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For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Christians are not to live for themselves, but for God.<\/p>\n \u201cLives<\/span>\u201d is translated from the verb dza\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which always refers to \u201clife.\u201d It is used to express both physical life and spiritual life. In the ancient Greek Attic dialect (initially spoken primarily around Athens) this verb was only used in the\u00a0 present and perfect tenses. In all other tenses the verb bio\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto spend one\u2019s existence.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cdies<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word apothn\u0113sk\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is composed of apo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201caway from, in time or location\u201d and thn\u0113sk\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto die, either physically of spiritually.\u201d Thus, apothn\u0113sk\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto die away\u201d or \u201cto die off.\u201d It is used in a stronger sense than thn\u0113sk\u014d<\/em><\/span>, often implying separation; either separation of the soul from the body (physical death) or separation of the soul of man from God (spiritual death).<\/p>\n In order to understand the meaning of this verse we first have to ask ourselves, \u201cWho does \u201cus\u201d refer to?\u201d If \u201cus\u201d refers to everyone, then this verse could be taken to mean one thing, but if \u201cus\u201d refers to Christians, then it means something entirely different. So, let\u2019s look at the context. Reading from the first verse of this chapter through verse 10, it is abundantly clear that Paul is talking to members of the church. Hence, the \u201cus\u201d is referring to those who have put their trust in the saving blood of Jesus Christ and have submitted to His Lordship over their lives. In other words, he is referring to Christians, whether previously Jews or Gentiles.<\/p>\n Now, what does he say about us Christians? He says that not one of us lives to himself. Some interpreters would have us believe that Paul is teaching that Christians are to live primarily to serve others, thus supporting a social gospel that emphasizes the need for us to take care of each other. This type of interpretation almost always accompanies a works-oriented Christianity. However, if we look at how the Apostle Paul finishes this thought (in the next verse), we see that the focus is not on serving others (though this is part of Paul\u2019s teaching elsewhere), but on submitting ourselves to our Lord and Master. What Paul is specifically teaching in this verse is that no Christian is to live to gratify his own desires or appetites; instead, we should make it our goal to do the will of God, to subordinate our will to His.<\/p>\n Paul also says that none of us dies to himself. What he means is that even in dying we are committed to doing God\u2019s will. We should do all we can to keep our body healthy since it is the temple of God, the Holy Spirit. You will remember that Paul told us that we are to offer ourselves to God as \u00a0living sacrifices (Romans 12:1<\/strong><\/span>), \u00a0placing not only the use of our lives but also the manner and time of our death in the hands of the Almighty.<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Do you see your salvation as simply a free ticket into heaven? If so, you are missing one of the primary reasons for Christ\u2019s death on the cross. It was not done simply as a type of Christmas present, but as a purchase transaction to obtain those who would lovingly serve the desires of the Owner. Think about that!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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