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Romans 12:4 – Sacrificial Body Parts

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Will

For just as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

Truth to Learn

We are to function in the body of Christ as He chooses.

Behind the Words

Paul once again starts off the verse with “For” indicating that this and the following verse are closely linked to the previous verse.

The Greek word translated “just as” is kathaper, which is an adverb made up of katha, meaning “as” and per, meaning “very” or “very much.” Though this translates rather awkwardly into English as “very much as,” the notion in Greek is that there is about to be a comparison of two things that are very much like each other. He describes the first of these two things in this verse and the second one in the next verse.

The word translated “members” is the Greek word melos, which means “a limb or other body part.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us not to “over think” ourselves. That is, we are not to think of ourselves as more important or more elevated than we really are. After all, we are only what we are because God has made us thus. He now goes on to show us that our importance, yea our very identity, exists in relation to the body of Christ, the church. Paul uses the metaphor of a physical body to show this.

He tells us, “we have many members in one body.” In other words, there are many different body parts in our physical body. In the second part of this verse Paul states that all these body parts don’t have the same function. Each part is important to the health of the entire body in a different way.

Each one of us has a body that is made up of a whole bunch of parts; arms, legs, head, spine, eyes, skin, liver, mouth, heart, sweat glands, nasal mucous, finger nails, etc. Some of these are more attractive than others and some are more obvious than others. Some we don’t even notice until they go into hyperactive mode, and then we tend to dislike them because they produce unpleasant sensations. But – they are ALL very necessary and we would be handicapped without any one of them. The same is true of the body of Christ.

This is the crux of what Paul is going to be talking about in the next 12 verses. We each have a place in the body of Christ and God has individually gifted each one of us for our unique function with spiritual gifts. But before we get wrapped up in the discussions about spiritual gifts, let’s remember how Paul started this out.

I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

There is no use in continuing the discussion about spiritual gifts if we are not first, totally submitted to our Lord Jesus Christ and totally committed to serving Him in the position and capacity that He has chosen for us! If we have offered ourselves as living sacrifices then we no longer have a say in how God chooses to use us.

Application

Have you offered yourself up to God to be used in whatever manner He determines? Are you a living sacrifice, or are you still in control of your own life?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 7:23 – Captured, Then Confessed

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Will

But I see another law in my members, battling against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Truth to Learn

Because of the battle within us, we become captured by our sin nature, but confession sets us free.

Behind the Words

“Members” is from a Greek word we have seen before. It is melos, meaning “a limb or other part of the body.”

The word translated “battling against” is antistrateuomai, which is a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and strateuomai, which means “to make war (or battle) against a specific enemy.”

“Bringing me into captivity” is from aichmalotidzō, which means “to be taken away as a captive and made a prisoner of war.”

Meaning Explained

In verse 21 Paul said that he perceives an unwritten law that brings out evil in him whenever he is determined to do what is right. In verse 22 he said there is another law that he delights in: the Law of God. These are the two forces that are warring within him and within all of us. As we saw in the previous verse, these two forces are the “inner man” (the intellect of man) and the “old man” (the sin nature).

He now goes back to referring to these two opposing forces as laws, calling them the “law of my mind” (the intellect) and the “law of sin” (the sin nature). He aptly describes the conflict that occurs between these two as warfare. And, you will notice that Paul is astute enough to recognize that this is a warfare that is going on within his body. The two opposing forces have taken up residence in his (and our) physical body. These two opposing forces, these two laws, are at war specifically against each other and the battlefield is within our body.

He also recognizes that the law of sin is taking him captive and making him a prisoner of war. Hence, Paul is telling us that as the law of his mind, which delights in the Law of God (that is, obedience to God), and the law of sin (the sin nature) clash, the sin nature captures him, leads him away as a captive, and makes him a prisoner of war. In other words, his sin nature gains dominion over him.

I believe that this completely describes the battle that every Christian faces daily. We want to be obedient to God, we are determined to be obedient to our Heavenly Father and to please Him. But instead, we find ourselves succumbing to “the sin which so easily ensnares us” as Hebrews 12:1 calls it.

I don’t know about you, but I find that I get almost angry with myself knowing what I should do and, instead, doing what I know I shouldn’t do. As hard as I try I can’t overcome this enemy and it makes me feel guilty! Thank goodness for confession.

Application

Let us give thanks to God that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin! Though “our sins are like scarlet,” His blood washes them away completely so that we appear to God “as white as snow.” And we get that cleansing through confession, daily, hourly, minute-by-minute confession. For He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us – every time!

Now that’s grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:30 – God’s Body Love

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Will

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Truth to Learn

Christians are part of God’s body which He loves.

Behind the Words

“For” is translated from hoti, a Greek conjunction which can be used to demonstrate something further (translated as “that”) or to show a causal relationship (translated as “because” or “for”). The latter appears to be the case here.

“Members” is translated from the Greek word melos, which refers to “a limb or other part of a body.”

The word translated “body” is soma, which (as we learned back in verse twenty-eight) can refer to “a physical body” or to “any organized whole made up of parts or members.”

The phrase “of His flesh and of His bones” does not appear in the better Greek texts and probably should be omitted.

Meaning Explained

In order to fully understand this verse, we have to go back to verse twenty-five. In that verse we were told that a husband’s love for his wife is to be the same kind of love that Christ has for the church. That love was demonstrated at the cross, where Jesus sacrificed His life in order to sanctify (set-apart) and cleanse His bride (the church). Then, Paul identified the love of a man for his wife as the same as that which we all have for our own body. The love for our own body is demonstrated in the way we provide for nourishment and comfort, “just as the Lord does for the church.”

Paul starts off today’s verse with hoti, showing the cause, or reason, for Christ’s loving care for us. It is because we are part of His body that our Lord and Savior provides for our nourishment and comfort.

A husband’s love for his wife is to be like the love that Christ has for His bride (the church.) But Jesus’ bride is also His body. In a very real sense, the members of the church are physical members of Christ’s body. Christ is the head of the body, He directs and instructs us, but we are the ones who do the work of the ministry. Some members of the church are specifically gifted to reach out to those outside the body, while others are specifically gifted to minister to the health of the body. This is the same as our physical bodies. Some parts of our body (the arms and legs, for instance) perform work directed outside the body. Other parts of our body (internal organs, for instance) perform work directed within the body to keep the body healthy.

“But I thought we were talking about the love of a husband for his wife?” you might ask. Yes, we are, but one of the characteristics of Paul’s teaching is that he often intermingles the teaching of two subjects into one. Here he is teaching about what God expects of a husband in the marriage relationship, but he is also teaching something about the relationship between us and our Lord.

God loved us enough to sacrifice for us, to give us eternal life. But His love doesn’t stop there. He loves us as His own body, providing for our nourishment and comfort on a daily basis.

Application

Do you sometimes feel like God is distant and that He doesn’t care about what’s happening to you? Think again, my friend. You are part of His body, which He dearly loves and cares for. When I was a very young Christian, I heard an expression that has stuck with me ever since. It may not be a quote from the Bible, but remembering it should cause us all to look closely at our relationship with our God:

Does God seem to be far away? If so, who do you think moved?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Will

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," because we are members of one another.

Truth to Learn

Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” and ho, meaning “which.” Thus we see that dio literally means “through which.”

The words “putting away” are translated from the Greek verb apotithēmi, which in verse twenty-two we learned means “to put away or to take off.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle in the middle voice. Therefore, it is literally translated as “having already put away from yourself.”

“Speak” is from the verb laleō, which refers to “the utterance of words” or “talking.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “neighbor” is translated from plēsios, which is derived from pelos, meaning “near.” Plēsios refers to “someone who is close by” either physically or emotionally.

“Members” is from melos, which refers specifically to “a limb or other part of a body.”

Meaning Explained

In the past few verses we have been instructed that we are to put away from ourselves our sin nature and its ungodly desires. In its place we are to put on the new nature which God created for us when we were saved. Now we are told, having put away the lie which was part of that “old man,” we are to speak truth with each other as part of the “new man.” Once again, we see the Apostle’s teaching style of getting rid of something and replacing it with something else. His point is that instead of focusing on “not lying,” we are to focus on communicating truthfully with each other.

Paul ends this verse with an interesting comment. He says that “we are (body) members of one another.” You may recall that earlier in this chapter he told us that each of us is specially gifted to perform a function within the body of Christ, that is, the church. In verses fourteen and fifteen he instructed us that we should no longer be immature Christians, deceived by the trickery of men. Instead, we were told that we should speak the truth in love as we help the entire body grow. Therefore, it appears that today’s verse is specifically aimed at our communication with others within the body of Christ.

In the fourth century, John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, interpreted today’s verse this way.

Let not the eye lie to the foot, nor the foot to the eye. If there be a deep pit, and its mouth covered with reeds shall present to the eye the appearance of solid ground, will not the eye use the foot to ascertain whether it is hollow underneath, or whether it is firm and resists? Will the foot tell a lie, and not the truth as it is? And what, again, if the eye were to spy a serpent or a wild beast, will it lie to the foot?

Application

It is critically important that we exercise our spiritual gifts within the church to build up the body. It is just as critical, however, that we do so with complete honesty, not trying to deceive, but doing all that we do as an expression of love for our fellow Christians.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 4:1 – Roots of Conflict

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Will

Where do wars and controversy come from among you? Do they not come from your passions warring in your members?

Truth to Learn

Fighting and quarreling result from our own selfish desire for gratification.

Behind the Words

The opening word of this verse is pothen, which is an interrogative adverb. That is, it indicates the question, “From where?” It may imply “What is the place?” or it may imply “What is the cause?” as it does in this case.

The word translated “wars” is polemos and refers to warfare or fighting in general. The word translated “controversy” is the word machē, which refers to specific “battles, skirmishes, or controversies.”

“Among you” is translated from en humin, which literally translates as “in you (plural).” James is referring to the fighting and bickering within the church. How tragic!

The word translated “passions” is hēdonē (from which we get the word hedonism). This word means “sensual pleasure, enjoyment, or gratification.”

The verb translated “warring” is strateuomai, which means “to wage a military campaign.” It is expressed here as a participle in the middle voice, so it could be interpreted as “waging war with yourselves.”

“Members” is a word that we have seen previously. It is the Greek word melos, referring to a limb or other part of the body. In this case it is probably referring metaphorically to members of the Body of Christ (the Church.)

Meaning Explained

Being the practical person he is, James will focus this entire chapter on interpersonal problems that exist in the church. The church is not immune to problems and James wants us to see what causes them so we can overcome them. He has just taught about heavenly wisdom which is peaceable and the fruit of righteousness which is sown in peace. Unfortunately, such peace is often lacking, even in the church.

He tells us here that the source of wars and battles among people are the very desires for pleasure and personal gratification that each one of us has naturally. But it is not the mere possession of these desires that causes problems, rather it is the uncontrolled expression and pursuit of these pleasurable desires (the lusts, as we will see in the next verse).

James is using a complex metaphor here referring to the personal pleasure that wars “in your members.” By this expression he is referring not only to the battling that goes on inside each one of us, within our own bodies, but also the selfish battling that goes on between members of the body of Christ, the Church. And once again we see that problems, even within the church, are caused by focusing on ourselves and our own needs, instead of the needs of others.

Application

Are you at odds with someone in your church? James will tell us later how to eliminate these quarrels. For now, though, let’s recognize that the source of the issue is your own desire for gratification. Can you release that to God? Can you forgive the other person (and forget the offense ever happened) and give God all the glory?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:5 – The Kindling Tongue

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Will

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Truth to Learn

Our tongue may be small, but it can get us into big trouble if we don’t control it.

Behind the Words

“Even so” is translated from houtōs, which we have looked at before. It literally means “in this manner” or “in this way.” James is directly equating the effect of the little tongue with the little bridle or little rudder of the previous verses.

The word “member” is translated from melos, which refers to “a limb or member of the body.” And, “little” is translated from mikrōs (from which we get out word, micro), meaning “small or little.” So James is stating that the tongue is a small part of our body just as the rudder is a small part of a ship.

The expression “boasts great things” comes from the Greek word megalaucheō, which is a compound from megas, meaning “exceedingly great or large” and aucheō, meaning to talk big or boast.

The Greek word translated “forest” is hulē, which means “wood” or “a forest,” and also “the matter or raw material of which a thing is made.” James’ use of the word here is most likely a reference to a large forest of trees which can be consumes by fire started from a small flame.

The word at the end of the verse which is translated “little” is oligos, which means “puny” or “tiny.” Some manuscripts, however, don’t use this word. Instead, they say, “See what-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?” Though the various manuscripts use different words, they essentially mean the same thing.

Meaning Explained

Now James drops the hammer (in some cases perhaps, right on our toes)! Having just given us examples of little things which have tremendous influence over much larger things, he compares them with the tongue. He tells us that the tongue, though small compared to other parts of our bodies, makes itself out to be something great. James then uses yet another word picture to help us understand the danger of an uncontrolled tongue. The picture is of a great forest fire which is ignited by a very small flame. And, like ill spoken words from our mouth, once the fire has begun, it is difficult to stop.

It was just such improper use of the tongue by Doeg the Edomite which David talked about:

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. (Psalms 52:1-3)

Application

Do you have a problem with your tongue? If so, this is a very important chapter of the Bible for you. Pay close attention and let God speak directly to you. You will find out that you are not alone. In fact, all of us have problems with our words, some more than others. But don't just excuse it because we all do it, rather confront yourself and ask the Lord for His power in controlling your tongue!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:30 – God’s Body Love

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Will

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Truth to Learn

Christians are part of God’s body which He loves.

Behind the Words

“Members” is translated from the Greek word melos, which refers to “a limb or other part of a body.”

The word translated “body” is soma, which (as we learned back in verse twenty-eight) can refer to “a physical body” or to “any organized whole made up of parts or members.”

The phrase “of His flesh and of His bones” does not appear in some of the better Greek texts and probably should be omitted.

Meaning Explained

God loved us enough to sacrifice for us, to give us eternal life. But His love doesn’t stop there. He loves us as His own body, providing for our nourishment and comfort on a daily basis.

Application

Do you sometimes feel like God is distant and that He doesn’t care about what’s happening to you? Think again, my friend. You are part of His body, which He dearly loves and cares for.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Will

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

Truth to Learn

Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” and ho, meaning “which.” Thus we see that dio literally means “through which.”

“Speak” is from the verb laleō, which refers to “the utterance of words” or “talking.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “neighbor” is translated from plēsios, which is derived from pelos, meaning “near.” Plēsios refers to “someone who is close by” either physically or emotionally.

“Members” is from melos, which refers specifically to “a limb or other part of a body.”

Meaning Explained

In the fourth century, John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, interpreted today’s verse this way.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 12:4 – Sacrificial Body Parts

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Will

Romans 12:4 – Sacrificial Body Parts

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

Truth to Learn

We are to function in the body of Christ as He chooses.

Behind the Words

Paul once again starts off the verse with “For” indicating that this and the following verse are closely linked to the previous verse.

The Greek word translated “as” is kathaper, which is an adverb made up of katha, meaning “as” and per, meaning “very” or “very much.” Though this translates rather awkwardly into English as “very much as,” the notion in Greek is that there is about to be a comparison of two things that are very much like each other. He describes the first of these two things in this verse and the second one in the next verse.

The word translated “members” is the Greek word melos, which means “a limb or other body part.”

Meaning Explained

He tells us, “we have many members in one body.” In other words, there are many different body parts in the body of Christ. In the second part of this verse Paul states that all these body parts don’t have the same function. Each part is important to the health of the entire body in a different way.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Application

Have you offered yourself up to God to be used in whatever manner He determines? Are you a living sacrifice, or are you still in control of your own life?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 7:23 – Captured, Then Confessed

Posted on May 13, 2010 by Will

Romans 7:23

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Truth to Learn

Because of the battle within us, we become captured by our sin nature, but confession sets us free.

Behind the Words

“Members” is from a Greek word we have seen before. It is melos, meaning “a limb or other part of the body.”

The word translated “warring against” is antistrateuomai, which is a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and strateuomai, which means “to make war against a specific enemy.”

“Bringing me into captivity” is from aichmalotidzō, which means “to be taken away as a captive and made a prisoner of war.”

Meaning Explained

In verse 21 Paul said that he perceives an unwritten law that brings out evil in him whenever he is determined to do what is right. In verse 22 he said there is another law that he delights in: the Law of God. These are the two forces that are warring within him and in all of us. As we saw in the previous verse, these two forces are the “inner man” (the intellect of man) and the “old man” (the sin nature).

I don’t know about you, but I find that I get almost angry with myself knowing what I should do and, instead, doing what I know I shouldn’t do. As hard as I try I can’t overcome this enemy and it sometimes makes me feel guilty! Thank goodness for confession.

Application

Now that’s grace!

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: