Tag: peitho

Romans 15:14 – Christ-like Living

Posted on by Will

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians behave in a Christ-like manner.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “confident” is the Greek verb peithō, which means “to be persuaded or convinced.” It is in the perfect tense indicating a state of being that is the result of past completed action. The force of his statement is increased by the fact that in the Greek this is the first word of the sentence. It’s as if he were saying, “I have been persuaded and am convinced concerning you my brothers.”

“Admonish” is from noutheteō, which is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” and a form of tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Hence, it means “to place in the mind” or “to remind.”

 

Meaning Explained

At this point Paul is finished with his doctrinal teaching for the church at Rome, some of which has been very direct and forceful. He now proceeds to explain to them why he has written the epistle and to state the confidence that he has in them. He has opposed some of their strongest prejudices since the beginning of the fourteenth chapter and has prayed that they may have joy and peace. Now, in order to ensure their obedience to what he has taught them, he shows the deep interest that he has for their continuing welfare, though he had never met them.

He states in this verse why he has such confidence that they will take his teaching in the proper manner. He starts off with, “Now I myself am confident concerning you.”

And what is he confident of? He’s confident that the Christians in Rome are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish each other. He is confident that their actions demonstrate, and that their reputation reveals, the fact that they are good people. Now, we know Paul teaches that there is none who is righteous apart from the grace of God, but these people when stacked up against the people around them are “good people.” He also tells them that he is confident that they are full of knowledge. In other words, Paul knows that they are growing and learning Christians as opposed to others like those he pointed out in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus,

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful scheming, (Ephesians 4:14)

Finally, Paul told the Christians at Rome that he is convinced that they are able to admonish one another. In other words, they are spiritually mature enough to recognize error in their midst and address it with one another in a firm but loving way. None of us likes to be told that we are wrong, but apparently the Christians in Rome were able to mix firmness and love in a way that was building-up the body rather than tearing it down.

 

Application

The Christians in Rome were, for the most part, behaving in a Christ-like manner. These people, living in the midst of one of the most pagan cultures ever, were letting the light of Christ shine through them. Do people around you recognize the light of Jesus Christ shining in you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 14:14 – Personally Forbidden

Posted on by Will

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Truth to Learn

What God forbids for me He may not forbid for you.

 

Behind the Words

“Know” is from the Greek verb eidō, which primarily means “to see.” However, it does not mean to simply to have a visual experience (that would be the Greek verb blepō), but to see with perception. Thus, eidō refers to the visual perception as well as the mental perception (understanding) of some truth or fact.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense which, in Greek, refers to completed action with a resulting state of being where the emphasis is on the resulting state of being.

The word translated “persuaded” is peithō, which means “to be persuaded or to be convinced.” This verb is also expressed in the perfect tense. So what Paul is saying is, “I have perceived and have been persuaded; therefore, I know and am convinced.”

“Unclean” is from the Greek adjective koinos, which means “that which is available to all” or “common.” Those things which were forbidden by the Law of Moses were available to the “common” people. Therefore, calling something “common” was the same as declaring it as “unclean” or “forbidden by the Law.”

The word “considers” is translated from logidzomai, which means “to reason, to impute, or to consider.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now gets back to the original topic with which he started off this chapter: whether we should abstain from certain foods or not. He begins this verse by making a strong statement of conviction. He says, “I know and am convinced.”  So, what is Paul so convinced about? He is convinced that “there is nothing unclean of itself.” The law abiding Jews were forbidden from eating certain foods, which all the rest of mankind were allowed to eat. Since all the common (non-Jewish) people ate this forbidden food it was referred to as common food meaning unclean or forbidden food. But, Paul is now saying that he is convinced that nothing is unclean, or forbidden, in and of itself.

He begins the next phrase with the Greek words ei me, which mean “except, unless, or but.” His teaching, therefore, is that even though nothing is unclean in and of itself, if a brother or sister is convicted by God that a certain food or activity is unclean then to him or her it is indeed unclean.

When I was first saved I liked to play pool, a lot! In fact, I spent nearly every waking moment at the pool table. God convicted me about the fact that pool had become more important to me than a relationship with Him. For me, playing pool was unclean, and I had to completely abstain from it in order to learn to get my focus on God. Many years later, after my walk with God had matured, I found that it was no longer wrong for me to play pool. God used this in my life to demonstrate how important it is not to let anything get in the way of my close walk with Him.

 

Application

Is there something in your life today that is unclean? Something which has come between you and a close fellowship with God? What are you going to do about it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

Posted on by Will

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 will separate us from the love of Christ, 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 © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 2:19 – Shine the Light

Posted on by Will

and are convinced that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Truth to Learn

Biblical truth is a light to those in darkness. We must share it.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “convinced” is peithō, meaning “to convince.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with an ongoing effect with the emphasis on the effect. Hence, these Christians are convinced themselves that they are guides to the (spiritually) blind and a light to those who are in darkness.

“Guide” is from the Greek word hodēgos, which is made up of hodos, meaning “a way or a path” and a form of hēgeomai, meaning “to lead.” Therefore, you can see that this word refers to one who leads the way.

The word “blind” is translated from the noun form of the verb tuphloō, meaning “to envelop with smoke” or “to be unable to see clearly.” This word is used to describe someone who cannot see but it is also used metaphorically to refer to someone who does not understand some truth.

 

Meaning Explained

Not only were these Christians in Rome proud of their Jewish heritage and the fact that they had the Law as their guide into spiritual truths, they also believed themselves to be the only ones possessing God’s truth. Because of this, they believed that they were better informed with regard to spiritual truths and, therefore, were the only ones truly able to provide spiritual insight to the Gentiles.

Boy, talk about arrogance! Unfortunately, there are a number of people in Bible believing churches today that have that same attitude. Just because we have the truth in the Bible and have been instructed by great Biblical teachers does not mean that we are any better than anyone else. Let us guard against this sinful arrogance. An interesting thing to note is that the message of salvation was first given to the Jews, according to Jesus. Here’s what He said to a Samaritan woman:

You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.  (John 4:22)

However, the Jews forgot that their purpose was to share the good news of salvation, not hoard it to themselves.

The apostle Paul realized that he had a precious message (the truth of the gospel) and that he needed to share it with everyone. However he did not consider himself as better than others or even as more important. On the contrary, he felt that he had an obligation to preach the gospel and that he would be judged if he did not preach it. Here’s what he said in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth:

For if I preach the gospel, no glory is to me, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!  (1 Corinthians 9:16)

He knew that the truth he had learned about God was precious, but he did not let himself get arrogant about it. Instead, he shared the gospel message to anyone who would listen.

 

Application

Don’t hoard the truth. Let’s all share the gospel and other truths in the Bible, but let’s do it with a humble heart, submitted to the God of the Bible and giving Him the glory.

It’s what we all have been commanded to do!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 2:8 – Self-serving Fools

Posted on by Will

but to those who are self-seeking and do not believe the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,

Truth to Learn

Those who selfishly reject God will experience His wrath.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “self-seeking” is eritheia. It is based on a noun that means “to work for hire” or “to work for a wage.” The verb form is usually in the middle voice meaning that it is something that is done to (and by) oneself. When used as a noun in a negative sense, as it is in today’s verse, it refers to “someone who is seeking his own good.” It is sometimes translated as “contentious.” Clearly, it is used here in reference to someone who is only looking out for himself or herself.

The word translated “do not believe” is the Greek word apeitheō, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of peithō, meaning “to convince or persuade.” Hence, apeitheō refers to “one who is not allowing himself or herself to be persuaded or to believe.”

The word “obey” is also translated from the root peithō. It is expressed here as a participle in the middle voice, so it could be translated here as “convincing themselves.”

 

Meaning Explained

We talked in the previous verse about the judgment of the righteous ones who will receive everlasting life because of their belief in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Today’s verse gives a contrasting picture of the unrighteous unbelievers (all unbelievers are unrighteous in God’s eyes).

We could translate the opening part of this verse as, “but to those who are self-seeking and not being persuaded by the truth but persuading themselves by unrighteousness …”

Whereas we, through our patient endurance, will receive eternal life, those who are self-seeking and not persuaded by the truth will receive the anger and wrath of God. We see here another example of Paul’s frequent play on words. They are not persuaded (apeitheō) by the truth, so they persuade themselves (peithō) by unrighteousness.

Do you see the attitude of the unbeliever in this verse? Those who reject the good news of Christ’s death on the cross in payment for their sins, refuse to believe. They refuse to be persuaded that they are sinners and need salvation. Why? Because they are self seeking and unwilling to submit themselves to the truth and to the God of truth. Remember what Paul said in the previous chapter of this letter?

because, having known God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but their reasonings became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:21, 22)

And what will these self-serving fools receive when they stand before the God of creation? The wrath and anger of the Almighty, Holy, Righteous GOD whom they deny!

 

Application

We have the antidote for this wrath; it’s called the gospel message, and we need to proclaim it to everyone who will listen. It’s not up to us to force anyone to believe, but it is up to us to proclaim the truth, whether they believe it or not.

 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:4 – Obey Your Commander

Posted on by Will

And we are persuaded in the Lord concerning you, both that the things we command you, you both do and will do.

Truth to Learn

It’s up to Him and He is faithful. But, it’s also up to us to do our part.

 

Behind the Words

“We are persuaded” is translated from the Greek verb peithō, which, as we learned in the previous verse, means “to win over” or “to persuade.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the ongoing effect. Therefore, Paul is saying “we were persuaded (in the past) and now have belief (confidence) …”

Parangellō is the Greek word translated “command.” It is composed of para, meaning “near” or “beside” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to declare.” It is used in a military sense of “relaying an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.”

The words “you … do” and “you will do” are from the verb poieō, which means “to make” or “to do.” In the first case it is expressed in the present tense, and in the second case it is expressed in the future tense. Thus, Paul is saying “… that you do now and you will do in the future …”

 

Meaning Explained

In the first chapter of this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul commended them on the manner in which their faith was growing exceedingly and in the love which they demonstrated towards each other. He also encouraged them that God would take vengeance against those who persecuted them. In the second chapter, he cleared up some confusion they had concerning the Day of the Lord and explained why that time had not yet arrived. In this third chapter, Paul is giving them (and us) some practical teaching regarding how to have a profitable and fruitful Christian walk.

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the Apostle Paul is making a play on words here regarding the Greek word pistis (faith). In verse two he stated that “… not all have faith.” Then in yesterday’s verse he said, “but the Lord is faithful …” Now he states, “and we have confidence (faith) …” He is clearly showing that a fruitful Christian life is based not just on the working of God but also on our own responsibility. God will guard us and protect us from the evil one, but we have to do our part in faithfully performing the things that are commanded of us.

A fruitful and rewarding Christian walk is not easy. Any Christian who says he or she doesn’t daily have battles against his or her sin nature and the schemes of our adversary is deluding himself or herself. Once we have believed the truth about our own sinfulness and have accepted the payment that Jesus Christ made for us with his blood, we don’t simply float through life with bliss and ease. The day of our salvation did not mark the end our troubles and battles in life, it marked the beginning. God has done his part and He will continue to guard our salvation, but it is up to us to make this new life count for Him.

 

Application

If you are a born again Christian, then you are facing struggles and battles right now. We all do! They may be big or they may be small, but don’t despair and don’t give up. God is doing His part; you have to do yours.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 3:3 – Bridling Power

Posted on by Will

Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

Truth to Learn

A small thing like a horse’s bridle wields great influence over the entire body of the horse. Likewise, our tongue, though small, has great power both for good and for evil.

 

Behind the Words

In the Greek text this sentence begins, “But if the horses…” By this construction, it puts “horses” in the emphatic position, not “bits.” James is using horses as an example of something large which is controlled by something small.

The word translated “bits” is chalinos, which we identified as part of a compound word in the previous verse. It refers to a bridle which is fastened around a horse’s head. This bridle contains a piece called a bit which goes into the horse’s mouth and it is this bit which exerts the persuasive force on the horse, causing it to turn or to stop.

Peithō is the Greek word translated “obey.” It literally means “to persuade” or “to convince.” In other words as it is used here it refers to firm persuasion rather than forced obedience. This is a subtle difference, but a significant one.

“Turn” is translated from metagō, which is made up of meta, meaning “a change in place or position” and agō, meaning “to lead.” So, it means “to lead to a different place or position.”

 

Meaning Explained

James, being the practical teacher that he is, gives us a real world example of what he is talking about. This is the first of two illustrations of how something large is easily controlled by something small. He shows us that we can control a horse, an animal much bigger that we are, simply by putting a bridle in its mouth. That little bridle is used to turn the entire body and to persuade the horse to go where we want it to.

In today’s modern, automobile oriented society we don’t have encounters with horses very often. I recall an experience several years back when we were in a field with a number of horses. The owners, who were with is, told us not to be concerned because the horses were very gentle. Unfortunately, the horses got spooked by our dog, turned away from us, and began kicking in our direction. All we could do was run. These animals were significantly larger and stronger than we were. They behaved very aggressively toward us and we had no control over them. And yet, when fitted with a bridle, these same large animals became gentle and easily controlled.

When it comes to the tongue, even King David recognized the necessity of a bridle (or muzzle):

I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me." (Psalms 39:1)

In the previous verse James introduced the concept of being able to control our entire body if we can control our tongue. His point here is that controlling the entire body is easy if we control our tongue, just like controlling a large horse is easy if we have control of the bridle.

 

Application

We have all had times when we wished we could take back something that we said. Words are powerful and can be used for good or for evil. Let us all commit to putting more effort into bridling our tongue. Then, may the use of our tongues be for the glory of God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:4 – Obey Your Commander

Posted on by Will

And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

Truth to Learn

It’s up to Him and He is faithful. But, it’s also up to us to do our part.

Behind the Words

“We have confidence” is translated from the Greek verb peithō, which, as we learned in the previous verse, means “to win over” or “to persuade.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the ongoing effect. Therefore, Paul is saying “we were persuaded (in the past) and now have belief (confidence) …”

The words “you do” and “you will do” are from the verb poieō, which means “to make” or “to do.” In the first case it is expressed in the present tense, and in the second case it is expressed in the future tense. Thus, Paul is saying “… that you do now and you will do in the future …”

Parangellō is the Greek word translated “command.” It is composed of para, meaning “near” or “beside” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to declare.” It is used in a military sense of “relaying an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.”

Meaning Explained

In the first chapter of this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul commended them on the manner in which their faith was growing exceedingly and in the love which they demonstrated towards each other. He also encouraged them that God would take vengeance against those who persecuted them. In the second chapter, he cleared up some confusion they had concerning the Day of the Lord and explained why that time had not yet arrived. In this third chapter, Paul is giving them (and us) some practical teaching regarding how to have a profitable and fruitful Christian walk.

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the Apostle Paul is making a play on words here regarding the Greek word pistis (faith). In verse two he stated that “… not all have faith.” Then in yesterday’s verse he said, “but the Lord is faithful …” Now he states, “and we have confidence (faith) …” He is clearly showing that a fruitful Christian life is based not just on the working of God but also on our own responsibility. God will guard us and protect us from the evil one, but we have to do our part in performing the things that are commanded of us.

A fruitful and rewarding Christian walk is not easy. Any Christian who says he or she doesn’t daily have battles against his or her sin nature and the schemes of our adversary is deluding himself or herself. Once we have believed the truth about our own sinfulness and have accepted the payment that Jesus Christ made for us with his blood, we don’t simply float through life with bliss and ease. The day of our salvation did not mark the end our troubles and battles in life, it marked the beginning. God has done his part and He will continue to guard our salvation, but it is up to us to make this new life count for Him.

Application

If you are a born again Christian, then you are facing struggles and battles right now. We all do! They may be big or they may be small, but don’t despair and don’t give up. God is doing His part; you have to do yours.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 15:14 – Christ-like Living

Posted on by Will

Romans 15:14 – Christ-like Living

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians behave in a Christ-like manner.

Behind the Words

The word translated “concerning” is the Greek verb peithō, which means “to be persuaded or convinced.” It is in the perfect tense indicating a state of being that is the result of past completed action. The force of his statement is increased by the fact that in the Greek this is the first word of the sentence. It’s as if he were saying, “I have been persuaded and am convinced concerning you my brethren.”

“Admonish” is from noutheteō, which is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” and a form of tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Hence, it means “to place in the mind” or “to remind.”

Meaning Explained

At this point Paul is finished with his doctrinal teaching for the church at Rome, some of which has been very direct and forceful. He now proceeds to explain to them why he has written the epistle and to state the confidence that he has in them. He has opposed some of their strongest prejudices since the beginning of the fourteenth chapter and has prayed that they may have joy and peace. Now, in order to ensure their obedience to what he has taught them, he shows the deep interest that he has for their continuing welfare, though he had never met them.

He states in this verse why he has such confidence that they will take his teaching in the proper manner. He starts off with, “Now I myself am confident concerning you.”

And what is he convinced of? He’s convinced that the Christians in Rome are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish each other. He is convinced that their actions demonstrate, and that their reputation reveals, the fact that they are good people. Now, we know Paul teaches that there is none who is righteous apart from the grace of God, but these people when stacked up against the people around them are “good people.” He also tells them that he is convinced that they are full of knowledge. In other words, Paul knows that they are growing and learning Christians as opposed to others like those he pointed out to the Christians at Ephesus,

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (Ephesians 4:14)

Finally, Paul told the Christians at Rome that he is convinced that they are able to admonish one another. In other words, they are spiritually mature enough to recognize error in their midst and address it with one another in a firm but loving way. None of us likes to be told that we are wrong, but apparently the Christians in Rome were able to mix firmness and love in a way that builds-up the body rather than tearing it down.

Application

The Christians in Rome were, for the most part, behaving in a Christ-like manner. These people, living in the midst of one of the most pagan cultures ever, were letting the light of Christ shine through them. Do people around you recognize the light of Jesus Christ shining in you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

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Romans 14:14 – Personally Forbidden

Posted on by Will

Romans 14:14 – Personally Forbidden

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Truth to Learn

What God forbids for me He may not forbid for you.

Behind the Words

“Know” is from the Greek verb eidō, which primarily means “to see.” However, it does not mean to simply to have a visual experience (that would be the Greek verb blepō), but to see with perception. Thus, eidō refers to the visual perception as well as the mental perception (understanding) of some truth or fact.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense which, in Greek, refers to completed action with a resulting state of being where the emphasis is on the resulting state of being.

The word translated “persuaded” is peithō, which means “to be persuaded or to be convinced.” This verb is also expressed in the perfect tense. So what Paul is saying is, “I have perceived and have been persuaded; therefore, I know and am convinced.”

“Unclean” is from the Greek adjective koinos, which means “that which is available to all” or “common.” Those things which were forbidden by the Law of Moses were available to the “common” people. Therefore, calling something “common” was the same as declaring it as “unclean” or “forbidden by the Law.”

The word “considers” is translated from logidzomai, which means “to reason, to impute, or to consider.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now gets back to the original topic with which he started off this chapter: whether we should abstain from certain foods or not. He begins this verse by making a strong statement of conviction. He says, “I know and am convinced.”  So, what is Paul so convinced about? He is convinced that “there is nothing unclean of itself.” The law abiding Jews were forbidden from eating certain foods, which all the rest of mankind were allowed to eat. Since all the common (non-Jewish) people ate this forbidden food it was referred to as common food meaning unclean or forbidden food. But, Paul is now saying that he is convinced that nothing is unclean, or forbidden, in and of itself.

He begins the next phrase with the Greek words ei me, which mean “except, unless, or but.” His teaching, therefore, is that even though nothing is in and of itself unclean, if a brother or sister is convicted by God that a certain food or activity is unclean then to him or her it is indeed unclean.

When I was first saved I liked to play pool, a lot! In fact, I spent nearly every waking moment at the pool table. God convicted me about the fact that pool had become more important to me than a relationship with Him. For me, playing pool was unclean, and I had to completely abstain from it in order to learn to get my focus on God. Many years later, after my walk with God had matured, I found that it was no longer wrong for me to play pool. God used this in my life to demonstrate how important it is not to let anything get in the way of my close walk with Him.

Application

Is there something in your life today that is unclean? Something which has come between you and a close fellowship with God? What are you doing about it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 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: