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Matthew 2:11 – God Meets Our Needs

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Will

And having come into the house, they saw the young child with His mother Mary, and falling down, they worshiped Him. And opening their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Truth to Learn

Read your Bible carefully and watch God provide for you.

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable.

The word “young child” is translated from paidion, which we also saw back in verse nine. It is the diminutive of the word pais, meaning “a child.” Thus, paidion literally means “a little child.” It can refer to anything from an infant to a young boy or girl. However, the word brephos, used in Luke 2:16 refers to “an unborn child or a new born child.”

The word translated “treasures” is thēsauros, which refers to “something of great value.” As used here, it probably refers to the receptacle or box that the valuable things were carried in.

Chrusos is the word translated “gold.” It can refer to anything made out of gold, or it can refer figuratively to anything of great value.

“Frankincense” is from libanos, which refers to a tree or the highly valued transparent and fragrant incense that is produced from its sap. It has been discovered that frankincense was a valuable healing agent as well.

“Myrrh” is translated from smyrna, a bitter tasting but fragrant substance from the sap of the small, thorny smyrna bush. Like frankincense, myrrh has been found to be a valuable healing agent.

Meaning Explained

Most nativity scenes show three kings offering gifts to the Christ child who is lying in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. However, a careful examination of the text along with Luke 2:21, 22 and Leviticus 12:1-8 reveals that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth in order to fulfill the law. If the Magi had come to the stable, since Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with Jesus immediately after the Magi departed, there wouldn’t have been time for the purification. Also note that verse eleven says “having come into the house …” And notice that Luke refers to Jesus in the manger as a newborn child, whereas Matthew here calls Him a young child. Based on these facts, it is obvious that the magi did not come to the stable where Jesus was born, but to the house in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were staying.

Have you ever wondered why God would have these magi present such valuable gifts to the young King of the Jews? Consider this: immediately after the magi left, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream that he, Mary, and the baby should flee to Egypt. In Egypt they would be foreigners, and as a carpenter Joseph would not likely be able to sustain the family through his profession. The precious gifts would provide for this young family while they were in Egypt.

Application

There are two things of particular note in this passage of Scripture. The first is that we are sometimes misled by traditions that have been handed down to us. Nearly all nativity scenes show the three magi offering gifts to Jesus in the manger. Traditions can be misleading.

The other thing is that God knows what we need before we do. A number of times in my life I received unexpected “extra” money only to have a need show up right afterward. I used to complain about these unexpected needs, feeling that it wasn’t fair that I had to use the recently received “riches” to pay for these newly acquired “necessities.” Now, instead of complaining, I realize that God is providing me with what I need, just as I need it and I thank Him for His loving provision.

On this Christmas day, let’s thank God for the Christmas gift of a precious little baby, who was given to us, not because we asked for it, but because He knew what we needed it and He gave it to us at just the right time!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 4:17 – Fatherly Chastening

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Will

For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Truth to Learn

As His child, God will chasten you because He loves you.

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which literally means “a dwelling place.” However, in the Old Testament and the New Testament alike the word for house is often used to refer to the family. An example of this is when God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai:

And Moses went up to God, and Jehovah called to him out of the mountain, saying, You shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the sons of Israel: (Exodus 19:3)

Moses was not being commanded to speak to a building, but to the family of Jacob.

Meaning Explained

Much has been written from varying viewpoints on the meaning of today’s verse. Some have said that this refers to God’s method of dealing with His people (the Jews) in times past. Though His judgment was on the entire body of people, He seems to have always started by judging the more righteous first before proceeding to the less righteous and then the wicked. Others have argued that the term “house of God” refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem and that Peter was predicting the destruction of the temple which was soon to come.

But Peter says that judgement begins “with us,” which is a reference to Christians, not Jews. Therefore, it is more reasonable that Peter is telling us that Christians, as God’s children, will be judged first. That is, we will receive chastisement from the Him when we get off track and stray from His way.

“But,” you may say, “I thought that our sins were already judged and paid for at the cross.” It is true that all of our sins have been paid for, past, present, and future. In fact, it is only because of this that God can now deal with us as children rather than sinners. When we sin, we do not lose our salvation, but we do break our fellowship with Him. Confession is what restores that fellowship. Sometimes, though, we lie to ourselves regarding our sinfulness and, as a result, don’t confess our sins. At times like this God often steps in and judges (chastens) us like a loving father. We need to learn to recognize God’s chastening and respond to it with humility, submission, and confession.

In today’s verse Peter goes on to say that if the judgment begins with those who have obeyed the gospel message, and we receive chastening as from a father, what will it be like for those who have rejected the gospel message?

Application

God has a place of final judgment (the lake of fire) for all who reject the truth about Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then you need not fear the Lake of Fire. However, as His child, your Heavenly Father will allow times of trial in your life to strengthen your faith and test your submission to Him. Is your time of trial right now God’s chastening? If so, get on your knees and deal with it, giving God the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Matthew 2:11 – God Meets Our Needs

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Will

Truth to Learn

Read your Bible carefully and watch God provide for you.

Behind the Words

The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable.

Chrusos is the word translated “gold.” It can refer to anything made out of gold, or it can refer figuratively to anything of great value.

“Myrrh” is translated from smyrna, a bitter tasting but fragrant substance from the sap of the small, thorny smyrna bush. Like frankincense, myrrh has been found to be a valuable healing agent.

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:16 – More Baptisms

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Will

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

Truth to Learn

Baptism is not to be a source of bragging or arguing.

Behind the Words

The word translated “yes” is the Greek conjunction de, which is most often translated as “and” or “but.” The purpose of his use of this word here is to tie the baptisms of the household of Stephanas to those of Crispus and Gaius.

“Household” is from the Greek noun oikos which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house.” It is used here not to refer to the physical structure, but to those who dwell there.

The word “besides” is translated from loipos, which means “that which remains” or “as to the remaining ones.”

Eidō is the verb translated “know.” It literally means “to see with perception,” that is, “to know or understand.”

Meaning Explained

You will recall that Paul is addressing the issues of divisions and factions within the church in Corinth. Apparently these divisions began with certain people claiming that they were baptized by Paul, thus making themselves out to be someone special. Therefore, Paul makes a point of the fact that he baptized very few people in that church. A couple of verses back he admitted to having baptized Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, and Gaius who apparently provided housing for Paul and also allowed the church to meet in his house. It is interesting that Paul mentions the household of Stephanas after his comments of the previous verse and not in the same sentence with Crispus and Gaius. It is possible that the scribe who wrote this letter as Paul was dictating it, reminded him of the household of Stephanas.

What do we know about this man named Stephanas? Very little. The only other mention of him occurs at the end of this letter where Paul refers to his household as “the firstfruits of Achaia” and indicates that he was one of the three who had come to him in Ephesus:

I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. (1 Corinthians 16:15-17)

Because of the mention of his household, some have speculated that Stephanas was the jailer who, along with his household, was converted in Philippi. This was the claim of some of the early Greek writers. However, if Stephanas was converted in Philippi (in Macedonia, northern Greece), then it is unlikely that Paul would have referred to him and his household as “firstfruits of Achaia” which is in southern Greece. It is more likely that Stephanas and his household were among the first converts in Corinth and, therefore, Stephanas was not the Philippian jailer.

Application

Baptism is an important part of any Christian’s life, but neither the mode of baptism nor the person who performed it is anything to brag or argue about.

In God's service, for His glory,

Matthew 2:1, 2, 9-11 – Kings at the Manger?

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Will

Matthew 2:1,2, 9-11 – Kings at the Manger?

¹Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

⁹When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Behind the Words

The words “wise men” are translated from the Greek magos, which refers to a priest or wise man among the Medes, Persians and Babylonians. In Daniel 2:48 you will find that Daniel was made the leader of the magi (plural form of magos). It is believed by some that these magi were following a prophesy of Daniel which predicted the birth of the king of the Jews.

The expression “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” loses its effect in English, because we tend to read it as “they were glad.” However, it is much more than that. It is translated from the Greek echarēsan charan megalēn sphodra. Echarēsan is the verb form of charis, which means “delight or joy.” The verb form means to express that joy, hence, “rejoice.” The next word, charan is also a form of charis. When Greek repeats a word in both verb and noun form it implies intensity. In English we would say, they joyfully rejoiced. The next word, megalēn is a form of megas, meaning “large” or “great.” Here it is describing charis, so it is saying “they joyfully rejoiced greatly.” The word sphodra, means “to a high degree.” Putting this all together we get, “they joyfully rejoiced exceedingly greatly.” It expresses the utmost in joyful exuberance!

Meaning Explained

Also, note that verse eleven says “when they (the Magi) had come into the house …” The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable. Finally, the word translated “young Child” in verse eleven is not the word that means “new born infant,” it simply means “baby.”

Application

Many of the things we think we know about these magi are, in fact, either speculation or downright untrue. We don’t know if they were kings (they probably weren’t). We don’t know how many of them there were. We don’t know their names! And, they didn’t come to the stable! But we do know that they were seeking a prophetically foretold king of the Jews and that they got incredibly excited when they knew they were about to come into His presence.

Is this how you see the baby who came into this world to die for your sins? Is this how you view God? Get excited about Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 7:17 – Victory Through Surrender

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Will

Romans 7:17

But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Truth to Learn

There is a battle going on within us that requires surrender.

Behind the Words

The word translated “dwells” is the Greek word oikousa, which is a participial form of oikos, meaning “a dwelling place or a house.” Oikousa means “living somewhere as a permanent residence, as opposed to a temporary residence.”

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul lamented, “For that which I am determined to do I don’t always do but, on the other hand, that which I hate to do I keep on doing” [my translation]. In the current verse he appears to absolve himself of any responsibility. What does he mean when he says, “it is no longer I who do it”? We have to refer back to verse fifteen to answer this. There he said, “For what I determine to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” You see that it is Paul’s will (determination to do good) versus his actions that he is talking about. So, in the current verse he says that in his inner most self his greatest desire is to do good, but this gets overpowered by the sin that dwells in him.

Now, what does he mean when he says that sin “dwells in me?” Paul is telling us that sin has taken up a permanent residence in him (and us); therefore, the natural propensity to sin is a permanent part of our human bodies. We can’t get away from it and we can’t overcome it. So we’re not responsible when we sin, right? Wrong!

Before we were saved, this was true; we had no choice but to sin. But now that we have been saved, we have someone else living inside us. Romans 8:9 says, “But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells (the same word as in Romans 7:17) in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Also in 1 Corinthians 3:16 he says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells (the same word as in Romans 7:17) in you?”

When we were saved, a marvelous thing happened. God the Father gave us a token to guarantee His promise to redeem us, a seal of our salvation (see Ephesians 1:13, 14) . That token, that seal, that guarantee is the 3^rd person of the Godhead, God the Holy Spirit. God is actually dwelling in us. That’s one reason that we are told that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will always be with us because He dwells in us, that is, He has taken up permanent residence in us.

Now consider this, of the two that dwell within us, our sin nature (which Paul has been talking about here) and God, which do you think is stronger? “Well, that’s obvious!” you say. “God is stronger!”

You are absolutely correct. As we yield ourselves to God, as we surrender our will to His, He has control and He overcomes our sin nature. But, when we take the reins of our own lives, when it is our will that is calling the shots, our sin nature takes control because it is stronger than we are.

Application

He (or she) who desires to please God must continually surrender his or her will to God. That is the only way we can live a victorious life!

Is your will completely surrendered to God today?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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