martus – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: martus

Romans 1:9 – Unceasing Prayer

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Will

For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of His Son, how without ceasing I make mention of you in my prayers,

Truth to Learn

Paul was a prayer warrior and prayed for others constantly.

Behind the Words

The word “witness” is translated from the Greek word martus from which we get our English word “martyr.” The Greek word means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and therefore, one who can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

“Serve” is the translation of latreuō, the basic meaning of which is “to minister.” Hence, Paul’s service is really a ministry performed for God.

The word “in” is a translation from en, which is a preposition which denotes position and, by implication, instrumentality. Therefore, the most natural translation would be “in.” Paul is saying that he serves God in his spirit; in other words, he is claiming that this is a spiritual service over and above a physical service.

“Without ceasing” is from adialeiptos, which means “continually or without omission.”

Meaning Explained

This verse tells us that Paul prayed constantly for the Roman believers. He starts out by saying, “For God is my witness.” Paul is making a very strong appeal that the following statement is, indeed, true. He calls on the witness of Him who has knowledge of all things, God himself. Obviously the readers of this letter can’t check out the facts of his statement by asking God, but that’s not the point. The point is that Paul does not swear, since the Lord Jesus himself taught that swearing is wrong (see Matthew 5:33-37); rather, he appeals to a reliable witness.

Paul then states that he serves God in his spirit. He is saying that his service to God is not just on the surface but is with the very essence of his being, his spirit. Paul then explains that his service is in the gospel of Jesus Christ whom he describes as God’s Son.

Finally, he tells the Roman Christians that he prays for them constantly. Paul was known for being a prayer warrior. He prayed a lot and a lot of his prayers were for churches, both those which he helped start and those he had never visited (like the Roman church). Evidence of Paul’s prayer life is also found in Ephesians 1:15-16; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3-4; and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.

Application

How does your prayer life stack-up against Paul’s? If you’re like me, you feel woefully inadequate compared to him. Paul apparently had a daily routine that included considerable time in prayer, and it wasn’t because he had nothing else to do. With everything we pack into our days, it seems silly that we can’t even find 15 minutes each day to pray for ourselves and for others.

Why don’t we do something about that?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Will

You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and righteously and blamelessly we were to you who believe;

Truth to Learn

Christians should be blameless in whatever ministry they are engaged in.

Behind the Words

The word “witnesses” is translated from martus, from which we get our English word “martyr” (someone who has given his or her life as a witness of their belief). Martus means “someone who gives testimony as a witness of some act or event.”

“Devoutly” is from hosiōs, which refers to “piety,” that is “a demonstration of obedience to God’s will and devotion to serving Him.”

Dikiōs is the Greek word translated “righteously.” It is derived from dikios, meaning “that which is right or just.” Therefore dikiōs refers to “doing that which is right or just.”

“Blamelessly” is from amemptōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” or “not” and a form of the verb memphomai, meaning “to find fault.” Thus, amemptōs refers to “acting without fault or blame.”

The word “were” is the translation of the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to be.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is continuing his defense against apparent attacks on his character and ministry while serving God among the Christians at Thessalonica. Based on his previous defensive arguments it appears that he had been accused of:

Using deceptive practices to teach doctrinal error.
Simply being “men pleasers,” using flattering words to make the people feel good so that Paul and his companions could gain material goods from them.
Seeking their own glory and being harsh, laying heavy burdens on those to whom they ministered.
Being lazy while expecting the Thessalonians to provide for all their material needs.

Based on the current verse, it appears that Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy had also been accused of behaving themselves improperly and dishonestly while they ministered there. In defense of this, Paul calls for his witnesses.

In the Old Testament two witnesses had to testify the same thing regarding any accusation in order to ascertain the truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Paul is satisfying this requirement by appealing to God as well as the people in the church in Thessalonica. He says that they are witnesses to the fact that Paul and his co-workers were not only devout and obedient to God in their personal lives, but they also acted justly and blamelessly while performing their ministry. Paul’s ministry was always characterized by being obedient to God’s call on his life, and he always did what was just and right. So much so, in fact, that he could remind the people that no one could legitimately blame him for any wrongdoing.

Application

My prayer for each of you is that you perform whatever ministry God has given you in such a manner that you may be found blameless in the sight of God and of men.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Will

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

Truth to Learn

Christians should be blameless in whatever ministry they are engaged in.

Behind the Words

“Devoutly” is from hosiōs, which refers to “piety,” that is “a demonstration of obedience to God’s will and devotion to serving Him.”

Dikiōs is the Greek word translated “justly.” It is derived from dikios, meaning “that which is right or just.” Therefore dikiōs refers to “doing that which is right or just.”

The word “behaved” is the translation of the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to be.”

Meaning Explained

Using deceptive practices to teach doctrinal error
Simply being “men pleasers,” using flattering words to make the people feel good so that Paul and his companions could gain material goods from them
Seeking their own glory and being harsh, laying heavy burdens on those to whom they ministered
Being lazy while expecting the Thessalonians to provide for all their material needs

Application

My prayer for each of you is that you perform whatever ministry God has given you in such a manner that you may be found blameless in the sight of God and of men.

In God's service, for His glory,