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Romans 9:24 – Jews and Gentiles

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Will

even us, whom He also called, not only of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles?

Truth to Learn

God chose us, Jews and Gentiles alike, to be His holy children so that He will receive praise and glory.

Behind the Words

“Called” is from the Greek word kaleō, which properly means “to call aloud to someone.” It represents the action of calling to someone to give them instructions.

The expression, “of the Jews” is translated from ex ioudaion, which literally means, “out of Jews.” And the expression “of the Gentiles” is from ex ethnon, which literally means “out of nations” or “out of Gentiles.”

Meaning Explained

As you will recall, Paul has written this letter to the Christian Jews in Rome. Part of his reason for writing this letter is to show them that this salvation they have does not come from being born a Jew, but from being chosen by God. The Jewish people, however, have always considered themselves the special chosen people of God. They believed that as descendants of Abraham they were chosen and set-apart. They also believed that by keeping the Law they were justified before God. In the earlier portion of this letter, Paul clearly showed that justification does not come from keeping the Law but, instead, it comes as a result of God’s free gift of grace. None of us deserve it because:

all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

But, because they believed that they were a chosen nation, the early Jewish Christians would likely miss the impact of what Paul has just said, namely that God has chosen the “elect” to receive His grace and only they would gain entrance into His glory in the hereafter. They believed they were the “elect” because they were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That’s why the current verse would come as a surprise to a lot of them.

There are two very clear implications in this verse. The first is that not all Jews are called, only some of them. That is demonstrated by the fact that Paul said the called ones were “out of the Jews.” The second is that God called some of the Gentiles as well. This would come as a surprise to some of the Jewish Christians in Rome. These early Jewish Christians had believed that all Jews were called and only Jews were called. Paul, however, is clearly teaching them that being a physical descendent of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has absolutely nothing to do with their being chosen to salvation.

In the next few verses Paul will amplify this statement with quotes from the Old Testament which demonstrate the fact that God does not shower His grace on Jews exclusively.

Application

Being one of God’s chosen called ones is not a reason for pride. It is a reason for humility. God has not chosen us because of what family we are in or what church we go to. He has not chosen us because we performed the proper rituals or because we chose to believe. He chose us because it will bring glory to Him. For that we should be thankful and humbled and we should give Him all the praise and all the glory.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 9:7 – Isaac, God’s Choice

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Will

nor because they are the Abraham’s seed are they all children; but, "in Isaac your seed shall be called."

Truth to Learn

God chose Isaac as the promised seed of Abraham.

Behind the Words

The word “children” is translated from the Greek word teknon, which is the noun form of the verb tiktō, meaning “to give birth to offspring.” Hence, teknon refers to a child. This word does not imply gender as does the word huios (son).

“Seed” is from sperma, meaning “something sown, that is a seed.” Metaphorically, it refers to the offspring that is produced by the seed.

The word “called” is kaleō, which properly means “to call aloud to someone,” but it is also used in the sense of naming someone or something.

Meaning Explained

Paul now continues his explanation of why ancestry is no guarantee of righteousness. He just said that not all the people of Israel are spiritual descendants of their father Israel. He started with Israel because he is the one from whom the nation got its name. Now he will cover the other two of the three main patriarchs.

Since the calling and the promises for the nation started with the calling of Abraham, Paul now addresses this part of their lineage. Just because they are descendants of their father Abraham doesn’t mean that they are considered children of the promise. Remember that the first child of Abraham was Ishmael, not Isaac. By the laws of primogeniture (oldest son inheriting the prime blessing and a double portion or all of the estate of the father), Ishmael should be the one through whom the lineage of Abram is recognized. However, God chose Isaac, the son of promise, to be the blessed one. Note also that Ishmael is the father of the Arabs. The Arabs to this day dislike the Jews partially because of this transferring of the blessing from Ishmael to Isaac.

Isaac is the son that God promised to Abraham and for whom Abraham had to wait 25 years. When Isaac was born, Ishmael was a teenager, and the jealousy of Ishmael and his mother Hagar (the personal maid servant of Abraham’s wife Sarah) caused them to be cast out from the clan. As Abraham wrestled with sending his first son away, God told him;

Do not let it be wrong in your eyes because of the boy or because of your handmaid. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. (Genesis 21:12)

It was not Abraham’s choice to place Isaac above Ishmael, it was God’s choice. Isaac was the promised son, not Ishmael. Isaac was God’s chosen one and Ishmael was not! As a result, the seed of Isaac (through Jacob) became God’s chosen people. It may not seem fair to us that God chose Isaac above Ishmael, but He did! God chose Isaac; Isaac did not choose God.

Application

We all have a hard time accepting the fact that God chooses some to be saved and not others. That’s why Paul is going through this thorough discourse on God’s choosing.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 2:21 – Exemplary Suffering

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Will

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving to you an example, that you might follow His steps:

Truth to Learn

We have been called by God to follow Christ’s example.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to call out an invitation or a command” or “to give a person a name.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense implying past action completed at a point in time. It is also expressed in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject.

Meaning Explained

Continuing on from the previous verse, the reason we are to remain patiently enduring when we suffer wrongfully is because to this very end we were called.

So, what does it mean that we were called? There are many Scripture passages that deal with our calling. Let’s look at just two of them:

For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might put to shame the things which are mighty; (1Cointhians 1:26, 27)

having saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (2Timothy 1:9)

From these verses we see that our calling from God is associated with God’s choosing us and God’s saving us. The other thing we see is that the choosing, the saving, and the calling are based wholly of God’s work and none of our own. God chose us to be saved, doing all the work of salvation for us. He purchased us as His own possession, and He adopted us as his children. He also called us to serve Him as his servants.

We were not called to be Christians so we could be rich and famous and enjoy all the blessings of this world. Instead, we were called to be Christ-like. This should be our constant overriding desire, as Paul stated:

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; (Phillippians 3:10)

Christ didn’t simply die for us, He suffered! Not only did he suffer physically, but He suffered emotionally in the worst way. He felt deserted! He even felt deserted by God the Father with whom He had enjoyed constant fellowship from eternity past. Yet for three hours on the cross, He suffered the agony of complete isolation, and He did it patiently for you and me.

Application

Are you saved? If so, then you have been called by God to be Christ-like in every way. Are you willing to suffer the same way for Him as He did for you? Are you desirous of following His example? Do you want to really know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering?! Let us all examine how committed we are to God today. Is our Christianity simply a free ticket into heaven? Are we only looking for the blessings of being Christ-like? Or do we want to really be like Him… even to the point of suffering for Him and enduring it patiently like He did for us?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Will

to which He called you by our gospel, unto the acquisition of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come or to go somewhere or do something.”

“Gospel” is from euangellion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angello, meaning “to proclaim” or “to tell.” Thus, euangellion literally means “good news.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek noun translated “acquisition.” This word is composed of peri, meaning “around,” indicating acquisition, and poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, the noun peripoiēsis literally means, “the things gathered around oneself.” It is a picture of someone gathering possessions all around himself or herself. The verb form of this word is most often translated as “gather, acquire, or purchase.”

The word “glory” is from the Greek noun doxa, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.” Doxa is often used to refer to the splendid appearance or brightness of God’s Shekinah glory. This seems to be the sense in which it is used here.

Meaning Explained

Once again we have a verse that is linked to a previous thought, so we have to look back at a previous verse to see what the connection is. The words “to which” are a reference to “salvation” in the previous verse. Not only were we chosen by God for salvation, as we learned in yesterday’s verse, but He then called us to this salvation by the gospel message.

This is a good verse for those who claim that if God chose who would be saved, then we don’t have to worry about witnessing to others. After all, if God chose them, then they’ll get saved without us having to do anything. However, according to Paul in this verse, it is through the proclamation of the gospel message that we are called to salvation. This should be very familiar to those who have carefully read the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. There he said,

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Also notice that both in Romans 8:30 and in today’s verse, the ultimate consummation of our salvation will be that we will have the same magnificent glory as God. I believe that the reason Adam and Eve suddenly knew that they were naked after eating the forbidden fruit is because they lost this glory. In the future, when we are completely justified (without sin) we will have the same Shekinah glory as God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were no longer justified and lost that glory. And, the prophet Daniel alluded to this glory when he said,

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

Application

Some day we will shine as brightly as the stars. Until that day, let your gospel light shine and share the good news with everyone you meet.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Will

For God did not call us for uncleanness, but in holiness.

Truth to Learn

We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to go somewhere.”

“For” is translated from epi, which can mean “on, upon, or over,” but it can also be used as a preposition of purpose and can be translated as “for.” Used in this way it means “on the basis of.”

“Uncleanness” is from the Greek word akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “the state or condition of not being cleansed; in other words, unclean.”

The word “in” is translated from the preposition en, which refers to a position at rest within something (not movement into or movement out of, but in).

Hagiasmos is the Greek word translated “holiness.” We saw this word back in verse three. Hagiasmos indicates “separation from sin and dedication to God.”

Meaning Explained

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he has been giving doctrinal instruction regarding fornication (sexual activity with anyone other than one’s husband or wife). He started off by saying that we should keep ourselves away from such activity and, instead, care for and nurture the person to whom we are married. Our relationship with our husband or wife should not be based on lust, and we should not go beyond the proper bounds of marriage in this matter.

Now Paul tells us why this particular teaching is consistent with what God wants for us. He says that this (sinful sexual activity) is not the purpose for which God called us. Through His holy Word (the Bible), God calls each one of us to follow Him, but there are two aspects of this calling. The first is the “general call.” In Matthew 22:14, as part of His parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said:

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

The second aspect of God’s calling is sometimes referred to as the “effectual call.” This refers to the calling in which those who hear His call respond to it by submitting to His will and following Him. This aspect of God’s calling is referred to numerous times in the New Testament (see Romans 1:6, 7; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 9, 26, Galatians 1:15, 5:13; Ephesians 4:1, 4, etc.)

Paul tells the Thessalonians that we were not called on the basis of uncleanness, but in holiness. The contrast between these two conditions (uncleanness and holiness) is further emphasized by Paul’s use of different prepositions (epi and en). God expects us to live our lives in a holy manner. He expects us to live our lives separated from the sinful practices of the world and to remain dedicated and devoted to Him.

Application

Living a life separated from the sinfulness of the world and remaining dedicated to following God is not easy! It is a constant struggle for all Christians, but it is the life that He has called us to. It can only be accomplished by constant prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you committed to that?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Will

and testifying that you walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Truth to Learn

Encouragement and instruction help us to become more godly.

Behind the Words

“Testifying” is from the Greek verb marturomai. This word is derived from martus, meaning “a witness.” This is the word from which we get our English word martyr, meaning someone who gives their life as a witness, or testimony, of their faith.

The word “that” is translated from a form of idiom that Paul uses frequently. It consists of eis to and the infinitive of the following verb. A literal translation would be “unto this thing.” The effect of this idiom is to tie what was just said to what is about to be said. In effect, Paul is saying, “the reason I encouraged and comforted every one of you is so that you might …”

“Walk” is from the Greek verb peripateō. This is made up of peri, meaning “around” or “about” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” So you can see that this verb literally means “to walk around” or “to walk about.” Figuratively, it refers to the manner in which a person lives his or her life.

The word “worthy” is from axiōs, which is derived from agō, meaning “to weigh.” It is a picture of an item being put on a scale to determine its worth or worthiness.

“Calls” is translated from the verb kaleō, which means “to call or to hail someone.” In its primary sense this verb refers to calling someone so that he or she might come or go somewhere.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think” or “to recognize.” Doxa refers to favorable thought or opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, glory, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul says that he performed the functions of a father figure to the Thessalonians so that their lives might measure up to what one would expect from a child of God. In performing the fatherly function, he sometimes had to do the difficult things. Things like scolding and correcting wrong actions and attitudes have to be done if a child is to learn proper behavior. Back in verse eight he informed the Thessalonian believers that they had become dear to him. We noted that the word translated “dear” in that verse is agapētos, indicating a strong motherly or fatherly love for the people. So, like a loving father, Paul did what was necessary to raise them up spiritually.

We find out now that Paul’s motives were not selfish. He was not seeking his own glory. He fathered the Thessalonian church so that these Christians would be able to live their lives in a manner that is worthy of a child of God. We also learn something here regarding how God is treating all of his dear children. There are numerous verses in the New Testament indicating the fact that we have been called to salvation and service by God. Here we learn that he is continually calling us. This is like a father at a soccer game giving a son or daughter instructions and encouragement from the sidelines. Why does God do this? Because He wants us in His kingdom, and He wants us to experience His glory.

Application

Do you have an earthly “father in the Lord,” someone who teaches you, comforts you, and challenges you? When was the last time you thanked him for being a godly example to you? Why not send him a note. It might just be the encouragement he needs today.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:1 – Serve One, Serve All

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Will

Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, encourage you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Truth to Learn

We are all called to serve in God’s church.

Behind the Words

“Prisoner” is from desmios, which is derived from the verb desmeō, meaning “to bind.” Thus, desmios means “someone in bonds” or “a prisoner.”

The word “encourage” is translated from the Greek verb parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “near” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Therefore, we can see that literally this word means “to call near.” In usage, the basic meaning is “to comfort,” “to encourage,” or “to challenge.”

“Walk” is from peripateō. This is made up of peri, meaning “around,” “through,” or “with respect to” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” This Greek word means “to walk around.” It is used as a metaphor of how a person lives his or her life.

The word “calling” is klēsis, which is derived from kaleō, “to call.” It refers to “an invitation.”

“You were called” is translated from the verb kaleō, “to call.” It is expressed in the aorist tense indicating past completed action which occurred at a point in time (not a process).

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul starts off this verse reminding his readers that he is a prisoner of the Lord. This is very similar to the way he started off the previous chapter. There, he did so to introduce his ministry to the Gentiles and the mystery regarding the church. Here, he reminds them that he is a prisoner, because he is about to challenge his readers to live a life that is characterized by service to others rather than serving self. As a prisoner, he is a supreme example of this.

Most of the first three chapters of this letter were focused on teaching doctrine. In the remainder of the letter, Paul focuses on duty. Another way to say this is, previously he taught us what to believe; now he will teach us how to behave.

As you can see from Behind the Words, in this verse Paul uses several forms of the word kaleō (to call). This is typical Pauline style. He likes to play on words like this as a device to drive home his message. He is in prison because God called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, thus angering religious Jews who thought he was perverting Judaism. He was more concerned with serving God than he was with protecting himself. In fact, before his final trip to Jerusalem, where he was arrested, he was told by a prophet that he would end up in chains:

And [the prophet Agabus] coming to us and taking Paul's belt and binding his hands and feet, said, "The Holy Spirit says this, In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " (Acts 21:11)

Paul was totally dedicated to the ministry to which he had been called, in spite of the warning from other mature spiritual people. Now he will be challenging us to be just as dedicated to the ministry to which each of us has been called.

Application

Every Christian has been called by God to serve within the body of Christ. Each of us has a function to perform for which God has specifically gifted us. There is no excuse for any of us not to be serving. Are you performing the ministry to which you have been called by God?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:23 – Reckoned and Called

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Will

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called friend of God.

Truth to Learn

If you believe God’s word, your works will declare it.

Behind the Words

Back in verse eight of this chapter, we looked at the word translated “fulfill,” meaning “to finish or make complete.” In this verse, the word translated “fulfill,” however, is a different word. It is the word plēroō, which means “to fill-up” or “to make full.” It is the word used of filling a vessel with water to the very brim. James is not saying that the scripture was made complete but that it was fully demonstrated as being true.

The phrase “it was accounted” is one that we have looked at before. It is translated from the Greek word logidzomai, which is an accounting term, meaning “to make a conclusion based on an inventory.” It could be paraphrased as “to make an accounting,” or “to mark in a record.” Hence, it is often translated as “to reckon” or “to impute.” The word is expressed in this verse in the aorist tense and passive voice. The passive voice indicates that it was done to Abraham, and the aorist tense indicates that it was done at a single point in time in the past.

“Called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to call out loud.” It implies a personal message that is proclaimed. Once again we see the verb in the aorist tense and passive voice indicating that Abraham was proclaimed to be God’s friend at a single point in time in the past.

Meaning Explained

You may wonder why such a distinction is being made about tense and voice in these words. The reason is that they show us that even James believes that Abraham had a complete saving faith at the point in time when he was marked as righteous by God and proclaimed as His friend. Notice that it was not Abraham claiming that God was his friend, but God proclaiming that Abraham was His friend. The reckoning and calling were God’s doing, not Abraham’s.

James clearly declares that Abraham believed God, as declared in Genesis 15:6, and that at that time God declared him righteous. That’s when Abraham was saved. And, James’ point here is that his act of obedience many years later was a demonstration that his saving faith was real. In the previous verse the distinction was made between saving faith and walking faith. They’re not really two kinds of faith; rather, walking faith is a manifestation of saving faith.

Reading through the fourth chapter of Romans, we see that Paul presents a very strong case that Abraham was not reckoned righteous by God because of his works (his acts of obedience) but because of his faith. The act of declaring Abraham righteous is God’s act of grace, not Abraham’s act of obedience. Here, James is not arguing against Paul; instead, he is agreeing and proclaiming that Abraham’s faith was acted out in works as the proof that his faith was real.

Application

If you are truly saved, then it is your works of obedience to God’s Word which demonstrate it. Therefore, “So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and may glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:9 – Called Into Eternal Fellowship

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Will

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Truth to Learn

Christians are called into fellowship with God, forever.

Behind the Words

Pistos is the Greek word translated “faithful.” It is based on the verb peithō, meaning “to win over” or “to persuade.” The word pistos means “worthy of belief, trust, or confidence.”

The words “you were called” are from the verb kaleō, which literally means “to call to someone in order that he may come or go somewhere.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating something done to the subject (you) and in the aorist tense, indicating an action that was done at a point in time in the past.

The word “into” is translated from the preposition eis. It literally refers to motion into, or unto, a place or thing. It carries the idea of moving from outside to inside. There is another Greek preposition, en, which indicates a position “in a place or thing,” but it does not contain the idea of movement as eis does, only the final position.

“Fellowship” is translated from koinōnia, which is based on the verb koinōneō, meaning “to share with, to participate with, or to have things in common with.” Thus, koinōnia refers to a condition in which someone shares things in common with others.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told the Corinthian Christians that God will preserve them as blameless until Jesus Christ comes to give them their eternal bodies and take them home to His Father. He now tells us another marvelous truth about God: He is faithful. In other words, whatever God promises, He fulfills. Faithfulness is part of who God is and He never changes. Therefore, He is always going to do what He says He will do. This adds more firmness to the statement in the previous verse that God will preserve us blameless until the end.

Now Paul couples God’s faithfulness with our calling. Although the word kaleō sounds to us like simply an invitation, when used of God it always represents an effectual call. Paul gives us a little more information about this calling in his letter written to the Romans:

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

This verse tells us that God determined ahead of time that we would be saved. It also tells us that those whom He predestined, he also called. And, it tells us that those whom He called, he also justified. In other words, everyone who is called by God is given the righteousness of Christ; we are justified, that is, declared to be guiltless of any and all sin. This is sometimes referred to as God’s effectual call.

Today’s verse tells us a little more about our calling. We have been called into fellowship with Jesus Christ. This is important, especially given that Paul is about to scold the Corinthians for all the factions and divisions within their church.

Application

Every Christian has been called by God for a purpose. That purpose is to serve Him in spreading the Gospel and building up the body of Christ. God will never give up on you, so don’t give up on him. Get to work and give Him your all!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Will

to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come or to go somewhere or do something.”

“Gospel” is from euangellion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angello, meaning “to proclaim” or “to tell.” Thus, euangellion means “good news.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek word translated “obtaining.” This word is composed of peri, meaning “around,” indicating acquisition, and poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, peripoiēsis literally means, “gathering things around oneself.” It is a picture of someone gathering possessions all around himself or herself. It is most often translated as “gather, acquire, or purchase.”

Meaning Explained

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

Application

Some day we will shine as brightly as the stars. Until that day, let your gospel light shine and share the good news with everyone you meet.

In God's service, for His glory,