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Romans 14:7 – Life Focus

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Will

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.

Truth to Learn

Christians are not to live for themselves, but for God.

Behind the Words

“Lives” is translated from the verb dzaō, which always refers to “life.” It is used to express both physical life and spiritual life. In the ancient Greek Attic dialect (initially spoken primarily around Athens) this verb was only used in the present and perfect tenses. In all other tenses they used the verb bioō, meaning “to spend one’s existence.”

The word translated “dies” is from the Greek word apothnēskō, which is composed of apo, meaning “away from, in time or location” and thnēskō, meaning “to die, either physically of spiritually.” Thus, apothnēskō means “to die away” or “to die off.” It is used in a stronger sense than thnēskō, often implying separation; either separation of the soul from the body (physical death) or separation of the soul of man from God (spiritual death).

Meaning Explained

In order to understand the meaning of this verse we first have to ask ourselves, “Who does “us” refer to?” If “us” refers to everyone, then this verse could be taken to mean one thing, but if “us” refers to Christians, then it means something entirely different. So, let’s look at the context. Reading from the first verse of this chapter through verse 10, it is abundantly clear that Paul is talking to members of the church. Hence, the “us” is referring to those who have put their trust in the saving blood of Jesus Christ and have submitted to His Lordship over their lives. In other words, he is referring to Christians, both those who were previously Jews and those who were previously Gentiles.

Now, what does he say about us Christians? He says that not one of us lives to himself. Some interpreters would have us believe that Paul is teaching that Christians are to live primarily to serve others, thus supporting a social gospel that emphasizes the need for us to take care of each other. This type of interpretation almost always accompanies a works-oriented Christianity. However, if we look at how the Apostle Paul finishes this thought (in the next verse), we see that the focus is not on serving others (though this is part of Paul’s teaching elsewhere), but on submitting ourselves to our Lord and Master. What Paul is specifically teaching in this verse is that no Christian is to live to gratify his own desires or appetites; instead, we should make it our goal to do the will of God, to subordinate our will to His.

Paul also says that none of us dies to himself. What he means is that even in dying we are committed to doing God’s will. We should do all we can to keep our body healthy since it is the temple of God, the Holy Spirit. You will remember that Paul told us that we are to offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), placing not only the use of our lives but also the manner and time of our death in the hands of the Almighty.

Application

Do you see your salvation as simply a free ticket into heaven? If so, you are missing one of the primary reasons for Christ’s death on the cross. It was not done simply as a type of Christmas present, but as a purchase transaction to obtain those who would lovingly serve the desires of the Owner. Think about that!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:13 – Light or Dark?

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Will

Let us live decently, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lust, not in quarreling and envy.

Truth to Learn

Our words and deeds should show forth the light of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “live” is from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Figuratively, it refers to how a person lives his or her life (walking the road of life).

“Decently” is translated from a form of euschēmōn which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and schema, referring to “the external form or condition.” Thus, euschēmōn refers to something that is “well formed” or that has a good external appearance. It is often translated as honorably, decently, or honestly.

“Revelry” is from the Greek word kōmos, referring to conduct involving “feasting, drunkenness, impurity (especially sexual), and gross obscenity.”

The word translated “drunkenness” is methē, which specifically refers to drunkenness brought on by too much wine.

“Sexual immorality” is translated from koitē, which generally refers to lying down in bed. It implies lying down in bed with someone else, as in sexual immorality.

The word “lust” is from aselgeia, which refers to uncontrolled or insatiable desire for pleasure.

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul told us to wake up, lay-aside the works of darkness and put on the weapons of our spiritual warfare.

Now, having put on the weapons of our warfare, we should walk properly or honorably, and Paul tells us to do this “as in the day.” A literal translation of this expression would be, “as if in the daytime.” The point he is making is that it is not daylight yet; it is still nighttime and we are surrounded by the works of darkness, but we need to wake up and perform the deeds of righteousness as if we were fully exposed to the world by bright light, knowing that our Lord and His “light” are coming to destroy darkness. That is, we should be behaving as if Christ had already come. The Apostle John recorded a similar message in the following words of our Lord:

And this is the verdict, the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. (John 3:19-21)

Paul now goes on to make a short list of the types of activities that go on in darkness by those who love the darkness. These include partying, drunkenness, sexual immorality, insatiable desire for pleasure, arguing, and jealousy or anger. These are the things that unsaved people do because they don’t have any way of restraining themselves. We, on the other hand, have the Holy Spirit, and we should be beacons in the night showing forth the light of our good deeds as an example of godliness.

Application

Do you yearn for the Light of Life, or do you prefer darkness? Are your words and actions a light to those in darkness around you? Or, do your actions resemble the deeds of darkness?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 10:5 – Earned or Received?

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Will

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “the man doing these things shall live by them."

Truth to Learn

Eternal life can’t be earned by obedience.

Behind the Words

“Doing” is from the Greek verb poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it can be translated as “having done.”

The word translated “live” is dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” It is expressed here in the future tense. In other words “he will live” or “he will have life.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is quoting from Leviticus 18:5 which says, You shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he will live by them: I am the LORD. Also in his treatise to the Galatians, who had tried to add works of the Law onto faith, Paul quotes this same passage.

Paul’s point is that the zealous Israelites who went about to establish their own righteousness by keeping all of the Law, were trying to fulfill the command of God who declared that the person who has kept all the commandments of the Law throughout his or her life shall live in them. Notice that this quotation does not declare that the person who has kept the entire Law “is alive,” but “will live in them” (future tense).

The problem is, as Paul told us earlier in this letter, no one can keep the whole Law. Remember back in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And if we look at the Galatians passage, we see that Paul is contrasting faith and works of the Law. In the book of Galatians he says,

So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." And that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "The just shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, but "The man doing these things shall live in them." (Galatians 3:9-12)

In order to receive future life (that is, eternal life) from the Law one would have to keep the entire Law for their entire life, which is not possible for any man with a sin nature. But since the only man to ever live without a sin nature is Jesus Christ (as Paul explained earlier), it is impossible for any of the rest of us to fulfill the entire Law.

Therefore, no one can attain the righteousness of God by keeping the Law. And no one can get saved by following any methodology of any church, or by going through any kind of classes taught by a church, or of partaking of any sacraments of any church. Salvation (and God’s imputed righteousness) can only come through faith, that is, by believing in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross as payment for our sins. The perfect, sinless, Lamb of God was slain for us imperfect, sinful, human beings.

Application

We can’t satisfy God’s righteousness by obeying the Law or all the rules of our church. His righteousness is only granted by faith to those of us who know we don’t deserve it.

Thank you, Lord, for the sinless Lamb of God and for the faith to believe in Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:5 – What Do You Think?

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Will

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

What we think about is demonstrated by our actions.

Behind the Words

The words “who live” come from a form of the Greek word eimi. This is the verb of existence or being (I am, you are, he or she is, etc.)

“According to” is the translation of the Greek word kata, which technically means “down” and is often used as an emphatic to intensify the meaning of another word. It is also used metaphorically, as it is here, to express the relation in which one thing stands with respect to another. In such a case it is translated as “in the manner of, according to, or characterized by.”

The phrase “set their minds on” is from phroneō, which means “to think, have a mindset, or be minded.” The activity represented by this word refers to our thought processes and it involves our will, our affections, and our conscience.

Meaning Explained

This verse is an explanation of the last part of the previous verse which said, “… who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” That phrase is a repetition of what we saw in verse 1. In some of the oldest manuscripts, however, this phrase only exists in verse four and not in verse one, so some translations leave it out of verse one. It rightly belongs to verse four, however, and the current verse now explains it.

Paul said that we conduct our manner of life either “according to our flesh” or “according to the Spirit.” So, if we are “walking according to the flesh,” it means that we are walking through life in a manner that is characterized by the things of the flesh. If we are “walking according to the Spirit,” it means that we are walking through life in a manner that is characterized by things of the Spirit of God.

Notice, however, that Paul does not talk about “those who walk” in this verse, but “those who live.” A person’s walk is the outward evidence of how he or she lives his or her life. If we live according to the flesh, then we will walk according to the flesh. But, if we live a life controlled by the Spirit of God, then the way we act will also be controlled by the Spirit.

Now, by way of explaining that phrase further, Paul says that those who walk according to flesh “set their minds on the things of flesh.” That is, those who live according to flesh are continually thinking about fleshly things; their thoughts are about how to please self. Those who live according to the Spirit, however, are continually thinking about spiritual things; their thoughts are about how to please God.

Application

In what realm do you spend most of your time? Do you spend more time thinking about spiritual things and about how you can please God, or do you spend more time thinking about how you can please yourself? In other words, are you living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit? Ouch!

Let us all commit to spending more time thinking about spiritual things and less time thinking about our own desires!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:10 – Eternal, Living Faith

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Will

who died for us, that whether we should watch or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Truth to Learn

Faith in Jesus Christ means living with Him eternally.

Behind the Words

“Died” is from apothnēskō, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used as an intensifier, and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Literally, apothnēskō means “to die off,” but it is often used to refer to death of any kind.

The word translated “for” is huper (or hyper) meaning “over” or “above.” As used here it also means “for the sake of.”

The words “whether” and “or” are both translated from eite. It is composed of ei, meaning “if” or “whether” and te, meaning “both” or “also.” It is used in Greek to set items in contrast or opposition to one another.

Grēgoreuō is the Greek verb translated “watch.” It means “to keep wake” or “to be watchful.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability.

The word translated “sleep” is katheudō, meaning “to fall asleep.” It, too, is written in the subjunctive mood.

“We should live” is translated from the verb dzaō, meaning “to have life.” Like grēgoreuō and katheudō, it is expressed in the subjunctive mood.

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter of his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul began his current teaching regarding the rapture and the Day of the Lord. As he introduced the subject of the rapture, he said:

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, that you not grieve as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

In this discourse on the rapture and the Day of the Lord, Paul has used the word “sleep” in two different ways. In teaching about the rapture, he used the term to refer to Christians who have died physically. In his teaching about the Day of the Lord, however, he used the word as a reference to those who are spiritually unaware. He contrasted those who are of the day (Christians) with those who are of the night (unbelievers). And, he warned us who are of the day to be awake (aware) and prepared for spiritual battles. In yesterday’s verse Paul reminded us that God did not place us in a situation where we will suffer His wrath (the Day of the Lord), rather in a situation to obtain salvation (raptured off the earth before the Day of the Lord). Also, in yesterday’s verse he reminded us that our salvation is through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Now, Paul says that Christ died for our sake. He didn’t die for Himself because He was without sin and was not facing the death sentence that we were facing. He died so that we could have eternal life. He died for our sake. Why did He die for us? He died for us so that we might live eternally with Him. It doesn’t matter whether we are physically alive or dead at the time of the rapture; all Christians, together, will live with him eternally. This, he tells us in the next verse, should be a comfort to all Christians.

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, you will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. If not, you will be separated from Him forever!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:8 – Stand Firm!

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Will

For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

Truth to Learn

Christians must learn to stand firm in the midst of battle.

Behind the Words

The word translated “now” is nun, meaning “the present time.”

“Live” is from the Greek verb dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” By implication, it means “to live and prosper,” “to be blessed,” or “feel satisfied.”

There are three classes of conditional clauses (if clauses) expressed in New Testament Greek. The first class condition assumes the “if statement” to be true. The “if” is sometimes expressed as “since” in a first class conditional statement. The second class condition assumes the “if statement” to be false. The third class condition is a true conditional statement, making no assumption about the “if statement.” “If you stand fast” is expressed here as a third class conditional clause.

“Stand fast” is translated from the Greek verb stēkō, meaning “to stand.” Figuratively, it means “to stand firm in the faith.” It is a picture of an army that refuses to retreat even though it is being attacked by the enemy.

Meaning Explained

After some length of time, the Apostle Paul had not heard word about how the Christians in Thessalonica were doing in their walk with the Lord. Finally, he sent Timothy there to help them get further grounding in the basics of Christianity and to coach them in their walk. In the previous two verses we learned that Timothy had returned, bringing good news about the welfare and spiritual growth of the Thessalonians. This news was a great comfort to Paul, who had been concerned that the persecution that he and his fellow workers had been experiencing might have weakened the faith of his spiritual children.

Now, having learned that their faith remained solid, Paul expresses a further word of encouragement and challenge to them. The encouragement is that Paul and his helpers feel good about the news they heard. The expression, “now we live” does not mean that life and death depend on the condition of the Thessalonian Christians; rather, it means that the quality of their sense of living is improved. This is similar to an expression that we use when we feel particularly good. We say, “I feel really alive today.” It means that we have a really good sense of well-being as a result of good circumstances.

Paul’s challenge to them is that he and his co-workers will continue to feel good as long as these new Christians continue to stand firm in their faith. Paul knows that all Christians are engaged in a battle against our own sin nature and against the forces of evil. The Christian life is not an easy one, especially when the enemy is on the attack. When that happens, however, we need to stand firm against our attackers so as not to let them get the upper hand. As God’s soldiers and ambassadors, we are not to run from the battles, but to “stand fast,” using the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17) to battle effectively.

Application

One of the problems we face when we are under attack for our Christian witness is that we feel alone and deserted. Be encouraged, my friend, for God will never leave you nor forsake you. Also remember that your brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing the same challenges. We must stand firm and support one another at times like this.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:10 – Eternal, Living Faith

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Will

who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Truth to Learn

Faith in Jesus Christ means living with Him eternally.

Behind the Words

The word translated “for” is huper (or hyper) meaning “over” or “above.” As used here it also means “for the sake of.”

Grēgoreuō is the Greek verb translated “wake.” It means “to keep wake” or “to be watchful.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability.

The word translated “sleep” is katheudō, meaning “to fall asleep.” It, too, is written in the subjunctive mood.

“We should live” is translated from the verb dzaō, meaning “to have life.” Like grēgoreuō and katheudō, it is expressed in the subjunctive mood.

Meaning Explained

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, you will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. If not, you will be separated from Him forever!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 10:5 – Earned or Received?

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Will

Romans 10:5 – Earned or Received?

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “the man who does those things shall live by them.”

Truth to Learn

Eternal life can’t be earned by obedience.

Behind the Words

“Does” is from the Greek verb poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it can be translated as “having done.”

The word translated “live” is dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” It is expressed here in the future tense. In other words “he will live” or “he will have life.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is quoting from Leviticus 18:5 which says, You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD. Also in his treatise to the Galatians, who had tried to add works of the Law onto faith, Paul quotes this same passage.

The problem is, as Paul told us earlier in this letter, no one can keep the whole Law. Remember back in Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And if we look at the Galatians passage, we see that Paul is contrasting faith and works of the Law. In the book of Galatians he says,

So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “The just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “The man who does them shall live by them.” (Galatians 3:9-12)

Therefore, no one can attain the righteousness of God by keeping the Law. And no one can get saved by following any methodology of any church, or by going through any kind of classes taught by a church, or of partaking of any sacraments of any church. Salvation (and God’s imputed righteousness) can only come through faith, that is, believing in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross to pay for our sins. The perfect, sinless, Lamb of God was slain for us imperfect, sinful, human beings.

Application

We can’t satisfy God’s righteousness by obeying the Law or all the rules of our church. His righteousness is only granted by faith to those of us who know we don’t deserve it.

Thank you, Lord, for faith and for the sinless Lamb of God!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 8:13 – Evidence of Faith

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Truth to Learn

Your actions indicate whether you are spiritually dead or alive.

Behind the Words

The words “you will” are from the Greek word mellō, which usually means “it is about to happen.” It is normally followed by a verb in the future infinitive form. However, in this verse it is followed by a verb in the present infinitive form. This makes the expression stronger than a future verb. It indicates a necessary consequence. Hence, we could translate this as “you are at the point of death” or “you are going to die.”

The word “deeds” is from the Greek noun praxis, which is from the verb prassō, meaning “to practice,” that is, to perform an action over and over. Therefore, we see that praxis refers to habitual, repeated actions.

“Put to death” is from the verb thanatoō, meaning “to kill,” that is, “to take an active part in causing the death of something.” Paul is telling us that a person who habitually satisfies their sin nature will cause their own death.

“Body” is from sōma, which refers to our physical body.

Meaning Explained

Let’s look at this one phrase at a time. Paul starts out with, “For if you live according to the flesh.” We have already talked about “according to the flesh,” meaning “satisfying the desires of the sin nature.” The end of this phrase is, “you will die.” It’s not a matter that you may die, but that you definitely will die. This is another indication that Paul is now talking about someone who is not saved. One of the characteristics of an unsaved person is that their actions are dictated by self, not by the Spirit of God, and he or she will suffer eternal death.

The second half of this verse is, “but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” In other words, if we personally take an active part in putting to death the deeds of our body, we will have life. This is a characteristic of a Christian. As born again Christians, we live by the power of the Holy Spirit, and we will actively fight against and put to death the selfish deeds of our sin nature.

Remember back in verse ten Paul said that if Christ is in you, the body is dead but the spirit is alive. He is now saying that one way for you to tell if Christ is in you (if you are truly saved) is that you will not continually be living to satisfy your sin nature because the Holy Spirit is living in you. Through the Holy Spirit we are continually working to kill the fleshly practices that our body (influenced by our sin nature) wants to do. But, those who are not saved are continually letting their body and its fleshly desires have their way. As a result, they are destined to die and be eternally separated from God. That’s precisely what James meant when he wrote:

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18b)

Application

So where do your actions say you will spend eternity? Do they say that you are destined to die eternally or that will live eternally in God’s presence as His adopted son or daughter?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 8:5 – What Do You Think?

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:5

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

What we think about is demonstrated by our actions.

Behind the Words

The words “who live” come from a form of the Greek word eimi. This is the verb of existence or being (I am, you are, he or she is, etc.)

Meaning Explained

Application

Let us all commit to spending more time thinking spiritual about things and less time thinking about our own desires!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: