Consequently he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives us His Holy Spirit.
Truth to Learn
We live godly lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Behind the Words
“Consequently” is translated from toigaroun, an old double compound word which is made up of three separate Greek words. The first is toi, which indicates a contrast to what was just said. The second word is gar, a particle which assigns a reason, often translated “for.” The third word is oun, meaning “then” or “therefore.” The full impact of this word is best understood by the English word “consequently.” This word is used only here and in Hebrews 12:1.
The word translated “rejects” is atheteō, which is made up of the negative particle a and thetos, referring to something that has been put in place. Atheteō refers to removing something from its rightful place, that is, “to cast off or to reject.”
The word “gives” is from the Greek verb didōmi, which means “to give of one’s own accord and with good will.” This word does not indicate the act of giving out of obligation or as a result of something done, it indicates giving strictly out of the goodness of one’s heart. In some translations it is expressed in the aorist tense (has given). Most of the better manuscripts, however, have this verb as a participle in the present tense, indicating current, ongoing action.
Meaning Explained
Having spoken very firmly about the evils of fornication (sex outside the bounds of marriage), Paul now concludes this particular teaching with a stern warning. This warning is to those who would reject his teaching on this subject, who would instead cling to following their own lusts. He says, “Anyone who rejects this teaching is not rejecting human wisdom and instruction, he is rejecting God’s teaching.”
The second half of this verse has differing readings depending on which manuscripts are being translated. The better manuscripts would be translated as “who is giving you His Holy Spirit.” Paul is not trying to justify his statement that this is God’s teaching by claiming to be a channel of the Holy Spirit (which certainly is true of all the writers of Scripture). He is, rather, emphasizing the statement that he made in the previous verse (… but in holiness). All Christians have been called to live a life of holiness (separation from the world and dedicated to God), and God is continually supplying us with His Holy Spirit in order to enable us to live a holy life.
This should not be interpreted as God giving us His Spirit at times and taking it away at others because we have been sealed with the Spirit, and He has been permanently given to us as a guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13, 14) which cannot be taken away. Nonetheless, we are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and there are many examples of believers being filled with the Spirit at times (Acts 2:4, Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 13:9, 52). Paul’s teaching here is that in order for us to resist the lustful temptations of fornication and to live a sanctified life, we must do so by the power of His Spirit. God knows our weaknesses and provides us with the Holy Spirit’s power to resist temptation if we are willing to accept His help.
Application
Living a life separated from worldliness and dedicated to Godliness can only be accomplished through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Lord God, fill us with Your Spirit!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved
