kruptos – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: kruptos

Romans 2:29 – He’s Watching and Listening

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Will

but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

Truth to Learn

True Christianity is an attitude produced by humble faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “inwardly” is the Greek word kruptos, which means “hidden, concealed, kept in secret, or private.”

“Letter” is translated from gramma, from which we get our English word grammar. It is derived from the word graphō, which means “to write.” Gramma refers to “that which is written.” Hence, it could refer to a letter of the alphabet, a book, a note, or anything else that is written.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us that the true spirit of Judaism is not in outward appearance or actions. And we cannot please God by being born into the right family, by having had the correct surgery, or by obeying a set of rules. Rather, he says, it is an inward attitude. We can only please God if we have the right inward attitude.

Paul says here that the true Jew is the one who is a Jew inwardly. Remember how the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews, acted? They did everything for show so that people could see how spiritual they were. There are many Christians today whose faith is just the same way. They are the ones who are always parading their Christianity around for all to see, making a show of their good works so that everyone can see what a good Christian they are. And people are probably saying of them, “Wow, he (or she) sure is a good Christian!” How sad that is.

Paul says that circumcision is of the heart, not in the flesh. It’s an inward attitude, not an outward action. It is in the spirit of the Law that we need to act, not the letter. If we exhibit our Christianity in order to impress the people around us then we will have what we are looking for, the praise of men. But Paul tells us that our goal is not to receive praise from men, but praise from God.

Praise from God will only come as a result of a heart that is submitted to Him and committed to doing His will. That may mean that in this life we never receive the recognition that we deserve. If we truly deserve the praise, then we will get it someday, not from men, but from God.

Here’s how Paul said it to the Galatians:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow faint hearted while doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:7-9)

If we do not lose heart we may one day hear:

“Well done, you good and faithful servant!”

Application

Previously we noted that it’s easy to learn the “rules” of Christianity. It’s also easy to learn all the right things to say and do so that you appear to be a Christian. Real Christianity is walking by faith with a humble attitude. It’s living your life daily as if God was watching everything you do and hearing everything you say. You know what? He is!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 2:16 – No More Secrets

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Will

¹⁴for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) ¹⁶in the day when God judges the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Truth to Learn

Even the hidden thoughts and actions of the unsaved will be judged by our Savior.

Behind the Words

The word translated “accusing” in verse fifteen is translated from the Greek word katēgoreō, which is a legal term that means “to speak openly against, that is, to condemn or accuse.” It is what the plaintiff does in a court of law.

“Excusing” in verse fifteen is from the Greek apalogeomai, which is also a legal term. This word means “to defend or speak or plead on behalf of oneself or another before a tribunal.”

The word “secrets” in today’s verse is the Greek word kruptos, meaning “something that is hidden or concealed.”

Meaning Explained

We’ve included the previous two verses with today’s so that you will see the context of today’s verse. Remember, we are talking about the fact that even the unsaved (Gentiles) do some good things, and they know the difference between good and bad as evidenced by their consciences. Yesterday’s verse indicated that the Gentiles will be accusing and excusing one another, and today’s verse tells us when that accusing and excusing will be going on.

Paul is clearly talking about a legal setting where judgment will take place. In today’s verse he tells us when that will be. It is “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” This may be a reference to a verse in Ecclesiastes. At the end of Solomon’s search for the meaning of life he concluded:

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14)

And in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth the Apostle Paul warned them not to be judgmental, because our Lord is coming who will judge even the hidden things of the heart:

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. (1Cointhians 4:5)

Paul is talking about those who deny that God exists even though there is ample proof of His existence and His power. These will stand before the One they have denied and they will have to explain their actions as well as their thoughts. And on that day even their own consciences will condemn them. They will be without excuse! And … they will be without a savior!

Application

We too will stand before the Judge, but it will not be for condemnation. We will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ where our works will be judged to determine our rewards. The fire will destroy all that was not done for His glory, and what is left is all we will have to show for this life.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 4:5 – All Knowing Judge

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Will

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

Truth to Learn

Let God be the judge of other people’s ministry.

Behind the Words

The words “judge nothing” are from mē … ti krinete. Mē is the relative negative, which could refer either to ti or krinete. Ti means “a thing” and krinete is the command form of krinō, which means “to make a judicial decision.” So, this phrase could mean “do not judge anything” or “judge nothing.”

“Time” is from kairos, which refers to “an occasion.” Given the context, it most likely refers to “until the Lord comes.”

The words “bring to light” are translated from the verb phōtidzō, meaning “to shine light upon” or “to make one see or understand.”

The word translated “hidden” is kruptos, which is based on the verb kruptō, meaning “to keep secret or hidden.” This kruptos refers to that which is secret or hidden.

Skotos is the Greek word translated “darkness.” It can refer either to physical or spiritual darkness.

“Counsels” is from boulē, which refers to “will” or “intention,” indicating deliberation and reflection.

Meaning Explained

Having just said that he is not aware of any act of malpractice or negligence regarding his ministry in Corinth and that God will be the judge of such, Paul now gives us all a command. He says, “Don’t judge anyone’s faithfulness in ministry.” After all, the Lord is the only valid judge. He does not simply look at the surface evidence. God, as it says of His word, “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) When we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works done for God will be rightly judged by Him who sees our real motives and intentions.

We all tend to judge the work of others, whether it is holy or selfishly motivated. But, our judgment is flawed because we don’t really know what’s in a person’s heart. A classic example of this is given regarding the Prophet Samuel who was in the process of selecting and anointing the future king of Israel from the sons of Jesse. Upon seeing Jesse’s son Eliab, Samuel thought that surely this must be the one, but God said:

Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

When our day of judgment does come, we will each receive the praise that we deserve. But that praise will not come from those to whom and with whom we minister. It will come from the only one that matters, God Himself.

Application

No matter what your ministry, whether it is “up front” where everyone sees you or “behind the scenes” where no one sees you, do it humbly and for the purpose of giving praise to God. He knows your heart and your motives. Therefore, keep your focus on Him and don’t be concerned about what others think of your service. I suspect that some janitors or nursery workers will get more praise from God than their pastors will.

In God's service, for His glory,