Devotional Notes Romans 4

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Abraham’s Salvation Is Through Faith Alone

D1 Verse 1 is a continuation of the thought of Romans 3:31.

D2 All Jews had very high respect for Abraham, the Father of the faithful. How was Abraham made right with God? By keeping the Law? No, the Law did not exist for another 400 years. Abraham was made right with God, because he believed God (faith). Circumcision was not a work that justified Abraham either. Some might argue that salvation is faith+works, but Abraham was justified before he was circumcised.

D3 Salvation is through grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Verse 3 WEL What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited as righteousness to him.” This is a quote from Genesis 15:6. This is imputation, which is (ISBE): The word "imputation," according to the Scriptural usage, denotes an attributing of something to a person, or a charging of one with anything, or a setting of something to one's account.

D4 Verse 4-8 clearly states that faith is NOT a work. Another translation: Romans 4:4-5 NET Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness.

D5 Verse 9-10

E1 Clearly shows that salvation is not just for Jews (a huge problem for 1st century Jews). Salvation is also for Gentiles.

E2 Salvation was credited to Abraham’s account. He did not earn it.

E3 Salvation came before circumcision. Circumcision is not needed for salvation.

E4 Ephesians 4:7-9 WEL So that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace, you are saved through faith and that [is] not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God, 9 Not of works, lest anyone should boast.

D6 Verse 11 shows that circumcision is not required as it is for Jews. To Jews, circumcision is a sign of God's covenant with them. Circumcision to Gentiles, it is a medical procedure. On the other hand, salvation is the very same salvation for Jews and Gentiles. See Acts 10.

D7 Verse 12 teaches that the only Jews who have salvation are those who believe just like Abraham believed.

D8 On verses 13-17, Robertson writes: In these verses (Romans 4:13) Paul employs (Sanday and Headlam) the keywords of his gospel (faith, promise, grace) and arrays them against the current Jewish theology (law, works, merit).

D9 Verse 13, God’s promises to Abraham being heir of the world was not through Mosaic law but through righteousness because of a person’s faith, that is, believing God.

D10 Verse 16, faith shows that salvation is through grace, not works. God gets the credit for salvation. Barclay writes:

To Abraham God made a very great and wonderful promise. He promised that he would become a great nation, and that in him all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). In truth, the earth would be given to him as his inheritance. Now that promise came to Abraham because of the faith that he showed towards God. It did not come because he piled up merit by doing works of the law. It was the outgoing of God's generous grace in answer to Abraham's absolute faith. The promise, as Paul saw it, was dependent on two things and two things only--the free grace of God and the perfect faith of Abraham.

The Jews were still asking, "How can a man enter into the right relationship with God so that he too may inherit this great promise?" Their answer was, "He must do so by acquiring merit in the sight of God through doing works which the law prescribes." That is to say, he must do it by his own efforts. Paul saw with absolute clearness that this Jewish attitude had completely destroyed the promise. It had done so for this reason--no man can fully keep the law; therefore, if the promise depends on keeping the law, it can never be fulfilled.

D11 Verse 20, compare Romans 1:21 where most humans do not do like Abraham. They gave God no credit or honor for what He has done, is doing, and will do, nor be thankful.

D12 Verse 23, a reason we have the written Scriptures and the Old Testament is for us to have facts and teaching about God and His ways.

D13 Verse 24, we inherit the blessings IF we believe. This shows that the fulfillment of promises is conditional being based on faith.

D14 Verse 24-25

E1 All must believe God’s gospel as delivered by God the Son, Jesus Christ.

F1 We must believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. It was not resuscitation but resurrection.

F2 Delivered (handed over) because of our transgressions ( To commit an offense by violating a law, principle, or duty (Source)).

F3 Jesus’s resurrection proves our justification. We cannot know if Jesus died for His own sins or was an acceptable substitute for ours. If Jesus did not rise, then we are not justified. Jesus did rise, so we are justified! That He was resurrected was witnessed by over 500 brothers and sisters. 1 Corinthians 15:6 NIV After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

F4 Don Stewart How Important Is the Resurrection to Christianity?

F5 Gary Habermas has many articles and books.

E2 These verses show the importance of Jesus Christ's resurrection, death, punishment for our sins, and resurrection, which proves and provides our justification.

C3 Questions

D1 What is the importance of Abraham’s believing God?

D2 Why is believing God successful but keeping the Mosaic Law unsuccessful?

D3 Which was first—believing God or circumcision?

D4 What is the importance of Jesus’s resurrection?

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Thank you, O Lord, for all your works and dealings with others.

A Few Thoughts on the Epistle of Titus Part 6

Titus 2:11 God Wants All to Be Saved

and

Titus 2:12-15 Preach Godliness

God Wants All to Be Saved

11 For the saving grace of God has appeared to all people,

Preach Godliness

12 Teaching us that by refusing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live in this present world with self-restraint, righteously, and pleasingly to God.

13 Looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a special people, zealous for good works.

15 Talk about these things, prod and admonish [them] with full authority. Don’t let anyone despise you.

Notes

B1 God’s grace

C1 Is the grace given by God and only by God. It is not earned, deserved, or even sought after by any human. It is God’s strength to do what we can not do on our own. It is a good that God gives to help us, bless us, comfort us, and promise us. It is receiving what we do not deserve.

C2 The word means everything from loveliness, gratitude, favor, good-will, and many other words. In general, it means things that are very good and pleasant.

C3 The is no salvation unless God initiates salvation.

C4 God’s grace

D1 Has appeared to all people

E1 The Greek word appear is ἐπιφαίνω epiphaínō. It means a light shining on something to clearly reveal it. It makes it obvious. It is used 3 other times in the New Testament.[Emphasis is mine]

F1 Luke 1:79 NIV to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

F2 Acts 27:20 NIV When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

F3 Titus 3:4 NIV But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

E2 This is one of the Scriptures plainly showing unlimited atonement. If anyone needs to know what Arminians really believe, this article will help: The FACTS of Salvation: A Summary of Arminian Theology/the Biblical Doctrines of Grace. David L. Allen on unlimited atonement writes:

The key passages asserting unlimited atonement include Isa 53:6; Mark 10:45; John 1:29, 3:14–16; Rom 5:18–19; 1 Cor 15:3–11; 2 Cor 5:14–21; 1 Tim 2:4–6, 4:10; Titus 2:11–14; Heb 2:9, 9:28; 2 Pet 2:1; and 1 John 2:1–2.

There are other texts that implicitly affirm unlimited atonement: Luke 22:20–23; John 17:21,23; Acts 3:26, 10:34; Rom 1:16, 2:11, 3:21–26, 5:15, 11:32, 14:15; 1 Cor 8:11–12; 2 Pet 3:9; Jude 4; and Rev 22:17.

D2 Has taught us to refuse ungodliness and worldly lusts

E1 We need God’s grace to help us identify it, recognize it, and resist it.

E2 2 Corinthians 1:12 NLT We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.

D3 Has taught us to live in this present world with self-restraint, righteously, and pleasingly to God

E1 There is a Christian life to live.

E2 We are required to live this life. Colossians 3:5 NLT So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. (The whole passage in Colossians 3:1-17 is instructive).

C5 We are to look forward and be alert for

D1 The return of Jesus Christ which is our hope

D2 This return is in glory, Jesus coming in the glory of God. He is God the Son.

D3 The deity of Jesus is described here. He is identified as the Great God and Savior

C6 Out savior

D1 Gave Himself for us

D2 Redeemed us from lawlessness

E1 If He redeemed us from lawlessness, then it makes good sense for us to be lawful.

E2 The law Christians follow is the New Testament. There are ~1,000 rules for us. The passage in Colossians gave some.

D3 Purify a special people who are zealous to do good works

E1 Doing good works are important.

E2 These are deeds to help the brothers and sisters but also in presenting the Gospel to unbelievers.

E3 Basically, we help our family first, then our congregational family, then the greater congregation of believers throughout the world, and finally the lost as a witness.

B2 The pastor/teacher and church leaders, yes, all believers are to talk about these things and be urged on in the faith.

B3 Titus is encouraged not to let those who despise him affect his teaching and preaching.

B4 From a devotional: Anne Cetas writes (The full devotional is here scroll down, a long way down).

We leave fingerprints on doorknobs, on books, on walls, on keyboards. Each person’s fingerprints are unique, so we leave our identity on everything we touch. Some supermarkets are even testing a technology that allows customers to pay by fingerprint. Each customer’s unique print and bank account number are kept on file so that the only thing needed to pay a bill is a scan of their finger.

A woman in the early church left another kind of print—a “heartprint.” Dorcas touched many people’s lives through her unique gift of sewing and giving away garments. She’s described as “full of good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). We too are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). We each have a unique heartprint that can touch another.

A Few Thoughts on the Epistle of Titus Titus 1:1-4

Outline

B1 Chapter 1

C1 Titus 1:1-4 Salutation

C2 Titus 1:5-9 Church leaders

C3 Titus 1:10-16 Rebuke

B2 Chapter 2

C1 Titus 2:1-2 Older Men

C2 Titus 2:3-5 Older Women

C3 Titus 2:6-8 Young Men

C4 Titus 2:9-10 Slaves and Masters

C5 Titus 2:11 God Wants All to Be Saved

C6 Titus 2:12-15 Preach Godliness

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Titus 3:1-2 Dealing with non-Christians

C2 Titus 3:3-8 What We Were, and How God Changed Us

C3 Titus 3:9-11 Avoid

C4 Titus 3:12-15 Final Greetings

Chapter 1

Titus 1:1-4 Salutation

1 Paul a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of God’s chosen and full knowledge of that truth, which is according to godliness,

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.

3 At the right time, he made his word unmistakably clear through preaching which was entrusted to me according to the commandment of God our Savior.

4 To Titus, my true son in the common faith, may grace, mercy, and peace be yours from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Notes

B1 Verse 1

C1 Servant and apostle

D1 Paul is a voluntary servant. He is not the slave of a harsh owner.

D2 God’s style of leadership (He is King of the Universe) is that He prefers voluntary service and obedience rather than coerced service.

D3 Paul’s commission from God is apostleship. God delegates. God is not a micromanager decreeing everything exhaustively and rendering it certain.

D4 God’s offices that He commissions: 1 Corinthians 12:28 NLT Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.

D5 The purpose of these offices is to assist and increase the church in knowledge (includes apologetics), faith, living the Christian life, teaching the Christian worldview, answering questions, healing the hurts (as much as possible) of the believers, etc. Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

D6 Every believer has a spiritual gift from God to serve each other. Hopefully we are exercising that gift, and not claiming, “It’s the pastor’s job.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 WEL Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 There are different results, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 This observable ministry of the Spirit is given to everyone for the benefit [of all].

D5 An apostle

E1 Qualifications: Acts 1:21-22 CSB Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection.

E2 Paul had not accompanied Jesus but has seen the resurrected Christ on the Damascus road.

F1 1 Corinthians 9:1 NKJV Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?

F2 1 Corinthians 15:8 NKJV Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

F3 Acts 9:3, 5 NKJV As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ... And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

C2 Faith of God’s chosen

D1 Faith refers to the body of Christian belief (Gospel, doctrine, and life).

D2 God’s chosen may refer to either Jesus Christ or all believers. Jesus is the teacher of the faith continued on through the work of the Holy Spirit.

E1 Refers to Jesus as in 1 Peter 2:6 NIV For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

E2 Refers to all believers as in Colossians 3:12-13 WEL Therefore put on—as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved—a heart of compassion, kindness, a humble attitude, caring gentleness, longsuffering, 13 Putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone has a quarrel against any other, then even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

C3 Full knowledge would be complete knowledge. It is the responsibility of the leaders to teach the people the complete faith. It is the responsibility of the believers to read and study their New Testament to learn the faith. Biblical illiteracy is much too high.

C4 Godliness, that is, God’s standard.

B2 Verse 2

C1 Hope. Faith is believing God. Hope is the expectant waiting for what is promised.

D1 Paul had faith, that is, he believed God’s promise of eternal life.

D2 Paul had hope, that is, he has not yet experienced it but is confident it will happen.

D3 Faith is believing God: Hebrews 11:1 CSB Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

D4 Hope is the confidence of what we believe: 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

C2 God cannot lie.

D1 Truth is the core character trait of God. Because of this we know God’s love is true love, God’s compassion is true compassion, God’s warning are true warnings, God’s offer of salvation is a true offer, God’s promises are true promises, and what God says (Scripture) is truth. It is not flattery, manipulation, deceiving, etc. God’s being, God’s thoughts, God’s words, God’s rules, God’s kingship, God’s character traits, God’s lifestyle, God’s decisions are all truth done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

D2 Psalm 12:6 NET The LORD's words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.

D3 James 1:17 GW Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon.

D4 Compare those who did not (refuse to believe). They understood but did not believe.

E1 Psalm 106:24 NET They rejected the fruitful land; they did not believe his promise.

E2 Matthew 21:32 NET For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe. Although you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

E3 Jude 1:5 NET Now I desire to remind you (even though you have been fully informed of these facts once for all) that Jesus, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, later destroyed those who did not believe.

C1 Promised before world began

D1 All was planned by God’s before creating.

D2 1 Corinthians 2:7 NLT No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

B2 Verse 3

D1 Messiah dying for our sins. Salvation as a gift in meeting God’s conditions. Faith, not works, for salvation. All was hidden and mysterious until Jesus came and preached.

E1 Romans 16:25 NASB Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,

E2 Ephesians 6:19 CSB Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

B3 Verse 4

C1 Grace is God’s gift of strength to do His will.

C2 Mercy is God’s gift of not giving us what we really deserve, because of the ministry of His Son, the Lord Jesus.

C3 Faith is believing God.

Ephesians 6:21-24

A1 Scripture

B1 Ephesians 6:21-24 NKJV  But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;  (22) whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. (23) Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (24) Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

B2 Ephesians 6:21-24 GNB  Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me, so that you may know how I am getting along.  (22) That is why I am sending him to you—-to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you. (23) May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith.  (24) May God's grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.

A2 Outline

B1 Sharing with the brethren

C1 Sent by Tychicus

D1 Beloved brother

D2 Faithful minister in the Lord

C2 Purpose

D1 How we are getting along

D2 To comfort your heart (encourage you)

B2 Ending/blessing

C1 From

D1 God the Father

D2 The Lord Jesus Christ

C2 To give from them to you

D1 Peace to the brethren

D2 Love with faith

B3 Prayer: Grace be with all you love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity

A3 Notes

B1 Sharing information

C1 Nice to update

C2 Gives information for the brethren to know how to pray.

C3 To ensure accountability.

B2 Tychicus

C1 With Paul on third missionary journey. Acts 20:4 NKJV  And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

C2 Took letter from Paul to Colossians. Colossians 4:7-8 NKJV  Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.  (8) I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.

C3 Also went to Ephesus. 2 Timothy 4:12 NKJV  And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

C4 According to tradition, he was Bishop of Chalcedon.

C5 Characteristics

D1 Beloved brother

E1 Same objectives

E2 Same goals

E3 Same motivations

E4 Same Lord

E5 Same salvation

E6 Same forgiveness

E7 Same grace from God

D2 Faithful minister in the Lord

E1 To Lord

E2 To church

E3 To Scriptures

F1 To read

G1 In plain, normal sense

G2 As God's word

G3 Only source of 100% truth

G4 As completely sufficient

F2 To study

F3 To believe

F4 To teach

E4 To Doctrine

E5 To Christian life

E6 To study

E7 To preach

E8 Delivers the same message that he received

C6 Sent by Paul to

D1 Give update information to church

D2 Comfort their worrying hearts

B3 Paul's prayer. Three things

C1 Peace

D1 Not world peace, though that would be nice. Social justice may be nice, but the heart needs to be changed. When God gives a new heart, we treat everyone the way God wants us to (or at least we should).

D2 Is to the brethren. This is both sisters and brothers. It is a general term for those who have placed their faith and trust into Jesus Christ.

D3 Defined

E1 Rest and calm

E2 Words

F1 Old Testament (Hebrew)

G1 Shalom

H1 Health and prosperity

H2 Safety

H3 Friendship

G2 The verbs and adjectives are from the same root word

F2 New Testament (Greek)

G1 Eirene

H1 Quietness, rest and contentment.

H2 From war and unrest

H3 With individuals

H4 With God

G2 The verbs and adjectives are from the same root word

E2 God is the author of peace

F1 Isaiah 9:6 NKJV  "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." As the old saying, "No God, no peace. Know God, know peace."

F2 There is no peace for the wicked (rebels).

G1 Isaiah 57:21 NKJV  There is no peace," Says my God, "for the wicked.

G2 Romans 3:17 UKJV  And the way of peace have they not known.

C2 Love

D1 A choice, a choosing something to be special.

D2 Words

E1 Old Testament (Hebrew)

F1 Ahabah. A general term for love of various types of love as in English.

F2 God’s love to His people. Husband to wife. Friend to friend. Sexual.

E2 New Testament (Greek)

F1 Agape (the word used here)

G1 A choosing of something/one special

G2 Romans 5:8 NKJV  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

G3 Romans 8:35 NKJV  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

F2 Phileo

G1 The feeling of friendship

G2 With the idea of loyalty and seeking the best interests of another

G3 Being fond, really liking something/one as fond of ice cream.

G4 Matthew 6:5 NKJV  And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

G5 John 5:20 NKJV  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

F3 Eros

G1 Physical love

G2 Not used in the New Testament

F4 Storge

G1 Not used in the Bible.

G2 It is the love of parent for child that is more and higher than for the children of others.

G3 Astorgos is used. It is translated "without natural affection."

G4 2 Timothy 3:3 GW  And lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good.

G5 Romans 1:31 KJV  Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.

D3 Love with faith

E1 Two nouns. It is not love (something/someone) with faith. It is love along with faith. Two nouns.

E2 Love is a blessing. It is good. It is of God. This love in this passage is for the Christian fellowship of all believers.

E3 But not only love, but love with faith. The same faith in Jesus Christ, His words, His goals, His rules, His way of life. All the Christians in love and in faith.

E4 With is not the word sun, it is meta. Meta means with as in accompanying. Faith is accompanying love. They are together. As one writes, "love goes with faith."

C3 Grace

D1 Receiving what we do NOT deserve.

D2 Words

E1 Old Testament (Hebrew)

F1 Khane

F2 Same idea as in the New Testament

F3 Proverbs 3:34 NKJV  Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

E2 New Testament (Greek)

F1 charis Favorable actions, kindness, even in the sense of a unasked for, undeserved gift.

F2 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 GNB  For I am the least of all the apostles—-I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church.  (10) But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me.

B4 Parting words/blessing

C1 To those who love (agape) our Lord Jesus Christ

D1 Not necessarily an emotion as in boyfriend/girlfriend love

D2 John 14:15 GNB If you love me, you will obey my commandments.

E1 Keep is used as in keep the speed limit, that is, obey the speed limit. If it is 55 mph, then one doesn't drive as 85 mph.

E2 Commandments as outlined in the New Testament

C2 In sincerity

D1 Sincerity is the opposite of being a hypocrite, liar, false, having a facade, or fake.

D2 The Greek word is aphtharsia.

E1 Genuine, incorruptible

E2 1 Corinthians 15:42 NKJV So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption." Compare:

F1 Matthew 22:37 NRSV  He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'

F2 2 Corinthians 8:8 NRSV  I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.

F3 Titus 2:7-8 NRSV  Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity,  (8) and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.

A4 Applications

B1 Love God

B2 Love the brothers and sisters

B3 Have faith

B4 Be faithful

B5 Be encouraged