So then it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God who shows mercy. Truth to Learn God deserves all the praise and glory for our salvation. Behind the Words The word translated “willing” is a form of the Greek word thelō, which...
Romans 7:19 – Surrender to Him
For the good that I determine to do, I do not do; but the evil I determine to not do, that I practice. Truth to Learn Overcoming our enemy, our sin nature, is not ours to do. Behind the Words Back in verse sixteen we looked at the word...
2 Peter 3:9 – Merciful Patience
The Lord of the promise is not slow as some consider slowness, but is long-suffering with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Truth to Learn God is very patient with sinners, but His patience will end one day, and many will suffer His wrath...
1 Peter 3:17 – Good Suffering
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Truth to Learn Sometimes God chooses to have us suffer even when we are doing what we know is right. Behind the Words “Better” is translated from the Greek...
1 Peter 2:15 – Good Works = God’s Glory
For this is the will of God, doing good to silence the ignorance of foolish men; Truth to Learn God will use our good works to bring glory to Himself. Behind the Words The word translated “will” is thelēma, meaning “a desire or disposition toward something,” but it also...
James 4:15 – The Lord’s Plan
Instead you ought to be saying, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." Truth to Learn It is God’s plan for us that is important, not our own plans. Behind the Words The expression “Instead you ought to be saying” should be more literally translated...
James 4:4 – The World, or God?
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Truth to Learn Buying into the world system, its values, ideals, and desires is a sure way to...
James 1:18 – New Birth
Having desired it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain first fruit of His creatures. Truth to Learn Our salvation is the greatest example of the goodness of God and His desire to give us good things. Behind the Words The words...
Romans 15:32 – Following With Joy
Romans 15:32 - Following With Joy that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Truth to Learn Following God’s will is not always comfortable or easy but it will produce joy in our hearts. Behind the Words “Will”...
Romans 9:19 – No Fault Sovereignty
Romans 9:19 - No Fault Sovereignty You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" Truth to Learn It is completely fair for God to do as He decides. Behind the Words The Greek verb translated “find fault” is memphomai, meaning...