hodos – Ministry of Grace Church

Destruction and misery are in their ways;

Truth to Learn

The path we take is up to us. The end result is up to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “destruction” comes from the Greek word suntrimma, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of tribo, which means “to strike or to rub.” Hence, this word literally means “to strike together” as two large rocks might be brought together against something to crush it completely.

The word translated “misery” is the Greek word talaipōria, which means “affliction, distress, or misery.”

“Ways” is translated from hodos, which refers to “a road” or “a pathway.” As we have mentioned before, in the Bible we are depicted as travelers walking down a road or pathway. This verse is an excellent example of that.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul’s current condemnation of all mankind started back in verse 10 with, “there is none righteous, not even one,” which is taken from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament.) Since that verse, he has quoted a number of other verses from the Septuagint as he is demonstrating to all those in Rome who were familiar with this Greek version of the Old Testament that the Scripture clearly declares neither Jew nor Gentile is righteous before God.

He now identifies some of the results of their having “turned out of the way,” that is, they have left the path of righteousness, and having used their words to eviscerate others, they have demonstrated their wickedness through their words. And those results include that fact that destruction and misery are in their pathways. Notice that when we leave the pathway that God wants us to travel and go our own way, our new path will have things that God’s way wouldn’t have had. In this case it is destruction and misery.

Also notice that “ways” is plural. Those who follow the urgings of their human nature (our sin nature) will encounter destruction and misery no matter what road they take. At this point it is easy for us to look at crooked political leaders or selfish businessmen who have amassed great power and wealth. It doesn’t appear to us that they are encountering destruction and misery. However, they never have rest from worrying about who might attack them or wondering when their house of cards might crumble beneath them. Ultimately we know some day they will have to stand before the Judge and the result will be destruction and misery.

Here are two quotes from the book of Proverbs that summarize what we have been talking about:

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with turmoil. (Proverbs 15:16)

Application

God’s way is not always the easy way, but it will always end in peace for us and praise to God. Lord, give us the discernment to see your path and the courage to take it rather than our own!

In God's service, for His glory,

Now may our God and Father Himself, and Jesus our Lord, direct our way unto you.

Truth to Learn

God is involved in the details of the life of every Christian.

Behind the Words

The word “now” is from the particle de, which can be used to indicate a continuance of a thought (and, also, namely, now) or a contrasting of, or a transition between, two thoughts (but, on the other hand). In today’s verse it is continuing a thought.

“Himself” is translated from autos, which is used for emphasis to set the subject apart from everyone else.

The word translated “direct” is from the Greek verb kateuthunō. This is a compound word made up of kata, meaning “down” but used here as an intensifier and euthunō, which means “to straighten or flatten,” and by implication “to guide or direct.” Thus, kateuthunō means “to guide someone directly toward a specific goal.” The verb is expressed here in the singular, not the plural.

Hodos is the word translated “way.” It refers to “a pathway, a road, or a street.” Metaphorically, it refers to a journey or a course toward something.

Meaning Explained

In this chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul has been explaining why he sent Timothy to minister personally to the Christians in Thessalonica. He has previously expressed his own strong affection for them and his desire to personally be with them. Not having heard from them in a while, he was concerned that their faith may have waivered in the face of the opposition and tribulation that not only the Thessalonians, but also Paul and his companions had been experiencing.

However, having received a report from Timothy that the Thessalonian believers had remained strong in their faith and love, he repeats his desire to personally return to them. In the previous two verses we learned of Paul’s strong and persistent prayer life. We even noted that to Paul prayer had become something that he didn’t have to consciously remind himself to do. To him, praying was just as natural and automatic as breathing. In today’s verse we see an example of this. In the midst of his telling about his incessant prayers for the Thessalonians, Paul expresses his own prayer to God.

For this Apostle to the Gentiles, teaching and prayer were so intertwined that we can even learn about his doctrinal beliefs from the content of this prayer. He expresses this prayer to “our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus.” Even though he expresses his prayer to two of the three persons of the Godhead (plural subject), he uses the singular form of the verb kateuthunō (to direct or guide). In this we see that Paul considers these two persons of the Godhead as one being. We also see here that Paul believed that God was intimately involved in his everyday life.

Application

Some Christians today do not believe, or do not realize, that God is involved in the details of their everyday lives. They may believe that He is involved in the affairs of mankind as a whole, but not in their own personal lives. Throughout the Bible we see God’s direct involvement in individuals who recognize His sovereignty. Let Him in, my friend, and He will guide your footsteps each and every day.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: hodos

Romans 3:16 – Pathway Choices

1 Thessalonians 3:11 – Our Constant Guide