Tag: sbennumi

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Let The Spirit Breathe

Posted on by Will

Do not quench the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

It is wrong for Christians to suppress the working of the Spirit.

 

Behind the Words

The word “quench” is translated from sbennumi, which means “to extinguish” or “to quench.” When used metaphorically, it means “to suppress” or “to hinder.” The verb is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Spirit” is from the Greek noun pneuma, from which we get our English words pneumatic (meaning “air filled”). Pneuma is based on the verb pneō, meaning “to breath.” Thus, pneuma refers to “a breath of air” or “air in motion.” This is the word used to describe the vital spirit of life or the breath breathed by God into man which gives him life. It is also used to refer to that part of man which is independent of the body. When used of God, it is a reference to the third person of the godhead, the Holy Spirit.

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned earlier, Paul is in the midst of teaching how we are to conduct ourselves in our own personal lives. In the previous three verses, although he talked about actions, Paul was primarily referring to actions that spring from our inner attitudes. In this verse and the three that follow, he talks about actions that demonstrate our submission and commitment to God.

In today’s verse we are commanded not to quench the Spirit. In the Greek text the word mē (not) precedes the verb. As it is written here it means to stop quenching the Spirit or to break the habit of quenching the Spirit. Apparently, the Thessalonians were trying to suppress the manifestation of the Spirit of God and the use of spiritual gifts given to them.

If you compare this church and the church in Corinth, where there was an excessive display of spiritual gifts, you can see that they weren’t much different from churches today. There are some modern day churches that make a big display of the gifts of the spirit like the church in Corinth was doing. But, there are other churches where the gifts of the Spirit are suppressed and looked down upon. Paul does not approve of either of these extremes. Some churches today even teach that some of the spiritual gifts are no longer in effect today, but their basis for this claim is tenuous at best.

What we need to recognize is that God gave Christians these spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. This is what he told the Corinthians:

So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to build up the church that you may abound. (1 Corinthians 14:12)

Therefore, whether we would seek a particular spiritual gift for personal benefit, or suppress the manifestation of genuine gifts of the Spirit, we are not pleasing to God. However, if we are completely submitted to the will of God, we will use the gift or gifts He has given us to build up the body of Christ and in doing so bring glory to God and God alone.

 

Application

If you know what your spiritual gift is, then seek to use it to build up other members of the body of Christ. If you don’t know what your gift is, then submit yourself wholly to God and seek His face. If you do so, He will reveal to you what your gift is and how to use it for His glory and honor. However, like all prayers to God, do not expect an immediate answer. It may take years before your gift is revealed to you. In the meantime, be active in serving him. Try on different responsibilities within the body until you find the one that fits you and your gift.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:16 – Keep the Faith!

Posted on by Will

In addition to all, taking the shield of the faith in which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Truth to Learn

We need faith to protect us from some of Satan’s attacks.

 

Behind the Words

The words “in addition to all” are translated from the Greek words en pasin. En means “in” and pasin is a form of pas, meaning “all.” Later manuscripts have this as epi pasin, meaning “above all,” but the better transcripts have en pasin. There is a difference of opinion as to what Paul means by this. Some think his meaning is “in addition to,” while others think it means “as a covering overall”

“Taking” is from analambanō, which is composed of ana, meaning “up” and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Thus, it means “to take up.” The picture is of a soldier picking up his shield and putting it into position.

Thureos is the word translated “shield,” which is derived from the word thura, meaning “a door.” This was a large shield about 2 ½ feet wide and about four feet high, which protected the entire body of a soldier. There is another Greek word for shield, aspis, which refers to a smaller round shield.

“Extinguish” is translated from sbennumi, which means “to extinguish” or “to put out.” Figuratively, this word also means “to dampen, hinder, or repress.”

The word “darts” is from the Greek noun belos, which is derived from ballō, meaning “to throw.” It refers to any kind of missile that is thrown by hand, with a sling, or shot from a bow.

The words, “the wicked one” are from the Greek word ponēros, which refers to evil or wickedness in a moral or spiritual sense. In the Greek, there is a definite article (the) associated with this word, indicating that it is a specific person that is being referred to here.

 

Meaning Explained

When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison guarded by Roman soldiers. It is fitting, therefore, that he would use the metaphor of Roman armor in describing how we are to prepare ourselves for our spiritual battle. Having described the belt, breastplate, and shoes of Christian armor, he now talks about our shield.

Roman soldiers used two different types of shields depending on the type of battle they were engaged in. The thurios was used when the Romans were facing a foe that utilized arrows as a primary strategy in their attack. These arrows often had the tips packed with a tar-like substance which was then set on fire. With this door-like shield, an entire regimen could set up a nearly impenetrable wall of protection from a salvo of arrows. A single soldier whose shield was struck with such a fiery arrow would sometimes cast his shield aside to avoid the fire, thus leaving him vulnerable to further attack.

In a Christian’s battle against Satan and his demons, our enemy will often use such fiery arrows in the form of temptations, hateful or impure thoughts about others, or doubt. It is at these times that our unshakable faith protects us. This is not our saving faith, but our day-to-day living faith. It is the belief that we are secure in God’s love, that He will never leave us, that all of our sins have been forgiven, and that He will be a shield to us in times of attack. It is the faith which allows us to follow God’s leading in our lives even when the future looks uncertain along the path He has chosen for us.

 

Application

When you are attacked by the spiritual enemy, make sure that your shield is in place. Though your faith may be weak at times, believe God’s promises and trust in Him to protect you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:16 – Keep the Faith!

Posted on by Will

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Truth to Learn

We need faith to protect us from some of Satan’s attacks.

Behind the Words

The words “above all” are translated from the Greek words epi pasin. Epi means “above, over, or on top of” and pasin is a form of pas, meaning “all.” There is a difference of opinion as to what Paul means by this. Some think his meaning is “in addition to,” while others think it means “as a covering overall”

“Taking” is from analambanō, which is composed of ana, meaning “up” and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Thus, it means “to take up.” The picture is of a soldier picking up his shield and putting it into position.

Thureos is the word translated “shield,” which is derived from the word thura, meaning “a door.” This was a large shield about 2 ½ feet wide and about four feet high, which protected the entire body of a soldier. There is another Greek word for shield, aspis, which refers to a smaller round shield.

“Extinguish” is translated from sbennumi, which means “to extinguish” or “to put out.” Figuratively, this word also means “to dampen, hinder, or repress.”

The word “darts” is from the Greek noun belos, which is derived from ballō, meaning “to throw.” It refers to any kind of missile that is thrown with a sling or shot from a bow.

Meaning Explained

When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison guarded by Roman soldiers. It is fitting, therefore, that he would use the metaphor of Roman armor in describing how we are to prepare ourselves for our spiritual battle. Having described the belt, breastplate, and shoes of Christian armor, he now talks about our shield.

Roman soldiers used two different types of shields depending on the type of battle they were engaged in. The thurios was used when the Romans were facing a foe that utilized arrows as a primary strategy in their attack. These arrows often had the tips packed with a tar-like substance which was then set on fire. With this door-like shield, an entire regimen could set up a nearly impenetrable wall of protection from a salvo of arrows. A single soldier whose shield was struck with such a fiery arrow would sometimes cast his shield aside to avoid the fire, thus leaving him vulnerable to further attack.

In a Christian’s battle against Satan and his demons, our enemy will often use such fiery arrows in the form of temptations, hateful or impure thoughts about others, or doubt. It is at these times that our unshakable faith protects us. This is not our saving faith, but our day-to-day living faith. It is the belief that we are secure in God’s love, that He will never leave us, that all of our sins have been forgiven, and that He will be a shield to us in times of attack. It is the faith which allows us to follow God’s leading in our lives even when the future looks uncertain along the path He has chosen for us.

Application

When you are attacked by the spiritual enemy, make sure that your shield is in place. Though your faith may be weak at times, believe God’s promises and trust in Him to protect you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.