Tag: God

Romans 16:27 – To God Be The Glory!

Posted on by Will

to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all the glory and all of our praise.

Behind the Words

“God” is from the Greek noun theos. This is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.) In the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) the title of God (elohim) is always translated as theos, even though elohim is plural and theos is singular.

“Only” is translated from monos, meaning “unaccompanied, alone, only, or single.”

The word translated “wise” is sophos, meaning “the ability to skillfully apply the knowledge that one possesses.” The meaning of sophos in the New Testament, like its Hebrew equivalent chōkmah, differs from the classical meaning in at least two ways. First of all, the biblical concept of wisdom is God-centered rather than man-centered. It refers to a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Secondly, Biblical wisdom implies the possession of a certain adeptness or practical ability in applying knowledge.

“Glory” is from the word doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul’s closing benediction to his letter to the Christians in the church at Rome is the longest benediction contained in any of his letters.

In this final verse, he is proclaiming, first of all, the fact that only God is wise. In Greek, word order is significant, with the most important word being first. The Greek text for this verse reads, “only wise God.” Thus, his emphasis is on the fact that only God is truly wise. To our singularly wise God belongs “great reputation, honor, and splendor” because of the fact that He alone is wise.

This honor that God so richly deserves is earned in and through the person of Jesus Christ. Only a God of infinite wisdom could have developed a plan whereby we, God’s created race made filthy by the stain of our sin, could be so perfectly cleansed by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God.

Because of this salvation plan which reconciles God’s moral righteousness with the brilliance of His wondrous mercy, He will receive all the glory from all of creation for all of eternity. Truly, He is worthy!

Application

Throughout eternity we will give God the glorious expression of our praise. In order to be fully prepared for that experience, we should be practicing every day by proclaiming His glory and declaring His praise. To God be the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 3:22 – Through Faith

Posted on by Will

and the righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ, toward all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

Truth to Learn

You can’t earn righteousness, but you can receive it.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “faith” is the Greek word pistis. This is derived from the verb peithō, which means “to persuade” or “to win over.” Therefore, pistis describes the result of having been won over or persuaded. In other words, it means “faith, conviction, or belief in a truth.”

The expression “of God” is a translation of the word Theou, which can mean either “of God” or “from God.” Hence, we can say that the righteousness that comes by faith belongs to God and He gives it to those who believe.

“Difference” is from the Greek word diastolē, which is derived from the verb diastellō, meaning “to separate” or “to set apart.” Diastolē represents the state after the action, in other words, “a distinct difference.” In 1Corinthians 14:7 this word is used to describe distinctly different sounds of a musical instrument.

 

Meaning Explained

The righteousness needed to stand guiltless before the Judge of the entire world cannot be obtained by obeying a set of rules, no matter how perfect those rules are and no matter how sincere we are or how hard we try. The Old Testament has declared that all of us are sinners. None of us is righteous, no not even one of us; not me, not you, not your pastor, not even the Apostle Paul. I like the way the prophet Isaiah said it:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a filthy rag; we all fade like a leaf, and like the wind our sins take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)

In yesterday’s verse Paul introduced a new concept, one that isn’t really new, for it was written about in the Old Testament. Namely, it is possible to obtain the righteousness of God, but it is obtained totally apart from the Law. We can’t become righteous by obeying all the rules or by doing good deeds.

This new doctrine of “justification by faith” is now plainly declared by Paul. There is righteousness apart from the Law, “the righteousness of God,” but this righteousness comes “through faith in Jesus Christ.” That is to say, we can’t earn the righteousness necessary to meet God’s standard of behavior, but we can receive it from God by believing in Jesus Christ.

Paul also tells us that this righteousness by faith is granted to everyone who believes. You don’t have to be born into the right family. You don’t have to be a member of a church. You don’t have to take religion classes. You don’t have to be wealthy. All you have to do is believe.

We will talk about the last phrase of this verse when we talk about the next verse, with which it rightly belongs.

 

Application

Do you want to stand before the Judge of the earth with the same righteousness as Jesus Christ? You can! And, you don’t have to earn it. You certainly don’t deserve it. Nonetheless, you can have that righteousness, through faith in Jesus Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

People who know God’s grace can experience peace with Him.

 

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

The word translated “father” is patēr, which is a primary word meaning “father.” It is the word from which we get our English word patriarch (father-ruler).

 

Meaning Explained

If you compare the opening two verses of this chapter with the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians 1, you will notice that they appear nearly identical. And, in the best manuscripts the words “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” do not appear in 1 Thessalonians 1:1. They do appear to be genuine in this verse, however.

Paul’s opening message to the Thessalonian church in both 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and in this verse is one of grace and peace. These two represent the source and the result of our salvation. For by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:5), and this salvation results in a peace that is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7). His desire of peace for the Christians in Thessalonica is especially important given the persecution and confusion that existed in the church at that time. “Grace” is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”; it is God’s unmerited favor which He freely bestows on all who accept by faith Jesus Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross. God gives man the opposite of what he deserves: blessing instead of judgment. “Peace” is the cessation of hostility which has resulted from Christ’s death; God and mankind can be reconciled because the debt of human sin has been paid by Christ. Christians have peace with God through the death of Christ. They also experience the peace of God as a result of Christ’s work. So we see that for a Christian, grace and peace are closely connected.

 

Application

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have been the recipient of God’s grace. Because of this, you are at peace with God. One of the challenges of Christian living is recognizing and experiencing that peace, and living a life of obedience to God because of it.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Turn From Idols

Posted on by Will

For they themselves declare about us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Truth to Learn

We need to turn from idols and give all our devotion to God.

 

Behind the Words

“Declare” is from the Greek verb apangellō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and angellō, meaning “to announce” or “to declare.” This word literally means “to bring a message from any person or place.”

The word “entry” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which is made up of eis, meaning “in” or “into” and hodos, meaning “a road” or “a way.” Thus, eisodon literally means “a way in.”

Epistrephō is the verb translated “turned.” It is composed of epi, meaning “above, over, on, or motion toward something” and strephō, meaning “to turn.” Thus, epistrephō means “to turn on something” or “to turn toward something.”

The word translated “idols” is eidōlon, which refers to “an image or representation of some other thing.”

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

 

Meaning Explained

In this letter to the church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul has been praising the members of the church there for the manner in which they have been living their lives and proclaiming the gospel message. In yesterday’s verse he told them that the witness of their faith living has gone out into the entire world; so much so, in fact, that Paul says he and his associated don’t have to tell anyone about it.

Now he adds to that praise by saying the reason the Apostles don’t have to tell anyone about the Christian character of the Thessalonians is because people everywhere are talking about it. He tells us that these people are talking about the way that Paul and his companions initially came to the people of Thessalonica. He also says that people are talking about how the Christians in Thessalonica turned from idol worship to become dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.

This makes this church somewhat unique among the churches that Paul planted. Most of them were primarily converts from Judaism, but it appears that the Thessalonian Christians were pagans before hearing and believing the gospel message.

 

Application

Do you have idols in your life that are more important than Jesus Christ? What’s more important to you, money, clothes or other possessions, family, success at work, sports, your reputation …? Whatever it is, if it demands more of your time and devotion than serving God, it’s an idol and you need to turn from it to serve the living and true God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:6 – One Father God

Posted on by Will

one God and Father of all, the One above all, and through all, and in you all.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are united under our Father God.

 

Behind the Words

“God” is translated from the Greek word theos, from which we get our English word “theology,” meaning the study of God. The word theos was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is almost exclusively used in reference to the one true God. Theos is probably derived from the Greek word theteres, meaning “placers,” for the Greeks thought the gods were makers and disposers of all things. The ancient Greeks believed that elements had their own “placers.” Thus they had the god of fire, the god of the winds, the god of money, etc.

The word patēr is translated here as “father.” Generally in Greek, patēr refers to “the male parent.” In its plural form, however, it can refer to both father and mother or to ancestors in general.

“Above” is from the Greek preposition epi. This word can mean “above,” “over,” or “upon.”

“Through” is translated from the preposition dia, which can indicate motion through (with regard to both space and time) or instrumentality. Here it indicates motion (or presence) throughout all things.

The word translated “you” is not in the best manuscripts, so the end of this verses should read, “and in all.” Some of the older manuscripts read, “and in us all.”

 

Meaning Explained

As part of his treatise on unity within the church, Paul points out to us a few things about our God. In the previous verse we learned that we have one Lord, and in that context we saw that Jesus proclaimed “the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” Even though we know that there are three persons in the Godhead, Paul says that He is our Lord and He is (they are) one. This is not an easy concept for our feeble human minds to comprehend. Nonetheless, God declares it to be so.

Because both the Greeks and the Romans worshipped many gods and the Roman emperors even proclaimed themselves to be gods, Paul makes it very clear now that there is only one God. Jehovah is the only true God. Keep in mind, Paul is teaching about unity within the church, so his statement that God is the Father of all should be taken in this context. Not only is Paul declaring that God is supreme over all creation, but specifically He is over all (and Father of all) in the church. Also, according to Romans chapter eight:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God … The Spirit Himself witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God, (Romans 8:14, 16)

So, what Paul is teaching here is that God is the Father of all Christians. He also teaches us that our God is above all. Certainly, he is above all creation, but within the context of Paul’s teaching here, God is the supreme authority over all Christians. And, He permeates all parts of all Christians –  body, soul, and spirit.

Since God is the Father of all Christians, He is supreme over all Christians, and He indwells and permeates all Christians, we should act like a single unified body.

 

Application

Are all your words and actions within the church promoting unity within the body? If not, they should be!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

Posted on by Will

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him,

Truth to Learn

Christians should actively seek greater knowledge of God.

 

Behind the Words

The word “God” is translated from the Greek word theos. It was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is used in reference to the one true God. The word theos is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.).

The word “wisdom” is translated from sophia, which refers to “the ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, insight, understanding, and experience.”

“Revelation” is from apokalupsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, apokalupsis refers to “the result of removing a cover.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the current verse Paul is expressing some of his prayers for the members of the church in Ephesus. By extension, these are his prayers for all saints. The first thing that he petitions God for is that they (and we) might receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Now, we have to stop here for a moment and ask ourselves whether or not this spirit that Paul is talking about is the Holy Spirit or not. The Greek text does not include the definite article the here. Therefore, some would say that Paul is not specifically referring to “the” spirit; that is, the Holy Spirit.

If we look at some of the attributes of the Holy Spirit, however, we may come to a different conclusion. In Isaiah 11:2, as the prophet is describing the Messiah, he says,

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

This, clearly, is a reference to the Holy Spirit. And in 1Corinthians 2:10 where Paul is talking about the mystery of the wisdom of God, he says,

God has revealed them to us through His Spirit,

which is another clear reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit in this verse.

But, if that is so, why does Paul not refer to Him as “the” Spirit in the Greek text? Perhaps, the answer is that Paul just finished teaching that all Christians have been given the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee at the time of salvation and did not want to introduce confusion on that point. In referring to “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” he is implying that these are characteristics which the Holy Spirit imparts. Therefore, Paul is asking God the Father to have the Holy Spirit give wisdom and revelation to all saints. The wisdom and revelation he is referring to are in reference to Jesus Christ our Lord. In other words, Paul is asking that we, through the Holy Spirit, might know and understand more about our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

Application

Do you know all there is to know about Jesus Christ? Of course not! None of us does. Do you want to know more about your Lord and Savior? Of course you do! All Christians do. Be assured that Paul also wants you to, but it doesn’t happen without actively seeking it from God’s Word. As you seek to know Christ better, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:9 – Builder or Spectator?

Posted on by Will

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is assigned a task in building God’s church and we all need to be hard at work, not just watching.

Behind the Words

In this verse, each time the word “God’s” appears, it is the translation of the genitive case (indicating possession) of the noun theos, from which we get our English word “theology,” meaning the study of God. The word theos was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is almost exclusively used in reference to the one true God. Theos is probably derived from the Greek word theteres, meaning “placers,” for the Greeks thought the gods were makers and disposers of all things. The ancient Greeks believed that elements had their own “placers.” Thus they had the god of fire, the god of the winds, the god of money, etc.

“Fellow workers” is from the Greek noun sunergos. This is made up of sun, meaning “together” and ergon, which refers to “work” or “a deed.”

Geōrgion is the word translated “field.” It refers to ground that is used to grow plants. It could be translated as “farmland,” “vineyard,” or “garden.”

“Building” is from the Greek noun oikodomē, which is made up of oikos, meaning “a dwelling place” or “a house” and a form of demō, meaning “to build.” Literally, it refers to a house under construction.

Meaning Explained

The first thing to notice about this verse is the way it is constructed. Literally it reads, “God’s fellow workers we are, God’s garden, God’s building you are.” The word theos is the first word in each phrase, placing strong emphasis on the fact that God is the possessor and source of each. The verbs we are (first person) and you are (second person) are notably different. Paul includes himself in the group of “fellow workers” but emphasized that you (members of the church, the body of Christ) are God’s garden and God’s house under construction.

As we mentioned in verse six, Paul uses an agricultural metaphor that everyone in the Roman world would be familiar with. In this verse, he transitions to an architectural metaphor. This would be especially relevant to people in the city of Corinth because of all the magnificent temples and other splendid structures that existed throughout the city and other major cities throughout the Roman Empire. Perhaps the reason for this is the fact that a garden or a vineyard was typically the work of a few workers working together. The great buildings of the Roman cities, however, were the work of large numbers of people working together toward a common goal.

The apostle will now use the architectural metaphor to show how the body of Christ, the church, God’s temple, is built up as a result of each one of us doing our part. He will then show that each worker will receive his or her pay (reward) in proportion to the amount of work done in the temple building process.

Application

Are you hard at work building up the body of Christ, God’s temple, or are you just sitting back watching it grow? Only the workers will get paid, not the spectators.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

People who know God’s grace can experience peace with Him.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

The word translated “father” is patēr, which is a primary word meaning “father.” It is the word from which we get our English word patriarch (father-ruler).

Meaning Explained

If you compare the opening two verses of this chapter with the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians 1, you will notice that they appear nearly identical. And, in the best manuscripts the words “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” do not appear in 1 Thessalonians 1:1. They do appear to be genuine in this verse, however.

Paul’s opening message to the Thessalonian church in both 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and in this verse is one of grace and peace. These two represent the source and the result of our salvation. For by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:5), and this salvation results in a peace that is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7). His desire of peace for the Christians in Thessalonica is especially important given the persecution and confusion that existed in the church at that time. “Grace” is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”; it is God’s unmerited favor which He freely bestows on all who accept by faith Jesus Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross. God gives man the opposite of what he deserves: blessing instead of judgment. “Peace” is the cessation of hostility which has resulted from Christ’s death; God and mankind can be reconciled because the debt of human sin has been paid by Christ. Christians have peace with God through the death of Christ. They also experience the peace of God as a result of Christ’s work. So we see that for a Christian, grace and peace are closely connected.

Application

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have been the recipient of God’s grace. Because of this, you are at peace with God. One of the challenges of Christian living is recognizing and experiencing that peace, and living a life of obedience to God because of it.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Turn From Idols

Posted on by Will

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Truth to Learn

We need to turn from idols and give all our devotion to God.

Behind the Words

“Declare” is from the Greek verb apangellō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and angellō, meaning “to announce” or “to declare.” This word literally means “to bring a message from any person or place.” The form of this verb indicates continual action.

The word “entry” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which is made up of eis, meaning “in” or “into” and hodos, meaning “a road” or “a way.” Thus, eisodon literally means “a way in.”

Epistrephō is the verb translated “turned.” It is composed of epi, meaning “above, over, on, or motion toward something” and strephō, meaning “to turn.” Thus, epistrephō means “to turn on something” or “to turn toward something.”

The word translated “idols” is eidōlon, which refers to “an image or representation of some other thing.”

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

Meaning Explained

In this letter to the church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul has been praising the members of the church there for the manner in which they have been living their lives and proclaiming the gospel message. In yesterday’s verse he told them that the witness of their faith living has gone out into the entire Christian world; so much so, in fact, that Paul says he and his associated don’t have to tell anyone about it.

Now he adds to that praise by saying the reason the Apostles don’t have to tell anyone about the Christian character of the Thessalonians is because people everywhere are talking about it. He tells us that these people are talking about the way that Paul and his companions initially came to the people of Thessalonica. He also says that people are talking about how the Christians in Thessalonica turned from idol worship to become dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.

This makes this church somewhat unique among the churches that Paul planted. Most of them were primarily converts from Judaism, but it appears that the Thessalonian Christians were pagans before hearing and believing the gospel message.

Application

Do you have idols in your life that are more important than Jesus Christ? What’s more important to you, money, clothes or other possessions, family, success at work, sports, your reputation …? Whatever it is, if it demands more of your time and devotion than serving God, it’s an idol and you need to turn from it to serve the living and true God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:6 – One Father God

Posted on by Will

one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are united under our Father God.

Behind the Words

“God” is translated from the Greek word theos, from which we get our English word “theology,” meaning the study of God. The word theos was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is almost exclusively used in reference to the one true God. Theos is probably derived from the Greek word theteres, meaning “placers,” for the Greeks thought the gods were makers and disposers of all things. The ancient Greeks believed that elements had their own “placers.” Thus they had the god of fire, the god of the winds, the god of money, etc.

The word patēr is translated here as “father.” Generally in Greek, patēr refers to “the male parent.” In its plural form, however, it can refer to both father and mother or to ancestors in general.

“Above” is from the Greek preposition epi. This word can mean “above,” “over,” or “upon.”

“Through” is translated from the preposition dia, which can indicate motion through (with regard to both space and time) or instrumentality. Here it indicates motion (or presence) throughout all things.

The word translated “you” is not in the best manuscripts, so the end of this verses should read, “and in all.” Some of the older manuscripts read, “and in us all.”

Meaning Explained

As part of his treatise on unity within the church, Paul points out to us a few things about our God. In the previous verse we learned that we have one Lord, and in that context we saw that Jesus proclaimed “the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Even though we know that there are three persons in the Godhead, Paul says that He is our Lord and He is one.

Because both the Greeks and the Romans worshipped many gods and the Roman emperors even proclaimed themselves to be gods, Paul makes it very clear now that there is only one God. Jehovah is the only true God. Keep in mind, Paul is teaching about unity within the church, so his statement that God is the Father of all must be taken in this context. Also, according to Romans chapter eight:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God … The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (Romans 8:14, 16)

So, what Paul is teaching here is that God is the Father of all Christians. He also teaches us that our God is above all. Certainly, he is above all creation, but within the context of Paul’s teaching here, God is the supreme authority over all Christians. And, He permeates all parts of all Christians –  body, soul, and spirit.

Since God is the Father of all Christians, He is supreme over all Christians, and He indwells and permeates all Christians, we should act like a single unified body.

Application

Are all your words and actions within the church promoting unity within the body? If not, they should be!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.