Tag: epipotheo

Romans 1:11 – A Firm Standing

Posted on by Will

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—

Truth to Learn

Paul was filled with a desire to teach God’s truths to others.

 

Behind the Words

“Long” is from the Greek verb epipotheō, which is made up of epi, used as an intensifier, and potheō, meaning “to yearn.” Thus this word means “to desire strongly.”

The word translated “impart” is the Greek word metadō. This is a compound word made up of meta, which implies association, often translated as “with” and a form of didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence Paul is saying that he wanted to give something to them and share it with them at the same time.

“Gift” is from the Greek word charisma, which is the noun form of the verb charidzomai, meaning “to show favor.” Hence, charisma refers to a gift of grace. That is, a gift which was not earned and is not deserved.

The word translated “established” is the Greek word stērichthēnai, the passive form of steridzo, meaning “to stand fast” or “to fix firmly in place.” The passive form means that Paul wanted this to be done to the Roman Christians. That is, he wanted them to be firmly fixed in place (spiritually) as a result of the gift that he wanted to give to them.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul confessed that he longed to see the Christians in Rome. He now explains why; he wanted to share something with them. In the Christian church we often talk about “sharing” an experience with someone else. That is, we want to tell it to them in a way in which they will share in the joy or sorrow of the experience. This is precisely what Paul is talking about. He wants to give the Roman Christians something that can be shared among them.

Paul then tells them that what he wants to share with them is a “spiritual gift.” Some have claimed this means that Paul wanted to impart a “miraculous gift of the spirit,” which supposedly the apostles had the power to give to others. However, this interpretation is unnatural and forced as there is no place in the scriptures where this expression denotes the power of working miracles. In fact, the explanation of this gift is given in the next verse, “that I may be comforted together with you through the faith of one another, both yours and mine.” Paul simply wanted to share more truths of the Gospel and the glories of a life in Christ with the Christians in Rome. He wanted to encourabe them by teaching them about a life of faith, and he wanted to be encouraged by their own accounts of faithful living.

His purpose in wanting to do this is, “so that you may be established.” That is, Paul wanted the Christians in Rome to have a firm doctrinal footing. He knew that faith in Christ and the surrendered life are essential for Christians. He also knew that learning the truth of God’s word would result in these Christians becoming firmly grounded in their faith, able to withstand any storm of life.

 

Application

Is that where your faith is today? Do you feel firmly fixed in your faith and in your daily walk with God, or does God often feel far away? If so… who do you think moved?

It is possible to feel firmly fixed in your faith, but it requires regular, careful reading and study of the Bible. It also requires a consistent commitment to live your life God’s way, instead of your own way.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 2:2 – Spiritual Craving

Posted on by Will

as newborn babies, desire the reasonable, sincere milk of the word, that you may grow in it,

Truth to Learn

The moment we became a Christian we started craving spiritual food.

 

Behind the Words

“Newborn” is translated from the Greek word artigennētos, which is made up of arti, meaning “just now” or “just recently” and gennētos, meaning “to be born.” Hence it means “just born” or “new born.”

The word “babies” is from brephos, meaning “an infant.”

The word translated “desire” is epipotheo, which doesn’t simply mean to desire but “to earnestly desire” or “to crave” something.

The word translated “sincere” is the Greek word adolon, which literally means “not deceitful.” Notice the play on words since the things we are commanded to lay aside are all deceitful types of things but the nourishment of the Word is just the opposite.

 

Meaning Explained

As with most cases in the Bible, when we are commanded to remove or lay aside something we are also told to put on, or start doing, something else. In the previous verse Peter told us to lay aside a number of unholy actions, each of which is associated with self-will. In exchange for laying aside such things we are to crave the sincere milk of the word like newborn babies.

One of the characteristics of a little baby is that he or she is always hungry. Likewise young Christians should always be craving the nourishment of the Word of God. Personally, I question the salvation of any Christian who isn’t hungry for the Word.

Now, let me carry this one step further. Unfortunately, today there are many Christians who, though they have been saved for many years, are still drinking from a bottle when it comes to feeding on the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews put it this way:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

The only way we will continue to grow as Christians is to have consistent time in the Word and to expose ourselves to preaching and teaching that will provide us spiritual meat.

 

Application

Is it your constant desire to become more Christ-like? Do you have a craving to learn more about the truths of God’s Word? Are you getting that spiritual meat?

If you did not answer a resounding “Yes!” to all of these questions, perhaps a time of prayerful discussion with your heavenly Father is in order!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on by Will

And now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

Truth to Learn

Remember those who have helped you in your faith walk.

 

Behind the Words

The word “now” is translated from the Greek adverb arti, meaning “now, just now, or the present time.”

“Has come” is from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

The words “brought … good news” are from euangelidzō, which means “to announce good news.” It is the word from which we get our English word “evangelize.” Most often in the New Testament it is a reference to the good news of the gospel of Christ. Here, however, it refers to the good news about the firm faith of the Thessalonians.

“Remembrance” is translated from mneia, which refers to “a recollection” or “a specific memory about someone or something.”

Epipotheō is the Greek word translated “greatly desiring.” It is made up of epi, used as an intensifier and potheō, meaning “to desire or yearn for something.” Thus, epipotheō refers to a strong yearning or a strong desire.”

 

Meaning Explained

Before commenting on today’s verse, let’s look at the end of yesterday’s verse. Paul expressed concern that his labor among the Thessalonians might have been empty, or in vain. Some might interpret this as his concern that they had “lost their salvation.” This cannot be, since Paul teaches elsewhere that salvation is “eternal” and secure. Remember that the Thessalonians had been undergoing persecution, which tends to have a “weeding-out” effect on those who profess faith in Christ. Those lacking genuine faith will turn back in the face of such opposition, but true believers will grow and become stronger as a result of trials.

Today’s verse gives a clue regarding when and where this letter was written. Paul says that Timothy has just returned to him. If we look at Acts 18:5, we see that Paul was in Corinth when Timothy and Silvanus (Silas) returned to him from Macedonia. Since it was shortly after their return that Paul was taken before the proconsul Gallio, and we know from historical documents that Gallio was proconsul between AD 51 and AD 52, this letter must have been written around AD 50 or 51.

Upon his return, Timothy reported to Paul the wonderful news that not only has the Thessalonian persecution not driven people from the church, it seems to have solidified their faith. We also learn that they remembered Paul and his companions with good thoughts. This is particularly significant given the accusation that had been made against Paul.

 

Application

For those of you who have been Christians for a long time, do you remember the people who were significant in your conversion and early grounding in the faith? How often have you given thanks to God for their faithfulness and dedication?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:5 – A Jealous Spirit

Posted on by Will

Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?

Truth to Learn

Seeking things instead of God makes Him Jealous.

Behind the Words

“Vain” is from the word kenōs, meaning “with no purpose”

The word translated “dwells” is katoikēsen. Some Biblical Greek scholars believe that this is a form of katoikēō, meaning “to dwell permanently.” Others, however, claim that it is from an old verb, katoikidzō, meaning “to give permanent dwelling to.” The problem arises from the fact that it is expressed in the aorist tense and indicative mood, which indicates past action, occurring at a point in time. If this is a form of katoikēō, then James is saying that the Spirit dwelt permanently in us at a point in time in the past. If this is a form of katoikidzō, however, James is saying that the Spirit was given a dwelling place in us at a point in time in the past. In either case, it probably refers to the point in time when we were saved and God gave us his Spirit as a permanent dweller in us. One more degree of complexity in this verse is the fact that, as is pointed out below, this “spirit” could also be referring to our sin nature, which was given to us when we were conceived in the womb.

Epipotheō is the word translated “yearns.” It is made up of epi, used as an intensifier, and potheō, meaning “to desire.” Hence it means “to desire strongly” or “to long for.”

The word translated “jealously” is phthonos, which refers to “the pain of jealousy or envy.”

Meaning Explained

There has been, and continues to be, a lot of debate about this verse for two primary reasons. The first is that there is no Old Testament passage that is exactly quoted by this verse. There are several verses, however, that could fulfill the essence of what this verse says:

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)

This is a reference to the sin nature that dwells in every one of us.

you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, (Exodus 20:5)

They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. (Deuteronomy 32:21)

This is a reference to the Holy Spirit of God who becomes jealous whenever we allow anything other than God to occupy our thoughts and desires.

Having said all this, it is apparent that James is making a statement of the general sense of what Scripture teaches us and that it is not a direct reference to a specific verse.

The second source of controversy concerning this verse is regarding what James meant by, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously.” The question is whether he is referring to the Holy Spirit who was given to us when we became a Christian, or to the sinful nature that we all received as a result of the “original sin” of Adam and Eve. Keep in mind that when we received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we received a new nature enabled by the Holy Spirit. However, the old nature (our sin nature) is neither removed nor reformed. Because of this, there is a constant battle within, as Paul tells us:

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are opposed to one another, so that you do not do the things that you may determine to do. (Galatians 5:17)

If James is referring to the Holy Spirit, then he is telling us that the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, yearns jealously (remember, God is a jealous God). This would support the idea that James is referring to the concepts presented in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 32:21 quoted above. If, however, he is referring to our sin nature, then he is saying that we have within us jealous yearnings (that is, selfish longings) that cause us to sin. This would support the concept presented in Genesis 6:5 quoted above. Either one would be a reasonable interpretation of this verse.

Now, let’s look at the context of this verse. James has said that we fight and battle because we lust after and covet things that we don’t have. He says that we don’t have things because we don’t ask. James also tells us that when we do ask for these things from God, we ask with the wrong motives, intending this “stuff” to satisfy our selfish desires. In fact, we make “stuff” our idol, giving it more of our attention and desire than we give to God.

When we long for stuff more than we long for a relationship with God, it is a form of idolatry, thus making us spiritual adulterers, which fits with what James told us in the previous verse. In the current verse, it makes sense that James is telling us that the Holy Spirit (the Spirit whom God, at some point in time in the past, gave to permanently dwell in us), has a longing, a strong desire, for a personal relationship with us. But, when we play the harlot with “stuff,” it makes God jealous!

After a lot of research and analysis and after a lot of internal debate, I am convinced that “The Spirit who dwells in us” is referring to the Holy Spirit. And – the reason He “yearns jealously” is because He wants our full devotion. He doesn’t want us to divide our devotion between Him and any idol of any kind.

Application

Are you filled with a longing for stuff? Are you constantly thinking of a bigger house, a better car, a better job, a boat, more clothes, a bigger retirement nest egg? Are you trying to be the kid with the most toys at the end of the game? If so, then you have made an idol out of stuff and you make God jealous. Or – do you spend your days trying to develop a deeper relationship with God, learning all you can about Him and what He wants from you.

Remember, God is a jealous God and you are His beloved one. If you really want to please God, then give him ALL your devotion. When we pray and “ask” God, we should all be asking for a better understanding of Him and for a stronger devotion to Him and Him alone.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on by Will

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

Truth to Learn

Remember those who have helped you in your faith walk.

Behind the Words

The word “now” is translated from the Greek adverb arti, meaning “now, just now, or the present time.”

“Has come” is from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

The words “brought … good news” are from euangelidzō, which means “to announce good news.” It is the word from which we get our English word “evangelize.” Most often in the New Testament it is a reference to the good news of the gospel of Christ. Here, however, it refers to the good news about the firm faith of the Thessalonians.

“Remembrance” is translated from mneia, which refers to “a recollection” or “a specific memory about someone or something.”

Epipotheō is the Greek word translated “greatly desiring.” It is made up of epi, used as an intensifier and potheō, meaning “to desire or yearn for something.” Thus, epipotheō refers to a strong yearning or a strong desire.”

Meaning Explained

Before commenting on today’s verse, let’s look at the end of yesterday’s verse. Paul expressed concern that his labor among the Thessalonians might have been empty, or in vain. Some might interpret this as his concern that they had “lost their salvation.” This cannot be, since Paul teaches elsewhere that salvation is “eternal” and secure. Remember that the Thessalonians had been undergoing persecution, which tends to have a “weeding-out” effect on those who profess faith in Christ. Those lacking genuine faith will turn back in the face of such opposition, but true believers will grow and become stronger as a result of trials.

Today’s verse gives a clue regarding when and where this letter was written. Paul says that Timothy has just returned to him. If we look at Acts 18:5, we see that Paul was in Corinth when Timothy and Silvanus (Silas) returned to him from Macedonia. Since it was shortly after their return that Paul was taken before the proconsul Gallio, and we know from historical documents that Gallio was proconsul between AD 51 and AD 52, this letter must have been written around AD 50 or 51.

Upon his return, Timothy reported to Paul the wonderful news that not only has the Thessalonian persecution not driven people from the church, it seems to have solidified their faith. We also learn that they remembered Paul and his companions with good thoughts. This is particularly significant given the accusation that had been made against Paul.

Application

For those of you who have been Christians for a long time, do you remember the people who were significant in your conversion and early grounding in the faith? How often have you given thanks to God for their faithfulness and dedication?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved