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may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is<\/em><\/span> the width and length and depth and height\u2014<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Christian lives must be based on and rooted in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n \u201cMay be able<\/span>\u201d is translated from the verb exischu\u014d<\/em><\/span>, a compound word made up of ex<\/em><\/span>, used as an intensifier and ischu\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto have strength.\u201d Exischu\u014d<\/em><\/span> means \u201cto be in full strength\u201d or \u201cto be abundantly able.\u201d It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of this happening.<\/p>\n The word \u201ccomprehend<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek verb katalamban\u014d<\/em><\/span>. This word is made up of kata<\/em><\/span>, used as an intensifier and lamban\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto take.\u201d Thus, katalamban\u014d<\/em><\/span> means \u201cto completely take\u201d or \u201cto firmly take hold of.\u201d The context indicates that it is a \u201ctaking to one\u2019s mind,\u201d that is, \u201cunderstanding\u201d or \u201ccomprehending.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSaints<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word hagios<\/em><\/span>, which is based on hagos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cthat which inspires awe.\u201d The basic meaning of hagios<\/em><\/span> is \u201cthat which is set apart from common use to be used in the service of God.\u201d Therefore, hagios<\/em><\/span> is sometimes translated \u201choly\u201d or \u201csanctified.\u201d All Christians have been set-apart from the world and set-apart to God, which is precisely the meaning of the word \u201csaint.\u201d In the Bible this term does not refer to someone who has been declared to be a saint by the church, but someone who has been declared righteous by God.<\/p>\n In our discussion of yesterday\u2019s verse, we mentioned that the end of that verse belongs with this verse. When we put them together we read:<\/p>\n that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is<\/em><\/span> the width and length and depth and height\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n So, what does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? This could be taken to mean that as Christians all of our actions and deeds spring forth from the ideal of perfect love. Or, it could be taken to mean that all of our deeds and actions spring forth from God who is love according to the Apostle John:<\/p>\n He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.<\/span> (1 John 4:8<\/span><\/strong>)<\/p>\n Paul uses two separate metaphors to express the source of our knowledge of His love. The first is a botanical metaphor: the source of our understanding is that into which our roots are sunk for nourishment. The second is an architectural metaphor: the base on which we build our understanding is the foundation of our lives \u2013 Christ.<\/p>\n Now Paul tells us that as we derive our spiritual nourishment from Him and as we build our life and service on Him, we will understand the width, length, depth, and height of \u2026 We will find out \u201cof what\u201d in tomorrow\u2019s verse.<\/p>\n Is your life built upon faith in Jesus Christ? Are your deeds based on the foundation that has been laid for us by Jesus, the Apostles and Prophets? If not, you won\u2019t really understand God. If so, you will comprehend God and His love for you.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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