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1 Peter 4:14 – Suffering For His Glory

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Will

If you are reproached in the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Truth to Learn

Our obedient, righteous suffering glorifies God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “reproached” is the Greek word oneididzō, which means “defamed, taunted, or put down.” It refers to people saying slanderous or derogatory things about you because of your beliefs or actions in obedience to God.

The Greek word markarios is translated as “blessed” in this verse. It does not mean that we are happy, but that we are in a position of blessing. It specifically refers to someone “who is supremely fortunate.”

The expression “rests on you” is from the Greek eph humas anapauetai. The first part of this, eph humas means “upon you (plural)” with the sense of motion toward. The word anapauetai means “he rests himself.”

Meaning Explained

If your desire in life is to see God get the glory and honor that He is due, then today’s verse should pop into your head whenever you suffer for righteousness sake.

If you are being obedient to God, speaking and acting in obedience to Him, and you are verbally treated with contempt for it, either to your face or behind your back, you are supremely fortunate. This verse, like several of the preceding verses, seems to imply that there is pleasure in pain. However, you will notice that in all of Peter’s writings on suffering for righteousness, he never once says that it is pleasurable. Physically and emotionally it is painful, just as it was physically and emotionally painful for Christ when He suffered for us. What Peter is trying to get across is that in spite of the pain, we can feel a sense of peace and contentment knowing what the spiritual result will be.

We are told that the reason we are supremely fortunate when we are verbally buffeted in the name of Christ is because the Spirit of God, the spirit of glory, rests on us. There is something very beautiful about this that I don’t want any of us to miss. When we are suffering for righteousness sake, because we are being obedient to the Spirit of God, He comes upon us imparting a sense of inner peace in spite of the physical or emotional pain. That’s how martyrs of the faith in days gone by have been able to sing and give praise to God even while they were being consumed by flames.

In the last part of today’s verse, Peter tells us that even though those who are reviling us are intentionally blaspheming God, in reality He is being glorified by our obedience and faithfulness. We all tend to think that we will give God much glory when we do some great spiritual work in His name and to this end we work hard. What Peter is telling us is that simply by being humbly obedient, especially if we suffer for it, we are glorifying God.

Application

Let’s all commit ourselves to humility and obedience to God regardless of the potential consequences, knowing that He will give us peace in the middle of it and that He will be glorified if and when we suffer for His sake!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Will

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Truth to Learn

Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Behind the Words

The expression “do not think it strange” comes from two Greek words, mē and a form of xenidzo. Mē means “not” and the verb zenidzo means “to think of something as strange.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “fiery trial” are translated from purōsis, which refers specifically to “the act of smelting metals.” Figuratively, it refers to any time of intense trial.

“Which is to try you” is translated from peirasmon humin ginomenē. The word peirasmon refers to “a trial or temptation,” that is, “a time of testing.” The word humin means “you (plural).” And ginomenē is the present participle of the verb meaning “to begin” or “to come about.” Hence, this expression can be translated as “a trying time which is currently coming upon you.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns again to the theme that he has been repeating throughout this letter, suffering for righteousness sake. It is true that the Christians in the early church suffered persecution repeatedly at the hands of jealous Jews and tyrannical Roman rulers. But members of the Church have suffered persecution throughout history. In fact, there have been few times in history when the church has not suffered persecution, so Peter’s message is relevant for all generations of believers.

Consider, after all, the spiritual warfare that is going on, and has been going on in the heavenlies since time began. Satan and his demons have been opposed to God’s plan and His faithful servants from the beginning. We sometimes think it a strange thing that we are coming under heavier and heavier attack from the humanists and secularist who want to get God out of our school systems and out of our government. But wasn’t this country founded on Christian ideals and values? Of course it was. However, that doesn’t mean that our enemy won’t do everything in his power to neutralize God’s influence. Actually, in this country we have had such religious freedom for the past 250 years that we think all of history has been like that. Not so, I’m afraid.

And, there are places in the world right now where Christians are being persecuted and murdered simply because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

The time is coming when, even in this country, Christians will be persecuted and caused to suffer simply for believing in the Creator-God and the sacrificial atonement of His Son. So Peter’s message is just as relevant to us today as it has been throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Application

Let’s proclaim the message of freedom and salvation, though it may fall on deaf ears, even if it means that we will be persecuted and suffer for it. And if you do suffer, don’t think it unusual, give Him the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural personal pronoun. Greek is different from English in that all verbs indicate not only what the action is, but also who performs the action. The verb in this case is “are,” which is the Greek verb eimi (the verb of being). The form of the verb in this verse is second person plural (you, plural). Therefore, the personal pronoun humeis (you, plural) is not needed to accurately portray what Paul is saying. That fact that he included it indicates emphasis on who are the sons of light.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

Pas is the root word translated here as “all.” It carries the idea of “oneness” or “the totality of something.” Therefore, pas refers to “all of something without anything being left out.”

“Light” is from the Greek word phōs (or phōtos), which is derived from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make visible.” This, phōs refers to “that which shines” or “that which makes visible.” In other words, it refers to light. It is used both of physical light and spiritual light (enlightenment).

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

In order to completely understand Paul’s teaching here we need to understand that Paul was brought up as a Hebrew. The Hebrew language, like most other languages, has idiomatic expressions that don’t always translate easily into other languages. For instance, the Hebrew expression “with four eyes,” as in “the two men met with four eyes,” means that the two men met face to face without anyone else present. Paul often uses such Hebrew idioms (called Hebraisms) in his writing, even though he is writing in Greek.

The expression in the previous verse, “you are not in darkness” is a Hebraism meaning “you are not ignorant, unaware, or unenlightened.” Likewise, the expression “sons of light” is a Hebraism meaning “children of God, the heavenly Father, who is light and in whom is no darkness at all.” Throughout the Bible, the metaphor of light (with respect to God) is a reference to His holiness, righteousness, and sinlessness. As His adopted children, we have been given the righteousness of Christ. In Genesis 15:6 we read that Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his faith. Similarly, a Christian, one who has faith in the saving blood of Christ, is seen by God as completely righteous. In God’s record book we are sinless, righteous, and holy. Hence, we are children of light.

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment on the world of sinners. “We are not of night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

Unsaved people cannot understand the Bible because they are not spiritually enlightened like we are (see 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11). We, on the other hand, are taught by the Holy Spirit, and we can know future things as taught to us in Scripture.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:4 – Spiritual Darkness?

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Will

But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this Day should seize you as a thief.

Truth to Learn

Christians do not live in darkness.

Behind the Words

The word “but” is translated from the Greek particle de, which we looked at in verse one. It indicates transition or conversion, serving to introduce a new topic.

Humeis is the word translated “you.” It is the second person plural pronoun (“you,” plural).

“Darkness” is from skotos, which is from the same root as skia, meaning “shade or a shadow.” It means “obscurity or darkness.” It can refer to either literal darkness of spiritual darkness as it does here.

The Greek word translated “sieze” is katalambanō. This word is made up of kata, meaning “down,” but used here as an intensifier and the verb lambanō, meaning “to take.” Katalambanō means “to lay hold of or seize with eagerness or suddenness.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense and subjunctive mood, indicating a single act that has the possibility or probability of happening.

The word translated “thief” is the noun kleptēs, which is derived from the verb kleptō, meaning “to steal.” Thus, kleptēs refers to someone who steals things, a thief.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has just talked about how the Tribulation will arrive as a “thief in the night,” taking by surprise those who are living on the earth at that time; however, he starts off the current verse with “but.” This shows that what he is about to talk about is contrasted with what was just said. He says, “but you … are not in darkness,” meaning that we won’t be surprised by the Day of the Lord. The ones who will experience the Day of the Lord are in darkness, they are spiritually blind. He will tell us in the next verse that we are sons (children) of light; we have been enlightened by the gospel message. Because we are children of light, we will be removed from the earth before that day comes.

People who believe in a mid-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture have to do some fancy footwork in order to explain away what this verse is really saying. Since they confuse the rapture with the Day of the Lord (the tribulation), they try to say that we will be aware of the coming of the tribulation and God will preserve or protect us in it. This doesn’t explain, however, what Paul said at the end of the previous verse, “they shall in no way escape sudden destruction.” Somehow, these people completely miss the message that is given to “the overcomers” (Christians) in Revelation chapter three:

Because you kept the word of my perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

The word translated “from” in this verse is ek, which literally means “out of.” We, the overcomers, will be kept “out of” the hour, the time of the tribulation. We will not be preserved “in” it; we will be kept “out of” it. This is clear evidence that we Christians will be taken out of the world before the tribulation.

Application

The world is in darkness because it rejects the gospel message. Because they are in darkness, the Day of the Lord will come like a thief and they will in no way escape. However, that day will not overtake us Christians because we are not in darkness and we will be taken out to eternally live in the light.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:22 – Living Building Blocks

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Will

in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian has a specific function within the temple of God.

Behind the Words

The word “you” is translated from humeis, which is a second person plural pronoun (you-plural). This is one area where the antiquated language of the original King James Version is helpful. The words thee, thou, thy, and thine are second person singular pronouns, whereas you and your are second person plural pronouns.

The words “are being built together” are from the Greek verb sunoikodomeō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together,” oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house,” and demō, meaning “to build.” Therefore, sunoikodomeō, literally means “to build a dwelling place together.” It is expressed here in the present tense (current action) and the passive voice (action being done to the subject). It is also expressed as a plural verb.

“Into” is translated from the Greek word eis, meaning “into” or “unto.” The primary idea of this word is of motion into a place or a thing. Sometimes, however, it is used to express motion to or toward a place or thing.

“A dwelling place” is from katoikētērion, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” but possibly used as an intensifier and oikētērion (a dwelling place). It refers to “a permanent dwelling place.”

Meaning Explained

At the time this letter was written, most houses were typically built with bricks. Temples, however, were usually built out of blocks of stone. The stones in the temple were all properly placed so as to form a complete structure to be a habitation for the Deity that was being worshipped there. Paul is telling us that we are being built along with others as a dwelling place for God.

There is some ambiguity introduced here, however, as to whom Paul was specifically referring. The fact that he uses the second person plural pronoun (you-plural) and a plural verb means that he is referring to a group of people who are being built together. In this verse He is not saying that each individual believer is being built together with others. So, he can either mean that you (members of the church at Ephesus, and by extension all believers) are being built together, or he means that you (Gentiles) are being built together. Based on the context of verses nineteen through this verse, it is most likely that he is talking about Gentiles.

What is clear is that Paul is talking about a temple that is being built. In the past few verses Paul has been talking about the construction of a building and in verse twenty-one he made it clear that he is talking about a temple. You may recall from our discussion of the word translated “temple” that it refers to the dwelling place of a deity. In the current verse, Paul makes it clear that he is talking about a temple which is the dwelling place of God. This temple consists of all believers since the beginning of time.

Application

The living temple of God, which Paul refers to here, is an intricately designed and constructed building. We are each building blocks with specific talents and gifts to perform the function (or functions) that God has intended for us. If we are not allowing God to utilize those specific talents and gifts, then the temple is not as God designed it. Do you know what part of the temple you are? If so, are you performing that function?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 3:17 – Destruction Equals Destruction

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Will

If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Truth to Learn

Destroying a church has dire consequences.

Behind the Words

“Anyone” is translated from the indefinite pronoun tis, which means “someone,” “a certain one,” or “anyone.”

The words “defiles” and “destroy” are both translated from the same Greek verb. It is phtheirō, which means “to corrupt, spoil, or destroy, in a moral or spiritual sense.” In classical Greek it nearly always means “to destroy.”

“Temple” is again translated from naon, which refers to the most sacred part of the temple, where God dwells.

Hagios is the word translated “holy.” It 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.” Therefore, hagios is sometimes translated “holy” or “sanctified.” All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God.

The word “which” is from the Greek indefinite, relative pronoun hostis. It is made up of hos, meaning “he” or “who” and tis, meaning “anyone” or “someone” Thus, hostis means “someone who.” Grammatically, it refers to “holy,” not “temple.”

“You” is from humeis, meaning “you (plural).” And the verb “are” is from the second person plural form of eimi, meaning “you (plural) are.”

Meaning Explained

In order to get the correct meaning from this verse we have to keep in mind that Paul is talking to the Christians in Corinth about the divisions that had been caused in the church there. Groups of people (cliques) had formed to follow different teachers within the church. Paul has been using the metaphor of constructing a building in reference to the building up of the body of Christ. Back in verse ten of this chapter, he cautioned us that we need to be mindful of the way we build on the foundation (the person and work of Jesus Christ). When people are working at odds with each other, instead of working together for a common goal, the building is weakened and may be destroyed.

Here Paul warns us that anyone who destroys the temple (the body of Christ, the local church in this case), God will destroy him or her. This does not mean that a Christian will lose his or her salvation as a result of destroying the church, because Paul teaches elsewhere that there is nothing that we can do to lose our salvation (see study on Romans 4:24). Therefore, the destruction that he is talking about is either a reference to physical death or it is a reference to unsaved people who destroy the church.

Paul further emphasizes the seriousness of destroying the temple (the local body of Christ), by declaring that we who make up the temple are holy. We have been set apart “from the world” and set apart “to God for His use.”

Application

Be careful how you work on building up the body of Christ. Good work will result in a reward, poor work will go up in smoke, and destructive work will result in your own destruction. Let’s all focus on good construction work.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural pronoun.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment of the world of sinners. “We are not of the night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:4 – Spiritual Darkness?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Will

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

Truth to Learn

Christians do not live in darkness.

Behind the Words

The word “but” is translated from the Greek particle de, which we looked at in verse one. It indicates transition or conversion, serving to introduce a new topic.

Humeis is the word translated “you.” It is the second person plural pronoun (“you,” plural).

The Greek word translated “overtake” is katalambanō. This word is made up of kata, meaning “down,” but used here as an intensifier and the verb lambanō, meaning “to take.” Katalambanō means “to lay hold of or seize with eagerness or suddenness.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense and subjunctive mood, indicating a single act that has the possibility or probability of happening.

Meaning Explained

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:22 – Living Building Blocks

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:22 – Living Building Blocks

in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian has a specific function within the temple of God.

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

At the time this letter was written most houses were typically built with bricks. Temples, however, were usually built out of blocks of stone. The stones in the temple were all properly placed so as to form a complete structure to be a habitation for the Deity that is worshipped there. Paul is telling us that we are being built along with others as a dwelling place for God.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Romans 16:6 – Hard Working Mary

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Will

Romans 16:6 – Hard Working Mary

Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

Truth to Learn

Some people in the church work extremely hard and get little or no recognition.

Behind the Words

“Mary” is translated from the Greek name Miriam, which is transliterated from the Hebrew name Miryam, meaning “rebelliously.” Some texts have the name as mirian. So this could variously be translated as Mary, Maria, Miriam, or Marian.

The word “labored” is translated from the Greek verb kopiaō, which is derived from the noun kopos, which literally means “a cut” but figuratively refers to “heavy labor which reduces one’s strength.” Thus, kopiaō means “to work hard to the point of feeling fatigued.”

The word “us” is from hēmas, however some Greek manuscripts have the word humas, meaning “you (plural).”

Meaning Explained

Very little is known for certain about this woman, Mary. The only thing which Paul says about her is that she was an extremely hard worker. It is possible that this woman was a tireless worker in Paul’s church planting, evangelistic ministry, and that she offered her services in multiple cities where Paul preached. On the other hand, based on the textual variation of “you” versus “us,” it could be that she was a resident of Rome who dedicated her hard work in the service of the church there.

The fact that Paul sends her greetings in his letter to the Roman church would seem to indicate that he was quite familiar with her and was quite familiar with how hard she worked. If this is the case, then it makes sense that she expended her hard work in assisting Paul in his ministry. It is possible that she, like Aquila and Priscilla, had assisted Paul in Greece and Asia Minor and had since moved to Rome. Whoever this woman was and whatever her specific task was, we know that she was a tireless worker who labored hard and long.

This type of hard work on behalf of our Lord is recognized in several places in the New Testament. In His message to the seven churches in the opening chapters of Revelation, Christ says this to the church at Ephesus:

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. (Revelation 2:2-3)

In this passage, both “labor” and “labored” are translated from the same word used to describe Mary in today’s verse. Also, this same word is used in one of the more easily recognized quotes from the Bible where our Lord said:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Application

Many people attend church each Sunday to get a spiritual recharge and to find some peace and rest. Such would not be possible, however, were it not for those who work tirelessly with little or no recognition, such as janitors, nursery workers, or office assistants. Let’s all make it a point this week to find someone like Mary and thank them for the hard word they give week after week to the service of our Lord.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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