Tag: foundation

1 Peter 1:20 – Determined Ahead of Time

Posted on by Will

He indeed was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times because of you

Truth to Learn

Before the creation of the heavens and the earth, God determined that Christ would die for your sins and mine.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “foreknown” is proegnosmenou, which is a compound of pro, meaning “before” and a form of ginoskō, meaning “to know.” This word means “to know beforehand” or “to determine beforehand.”

The expression “before the foundation of the world” comes from the Greek, pro katabolēs kosmou. The word pro, as we just learned means “before,” katabolēs literally means “to throw down” which refers to “laying a foundation,” and kosmou is our familiar friend “cosmos” or “world system. “

 

Meaning Explained

It’s interesting to look at all three verses in the Bible that contain the expression pro katabolēs kosmou.

Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am; … for you loved me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4)

who in fact was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times because of you (1 Peter 1:20)

These verses tell us three things that happened at what is referred to as “the council of God,” which occurred before time began: 1) the three persons of the Godhead had love for one another, 2) we were chosen for salvation and given by the Father to the Son, and 3) the sacrificial death of the Lamb of God (Jesus, the Son) was determined (ordained). God didn’t just create things and then “let it happen.” He has a plan for the ages and everything is being worked out exactly as He planned.

The last part of today’s verse tells us that, although the prophets didn’t understand the messages they were delivering because it was not yet revealed, the reality and significance of the death of Jesus Christ has been made known in these last days (the time in God’s plan in which you and I are living.)

 

Application

God has revealed the plan of salvation to us today in a way and to a degree never before experienced by mankind. How can we ignore that which He has put so much effort into revealing to us. There are more copies of the Holy Scriptures available in more languages and more translations than at any other time since the creation of the world! There is more preaching, there are more radio messages, and there are more television broadcasts about the Bible than ever before!

And yet, 2 Timothy 4:3 says:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires …

What are you doing with God’s Word today?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 2:20 – Building Material

Posted on by Will

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is part of God’s building.

 

Behind the Words

The words “having been built on” are translated from epoikodomeō, which is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house,” and demō, meaning “to build.” Thus, epoikodomeō literally means “to build a dwelling upon.” It is expressed here as an aorist, passive, participle, so “having been built on” is a very accurate translation of this word.

“Foundation” is from the Greek noun themelios. This word is derived from the verb tithēmi, which means “to stand” or “to set in place.” Themelios, therefore, refers to something that has been put down in place, like a foundation.

Apostolos is the Greek word translated “apostles.” This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send.” Apostolos refers to someone who is sent forth on a certain mission.

“Prophets” is translated from prophētēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or space” and phēmi, meaning “to tell.”

The words “chief cornerstone” come from akrogōniaios, which is made up of akron, meaning “the extreme” or “the one on the end” and gōnia, which refers to “an angle” or “a corner.” So, we see that akrogōniaios refers to the extreme corner. Metaphorically, it refers to the first corner stone laid.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that we are no longer strangers from the covenants of promise and we are no longer foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel. We are now fellow citizens of a holy nation and members of God’s household. The word translated “household” is oikeios, which usually refers to people who live and work under the master of the house, but it can also refer to the things which make up the building as well. We see in the previous verse that Paul’s meaning was “a person who is a member of the household.” In the current verse, however, he twists the meaning of the word and now refers to us as part of the building itself. And, in the next couple of verses Paul will twist the meaning a little further yet.

For now, Paul is telling us that not only are we part of God’s family, but we are part of his building as well. The foundation of this building consists of Jesus Christ, as the first corner stone as well as the apostles and prophets. At the time that Paul wrote this letter, buildings were built differently than they are today. The foundation was not cement poured into forms; it consisted of large square-cut stones laid next to each other. Sometimes there was a second or third course of stones laid upon the first. The placement of the initial corner stone was the most critical because it set the position for the entire structure. If it was not set level and oriented in the proper direction, the entire building could suffer.

Jesus Christ was, Himself, the initial corner stone of this building, and He sets the position and the basis for the remainder of the structure. The apostles and prophets (that is, New Testament prophets) provide the remainder of the foundation of the building. Paul’s reference is probably to the writings of these men of God. You and I are also part of the building and we depend on the foundation for our stability.

 

Application

There is no Christian who exists alone and apart from the rest of the church. We are all interdependent and each one of us is needed to make the building whole.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:4 – God’s Choice

Posted on by Will

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us be holy and without blemish before Him in love,

Truth to Learn

God chose those who would accept Christ as Savior.

 

Behind the Words

“Chose” is translated from the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and legō, meaning “to choose.” Hence, we see that eklegō means “to choose out” or “to select.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense (past completed action) and the middle voice (action done by the subject to himself), so it could be interpreted as “He chose for Himself.”

The word “foundation” is from the Greek word katabolē. This is another compound word; it is made up of kata, meaning “down” and a form of ballō, meaning “to throw.” Hence, it literally means “to throw down.” It is the word used of deposited seed or of laying a building’s foundation.

The expression “for us to be” is translated as “that we should be” in some translations. In this form it appears to be a translation of the Greek subjunctive mood (the mood of probability or possibility), but it is not. It is the verb eimi, the verb of being (I am, you are, etc.), but it is written as an infinitive. In other words, it should literally be translated as “for us to be …”

“Without blemish” is the translation of amōmos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not,” and mōmos, which refers to “a blot, a flaw, or a blemish.” Thus amōmos means “without blemish.”

“Before Him” is katenōpion, which means “directly in front of” or “in His very presence.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that God the Father blessed (aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past) us with all spiritual blessings. In the same way, before the foundation of the world, God the Father chose us for Himself. Paul also tells us that God’s purpose in choosing us was so that in Jesus Christ, we will be Holy and flawless in His very presence. Let’s look at this a piece at a time.

God chose us. Paul makes it very clear that God selected us (all who are saved). The fact that this verb is in the middle voice indicates that God chose for Himself, for His own reasons. Paul doesn’t tell us that God chose those of us whom He knew would one day accept Christ as Savior. In fact, we are not told what God’s criteria were for selecting us. However, he states very clearly that God chose us. It was His choice, not ours.

When did this choosing (election) occur? Paul says that it was before “the throwing-down of the world,” in other words, before time began. And what was the purpose for choosing us? It was not so that we could avoid the punishment of Hell. It was so that we will be able to stand in His presence, set-apart from the rest of humanity, with righteousness as spotless as the Lamb. God now sees us as perfect and He wants perfect fellowship with us!

 

Application

Does this mean that we are relieved of any responsibility in believing God’s truth and accepting the blood of Christ as payment of our sins? Absolutely not! God’s election and our responsibility are two opposites that are both taught in the Bible. How can this be? We don’t know, but God does! And, the fact that God chose us should at once drive us to our knees and put thanks and praise in our hearts and on our lips!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:10 – Construction Gifts

Posted on by Will

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to use their gifts to build up the church.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis, which refers to an unearned and undeserved favor done without expectation of anything in return. When used in reference to God, it denotes the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God in his gifts to His children.

“Wise” is from sophos, which means “wise.” In its New Testament usage, it implies a fear of God and an understanding of His ways.

The words “master builder” are translated from the Greek noun architektōn (from which we get our English word “architect”). It is composed or archi, indicating a high rank or degree and tektōn, meaning “a builder” or “a workman.” In Greek, it means more than just a designer. It refers to a master builder.

The words “I have laid” are from the verb tithēmi, which means “to set” or “to put in place.”

“Foundation” is translated from themelios, referring to “that which is put in place.”

Epoikodomeō is the word translated “builds on.” It is composed of epi, meaning “upon” and oikodomeō, meaning “to build a structure.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now builds on his architectural metaphor with regard to God’s temple, the body of Christ, the church. Notice first, that Paul gives the credit for his abilities to God. He states very clearly that he is a master builder of the church. But he says that the wisdom, knowledge, and ability to begin construction of the church are a direct result of the gift(s) that God has given him.

You will recall that this whole discussion began because of the divisions that had formed in the church in Corinth. Some people claimed to be followers of Paul and other claimed to be followers of Apollos, or Peter, or Christ. However, Paul recognizes that the building of the church is not done by one person, but many. He also recognizes that each person has his or her own part to do in the construction project. The body of Christ grows as we all work together and it is destroyed if we do not all work together.

The apostle tells the Corinthians, and us, that through the gift given to him by God, he laid the foundation. That was the task assigned to him and, along with this assignment God gave him the ability to do it. It is now up to others, like Apollos (and you and me), to build on that foundation. At this point, he gives us all a warning: we are all to be aware and careful how we build on that foundation. In verses twelve through fifteen he will tell us why we need to be aware of how we build.

Application

God has gifted every Christian with abilities that are to be used in building up the church. Whatever gifts we have been given are not for our own personal use. They have been specifically given to us for building the Body of Christ. We must use the gifts we’ve been given to build the church, it’s our assignment.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Ephesians 2:20 – Building Material

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 2:20  – Building Material

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is part of God’s building.

Behind the Words

The words “having been built on” are translated from epoikodomeō, which is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house,” and demō, meaning “to build.” Thus, epoikodomeō literally means “to build a dwelling upon.” It is expressed here as an aorist, passive, participle, so “having been built on” is a very accurate translation of this word.

“Foundation” is from the Greek noun themelios. This word is derived from the verb tithēmi, which means “to stand” or “to set in place.” Themelios, therefore, refers to something that has been put down in place, like a foundation.

The words “chief cornerstone” come from akrogōniaios, which is made up of akron, meaning “the extreme” or “the one on the end” and gōnia, which refers to “an angle” or “a corner.” So, we see that akrogōniaios refers to the extreme corner. Metaphorically, it refers to the first corner stone laid.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that we are no longer strangers from the covenants of promise and we are no longer foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel. We are now fellow citizens of a holy nation and members of God’s household. The word translated “household” is oikeios, which usually refers to people who live and work under the master of the house, but it can also refer to the things which make up the building as well. We see in the previous verse that Paul’s meaning was “a person who is a member of the household.” In the current verse, however, he twists the meaning of the word and now refers to us as part of the building itself. And, in the next couple of verses Paul will twist the meaning a little further yet.

For now, Paul is telling us that not only are we part of God’s family, but we are part of his building as well. The foundation of this building consists of Jesus Christ, as the first corner stone as well as the apostles and prophets. At the time that Paul wrote this letter, buildings were built differently than they are today. The foundation was not cement poured into forms; it consisted of large square-cut stones laid next to each other. Sometimes there was a second or third course of stones laid upon the first. The placement of the initial corner stone was the most critical because it set the position for the entire structure. If it’s not level and oriented in the proper direction, the entire building could suffer.

Jesus Christ was, Himself, the initial corner stone of this building, and He sets the position and the basis for the remainder of the structure. The apostles and prophets (that is, New Testament prophets) provide the remainder of the foundation of the building. Paul’s reference is probably to the writings of these men of God. You and I are also part of the building and we depend on the foundation for our stability.

Application

There is no Christian who exists alone and apart from the rest of the church. We are all interdependent and each one of us is needed to make the building whole.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 1:4 – God’s Choice

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:4 – God’s Choice

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Truth to Learn

God chose those who would accept Christ as Savior.

Behind the Words

“Chose” is translated from the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and legō, meaning “to choose.” Hence, we see that eklegō means “to choose out” or “to select.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense (past completed action) and the middle voice (action done by the subject to himself), so it could be interpreted as “He chose for Himself.”

The word “foundation” is from the Greek word katabolē. This is another compound word; it is made up of kata, meaning “down” and a form of ballō, meaning “to throw.” Hence, it literally means “to throw down.” It is the word used of deposited seed or of a building’s foundation.

The expression “that we should be” appears to be a translation of the Greek subjunctive mood (the mood of probability or possibility), but it is not. It is the verb eimi, the verb of being (I am, you are, etc.), but it is written as an infinitive. In other words, it could literally be translated as “for us to be …”

“Without blame” is the translation of amōmos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not,” and mōmos, which refers to “a blot, a flaw, or a blemish.” Thus amōmos means “without blemish.”

“Before Him” is katenōpion, which means “directly in front of” or “in His very presence.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that God the Father blessed (past tense, completed action) us with all spiritual blessings. In the same way, before the foundation of the world, God the Father chose us for Himself. Paul also tells us that God’s purpose in choosing us was so that in Jesus Christ, we will be Holy and flawless in His presence. Let’s look at this a piece at a time.

God chose us. Paul makes it very clear that God selected us (all who are saved). The fact that this verb is in the middle voice indicates that God chose for Himself, for His own reasons. Paul doesn’t tell us that God chose those of us whom He knew would one day accept Christ as Savior. In fact, we are not told what God’s criteria were for selecting us. However, he states very clearly that God chose us. It was His choice, not ours.

When did this choosing (election) occur? Paul says that it was before “the throwing-down of the world,” in other words, before time began. And what was the purpose for choosing us? It was not so that we could avoid the punishment of Hell. It was so that we will be able to stand in His presence, set-apart from the rest of humanity, with righteousness as spotless as the Lamb. God wants perfect fellowship with us!

Application

Does this mean that we are relieved of any responsibility in believing God’s truth and accepting the blood of Christ as payment of our sins? Absolutely not! God’s election and our responsibility are two opposites that are both taught in the Bible. How can this be? We don’t know, but God does! And, the fact that God chose us should at once drive us to our knees and put thanks and praise in our hearts and on our lips!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 4:16 – Foundational Promises

Posted on by Will

Romans 4:16

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

Truth to Learn

God’s promises to you are there for you to build on.

Behind the Words

The word translated “sure” is bebaios, which means “fixed, sure, or certain.” Figuratively it refers to that upon which one may build, rely, or trust. In the New Testament it is never used of people, only objects or ideas.

Meaning Explained

This verse starts off with a connecting clause, “Therefore it is of faith …” The natural question is, “What is of faith?” By backtracking over the previous verses we see that this clause refers to verse 13 which reads:

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4:13)

Therefore, Paul is saying that righteousness is the result of faith, according to God’s gracious gift and not the result of works. The point we made several verses ago was that Abraham was declared righteous as a result of his believing God’s promise regarding his future son. God’s declaration of Abraham’s righteousness occurred a number of years before Abraham obediently circumcised himself and his household. Therefore it can’t have been because of works of obedience, it must be the result of faith.

Now, Paul reiterates the statement that he has made in the past couple of verses, that since Abraham was declared righteous as a result of faith, he has become the father figure to all who believe. He says in today’s verse that the promise was made sure to all Abraham’s seed, whether they are children of his flesh or children (through faith) by his example. The promise is not conditional, it is not partial, and it is not questionable. It is sure and firm just like a building’s foundation.

Application

Where are you putting your confidence? Are you still trying to keep all the rules and ordinances of your church in order to please God? Or, do you trust in God’s promises for your eternal future? In order to trust in the promises, you have to know what those promises are, and in order to know what those promises are you have to read the Bible, repeatedly and consistently.

Let me encourage you to set aside one half hour every day whether at the beginning of the day, in the middle of the day, or at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter when it is, as long as you are consistent about it. In the first 20 minutes, read your Bible and in the other 10 minutes pray about what you just read. If you don’t know where to begin reading, I would suggest that you start with 1st John (the 5th from the last book in the Bible) or perhaps the book of James or one of the Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).

Try it for a week and see if you don’t begin to feel like God is actually talking directly to you as you read. The more you read your Bible, the better you will understand God’s message for you and His promises to you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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2 Peter 1:19 – More Sure Foundation

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2 Peter 1:19

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Truth to Learn

God’s Word regarding Christ’s second coming, delivered by the prophets of old, is made more reliable by His first coming.

Behind the Words

The words “more sure” come from the Greek word bebaios, the root of which is basis, meaning “a firm footing or foundation,” hence our English word, basis. This is the same root as the word we saw back in verse 10 where Peter told us to “make our calling and election sure.” The word in today’s verse is expressed as a comparative. Therefore, it means “firmer footing,” or “more foundational,” or “more certain.”

Meaning Explained

This is another one of those verses that has stirred up considerable debate among scholars and theologians over the centuries. It primarily centers on the phrase “more sure word of the prophets.” The controversy comes in when we ask ourselves what Peter is making the comparison to. Is he making a comparison between the transfiguration and prophesy? Is he simply saying that the word of prophecy was very sure and could be relied on, or is Peter saying something else?

A literal translation of this passage reads, “and we have the prophetic word more firm.” It appears that what Peter is saying is, because of the coming of Jesus in his first advent, confirmed by his transfiguration, witnessed by only a few people, the words of prophecy concerning his second coming are made even more firm, more steadfast, and more believable. That is why Peter follows this phrase up with, “to which you do well to take heed.”

Peter has been talking about our need to be diligent in developing Christian character qualities, built on the firmness of our election and calling. He reminded us that we are not following fables, but the majesty of God in the flesh, which Peter and the two others had a glimpse of. The prophets have shed some light on both the first and second coming of the Messiah, and we need to take heed regarding those prophecies.

He compares these prophetic messages to a light that shines in the darkness. At night, when there is no light from the sun and very little from the moon, we use a flashlight to see where we’re going, but it’s not the same as daylight. That’s exactly what Peter is saying. Prophecy is only a partial illumination of things to come, and it does not make all things clear, yet it does give us a glimpse of what is to come. Peter is saying that we can believe what prophecy says regarding the second coming of our Lord because of His first coming. Having perfectly satisfied many of the predictions by His coming as the Lamb, He will satisfy all the rest by His coming as the King!

Application

Will you be ready when He returns, or will you be like those religious people who completely missed His first coming? They fought against Him and conspired to kill Him because they wanted religion their way (based on their traditions) instead of salvation God’s way (based on the Word of God).

Is your foundation the Word of God, or religious traditions?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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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:e-mail address