Tag: exhort

Romans 16:17 – Who to Avoid

Posted on by Will

Now I exhort you, brothers, take note of those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.

Truth to Learn

Avoid those who teach false doctrine.

Behind the Words

“Exhort” is translated from the Greek verb parakalō, which literally means “to call alongside.” It is one of those verbs that has a number of nuances depending on how it is used. It can mean “to encourage, to comfort, to invite, to call for, to help, or to urge.”

The verb “take note of” is from skopeō, meaning “to spy out, to look toward, to give attention to, or to be on the lookout for.”

“Divisions” is from dichostasia, which literally means “separate standings.” It is a picture of two groups of people standing separate from each other.

The word “offenses” is from skandalon, which we have seen before. It refers to the trigger of a trap. Here it refers to something which will cause other Christians to stumble in their walk with God.

The word “doctrine” is translated from didachē, which refers to “something which is taught.” Here it is a reference to the teachings, or doctrines, of the church.

“Turn away from” is from ekklinō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and klinō, meaning “to bend, to incline, or to turn.” Thus ekklinō means “to turn away from” or “to completely avoid.”

Meaning Explained

Having finished all of the personal greetings he wanted to send to his friends at the church in Rome, Paul now gives one final word of caution. He tells them to be on the lookout for “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” That is, he is warning about people who are not focused on the good of the church and the unity of the body. Instead, these people are focused on what they want rather that what God wants for the church.

In the Greek text, both the word translated “divisions” and the word translated “offenses” have definite articles associated with them. In other words, Paul is warning about those people who cause the divisions and the offenses. Thus, there must have been specific problems that he wanted them to avoid.

We know from several of Paul’s other letters that there were several false teachings that had crept into the church even in its earliest years. Two of these false doctrines were legalism, and an early form of Gnosticism. Most of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches and part of this letter to the Romans addressed the issue of legalism because there were many converted Jews in the early church who believed that Christians had to keep the law in order to remain saved. Another heresy that crept into the early church was Gnosticism, which tried to spiritualize many of the teachings of Christianity, introducing the notion that there was some “special knowledge” that was required to complete salvation. Paul’s specific instructions were to “turn away from and completely avoid” those who professed these false doctrines.

Application

Teaching true doctrine and the unity of the body of Christ are both essential aspects of the Church. Be on the lookout for false teachers and avoid them like the plague!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 5:12 – Standing Firm

Posted on by Will

By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

Truth to Learn

It is only by God’s grace that we can firmly stand in Christ.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word for the name “Silvanus” is Silounou, which is an alternate spelling of Silon or “Silas.” It is most reasonable to assume that this person is none other than Silas, the one who accompanied Paul on much of his missionary travels. He is mentioned numerous times through chapters 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the book of Acts.

The expression “as I consider him” is the Greek word logidzomai, which means “to reckon” or “to put to someone’s account.” This is the same word that appears in James 2:23 where it is translated as “counted to him,”

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, and he was called friend of God.

Peter is not speculating about Silvanus’ faithfulness, he is absolutely confirming it.

“Exhorting” is translated from the Greek word parakaleō. This is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call alongside” as a coach would an athlete in order to encourage or challenge him or her.

 

Meaning Explained

This verse and the two that follow are the closing salutation of this letter. Peter indicates that he believes this is a fairly short letter; “I have written to you briefly…” He tells us at the beginning of this verse that this letter is by Silvanus. As mentioned earlier, this is Silas who is commonly accepted to be the same Silas who accompanied the Apostle Paul during much of his missionary travels. But what does Peter mean, “by Silvanus.” Some believe that Silvanus (Silas) was the scribe who wrote the words which Peter dictated to him. Others believe that he was the messenger who carried this letter to the believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (see 1 Peter 1:1). Either one or both of these may be true, though we don’t really know for sure. It certainly would make sense for Peter to send this letter to these churches by Silas, since he travelled with the Apostle Paul through much of this area (current day Turkey), and these Christians knew Silas.

Peter then tells his readers that he, himself, is exhorting and testifying that which is contained in this letter is a representation of the true grace of God. That is, Christianity is the one true religion, not Judaism, nor paganism, nor humanism, nor any other “ism.” It is this true belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God in which we Christians stand.

Some translations have this last phrase as a command, “Stand firm in it!” This is because there is a variant reading regarding the tense of the final word of this verse. One Greek version has this as a command and another expresses this in the perfect tense implying completed action with a resultant state of being. The important thing is not the tense of this verb, but the fact that it is only by God’s grace that we can stand firm in Christ.

 

Application

Is that where you are today, firmly standing by the grace of God? Do you recognize that you cannot earn your salvation? The only way we can be righteous in God’s eyes is by His gracious gift of salvation. And, God’s grace, through the blood of Jesus Christ, is greater than our sins.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 5:2 – Shepherd The Flock

Posted on by Will

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not greedy for money but eagerly;

Truth to Learn

A church leader is to behave like a loving shepherd.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhort” in yesterday’s verse is from the Greek parakalo, which literally means “to call alongside.” It is interpreted as meaning “to council, to give advice, and to comfort.” This is the name given to the Holy Spirit by Christ himself:

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name …” (John 14:26)

The word “Comforter” in John 14:26 is the same word translated “exhort” in 1 Peter 5:2.

 “Shepherd” is from the Greek word poimanate and the word “flock” is from poimnion. Even without knowing Greek it is easy to see that these two words have the same root. The first one means “to take care of a group of animals, to feed them, to protect them, to care for them.” This is what a Shepherd does for his flock. The second word means “a flock or group of animals.”

The words “serving as overseers” are from the single Greek word episkopountes, which literally means “to watch over” or “to oversee.” It is the same word that is translated “bishop” in some places in the Bible. Again, notice that this is not a separate or higher ranking position within the priesthood, rather it is the responsibility of each and every pastor (elder) of every local congregation.

 

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse gets into the first part of Peter’s exhortation to the elders (or pastors) of the churches to which this letter was written. The advice that Peter is giving these elders is to feed the flock. Although it is not specifically identified here, Peter’s implication is that we who are called to be overseers of God’s flock are to provide spiritual food for the flock.

The way a pastor is to oversee the flock is not by compulsion (Greek anagkastōs, meaning “not out of necessity” or “not because you have to”), but willingly (Greek ekousiōs, meaning “voluntarily”), certainly not just for money (Greek me aischrokerdōs, meaning “not greedy for money”), but readily (Greek prothumōs, meaning “willingly” or “gladly”).

Hence, a church elder should not take on the responsibility of overseeing the local congregation because he is forced to do so. Neither should he take on this responsibility because he believes he will receive personal gain in the form of money or power. In other words, he should not be doing this for selfish reasons. He should, instead, take on this responsibility readily and willingly because he wants to serve God in this way. He should feel that he has been personally called by God to care for the flock, whether it consists of five or five thousand.

 

Application

Does that describe your pastor? Does he regularly supply you with spiritual food? Does he consider the welfare of the flock under his care as more important than his own desires? If so, you are certainly blessed!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load

Posted on by Will

Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Truth to Learn

Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight.

 

Behind the Words

The words “who are such” come from the Greek word toioutos. It basically means “of this kind or sort.” It is a direct reference to “some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

“We command” is from the verb parangellō, which we have seen several times recently. It means “to relay an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.”

The word “exhort” is translated from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”

The Greek word translated “quietness” is hēsuchia, which refers to “quietness, tranquility, or silence.” As used here it refers to a quiet, unobtrusive lifestyle.

Arton is the word translated “bread.” Specifically, it refers to a loaf of bread, but it is often used, as it is here, in reference to anything that is eaten as a meal.

 

Meaning Explained

You will recall that the purpose of this second letter to the Christians in the church at Thessalonica was to clear up some false teaching that the Day of the Lord had already arrived. Because of this misconception, there apparently were people in the church who figured they could stop working for themselves since the “end” was very near.

In yesterday’s verse, Paul used a play on words. He is especially fond of this literary device. He said of these particular people that they are “not working,” from the word ergadzomai, but that they are “busybodies,” from the word periergadzomai. In today’s verse he addresses them directly. Not only does he command these people to work in quietness, but he also challenges them to do so. This is another play on words (parangellō and parakaleō), but it is also a very strong statement from the apostle. Today we might say, “Get to work, and do it quietly, without complaining or bothering others.”

Remember that all Christians are part of the body of Christ. What we do affects other members of the body, either positively or negatively. If we are not working for our own needs and for the needs of the body, then others have to take up the slack. And, while there are many Christians who are willing to sacrifice themselves to build up the body and support others, it is not right that they should have to do the work of others in addition to their own work.

In the following verses, we will learn from Paul how we should act ourselves and how we should respond to those who do not heed the instructions given.

 

Application

Are you working hard in your own life and in the life of the church? Or do you depend on others to provide for you and let others carry all the weight in the church? If our Lord was standing next to you, what would He say about your performance? Remember, He IS standing next to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Caution, Support, and Patience

Posted on by Will

And we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.

Truth to Learn

We all need to patiently work toward peace in the church.

 

Behind the Words

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”

“Warn” is translated from noutheteō, which was translated as “admonish” a couple of verses ago. It means “to put in mind,” “to caution,” or “to reprove.”

“Unruly” is from the Greek word ataktos. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of the verb tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktos literally means “disorderly.”

The word translated “comfort” is paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “alongside” or “near” and the verb form of muthos (a myth or story), meaning “to relate a story.” Paramutheomai means “to speak kindly or soothingly.”

“Fainthearted” is translated from oligopsuchos. This word is made up of oligos, meaning “small or little” and phuchē, meaning “soul.”

Anthechō is the Greek word translated “support.” It is composed of anti, meaning “against” and echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” So, literally this word means “to hold close.”

“Be patient” is from makrothumeō, from makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “anger.” It means “to be long-suffering or patient.”

 

Meaning Explained

At the end of yesterday’s verse Paul told us to be at peace with each other (referring to Christians); however, being at peace (or making peace) is an active process, not a passive one. Here, Paul gives us some ideas regarding how we can make peace. Notice, first of all, that he doesn’t say, “Just ignore problems that are in the church.” When we see problems in the church we are to take positive, loving action.

The first issue that Paul addresses is members who are unruly or disorderly. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul contrasted confusion (or disorder) with peace. Those who are disorderly, cause confusion and strife. We need to caution such people and remind them of the need for order and peace within the church.

The second issue that Paul addresses is faintheartedness. These people lack courage or conviction to pursue what is right. They tend to just “give-in and give-up” when faced with opposition. We need to speak kindly to such people and remind them that doing things God’s way is always the right way.

The third issue involves those who are weak. This word is usually applied to those who are physically weak. We are to put effort into lending support to those who are weak, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

In each of these situations, however, we are to be patient with those who cause problems. That doesn’t mean ignoring the problem, rather giving loving support and guidance even when the problem recurs over and over again.

 

Application

Making peace within the church is a full time job and it is to be done in a kind, loving way just as our Lord would do.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!

Posted on by Will

As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you need to walk and to please God that you should abound more;

Truth to Learn

Being more loving is our responsibility.

 

Behind the Words

“As for the rest” is translated from the Greek word loipon, which refers to “something remaining.” In regard to time, it can be translated as “henceforth” In regard to other things, it can be translated “as to the rest” of “for the remainder.”

The word translated “request” is erotaō, which means “to ask, to inquire, or to urge.”

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “near, beside, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” Metaphorically, it means “to encourage, to challenge, or to coach.”

 “You received” is from paralambanō. This word means “to take near” or “to receive to oneself.”

“Need” is translated from the Greek word dei, which means to have a necessity or a need.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically, it refers to the manner in which one lives one’s life.

“Please” is from areskō, meaning “to soften one’s heart toward another” or “to please.”

Perisueuō is the word translated “should abound.” It means “to be in excess” or “to have more than enough.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of something happening. So, we see that it means “you may abound” or “you might abound.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter Paul explained why he sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church: to strengthen and encourage them. His concern was that the afflictions and suffering that Paul and his companions were enduring, as well as what the Thessalonians themselves were enduring,  might have caused their faith to grow weak. Having learned that their faith remained strong, Paul then offered up a prayer for them.

Paul now switches gears and goes into preaching mode in this chapter and most of the next. He has been expressing his love and concern for the Thessalonians, but now he needs to get down to some serious teaching. Therefore, he starts out his sermon with “As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort …” His challenge is that the Christians there might abound even more. But what are they supposed to abound in? If we look back two verses, we see that Paul prayed that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for others. Now Paul is telling the Thessalonian Christians that they need to abound (in love) even more. On the surface, this may sound contradictory. Is it God who causes us to abound in love, or is it our responsibility to actively pursue being more loving of others? The answer is both. We can’t understand the Trinity (how God can be one and still be three persons.) We also can’t understand how we have the responsibility for being more loving toward others and yet God is the one who enables such love.

 

Application

God is all powerful, but Christians can’t just sit back and let Him make us more loving of others. We have to put effort into demonstrating the love of God to everyone around us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load

Posted on by Will

Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Truth to Learn

Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight.

Behind the Words

The words “who are such” come from the Greek word toioutos. It basically means “of this kind or sort.” It is a direct reference to “some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

“We command” is from the verb parangellō, which we have seen several times recently. It means “to relay an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.”

The word “exhort” is translated from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”

The Greek word translated “quietness” is hēsuchia, which refers to "quietness, tranquility, or silence." As used here it refers to a quiet, unobtrusive lifestyle.

Arton is the word translated “bread.” Specifically, it refers to a loaf of bread, but it is often used, as it is here, in reference to anything that is eaten as a meal.

Meaning Explained

You will recall that the purpose of this second letter to the Christians in the church at Thessalonica was to clear up some false teaching that the Day of the Lord had already arrived. Because of this misconception, there apparently were people in the church who figured they could stop working for themselves since the “end” was very near.

In yesterday’s verse, Paul used a play on words. He is especially fond of this literary device. He said of these particular people that they are “not working,” from the word ergadzomai, but that they are “busybodies,” from the word periergadzomai. In today’s verse he addresses them directly. Not only does he command these people to work in quietness, but he also challenges them to do so. This is another play on words (parangellō and parakaleō), but it is also a very strong statement from the apostle. Today we might say, “Get to work, and do it quietly, without complaining or bothering others.”

Remember that all Christians are part of the body of Christ. What we do affects other members of the body, either positively or negatively. If we are not working for our own needs and for the needs of the body, then others have to take up the slack. And, while there are many Christians who are willing to sacrifice themselves to build up the body and support others, it is not right that they should have to do the work of others in addition to their own work.

In the following verses, we will learn from Paul how we should act ourselves and how we should respond to those who do not heed the instructions given.

Application

Are you working hard in your own life and in the life of the church? Or do you depend on others to provide for you and let others carry all the weight in the church? If our Lord was standing next to you, what would He say about your performance? Remember, He IS standing next to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Caution, Support, and Patience

Posted on by Will

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Truth to Learn

We all need to patiently work toward peace in the church.

Behind the Words

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”

“Warn” is translated from noutheteō, which was translated as “admonish” a couple of verses ago. It means “to put in mind,” “to caution,” or “to reprove.”

“Unruly” is from the Greek word ataktos. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of the verb tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktos literally means “disorderly.”

The word translated “comfort” is paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “alongside” or “near” and the verb form of muthos (a myth or story), meaning “to relate a story.” Paramutheomai means “to speak kindly or soothingly.”

“Fainthearted” is translated from oligopsuchos. This word is made up of oligos, meaning “small or little” and phuchē, meaning “soul.”

Anthecō is the Greek word translated “uphold.” It is composed of anti, meaning “against” and echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” So, literally this word means “to hold close.”

“Be patient” is from makrothumeō, from makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “anger.” It means “to be long-suffering or patient.”

Meaning Explained

At the end of yesterday’s verse Paul told us to be at peace with each other (referring to Christians); however, being at peace (or making peace) is an active process, not a passive one. Here, Paul gives us some ideas regarding how we can make peace. Notice, first of all, that he doesn’t say, “Just ignore problems that are in the church.” When we see problems in the church we are to take positive, loving action.

The first issue that Paul addresses is members who are unruly or disorderly. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul contrasted confusion (or disorder) with peace. Those who are disorderly, cause confusion and strife. We need to caution such people and remind them of the need for order and peace within the church.

The second issue that Paul addresses is faintheartedness. These people lack courage or conviction to pursue what is right. They tend to just “give-in and give-up” when faced with opposition. We need to speak kindly to such people and remind them that doing things God’s way is always the right way.

The third issue involves those who are weak. This word is usually applied to those who are physically weak. We are to put effort into lending support to those who are weak, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

In each of these situations, however, we are to be patient with those who cause problems. That doesn’t mean ignoring the problem, rather giving loving support and guidance even when the problem recurs over and over again.

Application

Making peace within the church is a full time job and it is to be done in a kind, loving way just as our Lord would do.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!

Posted on by Will

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

Truth to Learn

Being more loving is our responsibility.

Behind the Words

“Finally” is translated from the Greek word loipon, which refers to “something remaining.” In regard to time, it can be translated as “henceforth” In regard to other things, it can be translated “as to the rest” of “for the remainder.”

The word translated “urge” is erotaō, which means “to ask, to inquire, or to urge.”

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “near, beside, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” Metaphorically, it means “to encourage, to challenge, or to coach.”

Perisueuō is the word translated “should abound.” It means “to be in excess” or “to have more than enough.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of something happening. So, we see that it means “you may abound” or “you might abound.”

“You received” is from paralambanō. This word means “to take near” or “to receive.”

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically, it refers to the manner in which one lives one’s life.

“Please” is from areskō, meaning “to soften one’s heart toward another” or “to please.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter Paul explained why he sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church: to strengthen and encourage them. His concern was that the afflictions and suffering that Paul and his companions were enduring might have caused the faith of the Thessalonians to grow weak. Having learned that their faith remained strong, Paul then offered up a prayer for them.

Paul now switches gears and goes into preaching mode in this chapter and most of the next. He has been expressing his love and concern for the Thessalonians, but now he needs to get down to some serious teaching. Therefore, he starts out his sermon with “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort …” His challenge is that the Christians there might abound even more. But what are they supposed to abound in? If we look back two verses, we see that Paul prayed that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for others. Now Paul is telling the Thessalonian Christians that they need to abound (in love) more and more. On the surface, this may sound contradictory. Is it God who causes us to abound in love, or is it our responsibility to actively pursue being more loving of others? The answer is both. We can’t understand the Trinity (how God can be one and still be three persons.) We also can’t understand how we have the responsibility for being more loving toward others and yet God is the one who enables such love.

Application

God is all powerful, but Christians can’t just sit back and let Him make us more loving of others. We have to put effort into demonstrating the love of God to everyone around us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul

Posted on by Will

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,

Truth to Learn

We all need some comfort, encouragement, and challenge.

Behind the Words

“You know” is translated from the verb eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.”

The word “exhorted” is from parakaleō. It is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” It is a picture of someone being “called alongside” for the purpose of coaching, encouraging, challenging, and comforting.

“Comforted” is translated from paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and mutheomai, meaning “to make a speech” or “to tell a tale.” Paramutheomai means “to speak soothingly” or “to console.”

The word “charged” is from martureō, which literally means “to be a witness” or “to give a testimony.” As used here it probably means that Paul instructed and challenged them by using examples from his own life.

Meaning Explained

Back in verses six through eight, Paul used the metaphor of a mother caring for her infant children to show how tenderly he and his companions ministered to the Christians in Thessalonica. Now he changes his metaphor to that of a father. At the time this letter was written it was the mother’s responsibility to feed and care for the children. The father’s responsibility was to help the children mature, to challenge them, to encourage them, and to comfort them.

First of all, notice in the previous verse that Paul called the Thessalonians as witnesses of his behavior among them. Now he says that they know from observation how he raised them in the faith. These two facts further indicate the close relationship he had with the people who were under his spiritual care. He wasn’t some demagogue, preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit while keeping his distance from his congregation. He was directly involved with them daily, on a personal level.

When the spiritual battles and hardships of life caused them to become discouraged, he encouraged them. When they experienced set-backs and failures, he comforted them. However, he didn’t let them wallow in their self-pity and he certainly didn’t coddle them. Instead, he challenged them to grow in their faith walk. He taught them the difficult aspects of walking closely with their God. He used examples from his own life to show them that we all have difficulties in this life, but we don’t give up. When our sin nature or life’s problems knock us down, we get back up and get back into the race. It’s this kind of discipline that makes us stronger. The writer of Hebrews said a similar thing about staying in the race:

… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1b)

Application

Are you going through difficult times? Has life, or sin, knocked you down? If so, get back up, fix your eyes on God, get back in the race, and “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved