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Romans 15:13 – Hopeful Expectation

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Will

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Christians can have joy, peace, and hopeful expectation.

Behind the Words

The word translated “hope” in this verse is a form of the Greek word elpis, which means, “the desire of something good with full expectation of obtaining it.” It is different than the English word “hope,” which implies simply a desire for something but not knowing whether it will happen or not. Paul calls our God the God of hope because we know that His promises will definitely come true.

“Fill” is from the verb plēroō, which means “to fill.” Actually, it means more than just filling something; it means to cram it as full as possible. It is expressed here in the Optative mood, indicating a wish, or desire on the part of the Apostle Paul.

The word translated “all” is the Greek word pas, which means “all, the whole, completely, with nothing missing.”

“Joy” is translated from the Greek noun chara, meaning “cheerfulness” or “calm delight.”

The noun “peace” is from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

The word translated “abound” is the Greek word perisseuō, which means “to be in excess in number or measure.”

Meaning Explained

Having finished his treatise on the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, Paul closes this section with a benediction. He starts off invoking the benediction from the “God of hope.” In all that Paul has been teaching us since the first verse of chapter fourteen, it is hope which, among other things, unites us. It is to both the Jew and Gentile the hope of the return of the Messiah, and it is also to both the Jew and the Gentile the hope of the resurrection and salvation that He promised. Not just empty hope, but expectant hope.

In this benediction Paul asks that God will fill us “with all joy and peace” in our believing faith. That is, Paul is asking that God cram us completely full with all possible joy and peace. Not just a lot of it, but all of it, with nothing missing!

And, as a result of that joy and peace that we have in our saving faith, we can thus abound in hope. Because of the joy and peace that we have in our faith, we can be filled to overflowing with expectant hope.

Our salvation is not a salvation of worry or fear (worrying or being afraid that we might lose it), but a salvation of hope, with full expectation and assurance that God will deliver on His promises.

Application

If you have submitted yourself to the lordship of Jesus Christ and have accepted the sacrificial offering of His blood as full payment for your sins, then God will save you according to His promises! This is the greatest truth ever proclaimed to man. Even though none of us is righteous, all of us are sinners, and even though God demands righteousness, we can avoid the penalty of our sinfulness through the blood of the Lamb of God who was sacrificed to pay the penalty of our sins! Praise God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 14:17 – Calm Delight

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Will

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Building up the body of Christ creates a sense of calm delight.

Behind the Words

“Eating” is from the Greek noun brōsis, which is derived from the same root as brōma (food) which we saw in verse fifteen. Brōsis refers to the act of eating and by extension it refers to the food being eaten.

“Drinking” is from posis, which refers to the act of drinking and by extension to the drink itself.

The word translated “righteousness” is dikaiosunē, which refers to the character or quality of being righteous (always doing what is right) or just (guided by truth and fairness). It is a state of being in which God charges no blame because either there is no wrong to be blamed or the wrong has already been paid for and done away with.

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which can mean “a state of tranquility” or “the absence of war or the threat of war.”

The word translated “joy” is charis. This word does not refer to “excitement and jubilation.” It refers to “gladness and calm delight.”

Meaning Explained

There are several uses of the term “the kingdom of God” in the New Testament. In some places it refers to the heavenly kingdom that will exist in the new heavens and the new earth after the current heavens and earth have been destroyed. In other places it refers to the earthly kingdom that will be in place during the Millennium, with Christ on the throne in Jerusalem. And in still others it refers to the spiritual kingdom that exists here and now, where Christ is reigning in the hearts of Christians. Although Paul’s use of the term here could refer to any or all of these meanings, it appears that Paul is talking about the spiritual kingdom that exists today of which all Christians are members.

Even though eating and drinking are necessary for our earthly existence, these are not the things that are really important in our spiritual existence. In Matthew 4:4 Christ, Himself, when tempted to create bread from the rocks after having not eaten for 40 days in the wilderness, told Satan,

It is written, “Man will not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."

The kingdom of God to which we belong today is not centered in the physical world, but in the spiritual world. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our daily walk with Him are neither enhanced nor depreciated by what we do or don’t eat or by whether we treat one day as sacred above the others or not. Instead, our focus should be on the spiritual body of Christ by treating each other with righteousness (doing what is right), being at peace with other Christians, and creating conditions that make for joy among all Christians.

Application

Instead of arguing about what foods we can and can’t eat or getting hung-up on how others treat “the Lord’s day,” let’s do what we can to help nurture and grow the body of Christ, the church. By doing so, instead of strife and contention we can all experience a sense of peace and calm delight even in the midst of a world that is filled with evil.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

Behind the Words

“Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Its basic meaning is “gratitude” or “giving of thanks.”

The word translated “render” is antapodidōmi. This is a double compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” or “in turn,” apo, meaning “from,” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The meaning of antapodidōmi is “to give back in return for something received,” or “to repay.”

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

“Before” is translated from the Greek preposition emprosthen. This word is made up of en, meaning “in” or “in a place” and prosthen, meaning “facing toward something.” Therefore, emprosthen could be translated as “in the presence of” or “before.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul was not just a great evangelist and teacher of Christian doctrine, he was also a mighty prayer warrior. Not only did Paul pray constantly (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3) for every Christian he came in contact with, he prayed especially for those to whom he ministered (2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Also note how often he thanked God for the fruit of his ministry (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 14, 14:18; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

In today’s verse we see that his prayers of thankfulness were a kind of payback to God for what had been accomplished in his ministry. He did not take credit for the result of his tireless labor; he recognized that God was the source of all his success. He also recognized that he could never repay God with enough thanks for what God had accomplished through him.

It’s interesting to note that Paul also gave God the credit for the joy he felt in seeing the work of his ministry bearing fruit. And that joy was not for what God had done to or for him, it was for what God had done for others. Remember that Paul has frequently mentioned the persecution and anguish that he and others had experienced as a result of his ministry. Nonetheless, he was thankful and filled with joy.

Application

We need to get the focus of our ministry off of ourselves and onto God and those to whom we minister. The next time you are praying with a group of Christians, especially when you are with your ministry team, take note of how much time people spend in thanksgiving versus how much time is spent asking for things. We owe it to God to give Him thanks for the work He has accomplished. Remember, in ministry we are His ambassadors and His servants. Also remember that it is the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit, not our brilliant planning and hard work. Give thanks to God for every seed that produces fruit. We owe it to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Will

For you are our glory and joy.

Truth to Learn

There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns.

Behind the Words

The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.” Thus, the word doxa, as Paul uses it here, probably refers to the glory we receive as a result of God’s favorable opinion about our faithfulness in serving Him.

“Joy” is from chara, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Chara refers to rejoicing or joy.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we were introduced to the idea of the “coming” of the Lord. This is not to be seen simply as a singular event, but as a period of time. This “coming” is one of the major themes of this letter to the Thessalonians. It really has several aspects with respect to Christians and to the unbelieving world.

The first aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies only to the church. It is referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; and 1 John 2:28. This is Christ’s coming at the rapture, when Christians who “sleep in Jesus” will be resurrected and those of us who are alive and remain will be “caught up together” to eternally be with the Lord. Once we have been raptured, we will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ where we will receive our rewards (in the form of crowns) for the works we have done in His name. The crown mentioned in the previous verse is sometimes referred to as the “soul winner’s crown,” since Paul seems to imply that he anticipates this reward for the gospel work he did in Thessalonica. This aspect of the “coming” is probably what Paul is describing in this verse and the previous one. It is a time when there will be glory and joy for all who have faithfully served God, even in the midst of persecution.

The second aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies to His coming to the earth in judgment of the unbelieving world. This “coming” will occur at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. References to this “coming” include Matthew 24:3, 27; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 2:8. At this event Christ, as the conquering King, will come mounted on a white horse to defeat the armies who have mounted one final attack against Israel. This victorious coming is described in Revelation 19:11-15. This passage indicates that His armies are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, riding on white horses. Also, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 indicates that He will be accompanied by “all His saints.” So, the army referenced in Revelation 19:14 probably includes all who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (both Christians and Jews).

The final aspect of Christ’s “coming” includes our eternal presence with the Lord. This aspect of His “coming” is referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Application

For Christians, the “coming” of our Lord is repeatedly portrayed as a time of joyful rejoicing, of victory over sin and death, and eternally being in the spiritual and physical presence of our Lord. Keep these things in mind when you suffer in this life for being a Christian and for proclaiming His word.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Will

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Truth to Learn

Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy.

Behind the Words

“Imitators” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone else.”

The words “having received” are from dechomai, meaning “to receive.” It is very similar in meaning to the verb lambanō except that lambanō implies more of an active participation (to take to oneself) while dechomai implies more of a subjective or passive participation (to receive for oneself).

Thlipsis is the Greek word translated “affliction.” It is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush” or “to squeeze.” Thlipsis refers to “pressure, trouble, affliction, tribulation, or distress.”

“Joy” is translated from chara, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, chara refers to “joy, rejoicing, or gladness.”

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned yesterday, belief in the good news about Jesus Christ is the substance of our salvation. The whole discussion of election versus “free will” becomes a moot point at the moment of conversion. It doesn’t matter whether you believe that God chose or man chooses; what matters is that a lost sinner becomes a child of God and is credited with the righteousness of Christ at the moment of belief in the gospel message.

Then, at the end of yesterday’s verse Paul said, “as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” Paul did not expect the people to whom he preached to pay him for what he did. Instead, he worked as a tent maker to pay for his own expenses. He, along with Silvanus and Timothy, lived exemplary lives in spite of the persecution they faced from the local Jews, who even traveled to Berea to harass Paul after he began preaching there. It is important to note that Paul’s ministry didn’t stop when people got saved. He simply switched from evangelist mode to teacher mode. He taught them the fundamental truths of how to live a life committed to God, and as an example to be followed he lived the kind of life that he taught about.

As a result, we learn in today’s verse that the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and his companions. They didn’t just listen to their teaching, smile politely, say a few amens, and then continue living as they always had. They changed. They put into practice what they were taught, using as their living examples Paul and his companions. And what did they get for it? They received the same persecution that Paul continually endured. We are told here that it wasn’t just a little teasing that they received, they suffered “much affliction.”

Those who afflicted them did so intentionally to make them suffer, but they didn’t complain; instead, they endured it with joy in their hearts. That’s committed Christian living.

Application

Christ told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer …” (John 16:33b) Rather than causing us sadness, persecution and hardship should cause us to be as joyous as the Thessalonians, particularly if it has come upon us as a result of our living our Christian faith. Are you willing to suffer for Christ? Think about how much He gave for you!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 1:2 – Joyful in Trials

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Will

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Truth to Learn

Trials come to make us stronger Christians. They are not to be feared and avoided. They are to be embraced and endured.

Behind the Words

“Count” is translated from a form of the Greek word hēgeomai, which literally means “to go forth” or “to lead the way.” Metaphorically, however, it means “to lead out before the mind.” In other words, it can be translated as “to view, regard, esteem, count, consider, or reckon.” The interesting thing about this verb is that it is not written in the imperative mood. In other words, it is not a command, but an instruction (a lesson to be learned).

The word translated “joy” could also be translated as “calm delight,” “gladness,” or “happiness.” It is translated from charan, which is the noun form of the same word with which James ended the previous verse.

The expression “fall into” is from the Greek word peripiptō, which is a compound word made up of peri meaning “around” or “about” and piptō meaning “to fall.” Hence, this word means “to fall into the midst of something so as to be totally surrounded by it.”

The word translated “trials” is from the Greek, peirosmos which refers to “a trial, temptation, or a putting to proof by means of experimentation.”

Meaning Explained

Once again, James shows his humility by referring to his readers as “brothers.” Notice that there is no pretense with James about being a bishop writing to ordinary Christians. That’s because in Christ there is no distinction between priests and lay believers as some churches teach today. We are all equal in the body of Christ.

In the previous verse James gave his greeting with an expression of joy and delight. That’s precisely what he wants for us, and that’s how he wants us to respond to the everyday trials that come into our lives.

The main point of James’ message to his brothers (and sisters) in Christ is that we should not complain about the fact that we are being bombarded by all sorts of situations that try our patience and our faith, even though we repeatedly stumble. Rather, he says, we should consider it delightful because of what it will produce in us. Just as a jeweler has to strike and abrade a precious stone to bring out the best in it, so each of us needs difficulties and trials to help us grow into the type of servant of God who is more Christ-like.

And, just as a plant grown indoors away from any wind cannot survive outside because it has no strength, so we need challenging and toughening to make us stronger servants of the Lord. That way we can stand strong for Him in the life He has given us. Without continual trials and testing we, too, become weak and unable to stand in the midst of a sinful world.

Application

Don’t complain when things seem difficult spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Instead, count it as a joyful thing, and thank God for the opportunity to be made more like His Son!

The next time you feel like saying “Why, God! Why are You letting this happen to me?” try saying, “Thank you, God, for helping me to become more like Jesus Christ” and ask “What do you want me to learn from this, Lord?”

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

Behind the Words

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Will

For you are our glory and joy.

Truth to Learn

There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns.

Behind the Words

“Joy” is from chara, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Chara refers to rejoicing or joy.

Meaning Explained

The final aspect of Christ’s “coming” includes our eternal presence with the Lord. This aspect of His “coming” is referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Application

For Christians, the “coming” of our Lord is repeatedly portrayed as a time of joyful rejoicing, of victory over sin and death, and eternally being in the physical presence of our Lord. Keep these things in mind when you suffer in this life for being a Christian and for proclaiming His word.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Will

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Truth to Learn

Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy.

Behind the Words

“Followers” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone else.”

“Joy” is translated from chara, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, chara refers to “joy, rejoicing, or gladness.”

Meaning Explained

Those who afflicted them did so intentionally to make them suffer, but they didn’t complain; instead, they endured it with joy in their hearts. That’s committed Christian living.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 15:13 – Hopeful Expectation

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:13 – Hopeful Expectation

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Christians can have joy, peace, and hopeful expectation.

Behind the Words

The word translated “all” is the Greek word pas, which means “all, the whole, completely, with nothing missing.”

“Joy” is translated from the Greek noun chara, meaning “cheerfulness” or “calm delight.”

The noun “peace” is from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

The word translated “abound” is the Greek word perisseuō, which means “to be in excess in number or measure.”

Meaning Explained

Our salvation is not a salvation of worry or fear (worrying or being afraid that we might lose it), but a salvation of hope, with full expectation and assurance that God will deliver on His promises.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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