Tag: me

Romans 10:19 – Action, not Anger

Posted on by Will

But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will anger you by a foolish nation."

Truth to Learn

God’s gentle prodding is to provoke us to action. If we continually resist Him, it may provoke us to anger.

 

Behind the Words

In the phrase “did Israel not know?” Paul uses the same double negative, mē ouk, that he employed in the previous verse. We could paraphrase it as, “did Israel really not know?”

“Provoke” is from paradzēloō, which is made up of para, meaning “beside” or “alongside” and dzēloō, meaning “to be zealous.” It refers to coming alongside and exciting or provoking someone, like one would prod an animal to make it move.

The words “anger you” are from a similar word. It is parorgidzō, which means “to come alongside and anger someone” (perhaps by continually prodding them).

 

Meaning Explained

Paul starts off this verse with, “Did Israel not know?” The implication is that Israel should have known, but they didn’t. The question that we have to ask ourselves is, “Know what?” Clearly, Paul has been talking about all people having evidence of God’s supremacy and man’s inability to be as righteous as God. But I don’t think that’s what Paul is referring to in this verse. Based on what he says in the following verses, I think Paul is referring to the fact that Israel clearly should have known that God was going to turn from the Jews and the message was going to go out to the Gentiles.

In order to make this point, Paul now quotes Moses from the fifth book of the Bible. In Deuteronomy 32:21 he says:

They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not a God; they have angered me by their vanities. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will make them angry by a foolish nation.

Here’s a summary of what Moses is talking about in Deuteronomy 32: The greatness of God (verse four), God’s care for Israel, (verses nine and ten), the way Israel turned from God (verses sixteen through eighteen), and how God will respond by provoking Israel (verse twenty-one). Israel continually turned away from God and resisted Him so that in the end He provoked them to anger.

Paul’s point is clear. If the Israelites had studied their scriptures then they would have known that God would turn to the Gentiles because of the unfaithfulness of Israel. The problem was that too many of the Israelites did not know what was written in their scriptures.

 

Application

Let us all take a word of caution from this. Do you know what God wants and expects from you? Do you know what He instructs us to be and to do? Do you read and study your Bible so you will understand God’s plan for you? Do you know what God has in store for you and the future of mankind?

If you do, that’s great! If you don’t, why not? Do you want God to provoke you to anger like He did to Israel? Or will you listen to Him and be stirred to action?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 4:23 – Old Truths for Us

Posted on by Will

Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was accounted to him,

Truth to Learn

The Old Testament declares important truths for Christians.

 

Behind the Words

In Greek there are two different words translated “not.” One is ou and the other is mē. The second of these, mē, indicates a conditional negation or when denial is a matter of thought, not fact. The word ou, on the other hand, indicates absolute negation as a matter of fact. In the current verse, the word “not” is translated from the Greek word ou. Hence, it is a matter of fact, not opinion, that “it was not written for his sake alone.”

 

Meaning Explained

Since the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the predominantly Jewish Christians in Rome, they certainly were familiar with their ancestor, the patriarch Abraham. Paul has been demonstrating in a series of logical arguments that justification (God’s declaration of our righteousness) does not come from obeying a series of laws or church ordinances. Rather, justification comes of God’s free will (not our free will) to those who believe the promise(s) made by God as recorded in the Bible.

In Abraham’s case God promised that he would be the father of many nations and that he would have descendants as numerous as the sand of the sea or as numerous as the stars of the heaven, and Abraham believed God. As we have seen in the past few verses, this belief occurred even when Abraham was past child producing years, and he held firm to this belief for more than 20 years even as his body was getting older and less able to produce children.

Moses documented all of this in the book of Genesis, chronicling the life of Abraham in chapters 12 through 25. The specific reference in the current verse is to Genesis 15:5,6 where it says:

And He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your seed be.” And he believed in Jehovah. And He counted it to him for righteousness.

What Paul now tells us in the current verse is that Moses’ documentation of this event absolutely was not for Abraham’s sake alone (the fact that Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith). In fact, it was not written for Abraham’s sake at all, given the fact that Abraham had been dead more than 300 years when Moses wrote it. When this was written about Abraham, it clearly elevated Abraham in the eyes of all who read about this, more so than if it had simply been handed down as an oral tradition. So, in a sense, it may have had some benefit to Abraham but more so to his descendants who now had “bragging rights” about their ancestor.

Paul’s point, however, is that there is another (more important) reason that this was written about, and he will state that in the next verse.

 

Application

The things written in the Old Testament were not written just for the Jews. These things were also written for Christians who are the spiritual descendants of Abraham.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise

Posted on by Will

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.

Truth to Learn

If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory!

 

Behind the Words

The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is actually of Latin formulation, not Greek. It is a word that was not used by Christians to refer to themselves until the end of the first century. This word was coined by Romans as a term of derision to distinguish followers of Christ from Jews and Gentiles. It occurs only three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and here.

“He must not be ashamed” is translated from mē aischunesthō. The Greek word mē means “not” and aischunomai means “to feel shame.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, meaning that the action is being done to the subject. It is also expressed in the imperative mood. When used this way with mē, it is expressing a prohibition. Therefore, this expression could be translated as “he is not to feel shamed in any way!”

The expression “let him glorify” is from the Greek word doxadzō, meaning “to give someone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position.” The word “let” does not imply giving permission to glorify God. It is there because doxadzō is expressed in the imperative mood, implying a command to glorify God. Hence, the second half of this verse could be translated as:

“he is not to feel shamed in any way; he is to glorify God in this name!”

 

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a continuation of the previous verse. Let’s put the two of them together:

But let none of you as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.

You will notice that in this quotation I took out the words “suffers.” That’s because they aren’t actually in the original text. They have been added by the translators for easier reading.

In Peter’s day Christians were already being persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they claimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peter knew that this persecution would continue and that members of the body of Christ would suffer because of it. Therefore, he instructed the early Christians, as well as us today, that to suffer as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something to praise God about.

This along with the next 3 verses clearly summarizes what Peter has been saying throughout most of this letter:

“If you live the life of a submitted and committed Christian, you may very well suffer for it. But if you do, give your praises to God that you are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s suffering.”

 

Application

Are you suffering right now simply because of your testimony as a Christian? If so, God is pleased, you are blessed, and your lips should be overflowing with praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual

Posted on by Will

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Truth to Learn

Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “do not think it strange” comes from two Greek words, mē and a form of xenidzo. Mē means “not” and the verb zenidzo means “to think of something as strange.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “fiery trial” are translated from purōsis, which refers specifically to “the act of smelting metals.” Figuratively, it refers to any time of intense trial.

“Which is to try you” is translated from peirasmon humin ginomenē. The word peirasmon refers to “a trial or temptation,” that is, “a time of testing.” The word humin means “you (plural).” And ginomenē is the present participle of the verb meaning “to begin” or “to come about.” Hence, this expression can be translated as “a trying time which is currently coming upon you.”

 

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns again to the theme that he has been repeating throughout this letter, suffering for righteousness sake. It is true that the Christians in the early church suffered persecution repeatedly at the hands of jealous Jews and tyrannical Roman rulers. But members of the Church have suffered persecution throughout history. In fact, there have been few times in history when the church has not suffered persecution, so Peter’s message is relevant for all generations of believers.

Consider, after all, the spiritual warfare that is going on, and has been going on in the heavenlies since time began. Satan and his demons have been opposed to God’s plan and His faithful servants from the beginning. We sometimes think it a strange thing that we are coming under heavier and heavier attack from the humanists and secularist who want to get God out of our school systems and out of our government. But wasn’t this country founded on Christian ideals and values? Of course it was. However, that doesn’t mean that our enemy won’t do everything in his power to neutralize God’s influence. Actually, in this country we have had such religious freedom for the past 250 years that we think all of history has been like that. Not so, I’m afraid.

And, there are places in the world right now where Christians are being persecuted and murdered simply because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

The time is coming when, even in this country, Christians will be persecuted and caused to suffer simply for believing in the Creator-God and the sacrificial atonement of His Son. So Peter’s message is just as relevant to us today as it has been throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

 

Application

Let’s proclaim the message of freedom and salvation, though it may fall on deaf ears, even if it means that we will be persecuted and suffer for it. And if you do suffer, don’t think it unusual, give Him the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 1:17 – Preach The Good News

Posted on by Will

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to share the gospel message to others.

Behind the Words

“Send” is translated from the Greek word apostellō. This word is composed of apo, meaning “off” or “away from” and the verb stellō, which means “to set,” “to send,” or “to appoint to a position.” The word apostellō means “to appoint to a position and send away on a specific mission.”

The words “preach the gospel” are from euangelidzō. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to proclaim.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to proclaim goodness” or “to proclaim the good news.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom.” In classical Greek, this word refers to the knowledge and experience of respected philosophers and truly learned men. In the New Testament, however, it nearly always denotes “a genuine fear of God and an understanding of His ways.” In today’s verse it is used with more of a classical meaning, referring to human learning and experience rather than godly wisdom.

“Should be made of no effect” is translated from mē followed by a form of kenoō. Mē means “no” or “not” and kenoō means “to make empty or void.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now explains why he didn’t do very much baptizing while he was ministering in Corinth. Basically, he says that it’s not what he was called to do. He is not declaring that baptism is not important, just that it wasn’t part of his initial calling, which he received from Christ:

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. (Acts 26:16)

In fact, Paul considers his central mission of evangelizing the unsaved to be so important to him that he felt obligated to do it:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

He also declares an important aspect of preaching the gospel message. He says that sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Christ does not require “wisdom of words.” That is to say, preaching the gospel is not something that requires eloquence or fancy sermons laced with humorous examples or clever application. The preaching of the gospel message is a matter of simply and clearly declaring that we all are sinners condemned to death, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, and whoever believes shall be saved from that death sentence.

Application

We have not all experienced a miraculous appearance of Christ telling us to preach the gospel like Paul did on the road to Damascus, but we have all been commissioned to declare the good news and to make disciples. We have not all been given the spiritual gift of evangelism, but we have all been commissioned to share the gospel. When was the last time you shared the truth of salvation? It is the greatest gift we can offer to anyone, whether they accept it or not. Share the good news!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Luke 2:8-10; Matthew 28:5-7 – He Is Risen!

Posted on by Will

8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people … 5But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead,

Truth to Learn

Let us proclaim the good news that He is risen!

Behind the Words

The word “angel” is transliterated from the Greek word angelos. This word literally means “messenger.” Hence, we see that angels are God’s messengers.

The expression “Do not be afraid” is translated from the Greek words mē phobeisthē. The word mē means “not” and the word phobeisthē is a form or phobeō, meaning “to frighten” or “to make afraid.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (to be frightened) and the imperative mood (a command.) Hence, it means “Do not be frightened!”

Meaning Explained

So, what in the world am I doing using a Christmas verse to talk about the resurrection? Have you ever noticed that at both Jesus’ birth and His resurrection, there were angels ministering to people? At His birth the angel delivered the glorious message to the shepherds that the Savior, Christ the Lord, was born. At His resurrection, it was angels who announced the glorious message that He had risen from the dead. And, in both cases the people who saw the angels were afraid. As a result, the first message from the angels was, “Don’t be afraid!”

But, after encountering the angelic messenger, those who saw them immediately went into action. The shepherds immediately went into town to see the Christ child, then went out praising God and spreading the message of His birth. On Resurrection Sunday, the women, Peter, and John, immediately went to tell others that He has risen! In each case, the witnesses started out being afraid and in each case they left full of joy, spreading the word of peace and joy.

At the end of the day on Resurrection Sunday, our Lord gave His disciples the following instructions:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

This year, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, let us not be afraid. Let us go out and spread the good news!

Application

Do you ever get afraid? In addition to the angels giving comfort, our Lord frequently comforted His disciples with the words, “Don’t be afraid” and “Peace be unto you.” Therefore, let us not be afraid, let the peace of God rule in our hearts, and let us proclaim the good news that He is risen!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 11:1 – We Preach, He Enlightens

Posted on by Will

Romans 11:1 – We Preach, He Enlightens

I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Truth to Learn

We are to preach the gospel to everyone, whether they will believe or not.

Behind the Words

You will notice in this translation the word “not” doesn’t appear in the first sentence, whereas in other translations it does. The word actually is in the Greek text but it should not necessarily be written in the translation. Let me explain why. The Greek word in question is me, which is a negative particle and should in most cases be translated as “not.” There is another Greek word that is translated as “not,” however, which is ou. The difference is that ou has an absolute negative interpretation whereas me has a relative negative interpretation. In fact, me is often used, as is the case in the current verse, to express a question that anticipates a negative answer.

The words “Certainly not!” are translated from me genoito, which is often translated as “May it not be.” In today’s vernacular we would say “No way!”

“Seed” is translated from sperma, meaning “that which is sown, containing the germ of life which will produce new fruit.” It is an indication that Paul is a direct descendant of Abraham.

The word “tribe” is from phulē, which is based on the verb phuō, meaning “to generate or produce.” In the common usage of this word, phulē, refers to “a tribe or a clan.”

Meaning Explained

To a Christian Jew living in Rome reading through this letter (or listening to someone read it to him or her), it may have appeared that Paul was teaching that God had rejected the Jews. This would seem preposterous to them since God had chosen them as a covenant people. So in order to clarify what he means, Paul anticipated the objection and states it as a rhetorical question, “has God cast away His people?”

As we pointed out above, this question is asked in such a manner that it requires a negative answer. This would make it immediately clear to the reader (or hearer) that Paul does not even entertain the notion that God would totally reject all Jews. So, he is asking the rhetorical question in such a way that the reader would not immediately reject his statement and would continue on.

He follows-up the question with his familiar me genoito, “No way!” As proof that God has not rejected all Jews, Paul demonstrates that he, himself, is an Israelite and not an adopted one but a natural born Israelite, a direct descendent of Abraham. The Israelites took great pride (and still do today) in knowing the tribe and sometimes even the family of Israel of which they descended. Paul states at the end of this verse that he is of the tribe of Benjamin. He will continue this thought in the following verse.

Application

In verse seven of this chapter, Paul will explain that many of the Jews have been blinded from seeing the truth. However, that does not excuse us from preaching the gospel even to those who cannot see the truth. It is not our responsibility to determine who will believe. It is simply our responsibility to preach the gospel truth. The rest is up to God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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