ought – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: ought

Romans 15:1 – Strong or Weak

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Will

But we who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not simply please ourselves.

Truth to Learn

The strong in faith are obligated to help the weaker Christian.

Behind the Words

The word translated “strong” is dunatos, meaning “powerful or capable.” It refers to those who have the ability or authority to do something.

“Ought” is from the Greek verb opheilō, meaning “to be indebted.” Metaphorically, it means “to be bound or obligated to perform a duty.” The problem with the English word “ought” is that it is thought of as “we probably should.” The meaning of opheilō, however, is much stronger than that. It is not simply a suggestion, but an obligation.

The word “bear” is the translation of the verb bastadzō, which means “to raise up and put on a pedestal.” By application it means “to lift up and provide support.”

“Weaknesses” is translated from the Greek word asthenēma, which is from the same root as the verb astheneō, meaning “to be without strength.” The noun form in the current verse refers to “the results of being weak.” As the Complete Word Study Dictionary says, “it refers to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith.” The problem with this definition is that most of us don’t know what the word “scruples” really means. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition says that the word “scruple” means, “An uneasy feeling arising from conscience or principle that tends to hinder action.”

Meaning Explained

In talking about the weaknesses of the weak, Paul is referring to the uneasy feelings that those who are weak in faith have when they are presented with a spiritual decision that is beyond their maturity level. Because they are weak in faith, they don’t know what the proper response should be. In a similar situation, mature Christians will tend to err on the conservative side and not do that which they aren’t sure about (as Paul taught in the previous chapter). Those who are weak in the faith, however, are likely to go ahead and do that thing which they aren’t certain about because they don’t know any better.

Those of us who are more mature in our Christian faith should not insist that our weaker brother or sister do something that we know is appropriate and acceptable if they are not convinced it is. Instead, we should, for conscience sake, not do ourselves what our weaker brother thinks is inappropriate or unacceptable. In other words, we should bow our will to theirs instead of pleasing ourselves. It goes back to what Paul said in the previous chapter:

It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Romans 14:21)

If we always have the highest good of our brother or sister in view, then we will always be doing the right thing.

Application

The Christian who is young in the faith often looks to those who are older in the faith to develop his or her walk with the Lord. What kind of an example are you to Christian brothers and sisters around you? Are you lifting them up, or are you dragging them down?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Will

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you;

Truth to Learn

The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about.

Behind the Words

The word translated “know” is eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

“You ought” is from the Greek word dei, meaning “it is necessary.” It is a bold statement by Paul, for he is not saying “you could …” or even “you should.” He is saying “you need to follow our example.”

“Imitate” is translated from mimeomai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

The words “we were not disorderly” are from the word ou and the verb atakteō. Ou expresses absolute negation (the Greek word mē expressed conditional negation). Atakteō is from the same root as ataktos, which we saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to be disorderly.” It is used in a military sense, indicating soldiers who have broken ranks and are not following an orderly course of action.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul instructed the Christians in Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from those who are disorderly, those who are not demonstrating obedience to God. You may also recall that the main purpose of this letter was to correct teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. There had been people who falsely taught that this time of God’s vengeance had already begun.

Based on this verse and the following seven or eight verses, Paul appears to be teaching how to identify the difference between those who teach true doctrine and those who teach false doctrine. His first teaching in this regard is that Paul and his companions were not disorderly. And we will find out in the coming verses that they worked hard for what they had.

There are many preachers today who tell you what you want to hear. They claim that God wants you to be wealthy or that God wants you to be completely healed. They are very charismatic, presenting themselves as someone who can lead you out of your misery into an earthly life of peace and prosperity, and usually asking you to send them money “for their ministry.” Paul, on the other hand, was humble, apparently not very tall or charismatic, and supported his own ministry by working as a tent maker. Which of these two types of preachers do you want to follow as an example of Christian teaching and Christian living? Paul was bold enough to tell people, “Do as I do, not just as I say.”

Application

Who is your favorite preacher or Bible teacher? Is he someone who lives an exemplary life of a submitted servant? Does he just talk the talk, or does he also walk the walk?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 6:20 – Proclaim It Boldly!

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Will

for which I am an ambassador in a chain; that in it I might speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Truth to Learn

We need to boldly proclaim the Gospel message.

Behind the Words

Presbeuō is the Greek word translated “ambassador.” It literally means “to be an old man,” but it is used metaphorically to mean “a representative” or “an ambassador.”

“Chain” is from the Greek noun halusis, which refers to any kind of restraint for either the hands or feet (shackles, manacles, or chains). This particular word is most often used to describe a “coupling chain” which bound a prisoner hand-to-hand to a guarding soldier. Given that Paul wrote this letter from prison, it is likely that this is the type of chain he is referring to.

The words “I might speak boldly” are from the Greek verb parrēsiadzomai. This is the verb form of parrēsia, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “to speak openly” or “to speak boldly.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating the possibility or probability of such action.

“I ought” is translated from the Greek verb dei, which means “it needs to happen,” “it is necessary,” or “it is inevitable.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse the Apostle Paul expressed a prayer request that everyone reading this letter (and those hearing this letter read to them) might pray for him. Specifically, he requested that he might be given the words to speak regarding the mystery of the Gospel and that he might be given boldness to declare the message forthrightly. In today’s verse he tells us that it is because of the Gospel message that he is currently chained to a Roman soldier. Here’s how that came to be.

After Paul’s third missionary journey, he returned to Jerusalem to deliver an offering from the churches of Greece and Asia. He felt compelled to go there “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” even though he knew that he would be put in chains there (Acts 20:22-24). When reminded that he would be taken prisoner in Jerusalem, he told those around him that he was ready even to die for the Gospel (Acts 21:10-13).

While in Jerusalem, he was falsely accused of defiling the Temple, and he was put under protective custody. While in custody, the Lord told him that he must also proclaim the Gospel message in Rome (Acts 23:11). Then, because the Jews had plotted to kill him, Paul was taken to Caesarea so that he might appear before the Roman governor Felix, as well as his successor Porcius Festus. While appearing before Festus, Paul exercised his right of appeal as a Roman citizen to be judged at Caesar’s court in Rome. So, after having already been imprisoned for two years, he was sent to Rome. It was while in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier, that Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus. We see that quite literally, Paul was in chains because of his bold proclamation of the Gospel. Now he is asking for prayers so that he might continue to proclaim the Gospel with boldness, which he still feels compelled to do.

Application

How many of us are reluctant to proclaim the Gospel message because of what someone might think about us? Paul was ready to face prison and death to share the good news. We have peace and hope because Christ suffered and died, and now He is risen! Let us boldly proclaim the Gospel, just like Paul did!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:28 – Win-win Love

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Will

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his own wife loves himself.

Truth to Learn

As we love ourselves, so a husband should love his wife.

Behind the Words

The word translated “ought” is opheilō, which means “to be indebted” or “to be obligated.”

All three occurrences of “love” in this verse are forms of agape, which refers to “self-sacrificing actions focused on the good of the loved one.”

“Bodies” is from the Greek noun soma, which can refer to “our physical body” or metaphorically to “any organized whole made up of parts or members.”

Meaning Explained

After a couple of verses of describing the love that Christ has for His bride (His body), Paul now returns to the subject of men loving their wives. He tells us that husbands are obligated to love their own wives as their own body. There are several nuances to this teaching that are all equally true.

Paul has used the example of Christ’s love for His bride, the church. However, the church is also referred to as the “body of Christ.” Thus, all that is described here about the love that Christ has for His bride is also love that He has for His body. In the same manner, the husband should demonstrate love for his wife as his own body, which takes us to the second nuance of this teaching. As Paul will tell us a few verses from here, quoting from the Old Testament:

For this reason, a man shall leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

Since the marriage union makes a man and a woman one flesh (one body), then a man really is showing love to his own body when he demonstrates love to his wife.

The third nuance of this verse, and the one I believe Paul is focusing on here, is based on the fact that each one of us loves his or her own self. It is a part of who and what we are. When we get hungry, we feed ourselves. When we get thirsty, we take a drink. When we get cold, we turn up the heat or put on warmer clothing. We do all these things, and many more, without thinking about them. In fact, we love our bodies and the life that God has given us so much that we go into a natural panic and frenzy when that life is threatened.

In taking a swimming and lifesaving class many years ago, I learned that when someone is on the verge of drowning, they panic and flail their arms and legs about because they so desperately want to preserve their lives.

Paul’s point here is that we love our own body and this life so much that we will do anything to preserve our own health, safety, and comfort. Husbands, that’s the kind of love you should have for your wife. You should be so focused on her health, safety, and comfort that you take care of her needs without having to even think about them.

Application

This is one of those areas where, by being obedient to God, we make it easier for someone else to be obedient to God. Men if you consistently demonstrate real love for your wife, she will actually want to submit herself to you. Your obedience to God makes hers so much easier. That’s called win-win!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Will

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

Truth to Learn

The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about.

Behind the Words

“Follow” is translated from mimeomai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

Meaning Explained

Application

Who is your favorite preacher or Bible teacher? Is he someone who lives an exemplary life of a submitted servant? Does he just talk the talk, or does he also walk the walk?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 6:20 – Proclaim It Boldly!

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Will

for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Truth to Learn

We need to boldly proclaim the Gospel message.

Behind the Words

Presbeuō is the Greek word translated “ambassador.” It literally means “to be an old man,” but it is used metaphorically to mean “a representative” or “an ambassador.”

“Chains” is from the Greek noun halusis, which refers to any kind of restraint for either the hands or feet (shackles, manacles, or chains). This particular word is most often used to describe a “coupling chain” which bound a prisoner hand-to-hand to a guarding soldier.

The words “I may speak boldly” are from the Greek verb parrēsiadzomai. This is the verb form of parrēsia, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “to speak openly” or “to speak boldly.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating the possibility or probability of such action.

“I ought” is translated from the Greek verb dei, which means “it needs to happen,” “it is necessary,” or “it is inevitable.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:28 – Win-win Love

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Will

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

Truth to Learn

As we love ourselves, so a husband should love his wife.

Behind the Words

The word translated “ought” is opheilō, which means “to be indebted” or “to be obligated.”

All three occurrences of “love” in this verse are forms of agape, which refers to “self-sacrificing actions focused on the good of the loved one.”

“Bodies” is from the Greek noun soma, which can refer to “our physical body” or metaphorically to “any organized whole made up of parts or members.”

Meaning Explained

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

Since the marriage union makes a man and a woman one flesh (one body), then a man really is showing love to his own body when he demonstrates love to his wife.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 15:1 – Strong or Weak

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:1 – Strong or Weak

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Truth to Learn

The strong in faith are obligated to help the weaker Christian.

Behind the Words

The word translated “strong” is dunatos, meaning “powerful or capable.” It refers to those who have the ability or authority to do something.

The word “bear” is the translation of the verb bastadzō, which means “to raise up and put on a pedestal.” By application it means “to lift up and provide support.”

“Scruples” is translated from the Greek word asthenēma, which is from the same root as the verb astheneō, meaning “to be without strength.” The noun form in the current verse refers to “the results of being weak.” As the Complete Word Study Dictionary says, “it refers to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith.” The problem with this definition is that most of us don’t know what the word “scruples” really means. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition says that the word “scruple” means, “An uneasy feeling arising from conscience or principle that tends to hinder action.”

Meaning Explained

In talking about the scruples of the weak, Paul is referring to the uneasy feelings that those who are weak in faith have when they are presented with a spiritual decision that is beyond their maturity level. Because they are weak in faith, they don’t know what the proper response should be. In a similar situation, mature Christians will tend to err on the conservative side and not do that which they aren’t sure about (as Paul taught in the previous chapter). Those who are weak in the faith, however, are likely to go ahead and do that thing which they aren’t certain about because they don’t know any better.

It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Romans 14:21)

If we always have the highest good of our brother or sister in view, then we will always be doing the right thing.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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