Tag: mello

Romans 8:13 – Evidence of Faith

Posted on by Will

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.”

“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.

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 the word “deeds” refers to habitual, repeated actions.

“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 you will live eternally in God’s presence as His adopted son or daughter?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:4 – Faithfully Suffering Servants

Posted on by Will

For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, and so it came to pass, as you know.

Truth to Learn

Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble.

 

Behind the Words

The words “we told … before” are translated from the verb prolegō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before in time or position” and lego, meaning “to relate in words” or “to say.” Therefore, prolegō means “to say something ahead of time,” that is, “to foretell.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense which indicates past continuous or repeated action. It could be translated as “we began telling you,” “we were telling you,” or “we used to tell you.”

“We were” is from the verb eimi, the verb of “being,” meaning “to exist.” It, too, is expressed in the imperfect tense, indicating past continual action.

The words “we would” are from the verb mellō, meaning “about to be.” It is expressed in the present tense and indicative mood, so it could be translated as “we are about to.”

Thilbō is the Greek verb translated “suffer tribulation.” It is closely related to the word thlipsis, which we saw in the previous verse, meaning “pressure, stress, trouble, or affliction.” Thilbō means “to afflict” or “to cause to suffer tribulation.” It is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action happening to the subject.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them in the face of the afflictions that Paul and his companions have been suffering. Paul was shown years before that he would suffer as a result of his ministry for God. Now that he is undergoing such tribulation, it appears it was causing the Thessalonians to be shaken in their faith. They must have thought that Paul and his companions had lost God’s blessing on their ministry because He allowed such things to happen.

In defense of the fact that he was still doing God’s work, with God’s blessing, Paul now tells his fellow Christians that he had forewarned them about it. He says, “Even when we were with you, we repeatedly told you ahead of time that these things would happen.” He knew that opposition, stress, troubles, and suffering are all part of an effective ministry. Notice that according to John’s gospel, Jesus even told His disciples,

… In the world you will have tribulation; but have courage, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b)

Paul knew that the forces of evil are powerful and will do anything to oppose God’s ministers and discourage them. He also told the Philippians that suffering was part of serving:

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, (Philippians 1:29)

 

Application

Are you working hard to serve God faithfully? Does it seem that God has deserted you because you are facing opposition and anguish as a result? Don’t despair! God has not taken His blessing from you. He may not take you out of the storm, but he will give you peace and courage in the midst of it. God is faithful!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:4 – Faithfully Suffering Servants

Posted on by Will

For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.

Truth to Learn

Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble.

Behind the Words

The words “we told … before” are translated from the verb prolegō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before in time or position” and lego, meaning “to relate in words” or “to say.” Therefore, prolegō means “to say something ahead of time,” that is, “to foretell.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense which indicates past continuous or repeated action. It could be translated as “we began telling you,” “we were telling you,” or “we used to tell you.”

“We were” is from the verb eimi, the verb of “being,” meaning “to exist.” It, too, is expressed in the imperfect tense, indicating past continual action.

The words “we would” are from the verb mellō, meaning “about to be.” It is expressed in the present tense and indicative mood, so it could be translated as “we are about to be.”

Thilbō is the Greek verb translated “suffer tribulation.” It is closely related to the word thlipsis, which we saw in the previous verse, meaning “pressure, stress, trouble, or affliction.” Thilbō means “to afflict” or “to cause to suffer tribulation.” It is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action happening to the subject.

Meaning Explained

Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them in the face of the afflictions that Paul and his companions have been suffering. Paul was shown years before that he would suffer as a result of his ministry for God. Now that he is undergoing such tribulation, it appears it was causing the Thessalonians to be shaken in their faith. They must have thought that Paul and his companions had lost God’s blessing on their ministry because He allowed such things to happen.

In defense of the fact that he was still doing God’s work, with God’s blessing, Paul now tells his fellow Christians that he had forewarned them about it. He says, “Even when we were with you, we repeatedly told you ahead of time that these things would happen.” He knew that opposition, stress, troubles, and suffering are all part of an effective ministry. Notice that according to John’s gospel, Jesus even told His disciples,

… In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b)

Paul knew that the forces of evil are powerful and will do anything to oppose God’s ministers and discourage them. He also told the Philippians that suffering was part of serving:

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, (Philippians 1:29)

Application

Are you working hard to serve God faithfully? Does it seem that God has deserted you because you are facing opposition and anguish as a result? Don’t despair! God has not taken His blessing from you. He may not take you out of the storm, but he will give you peace in the midst of it. God is faithful! 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

Posted on by Will

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is secure!

Behind the Words

The word translated “persuaded” is the Greek word peithō, meaning “to persuade or convince someone.” This word is in the perfect tense implying past completed action with a continuing result, but with the emphasis on the result. So, Paul is not saying that this may be true, or that he thinks it is possible, rather he is saying that he has been persuaded and he is now absolutely convinced that this is true.

“Death” is from the Greek word thanatos. It can refer to physical death (the death of our physical bodies) or spiritual death (exclusion from the presence and favor of God). The base meaning of this word implies separation. Regarding physical death, it is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. With respect to spiritual death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the presence and favor of God.

The word “life” is from dzoē, which refers to “human life.” It can refer to our physical life or to eternal life.

“Angels” is a transliteration of angelos, meaning “messenger.” It is used in reference to any of God’s created spirit beings. The word “principalities” is from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings. “Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angels.

The word translated “things present” is enistēmi, meaning “something that exists now.” And “things to come” is from mellō, meaning “something that is about to be or to happen.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse thirty-five Paul asked the question, “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” We told you at that time that Paul would answer the question in a few verses. Well, here it is. This is the final explosion in his volcanic eruption of the glorious benefits of being an adopted child of God; in fact, there is so much here that it is spread out over two verses.

Paul starts out this verse with “For I am persuaded.” And what is it that he is absolutely convinced is true? That nothing can separate us from the love of God! You will notice that this list starts out with life and death. We cannot be separated by life or by death. The three words angelos, archē, and dunamis represent all of the angelic host, including faithful angels as well as fallen angels. It even includes Satan. Hence, no angelic being can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. The list includes things that exist as well as things that have not yet come into being but shall exist some day.

Application

We are saved by God and by God alone, and once we have been declared righteous (saved) by God, it cannot be undone!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 8:13 – Evidence of Faith

Posted on 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,

signature

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

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:e-mail address