rebuke, or tell a fault.” Used as it is here, it implies a rebuke which produces a belief of the transgression without need of further proof or evidence.

Meaning Explained

Continuing on James’ summary of this topic from the previous verse, we now see the other shoe drop. In the previous verse, James said, “If you are as concerned for the good of others as you are for yourself, you do well.” Now he says, “but since you show favoritism toward someone because of their outward appearance, you are being selfish, you are committing sin, and the law declares you to be guilty.”

In these first nine verses of chapter two, James is talking about rich people and poor people, and the way we treat them. Notice, however, that James does not rebuke us for our treatment of poor people nearly as much as he does for our treatment of the rich. We tend to focus our attention on the outward appearance of people. The more beautiful and well off a person appears, the more we are attracted to them. We are more likely to talk to a rich person and try to make him or her feel welcome in our church than we are a poor person. That’s sinful!

God, on the other hand, does not focus on the outward appearance and, in fact, seems to favor the poor people by making them rich in faith. After all, when we have wealth, why do we need to have faith in God? But, when we are poor and in need, our faith gets strengthened.

Application

Most of us are willing to witness about salvation to the poor and homeless because it appears that they really need Christ. Today, let’s be just as willing to witness to rich and powerful people. They need Him even more!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:13 – Be The Light

Posted on by Will

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light

Truth to Learn

God’s light exposes sin for what it is.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “exposed” is elegchō, which we learned back in verse eleven means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

“Are made manifest” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In today’s verse the definite article (the) is included with “light.” Therefore, it is a specific light, it is the light.

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul said that we are not to have any close relationships with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, we are to stand against and expose such evil actions. But then, in yesterday’s verse he told us that it is disgraceful or shameful to even talk about such things. On the surface that looks like a paradox. How are we supposed to expose and resist the works of darkness if we aren’t supposed to talk about them?

In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “exposed” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things which are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.

What does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4).

Now let’s put this all together. Going back to verse eleven we see that instead of having close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose them (with the light). There are times when we encounter the works of darkness, either because we see them or because we are invited to join-in by others. Instead of joining in with such deeds or approving them, we need to recognize them for what they are and bring God into the picture. We need to be a witness to those doing these deeds. This is the time to remember Bible verses that talk about such sinfulness and quote them. This is the time to talk about the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life that God offers. But – we need to shed the light in love and with grace, then walk away, having no close fellowship with the deeds or those who practice them.

Application

Quoting the Bible is an effective way of exposing sin for what it really is. However, if you can’t think of what to say, then let your own life be an example of what God is like. If you live what you believe, others will see God in you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Ephesians 5:11 – Expose Darkness

Posted on by Will

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Truth to Learn

Christians should always do what is right, avoid what is wrong, and expose evil for what it is.

Behind the Words

The words “have … fellowship” are translated from the Greek verb sungkoinōneō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and koinōneō, meaning “to participate” or “to have fellowship,” or “to share things in common.” The prefix sun indicates that this is more than ordinary fellowship; it implies a stronger, mutual relationship.

“Unfruitful” is from akarpos, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and karpos, meaning fruit. Thus, this word refers to something that is barren, not producing any fruit.

“Rather” is translated from mallon, which is the comparative of mala, meaning “very.” So we can see that mallon compares two things but giving more emphasis on the second. When combined with the Greek word de (“but” or “and”), it means “but more so.”

The word “expose” is from elegchō, which in Classical Greek meant “to shame” or “to disgrace.” In New Testament Greek, however, it means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse eight Paul commanded us to walk like children of light. As God’s children we are to show forth the light of goodness, righteousness, and truth, which things are the evidence of our being part of God’s family. Then, in yesterday’s verse, Paul told us that by living like children of light, we learn by experience what pleases our Father.

As we saw earlier, Paul’s teaching style is such that he often tells us what not to do as well as what to do. Here is another example, although here he tells us what to do before telling us what not to do. The thing we are to do is “Walk like children of light.” The thing we are not to do is “have close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.” Notice that when we walk like children of light, we produce fruit, but the works of darkness do not produce fruit. If you read through the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, you will see several references to trees that do not bear good fruit; they are to be cut down and cast into the fire (Matthew 3:10, Matthew 7:19, Luke 3:9, Luke 13:7, 9). Likewise, when Christians stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be judged. Those which are good will produce rewards, but those which are worthless (unfruitful) will be burned up in the fire.

But, Paul does not stop there. We are not to simply avoid the fruitless works of darkness; we are to expose them for what they really are and stand against them. The world that we live in is controlled by Satan (see Ephesians 2:2, John 14:30, John 16:11, & 2Corinthians 4:4) and his influence seems to be getting stronger daily. It’s not politically correct to be critical of others, but when we see ungodliness, we need to call it what it is, rather than ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug.

Application

Are you living for God? Is He your supreme authority? Are you doing all you can to be pleasing to Him? Well done! But, are you exposing and resisting evil at the same time? That’s what light does to darkness. Be light in a dark world.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.