hupokouo – Ministry of Grace Church

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, to obey it in its lusts.

Truth to Learn

Don’t let sin take control of your life.

Behind the Words

“Reign” is a word we looked at in the final verse of the previous chapter of Romans. It is basileuō, which means “to be king or to have ruling power over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating it is a command, “do not allow sin to rule over your mortal body!”

The word translated “mortal” is thnētos, which is derived from the verb thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Hence, thnētos refers to something which is subject to death.

“Obey” is from the Greek word hupakouō, which is made up of hupo (or hypo) meaning “under” and akouō, meaning “to hear.” Hence, hupakouō literally means “to hear under.” It is a picture of a disciple listening to, hearing, and obeying the teaching of his or her master.

The word, “lusts” is a translation of the Greek word, epithumia, which is made up of epi, meaning “above or over” and a form of thumos, meaning “the mind.” As we put these together we see it means “to have overly strong thoughts or desires.”

Meaning Explained

This verse and the next form a two part summation of what Paul has been saying in the past few verses with some explanation added. He just told us that we should consider ourselves dead to sin, but living to God. Here he tells us what he means by considering, or reckoning, ourselves dead to sin. He says, “Don’t let sin reign in your mortal bodies.” In other words, the way we reckon ourselves dead to sin is to not let it have control. If sin is reigning in our life, it is ruling over us and we are submitting ourselves to it; we are letting it control us. If we are dead to sin, then we are separated from the dominion of sin and we will not live in obedience to it.

The second half of this verse has been viewed by some Biblical scholars as questionable. They believe that it has been added and was not part of the original letter. Others, and I agree with them, believe that it rightly belongs here since it appears in most reliable manuscripts.

Paul says that the way we keep sin from reigning in our mortal bodies is by not obeying it in its lusts. God has put desires within us that are necessary for survival, such as the desire to eat, the desire to rest, and the desire to procreate. However, when we allow these thoughts and desires to get so strong that they overcome us and control us, then they become sinful to us. The Apostle John says that these desires (lusts) are not of God but are part of the world system:

Because all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

We should not allow these desires to control us.

Application

If you are living to God through Jesus Christ then you must have control over your sinful desires. Don’t let the world system stir up your desires. Don’t let the world system rule over you. Take control of your life by submitting to God!

In God's service, for His glory,

And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Truth to Learn

We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient.

Behind the Words

“Obey” is translated from the Greek word hupokouō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and akouō, meaning “to listen” or “to hear.” It is a picture of a student sitting under the instruction of a master and applying what is being taught.

The word translated “note” is sēmeioō, which means “to sign, mark, or make a mental note about.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, indicating action that is done by the subject to himself or herself. Thus sēmeioō, as it is used here, means “to make a mental note to yourself.”

Sunanamignumi is the Greek word translated “keep company.” It is a double compound word made up of sun, meaning “together” or “with,” ana, meaning “on” or “again,” and mignumi, meaning “to mix or intermingle.” This verb is also expressed in the middle voice, so as used here it means “to intermingle yourself again with someone else.” In other words, it means “to associate yourself with” or “to keep company with.”

The words “may be ashamed” are from the Greek verb entrepō, which is made up of en, meaning “in or upon” and trepō, meaning “to turn.” Therefore, entrepō literally means “to turn upon” or “to turn in.” It is expressed here in the passive voice indicating something done to the subject. Thus, as it is used here it means “he may be turned into himself.” In other words, it means “he may look into himself and understand why this has been done to him.”

Meaning Explained

Over the past few verses, Paul has been talking about people within the church who are being lazy and expecting others to provide for their needs, and walking around sticking their noses into other people’s business. He instructed that everyone is to work hard without complaining or telling others what to do. In yesterday’s verse, we were reminded not to get discouraged by such behavior, but to continue doing good deeds to everyone.

In this verse and the following one, Paul gives instruction regarding those who don’t put into practice what is being taught from the Word. This is not just directed at the unruly members of the church, but at anyone who refuses to follow sound Biblical teaching. Back in verse six, Paul said,

But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Unfortunately, in the past, the Roman Catholic church has perverted this teaching in order to “excommunicate” anyone who disagrees with their church teaching. That’s not Paul’s purpose, as we will see in tomorrow’s verse.

Application

We are commanded to “break fellowship” with Christians who reject sound doctrine. But, we are to do so in love, in order to help them to submit to the lordship of Christ. This means that we first have to be submitted to Him ourselves. Are you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: hupokouo

Romans 6:12 – Who’s Your Ruler?

2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship