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Romans 14:12 – Personal Testimony

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Will

So then each of us will give account of himself to God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians will have to testify regarding what they have done for God while on this earth.

Behind the Words

Paul starts off the current verse with the Greek words ara oun, which basically mean, “So, in conclusion, …” This expression applies to what he will say in this and the following verse.

“Each” is translated from the Greek word hekastos, meaning “each one” or “every one.” It is expressed in the singular, indicating that we will be standing individually before the Judge. Only our individual actions will matter.

The word “give” is didōmi, which means “to deliver up” or “to give over.” And “account” is logos, meaning “a word” or “something said.” Thus, it appears that we will each have to talk about how we spent the life that was given to us.

“Himself” is the reflexive pronoun heautou, indicating that the account given will be that of the one giving the account not of anyone else.

Meaning Explained

Let me start off by saying that this verse clearly shows that Paul believed that Jesus Christ is God. You will notice that this verse is still in reference to the judgment seat (bematos) of Christ, and it is clearly Jesus Christ who is sitting on this seat. Also, in John’s gospel account our Lord taught that the Father entrusts all judgment to the Son.

For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)

Yet in this verse, Paul tells us that we will have to give an explanation of our actions to God. Jesus Christ is the Creator, our Savior, our Judge, and our God.

The next thing that Paul has to say regarding our appearance before the bema seat of Christ is that “each one of us will give account concerning himself to God.” That is, when we appear before Christ’s judgment seat, we will have to give an explanation of what we have done for Him. We will not be called upon to give testimony about anyone else, nor will He be calling us as a witness to anyone else’s actions, only our own. Therefore, since God’s focus at the judgment seat of Christ will be on our works done for His glory, our focus in this earthly life needs to be on what we are doing for God, not on what other Christians are or aren’t doing.

Also, notice very carefully that this is a judgment of our works, not our sins. According to 2Corinthians 5:10, which we looked at a couple of verses back, this judgment will be “according to what each person has done.” Our sins, on the other hand, have already been judged. They were judged at the cross when Christ paid the penalty for all our sins with His blood. When we believed God’s promise, like Abraham we were declared righteous. All of our sins – past, present, and future – were judged and paid for; hence, they cannot be the subject of the judgment seat of Christ.

Application

Let us all judge our own actions, not the actions of other Christians, so that He will judge them worthy on that day! We would all rather receive rewards than the smell of smoke.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Will

So, yearning for you, we were well pleased to give to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians help younger Christians grow.

Behind the Words

“So” is from the Greek word houtōs, meaning “in this way.”

The word “yearning” is translated from the Greek verb himeiromai, meaning “to have a strong affection for, or remembrance of.” It is a term of endearment which was most often used of a mother and father toward their children. This is the only place in the New Testament where it appears.

“We were well pleased” is from the verb eudokeō, which is composed or eu, meaning “well” or “good” and dokeō, meaning “to think.” It is expressed in the imperfect tense indicating past, on-going action.

Metadidōmi is the verb translated “to give.” It is composed of meta, meaning “with” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” This word means “to share something with someone else.”

The word translated “dear” is agapētos, meaning “someone who is dearly loved.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, the Apostle Paul used the imagery of a nursing mother to express to the Christians in Thessalonica how gentle and caring he and his fellow-workers were toward these new Christians. In one sense, these people really were children. They were young children in the faith. When Paul wrote this letter to them, the church in Thessalonica may have been less than a year old, with none of them having been a Christian longer than that.

In a similar manner, Paul later told the Christians in Corinth that, although they had most likely been Christians more than a year, they were still babies in their faith. Because they were letting their fleshly desires control them instead of the Spirit of God, they needed to be fed with milk (baby food) instead of adult food.

And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to infants in Christ. I fed you milk and not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not able; (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

The Thessalonians, on the other hand, were simply very young Christians. Therefore, as their spiritual parents Paul said that he, Sylvanus, and Timothy acted like doting parents to them, tenderly caring for them, feeding them with milk, watching over them, gently challenging them, and encouraging them. In fact, Paul and his companions were so affectionately tied to the Christians in Thessalonica that he referred to them as “dearly beloved ones.” And, like any loving parents, Paul and the others would have given their very lives in order to protect and nurture these new Christians.

Application

Let me ask you, my friend, where are you in your own spiritual maturity? Are you a baby in the Lord? Then do all you can to learn and grow. Give yourself to God and serve Him with all your heart. Have you been a Christian for years? Then be a spiritual parent to the babes in Christ. Be gentle, feed them, care for them, and encourage them like a loving parent.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:24 – A Submissive Witness

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Will

But as the church is subordinate to Christ, so the wives to their own husbands in everything.

Truth to Learn

Submission is part of what it means to be a Christian.

Behind the Words

The word “but” is translated from the Greek word alla, which implies an addition to what preceded. Generally, it means “but.”

“So” is from houtō, meaning “in this way” or “in this manner.” As in this verse, it is often coupled with alla to form a similitude between two ideas.

The verb “is subordinate to” is translated from hupotassō, which we saw a couple verses back means “to be under-ranked” or “to be in submission to.”

Meaning Explained

Throughout this chapter Paul has been talking about how we are to behave within the body of Christ. In verse twenty-two he changed his focus from our behavior within the church to our behavior within the family. First of all, he said that a wife is to submit to her husband; that is, she is to voluntarily place herself under the authority of her husband. In yesterday’s verse he told us that this is necessary because God designed the family structure with the man as the head, just as he designed the church with Christ as the head.

He now reiterates that point by saying that just as the church is ranked under Christ, so a wife is to be ranked under her husband. Nobody in the church would ever presume to place themself above Christ, so a woman should not presume to place herself above her husband in God’s plan. Now, let me say again that this does not mean that a woman is any less important within the family or within the church.

“But, what if my husband is not a Christian?” you might ask. The answer is that it doesn’t make any difference. In fact, a Christian woman has a greater responsibility if her husband is unsaved. Paul told the Corinthians that a submissive woman might even be the tool that God uses to bring her husband to faith:

For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? (1Corinthians 7:16a)

The Apostle Peter also wrote about how important it is for Christians to be submissive to authorities, even non-Christian civil authorities. He, too, commanded women to submit to their husbands, even those who aren’t Christian men:

In the same way, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, as they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. (1Peter 3:1-2)

Let me stress again that a woman being submissive to her husband does not mean that she is to subject herself to abuse either physically or emotionally. Read carefully what tomorrow’s verse has to say to the husband.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25)

Application

God wants us all to be obedient servants and He will use those who are submitted to Him. Women, your position is extremely important within the family. It is especially so if others in your family are not saved. Your behavior may be what God uses to reach your family. If you have committed your life to Christ, then you have committed to being His obedient, faithful servant. Some day you may see how God has used you if you are faithful to Him. And God will get all the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:20 – Learn By Faith

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Will

But you have not so learned Christ,

Truth to Learn

We can only know Christ by faith.

Behind the Words

“So” is translated from houtōs, which literally means “in this manner.” It is a comparative word which, when used with the negative article ou as it is here, indicates a sharp contrast.

“Have … learned” is translated from the Greek verb manthanō, which means “to learn.” It is applied primarily to intentional learning that comes as a result of listening to teaching. It is expressed here in the Aorist tense indicating past completed action. Thus, we could translate this verse as: “But you did not learn Christ this way.”

Meaning Explained

In the opening part of this chapter we pointed out that in the first three chapters of this letter to the Ephesians Paul focuses on doctrine, whereas in the last three chapters he focuses on duty. Early in this chapter he spoke of the special gifting that every Christian has been given. We are to use these gifts to serve and strengthen our brothers and sisters in the church. As we do so, we become more and more a united body.

In verse seventeen Paul then introduced a new topic with regard to our duty in Christ. He told us not to live our lives in the way that the unsaved people of this world do. Because of sin, these people are in the dark regarding spiritual truth. As a result, they live their lives intellectually rather than spiritually. And – because the unsaved live their lives intellectually, they put great emphasis on education and learning, but because they refuse to acknowledge God, they stay in the dark. Here’s how Paul said it to the Romans:

because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but they became vain in their reasonings, and their unintelligent heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:21-22)

In verse eighteen of our current chapter Paul told us that they don’t understand God’s truth because of the hardness of their hearts. In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul explained why they continue to have such spiritual blindness:

But also if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whom the god of this age has blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving, so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine on them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Not only are they deprived of the light of God’s truth as a result of sin, Satan has blinded them to the truth of the gospel.

Paul now tells us that we have not learned Christ in the manner that the world learns. Notice that he did not say “learned about Christ.” There are many people in the world who have learned about Christ but who have never submitted to His lordship. We did not learn Christ intellectually but through belief in the sacrificial death of Christ, the Son of God, as payment for our sins. We learned Christ by faith, not by intellectual means.

Application

Just because we learned Christ by faith doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t apply our intellect to learn how to serve Him better. The more we learn about Him and the more we grow our relationship with Him, the better we can serve Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:19 – Household Members

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Will

So, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Truth to Learn

Christians are part of God’s household and will live with Him for eternity.

Behind the Words

The word translated “So” is ara, which is an inferential particle. That is, it indicates that an inference, or conclusion is being made. It is somewhat difficult to translate directly into English, but is often translated as “now,” “then,” “so,” “in conclusion,” or “truly.”

“Therefore” is from another Greek inferential particle, oun. This word is most often translated “therefore” or “certainly.”

The words “no longer” are translated from a single Greek word, ouketi. This is made up of ouk, meaning “not” and eti which refers to a duration of time. It is most often translated as “yet” or “still.” When these two words are combined they mean “not still” or “no longer.”

“Strangers” is the Greek word xenos, which we saw back in verse twelve. It refers to someone who is “a stranger” or “an alien.”

Paroikos is the Greek word translated “foreigners.” It is made up of para, meaning “by, beside, or near” and oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house.” Thus, paroikos refers to “someone who lives nearby,” that is, “someone who lives in a nearby foreign country.” The strong implication here is that the foreigner is not of the household (see below).

“Fellow citizens” is translated from the Greek word sumpolitēs. This word is made up of sun, meaning “together’ or “together with” and politēs (from which we get our English word “politics”), meaning “citizen.”

Hagios is the word translated “saints.” The fundamental idea behind this word is “separation from one thing and consecration to another.” Throughout the New Testament, this word is used to refer to those who have been separated from the world (world system) and consecrated to God.

The word “household” is from oikeios, which is derived from oikos, meaning “a house” or “a household.” Thus, oikeios means “a member of a household.”

Meaning Explained

As we saw above, the opening words of this verse indicate a conclusion is being drawn. In this case, the two words ara oun, are best translated as “So then” or “so therefore” as we have in our translation here. Some translations have this as “Now, therefore” which can be a little confusing. Paul is not saying “Now” as opposed to “previously.” He is simply summarizing what he has been teaching. This summary takes us back to verse twelve, where Paul said that we were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise.”

Paul has been teaching us about how the blood of Jesus Christ and faith in His death on the cross as payment for our sins has broken down the dividing wall between the Gentiles and Jews. By breaking down this wall, we are at peace with the Jews and with God, and we have access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. So, therefore …

We are no longer strangers from the covenants of promise and we are no longer foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel. Instead, we are fellow citizens of a holy nation with all the saints. “Saints” is a reference to all those whom God has declared righteous through faith, from the time of Adam to the present day. And, not only are we fellow citizens of that holy nation, we are now members of God’s household. That means that when we leave this life and “go home” it will be to God’s home.

Application

As Christians, we have so many precious promises that will help us endure this life of service to God. One of the greatest promises, however, is that when this life is over, we will live with Him in His home forever. What a blessing!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:12 – Active Evidence

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Will

So speak and so do as those who are about to be judged by the law of liberty.

Truth to Learn

Our words and actions should be an indication of the freedom we have in Christ.

Behind the Words

“So” is a translation of the Greek word houtōs, which is a connecting adverb tying the previous thought to the one about to be expressed. It can variously be translated as, “so,” “in this way,” or “thus.”

The word translated “speak” is laleō, which refers to all kinds of conversation. It is often used to refer to casual conversation whereas the Greek word legō refers to conversations involving the intellectual part of man. It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

Poieō is the Greek word translated “do” in this verse. Both this and laleō, mentioned above, are written in the present tense, active voice, and imperative mood. This means that James is commanding us to continually be speaking and doing.

The Greek word translated “liberty” is eleutheria, which means “freedom,” “unrestrained,” or “not a slave.” The noun form of this word refers to a person who has the freedom to go wherever he or she wants, as opposed to a slave who cannot leave his or her master.

Meaning Explained

Many of the members of the early church were converted Jews who had been raised under the Law of Moses. They had previously regulated their lives based on what the Law said they could and could not do. Through James’ teaching, God is beginning to show them that they are no longer bound to the requirements of the law. But neither are they free to behave any way they want to. There is another law that should govern the actions of Christians, which James refers to as the law of liberty. The Law of Moses was one which enslaved, but the law of liberty liberates us from the Law of Moses.

Paul taught the same thing to the Christians in Rome:

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are slaves to whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18)

We are no longer under the bondage of sin and slaves to it. We have been set free from sin and have become the servants of righteousness. Before we accepted Christ we could not avoid sin because we were slaves to it. Now, through Christ, we don’t have to sin but we are free to act as God wants us to because we have been declared “righteous.” Our speech and conduct need to reflect our righteous position before God.

Application

Think about the last few times you were in a secular environment. Perhaps you work with a lot of unsaved people, or perhaps you have a number of unsaved friends. Does your behavior in their presence show them of your freedom to please God, or does it show them how enslaved you are to rules?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 4:1 – God’s Assistants

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Will

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Truth to Learn

A teacher’s words reveal his image of himself, under Christ.

Behind the Words

The words “let … consider” are translated from the Greek verb logidzomai. This word is based on logos, meaning “something said” or more accurately, “the thought behind something said.” Thus, logidzomai means “to think about” or “to consider.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

“So” is from the Greek adverb houtō, meaning “in this manner” or “so.”

“Servants” is from hupēretēs, which is composed of huper, meaning “under” or “beneath” and eretēs, meaning “a rower.” It refers to someone who is acting under the direction of a superior. In classical Greek it refers to a common sailor as distinct from nautēs, a seasoned sailor. This word is used to refer to a personal assistant like the person in a synagogue who handed the scroll to the rabbi and returned it to its place.

Oikonomos is the Greek word translated “stewards.” It is made up of oikos, meaning “a house” and nemō, meaning “to distribute” or “to hand out.” This word refers to a person who manages the affairs of a household or a business which rightfully belongs to someone else.

Meaning Explained

Having criticized the Corinthian Christians for their slavish devotion to specific leaders within the church, Paul now goes into a description of how Christian leaders should be viewed by those receiving their instruction. Instead of seeing the teachers and preachers of the church as masters, he says that such men should be considered as “under oarsmen” or “personal assistants” to Jesus Christ, Himself. Moreover, he goes on to say that those who proclaim the gospel message are no more than stewards whose job it is to distribute the goods of a household (the mysteries of God) to others under their care.

Several years ago we moved from the central part of the USA to the Pacific Northwest. We spent considerable time looking for a church where we could grow in our faith and serve God. Some churches had impressive buildings and wonderful services with uplifting times of worship and praise. Unfortunately, most of these had little sound Biblical teaching. Instead, the preachers laid forth messages of social challenge, with only cursory references to Holy Scripture. As a result, the people attending these churches seemed to be indifferent to strangers and showed little evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.

Eventually, God led us to a large congregation that meets in an industrial warehouse. We quickly learned that unless we arrived a half hour early, we would be relegated to the farthest recesses of the room or to the video room where the speaker was displayed on a large screen. In spite of the appearance of the building and its awkward layout, we quickly discovered that the people were warm, friendly, and genuinely excited about learning God’s Word. Why? Because the men delivering the message are not there for personal glory, but they consider themselves stewards of the mysteries of God.

Application

What do you look for in a church? The building, the worship time, the fellowship, or the faithful servants who proclaim God’s message to you directly from His Word?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Will

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians help younger Christians grow.

Behind the Words

“So” is from the Greek word houtōs, meaning “in this way.”

The words “affectionately longing” are translated from the Greek verb himeiromai, meaning “to have a strong affection for, or remembrance of.” It is a term of endearment which was most often used of a mother and father toward their children. This is the only place in the New Testament where it appears.

Metadidōmi is the verb translated “to impart.” It is composed of meta, meaning “with” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” This word means “to share something with someone else.”

The word translated “dear” is agapētos, meaning “someone who is dearly loved.”

Meaning Explained

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:24 – A Submissive Witness

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Will

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Truth to Learn

Submission is part of what it means to be a Christian.

Behind the Words

The words “just as” are translated from the Greek word hōsper, which is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and per, meaning “much.” Thus, hōsper literally means “as much as,” that is, “in the same way as.”

“So” is from houtō, meaning “in this way” or “in this manner.” As in this verse, it is often coupled with hōsper to form a similitude between two ideas.

The verb “is subject to” is translated from hupotassō, which we saw a couple verses back means “to be under-ranked” or “to be in submission to.”

Meaning Explained

For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? (1Corinthians 7:16a)

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. (1Peter 3:1-2)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 4:20 – Learn By Faith

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Will

But you have not so learned Christ,

Truth to Learn

We can only learn Christ by faith.

Behind the Words

“So” is translated from houtōs, which literally means “in this manner.” It is a comparative word which, when used with the negative article ou as it is here, indicates a sharp contrast.

Meaning Explained

In verse seventeen Paul then introduced a new topic with regard to our duty in Christ. He told us not to live our lives in the way that the unsaved people of this world do. Because of sin, these people are in the dark regarding spiritual truth. As a result, they live their lives intellectually rather than spiritually. Because the unsaved live their lives intellectually, they put great emphasis on education and learning, but because they refuse to acknowledge God, they stay in the dark. Here’s how Paul said it to the Romans:

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:21-22)

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Not only are they deprived of the light of God’s truth as a result of sin, Satan has blinded them to the truth of the gospel.

Paul now tells us that we have not learned Christ in the manner that the world learns. Notice that he did not say “learned about Christ.” There are many in the world who have learned about Christ but who have never submitted to His lordship. We did not learn Christ intellectually but through belief in the sacrificial death of Christ, the Son of God, as payment for our sins. We learned Christ by faith, not by intellectual means.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,