and are convinced that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
Truth to Learn
Biblical truth is a light to those in darkness. We must share it.
Behind the Words
The word translated “convinced” is peithō, meaning “to convince.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with an ongoing effect with the emphasis on the effect. Hence, these Christians are convinced themselves that they are guides to the (spiritually) blind and a light to those who are in darkness.
“Guide” is from the Greek word hodēgos, which is made up of hodos, meaning “a way or a path” and a form of hēgeomai, meaning “to lead.” Therefore, you can see that this word refers to one who leads the way.
The word “blind” is translated from the noun form of the verb tuphloō, meaning “to envelop with smoke” or “to be unable to see clearly.” This word is used to describe someone who cannot see but it is also used metaphorically to refer to someone who does not understand some truth.
Meaning Explained
Not only were these Christians in Rome proud of their Jewish heritage and the fact that they had the Law as their guide into spiritual truths, they also believed themselves to be the only ones possessing God’s truth. Because of this, they believed that they were better informed with regard to spiritual truths and, therefore, were the only ones truly able to provide spiritual insight to the Gentiles.
Boy, talk about arrogance! Unfortunately, there are a number of people in Bible believing churches today that have that same attitude. Just because we have the truth in the Bible and have been instructed by great Biblical teachers does not mean that we are any better than anyone else. Let us guard against this sinful arrogance. An interesting thing to note is that the message of salvation was first given to the Jews, according to Jesus. Here’s what He said to a Samaritan woman:
You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. (John 4:22)
However, the Jews forgot that their purpose was to share the good news of salvation, not hoard it to themselves.
The apostle Paul realized that he had a precious message (the truth of the gospel) and that he needed to share it with everyone. However he did not consider himself as better than others or even as more important. On the contrary, he felt that he had an obligation to preach the gospel and that he would be judged if he did not preach it. Here’s what he said in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth:
For if I preach the gospel, no glory is to me, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)
He knew that the truth he had learned about God was precious, but he did not let himself get arrogant about it. Instead, he shared the gospel message to anyone who would listen.
Application
Don’t hoard the truth. Let’s all share the gospel and other truths in the Bible, but let’s do it with a humble heart, submitted to the God of the Bible and giving Him the glory.
It’s what we all have been commanded to do!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved