Tag: proistemi

Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving

Posted on by Will

the one who is exhorting, in exhortation; the one who is giving, with simplicity; the one who is leading, with diligence; the one who is showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Truth to Learn

Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhorting” is parakalon, which is a present participle meaning “assisting, comforting, challenging, or encouraging.”

“Giving” is from metadidōmi, meaning “to give to others or to share.” This gift is to be performed “with simplicity” which comes from the Greek word haplotēs, meaning “with singleness, with simplicity, or without any ulterior motives.”

“Leading” is from proistēmi, which literally means, “the one who is standing before.” This is a person who is in charge, and we are told that this gift is done, “en spoude.” This literally means “with speed” but by implication it means “with diligence.”

Finally, Paul mentions, “ho eleon” meaning “the one having compassion or mercy” It involves not only feeling compassionate for those in circumstances brought about by their own sin, but actively assisting them in overcoming their sin and circumstances. This gift is different from “helps” in that it is extended to those who deserve what they are suffering and don’t really deserve the assistance.

 

Meaning Explained

In this verse, even though he refers to individuals, Paul’s focus is not so much on the person as on the gift. He starts off by talking about exhortation or encouragement. This is one of the words that Jesus used to describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians as our “comforter.”

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all things that I have said to you.(John 14:26)

Do you know someone who is like a coach, encouraging and challenging other Christians to commitment and service for the Lord? That’s the gift of exhortation at work.

Someone with the gift of giving does so without expectation of receiving anything in return. The person with this gift loves to share the material blessings that he or she has with others. People with this gift are often hidden in the body of Christ because they don’t seek recognition.

Have you ever known a Sunday School Superintendent who was gifted at organizing and running a Sunday school program? This person has the gift of leadership. If you don’t like to stand up in front of others, don’t enjoy planning and organizing, and aren’t willing to make the tough decisions, you probably don’t have the gift of leadership.

Most of us have a tendency to be a bit smug and self-righteous when we see a fellow Christian who is reaping the aweful results of sinfulness in his or her life. A person with the gift of mercy, however, is compelled to reach out to that person and help them get back on their feet.

 

Application

When we have placed ourselves on the altar as living sacrifices, we find joy and satisfaction in using the gifts that God has given us. Do you find joy in serving God? That’s probably your spiritual gift at work.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:12 – Encouragement and Prayer

Posted on by Will

And we ask you, brothers, to recognize those working hard among you, and leading you in the Lord and admonishing you,

Truth to Learn

Pastors have a tough job. Encourage and pray for him today.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “we ask” is erōtaō, which literally means “to interrogate.” By implication, however, it means “to request” or “to urge.”

“Recognize” is from the Greek word eidō, which means “to see with perception and comprehension.” Therefore, it takes on the meaning of “to know, to comprehend, or to recognize.”

Kopiaō is the word translated “working hard.” It literally means “to feel fatigue” and by implication it means “to work hard.”

The words “leading you” are translated from the Greek verb proistēmi. This word is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “in front of” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Thus, proistēmi means “to stand before” or “to stand in front of.” By analogy, this word refers to someone who “leads.”

“Admonishing” is from the word noutheteō, which is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” or “the intellect” and tithēmi, meaning “to put” or “to place.” Noutheteō literally means “to put in mind” or “to caution or reprove.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now changes the topic of his teaching to how we are to think about our spiritual leader(s). The grammatical form of this verse indicates that these leaders are characterized by three things. The first is that they work hard. The second characteristic is that they “are leading you.” And, the third thing is that they “are admonishing” you. It’s fairly obvious that Paul is talking about your pastor(s). Let’s look at these three things.

Most of us have jobs that require us to work five days a week, with the weekend off. The job of a pastor, however, is one that requires effort seven days a week. Yes, I know, many pastors take Monday off to recuperate from a very full Sunday (often twelve or more hours). But, even on his day off, your pastor is often contacted by a church member needing spiritual guidance or emotional support. Like a surgeon, your pastor is on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Six days a week your pastor is studying and preparing sermons (often several a week), visiting families with spiritual/financial/physical needs, preparing for/conducting meetings, and overseeing the business operation of the church. He’s a busy man.

The second thing about your pastor is that he has been placed in a position of authority over you. He is directly accountable to God for your spiritual wellbeing. It is his job to open up the Scriptures and teach you what God expects from you. Remember, we are to submit to all those in authority over us.

The third thing a good pastor does is “admonish” you. This means that he has to deliver encouragement and challenge, but it also means he has to deliver the harsh truth about sin and its consequences. I firmly believe that if you aren’t getting your toes stomped on occasionally, either your pastor isn’t doing his job or you just aren’t listening to him, or to God.

 

Application

Don’t wait for pastor appreciation week. Take some time right now to send an e-mail, a text message, or a letter to your pastor. Tell him how much you appreciate him and pray for him. He needs your encouragement and your prayers!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:12 – Encouragement and Prayer

Posted on by Will

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Truth to Learn

Pastors have a tough job. Encourage and pray for him today.

Behind the Words

The word translated “we urge” is erōtaō, which literally means “to interrogate.” By implication, however, it means “to request” or “to urge.”

“Recognize” is from the Greek word eidō, which means “to see with perception and comprehension.” Therefore, it takes on the meaning of “to know, to comprehend, or to recognize.”

Kopiaō is the word translated “labor.” It literally means “to feel fatigue” and by implication it means “to work hard.”

The words “are over you” are translated from the Greek verb proistēmi. This word is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “in front of” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Thus, proistēmi means “to stand before” or “to stand in front of.” By analogy, this word refers to someone who “leads.”

“Admonish” is from the word noutheteō, which is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” or “the intellect” and tithēmi, meaning “to put” or “to place.” Noutheteō literally means “to put in mind” or “to caution or reprove.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now changes the topic of his teaching to how we are to think about our spiritual leader(s). The grammatical form of this verse indicates that these leaders are characterized by three things. The first is that they work hard. The second characteristic is that they “are over you.” And, the third thing is that they “admonish” you. It’s fairly obvious that Paul is talking about your pastor(s). Let’s look at these three things.

Most of us have jobs that require us to work five days a week, with the weekend off. The job of a pastor, however, is one that requires effort seven days a week. Yes, I know, many pastors take Monday off to recuperate from a very full Sunday (often twelve or more hours). But, even on his day off, your pastor is often contacted by a church member needing spiritual guidance or emotional support. Like a surgeon, your pastor is on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Six days a week your pastor is studying and preparing sermons (often several a week), visiting families with spiritual/financial/physical needs, and preparing for/conducting meetings. He’s a busy man.

The second thing about your pastor is that he has been placed in a position of authority over you. He is directly accountable to God for your spiritual wellbeing. It is his job to open up the Scriptures and teach you what God expects from you. Remember, we are to submit to all those in authority over us.

The third thing a good pastor does is “admonish” you. This means that he has to deliver encouragement and challenge, but it also means he has to deliver the harsh truth about sin and its consequences. I firmly believe that if you aren’t getting your toes stomped on occasionally, either your pastor isn’t doing his job or you just aren’t listening to him and to God.

Application

Don’t wait for pastor appreciation week. Take some time right now to send an e-mail, a text message, or a letter to your pastor. Tell him how much you appreciate him and pray for him. He needs your encouragement and your prayers!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving

Posted on by Will

Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving

he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Truth to Learn

Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhortation” is parakalon, which is a present participle meaning “assisting, comforting, challenging, or encouraging.”

“Gives” is from metadidōmi, meaning “to give to others or to share.” This gift is to be performed “with liberality” which comes from the Greek word haplotēs, meaning “with singleness, with simplicity, or without any ulterior motives.”

“Leads” is from proistēmi, which literally means, “the one who stands before.” This is a person who is in charge, and we are told that this gift is done, “en spoude.” This literally means “with speed” but by implication it means “with diligence.”

Finally, Paul mentions ho eleon, meaning “the one having compassion or mercy” It involves not only feeling compassionate for those in circumstances brought about by their own sin, but actively assisting them in overcoming their sin and circumstances. This gift is different from “helps” in that it is extended to those who deserve what they are suffering and don’t really deserve the assistance.

Meaning Explained

In this verse, even though he refers to individuals, Paul’s focus is not so much on the person as on the gift. He starts off by talking about exhortation or encouragement. This is one of the words that Jesus used to describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians as our “helper.”

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

Do you know someone who is like a coach, encouraging and challenging other Christians to commitment and service for the Lord? That’s the gift of exhortation at work.

Someone with the gift of giving does so without expectation of receiving anything in return. The person with this gift loves to share the material blessings that he or she has with others. People with this gift are often hidden in the body of Christ because they don’t seek recognition.

Have you ever known a Sunday School Superintendent who was gifted at organizing and running a Sunday school program? This person has the gift of leadership. If you don’t like to stand up in front of others, don’t enjoy planning and organizing, and aren’t willing to make the tough decisions, you probably don’t have the gift of leadership.

Most of us have a tendency to be a bit smug and self-righteous when we see a fellow Christian who is reaping the results of sinfulness in his or her life. A person with the gift of mercy, however, is compelled to reach out to that person and help them get back on their feet.

Application

When we have placed ourselves on the altar as living sacrifices, we find joy and satisfaction in using the gifts that God has given us. Do you find joy in serving God? That’s probably your spiritual gift at work.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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