Tag: rhema

Romans 10:17 – Hear to Eternity

Posted on by Will

Then faith is from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Truth to Learn

Faith comes as a result of hearing the Gospel message which originated from the utterance of God.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “Then” is the Greek word ara, which is used here as an inferential particle meaning “therefore” or “consequently.” It directly ties this verse to what immediately preceded it.

“Hearing” is translated from the Greek word akoē, which we looked at in the previous verse and we noted that Paul is making a kind of play on this word. This is a noun form of the verb akouō, meaning “to hear” and from which we get our English word “acoustics.” The noun form of this word can have several nuances of meaning. It can refer to the sense of hearing, the instrument of hearing (the ear), or that which is or may be heard (the message or report). If we assume that Paul is referring to the report, or message, in both of these verses, we see that they could be translated as:

For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our message?” Therefore, faith comes from the message and the message through the word of God.

The other word we want to look at is the Greek word rhēma, which is translated “Word” in this verse. It means, “that which is spoken, particularly that which is uttered by a living voice.”

 

Meaning Explained

On the surface this verse seems disjointed from the previous one, but that is not the case at all. Though the word ara technically ties these two verses together, it still doesn’t feel like they are very well connected does it? That is, until you recognize how skillfully Paul has used various forms of the word akouō. Though many people throughout history have not listened attentively to the message of salvation, it is from this message that faith is acquired, the message that originated from Almighty God. We have been given this precious, powerful message to carry throughout the world. Also remember, that when we carry and proclaim this message, God sees us as particularly beautiful, like a flower in full bloom.

Faith cannot exist unless there is a message, or report, to be heard and believed. It cannot come any other way than by such a proclamation. This demonstrates the importance of the message, and the fact that people are converted by listening to and believing the truth of this gospel message. And ultimately, the source of this message is the very utterance of God Himself.

 

Application

The next time you are witnessing to someone and declaring the message of salvation through faith in the blood of Christ, remember that you are sharing gloriously good news that originated from God Himself. You may feel awkward and others may call you a fool, but you are particularly beautiful in God’s sight when you proclaim it, whether you are proclaiming it to a prospective child of God or to a fool.

So, how awesome is that? Be a blooming flower and spread the Word!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 10:8 – Proclaiming the Word of Faith

Posted on by Will

But what does it say? “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith which we preach:

Truth to Learn

The gospel proclamation centers on faith, not works.

 

Behind the Words

“Word” is translated from the Greek word rhēma, which refers to “an utterance.” By implication it refers to a topic of discussion. In this case it is the topic of righteousness which is the result of faith.

The verb translated “preach” is kērussō, meaning “to proclaim or herald as a public crier would do.” It refers to loudly or forcefully proclaiming a truth. In this case it is the truth that righteousness comes by faith.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul told us, by slightly modifying a quotation from Deuteronomy 30, that the righteousness of faith is not a difficult thing. What he said, in effect, is that it is not like ascending into heaven to bring Christ and His righteousness down or like descending into the deep (the abyss) to bring Christ up from the dead. After all, these things are impossible for anyone except God Himself. But the righteousness of faith is not impossible. It is, in fact, very possible and very near at hand. It was, in fact, a topic of conversation among the Jews.

He says so as he continues with his quotation from Deuteronomy 30:14, the end of which says:

But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

The meaning is that the doctrine was already so familiar, and so well understood, that it was actually in their mouth, that is, their language, their common conversation. Paul is saying that the righteousness of faith, which comes by the Word of Faith (the gospel), is something that the Jews had been talking about and learning about ever since Moses delivered the Law. In fact, this righteousness of faith has been spoken of among the Jews ever since Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. This righteousness comes from believing in the Messiah. The problem with most of the Jews, however, is that they were so hung-up on obeying the Law that they totally missed the Messiah. They were trying to obtain the righteousness of works instead of the righteousness of faith.

The Word of Faith which Paul is proclaiming is that the Messiah (the Christ) has come and has paid the price of salvation by fulfilling the Law and then offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is the Paschal Lamb that the Jews commemorated every year. This Paschal Lamb is the Jewish Messiah; He is the Christ, the anointed Son of God. All we have to do is to believe this gospel (good news) and openly declare that we believe. That’s how we obtain this righteousness of faith, and in the next verse Paul will state this very plainly and succinctly.

 

Application

Do you talk about the topic of salvation through belief in the Gospel? Do you openly proclaim this truth? Or do you proclaim that righteousness comes by obedience to rules and ordinances of the church? The difference is between preaching faith which produces life and preaching obedience which produces death.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:26 – A Holy Cleansing

Posted on by Will

that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her with a bath of water by the word,

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ gave His life to sanctify and cleanse His bride.

 

Behind the Words

“He might sanctify” is translated from the Greek verb hagiadzō, which is based on hagios, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.” Hagios is sometimes translated “holy” or “sanctified,” so hagiadzō means “to make holy,” “to purify,” or “to set apart for God.”

 “Having cleansed” is translated from katharidzō, meaning “to cleanse” or “to purify.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it is translated as “having cleansed.”

The word translated “bath” is loutron, which refers to “a bath.” It is from the verb louō, meaning “to bathe” or “to wash.”

“Word” is from rhēma, which is derived from rheō, meaning “to speak.” Rhēma, therefore, refers to “a spoken word” or a statement. Here it probably is a reference to the Word of God.

 

Meaning Explained

This is one of those verses that has been hotly debated for centuries. Some believe that the expression “cleanse it with the bath of water” is a reference to baptism. The problem with this interpretation is that baptism is a symbolic act done as a witness to the cleansing which has already taken place. Also, keep in mind that this verse is a description of what Christ has done for His bride, the church. If we combine today’s verse with yesterday’s verse, we can see that Paul says:

… just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her with a bath of water by the word,  (Ephesians 5:25-26)

This is given as an example of how Christ loved His bride; He loved her so much that He gave His live for her. He died on the cross so that He might sanctify his bride, that He might separate her (us) from the family and world of Satan. And, He sanctified her (us), having already cleansed her (us) with a bath of water by the word. The cleansing that Paul is talking about occurred before the sanctification. He says that this cleansing is like a water bath, but it was performed by the Word of God. After all, it was the Word, the gospel message, by which we were saved and washed clean from our sins.

In ancient times it was quite common for the bride of a king to undergo a lengthy cleansing and purification period, including baths in perfumed water, before being presented to the king at the wedding ceremony (see Esther 2:12 and Ezekiel 16:7-14)

 

Application

Husbands, Jesus Christ loved us (his bride) so much that He gave His life to sanctify and cleanse us. Following His example, we should also be willing to do everything possible to protect and care for our bride, to keep her pure and holy.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 10:17 – Hear to Eternity

Posted on by Will

Romans 10:17 – Hear to Eternity

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Truth to Learn

Faith comes as a result of hearing the Gospel message which originated from the utterance of God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “so” is the Greek word ara, which is used here as an inferential particle meaning “therefore” or “consequently.” It directly ties this verse to what immediately preceded it.

“Hearing” is translated from the Greek word akoē, which we looked at in the previous verse and we noted that Paul is making a kind of play on this word. This is a noun form of the verb akouō, meaning “to hear” and from which we get our English word “acoustics.” The noun form of this word can have several nuances of meaning. It can refer to the sense of hearing, the instrument of hearing (the ear), or that which is or may be heard (the message or report). If we assume that Paul is referring to the report, or message, in both of these verses, we see that they could be translated as:

For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our message?” Therefore, faith comes from the message and the message through the word of God.

The other word we want to look at is the Greek word rhēma, which is translated “Word” in this verse. It means, “that which is spoken, particularly that which is uttered by a living voice.”

Meaning Explained

On the surface this verse seems disjointed from the previous one, but that is not the case at all. Though the word ara technically ties these two verses together, it still doesn’t feel like they are very well connected does it? That is, until you recognize how skillfully Paul has used various forms of the word akouō. Though many people throughout history have not listened attentively to the message of salvation, it is from this message that faith is acquired, the message that originated from Almighty God. We have been given this precious, powerful message to carry throughout the world. Also remember, that when we carry and proclaim this message, God sees us as particularly beautiful, like a flower in full bloom.

Faith cannot exist unless there is a message, or report, to be heard or believed. It cannot come any other way than by such a proclamation. This demonstrates the importance of the message, and the fact that people are converted by listening to and believing the truth of this gospel message. And ultimately, the source of this message is the very utterance of God Himself.

Application

The next time you are witnessing to someone and declaring the message of salvation through faith in the blood of Christ, remember that you are sharing gloriously good news that originated from God Himself. You may feel awkward and others may call you a fool, but you are particularly beautiful in God’s sight when you proclaim it, whether you are proclaiming it to a prospective child of God or to a fool.

So, how awesome is that? Be a blooming flower and spread the Word!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 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:

Romans 10:8 – Proclaiming the Word of Faith

Posted on by Will

Romans 10:8 – Proclaiming the Word of Faith

But what does it say? “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):

Truth to Learn

The gospel proclamation centers on faith, not works.

Behind the Words

“Word” is translated from the Greek word rhēma, which refers to “an utterance.” By implication it refers to a topic of discussion. In this case it is the topic of righteousness which is the result of faith.

The verb translated “preach” is kērussō, meaning “to proclaim or herald as a public crier would do.” It refers to loudly or forcefully proclaiming a truth. In this case it is the truth that righteousness comes by faith.

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul told us, by slightly modifying a quotation from Deuteronomy 30, that the righteousness of faith is not a difficult thing. What he said, in effect, was that it is not like ascending into heaven to bring Christ and His righteousness down or like descending into the deep (the abyss) to bring Christ up from the dead. After all, these things are impossible for anyone except God Himself. But the righteousness of faith is not impossible. It is, in fact, very possible and very near at hand. It was, in fact, a topic of conversation among the Jews.

He says so as he continues with his quotation from Deuteronomy 30:14, the end of which says:

But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

The meaning is that the doctrine was already so familiar, and so well understood, that it was actually in their mouth, that is, their language, their common conversation. Paul is saying that the righteousness of faith, which comes by the Word of Faith (the gospel), is something that the Jews had been talking about and learning about ever since Moses delivered the Law. In fact, this righteousness of faith has been spoken of among the Jews ever since Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. This righteousness is in believing in the Messiah. The problem with most of the Jews, however, is that they were so hung-up on obeying the Law that they totally missed the Messiah. They were trying to obtain the righteousness of works instead of the righteousness of faith.

The Word of Faith which Paul is proclaiming is that the Messiah (the Christ) has come and has paid the price of salvation by fulfilling the Law and then offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is the Paschal Lamb that the Jews commemorated every year. This Paschal Lamb is the Jewish Messiah; He is the Christ, the anointed Son of God. All we have to do is to believe this gospel (good news) and openly declare that we believe. That’s how we obtain this righteousness of faith, and in the next verse Paul will state this very plainly and succinctly.

Application

Do you talk about the topic of salvation through belief in the Gospel? Do you openly proclaim this truth? Or do you proclaim that righteousness comes by obedience to rules and ordinances of the church? The difference is between preaching faith, producing life and preaching obedience, producing death.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 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: