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For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Lack of submissiveness can cause harm to the body of Christ.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cserve<\/span>\u201d is douleu\u014d<\/em><\/span>, the verb form of doulos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ca slave, one whose will is totally submitted to his master\/owner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBelly<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek noun koilia<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201ca cavity.\u201d This word is often used in reference to \u201cthe womb\u201d or \u201cthe belly.\u201d Allegorically, it is used as a reference to the sensuality of food, drink, and personal gratification.<\/p>\n \u201cSmooth words<\/span>\u201d is the translation of the Greek word chr\u0113stologia<\/em><\/span>, which is a compound of chr\u0113stos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ceasy, good, or kind\u201d and leg\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto relate something in words, a discourse.\u201d Thus chr\u0113stologia<\/em> <\/span>refers to \u201ca polite discussion.\u201d Today, we might refer to a person who does this as a \u201csmooth talker.\u201d<\/p>\n The words \u201cflattering speech<\/span>\u201d are from eulogia<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of eu<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cgood or well\u201d and logos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ca word or something said.\u201d So, we see that eulogia<\/em> <\/span>is a reference to \u201can eloquent message.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSimple<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek noun akakos<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of the privative a<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cnot\u201d and kakos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cbad.\u201d Hence, akakos<\/em> <\/span>refers to someone \u201cwithout guile;\u201d that is, someone who is innocent or unsuspecting.<\/p>\n This verse is an extension of the previous one in which Paul warned the Christians in Rome to be on the lookout for people who cause divisions within the body of Christ or who do and say things that cause brothers or sisters in the Lord to stumble in their walk with God.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s verse Paul characterizes such people as selfishly seeking to satisfy their own appetite (usually for power or revenge) instead of the good of the body of Christ. If you have been in any church for a long time, you have probably had encounters with this type of person. He or she talks a good game. These people are often very intelligent and can make a convincing argument as to why a certain thing should or should not be done.<\/p>\n When you encounter such a person, or even suspect that there is such a person in your congregation, ask yourself, Is this person primarily interested in the health of the body of Christ? Are they proposing something that will bring glory to God? Are their reasons and justifications for action based on a humble submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Or, are they more interested in getting their own way rather than submitting to the leadership of the church.<\/p>\n Too often such people are very charismatic and persuasive. And too often a church split is the result of their words and actions. Do you think that\u2019s what God wants?<\/p>\n Whether or not we like the decisions of the leadership of a local congregation, we are to submit ourselves to such leaders. Instead of stirring up dissention in the body, we need to get on our knees and humbly seek God\u2019s guidance. And, we need to act as servants, not crusaders.<\/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
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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