example – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: example

2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Will

not because we do not have authority, but that we might give ourselves as an example for you to imitate us.

Truth to Learn

Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them.

Behind the Words

“Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is derived from the verb exesti, meaning “it is permissible.” Thus, exousia refers to “permission, authority, or the power to do something.”

The wordx translated “we might give” is a form of didōmi, meaning “to give something of one’s one accord,” that is “to freely give a gift.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of giving. So, literally, Paul is saying “that we might freely give ourselves as an example …”

“Example” is from the Greek word tupos, from which we get our English word “type.” It refers to an object that is struck with a blow to produce a specific mark or impression. In common usage it refers to an example that is to be followed or imitated.

The word “imitate” is from the verb mimeomai, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

Meaning Explained

As we learned in yesterday’s verse, like every other faithful preacher of God’s word the Apostle Paul had the right to receive compensation from those to whom he ministered. However, he didn’t receive anything from the people in Thessalonica because he didn’t want to be a burden to them. Here he tells us that he also wanted to be an example of what it means to sacrifice for the good of others.

He taught the Galatians:

But the one who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

And to the Corinthians, he said:

Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat the food of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

Nonetheless, Paul had another lesson to teach the Thessalonians (and us). If we are to become more like Christ, we need to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. Paul did not take any type of compensation from the Thessalonians, not because he didn’t deserve it, but because he was showing his own Christ-likeness by sacrificing himself for their sakes. And, he was not behaving this way just to please God; he was giving them (and us) an example that we can observe and mimic. Here’s what he said to the Philippians:

… but in humility of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3b, 4)

Application

The Christian walk is all about love. Not just the love we have for God, but also the love we have (and show) for others. Are you willing to sacrifice for God? Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of other Christians? That’s what Paul did.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:10 – Glorifying Patience

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Will

My brothers take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering affliction and of patience.

Truth to Learn

The prophets suffered terribly but patiently and did so for God’s glory.

Behind the Words

“Example” is translated from hupodeigma, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under” and a form of deiknuō, meaning “to show.” Hence, this word means “to show under” or “to set before the eyes” or “to make an example of.”

The word translated “suffering affliction” is the Greek word kakopatheia, which is made up of kakos, meaning “evil” or “bad” and a form of pathos, meaning “passion, extreme emotion, or strong feelings.” Hence, kakopatheia refers to “the extreme suffering resulting from affliction.”

Meaning Explained

James has just told us that not only do we need to be patient, but we need to do so quietly and without murmuring against our brothers.

I can hear you now, “But you don’t realize what kind of hardship I have to endure right now. Surely, if God really loved me He wouldn’t make me go through this!”

Once again James, in his simple practical way, gives us an example of what he’s talking about. We need to learn to be patient like the prophets who spoke in the name of Jehovah. Even these prophets did not understand what this salvation was all about which they were preaching, as it says in 1 Peter,

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. To whom it was revealed that they were not serving themselves, but you … (1 Peter 1:10-12)

And what kind of suffering did they go through?

And others received trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, and even of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; being in need, being afflicted, being ill-treated; (of whom the world was not worthy:) wandering in deserts, and in mountains, and in caves in the holes of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise… (Hebrews 11:36-39)

These prophets didn’t always know why they were suffering, but they were ready and willing to do so for the glory of God!

Application

Have you suffered like that for God? Are you willing to? Let’s take our eyes off other people now and look to the Lamb of God who was slain to set us free. Have we suffered like He did? My friends, if you are suffering for God right now and trying to be patient, I pray for you. Not that God would take the suffering away from you, not that He would answer your prayers quickly, but that He would produce in you Christ-like obedience and patience and that He would be glorified through your suffering!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Will

not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Truth to Learn

Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them.

Behind the Words

The word translated “make” is a form of didōmi, meaning “to give something of one’s one accord,” that is “to freely give a gift.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of giving. So, literally, Paul is saying “that we might freely give ourselves as an example …”

The words “should follow” are from the verb mimeomai, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.” This word is also expressed in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability.

Meaning Explained

He taught the Galatians:

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

And to the Corinthians, he said:

Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

… but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3b, 4)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 3:6 – Sarah’s Example

Posted on January 12, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 3:6

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Truth to Learn

Sarah is Peter’s example of a wife who is submissive to her husband.

Behind the Words

The word translated “obeyed” is the Greek word, hupakouō, which literally translates to “hear under.” It is the picture of a student attentively learning from a teacher.

The word “lord” is from kurios which means, “lord, master, or sir.” It does not show Sarah as an abject slave of Abraham, calling him “master,” so much as it shows her as giving respect to him as the family spiritual head, calling him “sir.”

“Afraid” is from the Greek word, phobeō, from which we get the English word “phobia,” which means “to fear.” This is the word used when we are commanded to “fear God.” It carries with it the sense of “to be in awe of” or “to revere.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verses Peter has been talking about wives voluntarily ranking themselves under their husbands, specifically unsaved husbands, with the view in mind of being a witness that may result in the salvation of their husbands. The whole purpose is to minister for the glory of God.

Peter then gets very specific about the type of outward adornment that is appropriate for the wife, which is itself less important than the inner adornment of a humble and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

He then uses the women of ancient time as an example of this inner adornment and now cites Sarah as the supreme example of this type of spirit in her adornment and submission to God through her submission to Abraham.

Remember that Peter started this particular treatise in chapter 2 with instruction on how to be built up as a spiritual house. How we behave with respect to government, our own bosses, and even how we conduct ourselves within our own family are an indication of how we are allowing ourselves to be used in the construction of this spiritual building.

He finishes this section on the behavior of wives with a word of encouragement that by behaving in this manner you wives are demonstrating that you are the spiritual daughters of Sarah. He caps it off by saying that wives who behave in this manner are doing well if it is done in fear without alarm.

But ladies, if your husband is treating you in such a way as to cause you to fear him, whether he claims to be saved or not, then this verse is not addressed to you. You are not commanded to be his doormat and certainly not expected to take abuse from your husband, either physical or mental.

Application

Western society today does not like this message. The message of the world is to stand up for yourself and do your own thing. If your “thing” is to be faithful to God and to be obedient to Him, then you women are to place yourselves under your husband’s authority. But, if you’re more focused on yourself than on God, you can ignore Peter’s message. It’s up to you.

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, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to: