Tag: logos

2 Peter 2:3 – Snake Oil Preaching

Posted on by Will

And by covetousness, with deceitful words they will use you for gain, whose judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep

Truth to Learn

Not every message delivered from the pulpit comes from God.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “covetousness” is the Greek word pleonexia, which means, “fraudulent practice driven by greed.”

The next expression is, “deceitful words.” This comes from the Greek words plastois logois. We have seen the word logos before, meaning “a word or a message.” The other word here is plastos, from which we get our English word “plastic.” This Greek word means “molded” or “purposely shaped.” Today we refer to this kind of language as “spin.”

The verb “will use you for gain” comes from the Greek word emporeuomai, which means “to travel about as a merchant or trader.” The way it’s used here it means “to make merchandise of people.”

 

Meaning Explained

We have been talking about false prophets of the past and false teachers of the present. Peter now tells us what is driving their actions and how they operate. His imagery is that of a snake oil salesman traveling about, taking advantage of uneducated people by way of well chosen but intentionally misleading words so as to make the message sound the way people want it to sound for the purpose of taking their money. These false teachers that Peter is talking about are presenting messages that will inspire and comfort people so that they will give to the ministry and meet the selfish desires of the false teachers.

Their deception is as old as sin itself, driven by the same selfishness that drove Satan to deceive Eve with molded words that may have sounded good but lead to destruction. Peter tells us (literal translation of the second half of today’s verse):

their long standing judgment is not idle and their destruction is not dozing-off

In other words, the same judgment that has been given concerning this type of deception from of old will be applied to these false teachers of today without fail. They may think that they are getting away with something, but their destruction is sure.

These false teachers are occupying many of our church pulpits today, delivering homilies and sermons that bless the hearts of the hearers, while leading them straight to Hell. Their messages are soothing and even inspiring, but they are not the messages that God wants delivered. The messages are intended to please the people rather than to proclaim the message of sacrifice, commitment, and submission. These are the deceptive messages that church members are willing to pay for. How sad!

 

Application

The next time you hear your pastor preach a message that is straight from The Word, one that pricks your heart, causing you to once again submit yourself to the God of all creation, tell him thank you for taking the road less traveled and being God’s instrument of righteousness.

But, perhaps you go to church on Sunday to be soothed and comforted. If so, you may be buying snake oil!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:2 – No, Not Yet

Posted on by Will

that you not be quickly shaken in mind nor troubled, either by a spirit or by a message or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ is come.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to read and study the Bible for themselves.

 

Behind the Words

In the previous verse, the words “we ask” are from erōtaō, meaning “to make a request.” Then, this verse starts out with eis to, which is one of Paul’s favorite idioms, indicating the subject of Paul’s request. Today, we might say, “Please … don’t be quickly shaken …”

“quickly” is translated from tacheōs, meaning “quickly,” “hastily,” or “soon.”

The word “shaken” is from saleuō, which is based on the noun salos, meaning “an ocean wave.” It is a picture of a ship being buffeted by waves. Thus, saleuō means “to be rocked back and forth” or “to be shaken up.”

“Troubled” is from the verb throeō, based on the noun throos, meaning “the loud, disturbing noise of a riotous crowd.” Thus, throeō (expressed here in the passive voice) means “to be troubled, disturbed, or terrified.”

Logos is the Greek word translated “message.” It literally refers to intelligence or a word, discourse, or saying as an expression of that intelligence.

The words “is come” are translated from the verb enistēmi, which is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” or “with” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Thus, it means “to be present” or “to be at hand.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, which in Greek means an action that occurred in the past, but with present ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect. In other words, Paul is using this word to mean that the day of Christ has come and is now here.

 

Meaning Explained

When Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy started the church in Thessalonica, they apparently had given instruction in the soon return of Christ to gather all believers to Himself (the Rapture) and the ensuing judgment of God against the unbelieving world (the Tribulation and future judgments). In his first letter to this church, Paul gave additional instruction regarding the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Now he tells them not to be easily shaken or disturbed by false teachings regarding these events.

There were three possible sources of these false teachings. The first is “by a spirit.” This indicates that this teaching was supposedly given to a “spirit-filled” teacher or prophet speaking by direct revelation from God. The second is “by a message,” implying that it is a message given verbally, probably as part of a sermon. The third is “by a letter,” indicating a written message. Understand that it was not uncommon during the early years of the church for letters to be sent by imposters claiming to be Paul or another of the apostles.

Before we finish, we need to observe that the word translated “Christ” (christos) is disputed. The earliest and best manuscripts have the word translated “Lord” (kurios) instead. This is an important distinction since, as Paul has taught previously, the Day of Christ refers to the Rapture, but the Day of the Lord refers to God’s judgment against the world. The message of these false teachers was not that the rapture had already happened, but that the Tribulation had begun. Given the persecution and tribulation they were suffering, it would have been fairly easy to convince the Thessalonians that this was true. In the following verses, Paul will tell us of several things that must occur before the Tribulation will begin.

 

Application

Very few preachers or teachers intentionally teach false doctrine; they simply teach what they have been taught or what they believe based on their own study. It is critical for us to read and study the Bible for ourselves and verify all such teaching (see Acts 17:11). No matter how great the teacher or preacher, don’t believe their message without verifying it yourself based on your own study of what the Bible teaches!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Words of Comfort

Posted on by Will

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Truth to Learn

Knowledge of the rapture should be a comfort to us all.

 

Behind the Words

Hōste is the Greek word translated “therefore.” It is composed of hōs, meaning “in this manner” and te, an article of connection, which serves to closely connect that which has been said to that which follows. We could translate hōste as “so then.”

The verb translated “comfort” is one that Paul uses frequently and one that we have seen several times in this chapter. It is the word parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, comfort, or challenge.”

“One another” is from allēlous, meaning “each other” or “one another.” It indicates reciprocal action on the part of each member of a group.

“Words” is translated from the Greek noun logos. This word is derived from legō, meaning “to speak intelligently.” Logos, therefore, represents the words that are used to express thoughts.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous five verses Paul has been teaching about the rapture. At the time of the rapture, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven to the atmosphere of the earth, bringing with Him every Christian who has died physically. He will make a loud proclamation, accompanied by a blast on a trumpet. For a few more details, let’s look at what Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

From this we see that at the rapture every Christian will have his or her decaying, mortal body changed into an incorruptible body. This is the eternal, heavenly body like that which Jesus has right now. This new body will not be subject to disease or decay. From Paul’s teaching here in 1 Thessalonians we learned that the dead in Christ will have their decaying (or completely decayed) body changed first, then we who are alive and remain will receive our new bodies as we are snatched away from the earth.

Remember at the beginning of this teaching (verse thirteen) Paul did not want us to be overly sad about Christians who have already died physically? That’s because we will be reunited with them again at the rapture, we will all receive our new bodies, and we will eternally be in the physical presence of our Lord. There will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness, only glorious celebration and joy. Because of this new knowledge we can comfort and encourage each other.

 

Application

No matter what kind of pain or suffering you are experiencing right now, it will all be over soon. Be encouraged, my Christian friends, it could be any day now!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:8 – Demonstrating Our Faith

Posted on by Will

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything.

Truth to Learn

Demonstrating our faith in everyday words and actions is the responsibility of every Christian.

 

Behind the Words

“Word” is from the Greek noun logos, which is based on the verb legō, meaning “to lay forth,” that is, “to express a thought in words.” Hence, logos refers to something said. However, it means more than just the word as spoken or written down; it includes the thought behind the word.

Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.” When accompanied by the definite article as it is here, it is a reference to “the Lord,” that is to God, who is our Lord and our Master.

The words “has sounded forth” are translated from the Greek verb exēcheomai. This word is made up of ex, meaning “out” or “out of” and ēcheō (from which we get our English word echo), which means “to make a loud noise.” Thus, exēcheomai means “to send out a loud sound.”

“We have no need” is the translation of the word chreia, which is derived from the verb chraomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed.” Chreia refers specifically to employment; however, it is often used as a metaphor for “that which is needed” or “that which is necessary.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verse three the Apostle Paul praised the members of the church in Thessalonica for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience. In verse six he said that they joyfully received the Word of God even in the midst of much affliction. He then said that they were examples to Christians all over the areas of Macedonia and Achaia. The reason they were such great examples to others included more than their labor of love and patience.

According to today’s verse, the Christians in Thessalonica proclaimed the word of the Lord far and wide. God has gifted each and every Christian with spiritual gifts, God given abilities, to be used within the church. He lists a number of these gifts in Ephesians 4:11 and 1Corinthians 12:8-10. But Jesus gave us all a commission to preach the gospel, baptize believers, and teach those who have been saved (Mark 28:19, 20). Just because you don’t have the gift of evangelism doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be proclaiming the gospel. And just because you don’t have the gift of helps doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be helping others within the church.

The members of the church in Thessalonica were so bold in proclaiming the gospel and they were so willing to put their faith into practice that they had a reputation throughout the Roman world of their day. In fact, their reputation was so great that Paul didn’t have to tell anyone, they already knew.

 

Application

As we asked yesterday, are you a “supposed Christian” or a “committed Christian?” Do your words and actions announce to everyone around you that you are a disciple of Christ? If not, why not?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?

Posted on by Will

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, in the opening of my mouth with boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Truth to Learn

All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived from the verb legō, meaning “to speak or to say something intelligible.” Thus, logos refers to “something spoken” and is often translated as “word, saying, or discourse.” It is expressed here in the singular. Therefore, we could translate this as “a message” or “a word.”

 “Boldness” is translated from the Greek word parrēsia, which is a compound word made up of pas, meaning “all” or “every” and rhēsis, meaning “the act of speaking.” Therefore, this word means “all speaking” or “all freedom or frankness of speech.”

The words “make known” are from the verb gnōridzō, which is based on the same root as ginōskō, meaning “to know.” Gnoridzō means “to make known” or “to declare.”

“Mystery” is transliterated (carried directly from one language to another) from musterion. In the New Testament this word refers to something that has been hidden in the past but which is now being made known.

 

Meaning Explained

After Paul finished his description of the Christian’s spiritual armor, he told us that we need to pray constantly with all kinds of prayers and that we need to be watchful. Our enemy doesn’t like it when we talk to our Commander-in-Chief, because he knows that it will make us stronger.

While on the subject of prayer, the Apostle now asks for prayer for himself as well. There are two specific requests that Paul makes. The first is that he might be given something to say. The second thing he asks for is that he might speak with boldness as he makes known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do these seem a little strange to you? They do to me.

Here we have one of the greatest evangelistic preachers of all time asking others to talk to God about giving him something to say and to give him boldness to say it. This is the very same person who boldly stood before some of the greatest thinkers of his time at the Areopagus (see Acts chapter seventeen) to proclaim the Gospel message.

If there were ever a person that we didn’t think needed prayer, it would be the Apostle Paul, especially prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Perhaps the reason that Paul was so successful in his proclamation of the Gospel was because he had a lot of people praying for his ministry!

Also notice the subject matter of Paul’s prayer request. What he asks for is something that will result in glory being given to God. He’s not asking for his own sake, he’s asking for something that will result in God getting all the praise.

 

Application

Next time you’re in a group that is about to pray and prayer requests are expressed, notice how many of those requests are focused on personal issues. I’m not saying that Aunt Suzie’s arthritis or the Jones’ financial problems aren’t appropriate for prayer, but how much glory will God receive when those requests are answered? Instead, let us all learn to focus our prayers on things that will bring glory and praise to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:29 – Constructive Words

Posted on by Will

Let no rotten word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for needed edification, that it may give grace to the hearers.

Truth to Learn

Our speech should build up, not tear down.

 

Behind the Words

“Let … proceed” is translated from the verb ekporeuomai, which is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out of” and poreuomai, meaning “to travel, to depart, or to go.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. Since English doesn’t have a similar command form, the word “let” is used to provide this emphasis. Therefore, when you see the word “let” used with a verb in the Bible, it almost always implies a command type of directive, not a statement of permission.

The word “rotten” is from the Greek word sapros, which is based on the verb sēpō, meaning “to putrefy, to rot, or to perish.” Thus, sapros refers to that which is rotten or putrid.

“Word” is translated from the Greek noun logos, which refers to something said. However, it refers to more than just the word itself, but also to the thoughts behind the word.

“Needed” is from chreia, meaning “that which is needful, necessary, or useful.”

The word “edification” is translated from oikodomē, which we saw earlier in this chapter. It literally refers to “building a house.” Metaphorically, it refers to “building up” or “strengthening” someone or something.

                          

Meaning Explained

Paul is teaching us about the “new man” with which we are to clothe ourselves. Characteristics of this new man include not lying, not being sinfully angry, not stealing, and now – being careful about our speech.

Usually when we read today’s verse we think that it applies specifically to cursing, or as we call it, swearing: the use of four-letter swear words or using the Lord’s name in vain. It seems, however, that Paul has a much broader concept in mind. He specifically refers to it as putrid, or rotten, words and thoughts. And, as we have already pointed out, in Paul’s typical style he tells what the proper thing is right after he tells us the improper thing. The proper type of communication is “that which is good for needed edification of those who hear.”

One of the advantages of this style of teaching is that it tells us a little bit more about what to avoid. The type of speech which we are to avoid is that which does not build up. In other words, any communication which tears down or which prevents building up is the rotten communication Paul refers to. Yes, it would necessarily include swearing, but it also includes insulting or belittling speech. It includes bragging about oneself. It includes intentionally deceptive words and any type of speech which blasphemes God. In other words, if the words you say don’t encourage or build up your brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t say them.

 

Application

Your mother may have taught you, like my mother taught me, when she said, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” That sounds like Apostle Paul-talk to me.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 2:13 – Inspired Word of God

Posted on by Will

These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Truth to Learn

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Believe it!

Behind the Words

“Speak” is translated from the verb laleō. This word refers to the use of words in speech or writing. It is a reference to the ability to communicate rather than the quality of it.

“Words” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to a word itself or an expression of intelligent thought.

Sugkrinō is the verb translated “comparing.” It is made up of sun, meaning “together” and krinō, which means “to judge, distinguish, or separate.” Sugkrinō originally meant “to combine,” then later it meant “to separate” or “to distinguish,” and then “to compare” or “to explain.”

The words “spiritual things” and “spiritual” are both from the Greek adjective pneumatikos. The first usage of the word here is structured as a neuter direct object (the object of the verb “comparing”). As a result, it refers to “spiritual things.” The other use of pneumatikos here is structured as an indirect object which is normally translated with the added prepositions “in,” “to,” “by,” or “with.” Here it has the form of either a neuter indirect object (spiritual things) or a masculine indirect object, since they both have the same form. The gender of the indirect object indicates what it is referring to. If neuter, it has to refer to a neuter noun. If masculine, however, it has to refer to a masculine noun.

Meaning Explained

The first part of this verse is fairly clear. You will recall that Paul has compared the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God and in doing so has compared his own preaching style with the obscure style of the philosophers, sophists, and rabbis. He clearly states that in conveying these formerly secret truths to us, the apostles did not use words of their own choosing or words dictated by man's wisdom. Rather, they used the very words which the Holy Spirit taught them to use. This is a clear statement that not only the subject matter of Biblical teaching is inspired, but that even the very words used by the writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is why we take so much time and care in these studies to look at the very words used.

The second half of this verse is difficult to translate into English because of the words sugkrinō and pneumatikos, as explained above. As a result, there are numerous differing translations. The two translations that seem to make the most sense, given what Paul has been talking about, are: “Explaining spiritual things to spiritual men” and “comparing spiritual things with spiritual things (or words).” In the first and second century the church leaders believed that Paul’s meaning was, “comparing the things which were written by the Spirit of the Old Testament with what is now revealed to us by the same Spirit, and confirming doctrine by them.” Given what Paul has been talking about, this seems to make good sense.

Application

Even though the Bible was penned by human writers, it is the Word of God. As such, it is inspired and without error in the original documents. Therefore, we can believe what it teaches us and we can base our earthly lives and eternal future on what it teaches. God’s Word is truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 2:4 – Persuasion vs. Power

Posted on by Will

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Truth to Learn

Man’s preaching may be persuasive, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

“Speech” is translated from logos, which refers to “a word as an expression of intelligence.” It can refer to a singular word, a saying, or a verbal expression of ideas.”

The word translated “persuasive” is peithos, which is unique to Paul, not having been found in any other Greek writings. It is based on the verb peithō, which means “to persuade.”

Apodeixis is the Greek word translated “demonstration.” This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” but used as an intensifier and a form of deiknumi, meaning “to show” or “to exhibit.” Thus, apodeixis means “something exhibited outwardly” or “clearly demonstrated.”

The word “Spirit” is from the Greek noun pneuma (from which we get our English words pneumatic and pneumonia). It is based on the verb pneuō, meaning “to breathe.” Hence, pneuma refers to “a breath or blast of air” or “a breeze.”

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out in verse one of this chapter, Paul is now contrasting his style of teaching and preaching with that of the Greek orators of that day. At that time, there was a class of speakers known as the sophists (wise ones), who traveled from place to place presenting stirring and powerful messages to teach everything what was necessary to be successful in life. However, the sophists were more focused on oratory skills than on the soundness of the “truths” they were teaching. They specialized in using philosophy and rhetoric in persuading their listeners to believe what was popular and politically correct rather than the truth. As a result, the word sophist has come to mean someone who uses powerful and effective speech to deceive someone else.

It is against this backdrop that Paul makes the current comments about his own speaking style. His reference to “speech” is probably a reference to his communication with individuals and small groups, whereas “preaching” is likely a reference to his public preaching. He tells us here that in neither situation did he utilize persuasive words or “politically correct” human wisdom. The people of Corinth, being in the mainstream of Greek society and culture, were drawn to the sophist style of preaching, preferring to hear great public speakers rather than the plain truths of the gospel message.

Paul, on the other hand, relied on the unseen power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrated by the miraculous changes in the lives of the people who believed his simple message. Throughout the New Testament we read about the many miracles performed by the Holy Spirit at the hands of the apostles and the many conversions that resulted from them. This was Paul’s style: simply declare the good news and let the Holy Spirit produce the change in people’s lives.

Application

As we have asked before, do you like the preaching you hear every Sunday because it is effectively persuasive? Or do you like it because the simple truth causes you to humble yourself before your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ?

 
In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 1:18 – Completed and Sealed

Posted on by Will

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Truth to Learn

Salvation is a completed and sealed transaction.

Behind the Words

The word translated “message” is logos. It generally refers to something being said (a word, a message, or a saying).

“Foolishness” is from the Greek noun mōria, which refers to foolishness, folly, or absurdity.

“Who are perishing” is translated from apollumi, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used here as an intensifier, and ollumi, meaning “to destroy” or “to cause to perish.” Thus, apollumi could be translated as “completely destroy” or “completely perish.” It is expressed here as a present participle in the passive voice, indicating an ongoing action that is being done to someone.

The words “who are being saved” are from sōdzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve from harm, danger, or destruction.” It, too, is expressed here as a present participle in the passive voice.

Dunamis is the Greek word translated “power.” It refers to “the ability or power to do something.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul made a subtle transition from talking about baptism (more specifically, the problem of devoting oneself to the person who baptized them) to talking about the gospel message. Paul said that his commission to preach the gospel was not so that he could use fancy words, eloquent speech, or worldly wisdom to persuade people to believe. This may have been intended as a criticism to those in Corinth who claimed to be followers of Apollos, who we know was a very eloquent speaker (see Acts 18:24).

Now Paul makes a very stark contrast between two groups of people, those who are in the process of being destroyed and those who are in the process of being saved. “But,” you may ask, “I thought that we were saved when we first believed. Do we have to be doing something to stay saved?” Back in verse seven we talked about two aspects of our salvation: the day we believed the gospel message and “were saved” and that final day when God will accomplish our salvation, giving us our eternal body and keeping us in His presence forever.

Here, Paul throws us a curve. He refers to the unsaved as “those who are being destroyed” and to us as “us who are being saved.” Paul is not teaching that salvation is a process. He clearly teaches elsewhere that we are saved (Ephesians 2:18) and that our salvation was sealed at the time that we believed (Ephesians 1:13, 14). However, we still have a sinful human nature and we continue to sin. But each time we sin, we are forgiven because of the blood of Christ which continually washes us clean. Until that day in which we are given our heavenly body, we will struggle with our sin nature and our adversary. But, through our Lord Jesus Christ, right now we HAVE the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Application

Occasionally, all Christians don’t “feel” like they are very godly and some question their salvation. Remember that salvation is not a feeling it is a completed, sealed transaction.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:5 – Birthday Gifts

Posted on by Will

that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,

Truth to Learn

Christians are given spiritual gifts at the moment of salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “you were enriched” are translated from the Greek verb ploutidzō, which is derived from the noun ploutos, meaning “wealth” or “riches.” Therefore, ploutidzō means “to make wealthy” or “to make rich.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating something done to the subject (you). It is also expressed in the aorist tense, indicating something that was done at a point in time in the past. So, we could translate this as “you were made rich.”

“Everything” is a neuter form of pas, meaning “all things” or “everything.” It expresses the totality of things.

The word “utterance” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to “something said.” However, this word represents more than just the words themselves; it includes the thoughts behind the words.

Gnosis is the word translated “knowledge.” More specifically, it refers to the act of knowing something. It indicates more than just being aware of something. It indicates an acceptance and belief of some fact or facts.

Meaning Explained

You may recall that Paul is in the midst of a prayer for the Corinthian Christians, thanking God for blessings that they had already received from God. In yesterday’s verse he talked about the grace that they (and we) received that resulted in their salvation. Part of that grace includes the wealth that they (and we) received. We will see a few verses down the road that part of the riches that they received was spiritual gifts. The thing to note here is that these riches were bestowed at a point in time in the past. Since he is talking about these riches being part of God’s grace, it is clear that these things were given at the time of our salvation. In other words, we do not have to pray for any spiritual gift to be given to us because whatever gifts God bestows on us were given to us at the point in time that we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

It’s interesting that Paul couples together utterance and knowledge. Knowledge, the internalization or acceptance of facts, can only come as a result of something being communicated to us. Conversely, we can only declare that which we already know. So we see that utterance and knowledge are the tools that are used to pass along the glorious truth of salvation in Christ Jesus.

As we will see later in this letter, the church at Corinth was particularly blessed with spiritual gifts. However, the members of this church had placed inordinate value on some of the lesser gifts (like the gift of tongues, or languages) and much less value in some of the greater gifts (like the gift of prophesy, the proclamation of spiritual truths and doctrine). This problem is just as prevalent is some churches today where the sign gifts are considered more desirable than the edifying gifts.

Application

At the moment of your salvation (your spiritual birthday), you were given certain specific abilities (spiritual gifts) that are intended for the building up of the church. You don’t have to pray for them or wait for them. You already have them. Are you using them for God’s glory? 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved