A Few Thoughts about Provoking God

Genesis 15:16 BSB In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.

Background

B1 Amorites:

C1 Their ancestor was one of the sons of Canaan (Genesis 10:15-16).

C2 Their country consisted of Syria and Israel (Deuteronomy 1:7 and Deuteronomy 1:19-20).

C3 Their most famous kings were Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 31:4).

C4 The Amorites were defeated by Israel under Joshua (Joshua 10:10 and Joshua 11:8).

C5 They either died out or blended into Israel (1 Kings 9:20-21 and Amos 2:10).

C6 Their culture was

D1 Less wicked than King Manasseh of Judah. 2 Kings 21:10-11 NLT Then the LORD said through his servants the prophets: 11 King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols.

D2 For King Manasseh’s actions, see 2 Kings 21:6-7, 11, 16-17. You can read 2 Kings chapter 21.

B2 A generation is from when a man has his first born and that son has his first born. In Abraham’s time this was typically 100 years. See Jamieson, Faussett, Brown commentary on this verse, notes on this passage in NIV Study Bible Notes, and compare Genesis 15:13. For more Bible verses and a map about the Amorites, see here.

Punishment for sin

B1 Romans 13:13 NLT Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

B2 Galatians 5:19-21 WEB Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

Provoking

B1 Provoking is making God angry repeatedly. Provoking God or people is evil. See Exodus 23:21 (don’t provoke God), Colossians 3:21 (don’t provoke children), 1 Corinthians 13:5 (don’t provoke spouse). We are to provoke (urge) to good works (Hebrews 10:24).

B2 Deuteronomy 9:8 BSB At Horeb you provoked the LORD, and He was angry enough to destroy you. See Lange: The censure is sharp. There is no concealment of the sins of the people, especially of its ingratitude and rebellion.

God’s patience and message to repent often spreads over many years and decades even centuries.

B1 Exodus 34:6-7 NLT The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. 7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations."

B2 Nahum 1:3 LEB Yahweh is slow to anger but great in power; he will certainly not allow the guilty to go unpunished. He marches in storm wind and in gale; storm clouds are the dust of his feet.

B3 The time varies—approximately 120 years for Noah’s generation (1 Peter 3:20) and 40 years for Israel in the wilderness before those 20 and older (Numbers 14:29) at the onset died (Acts 13:18). Other times for many, many years, yet their actions eventually become so evil that God punishes. Compare Nineveh in Jonah’s day (Jonah 3) with Nahum’s time (Nahum 3), which was approximately 150 years.

B4 God’s motive: 2 Peter 3:9 LEB The Lord is not delaying the promise, as some consider slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

B5 The end of patience: Revelation 2:20-21 LEB But I have against you that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, the one who calls herself a prophetess, and teaches and deceives my slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 And I have given her time in order to repent, and she did not want to repent from her sexual immorality.

God warns all. Compare Romans 1:18-32.

God does judge and sentence

B1 Judge

C1 1 Peter 4:17 GNB The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God?

C2 Read Psalm 75.

C3 Some are so evil that they accumulate God’s wrath: Romans 2:5 NLT But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

B2 Sentence

C1 Darkness. There is NO light.

D1 Matthew 25:30 NRSV As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

D2 2 Peter 2:17 NRSV These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the deepest darkness has been reserved.

C2 Pain by fire: Mark 9:47 NRSV And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell.

C3 The severity is according to what people have done. The greater the evil and amount of evil, the greater the punishment. Matthew 16:27 NRSV For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.

C4 Eternally suffering the pain of fire: Revelation 20:15 NRSV and anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

C5 Never ending Matthew 25:46 NRSV And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

C6 Shame and contempt: Daniel 12:2 NRSV Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

C7 Described as second death, that is, a never ending and final death: Revelation 21:8 GW But cowardly, unfaithful, and detestable people, murderers, sexual sinners, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

B3 Result? Some are weepers who wished they had repented and placed their faith into the Lord Jesus, and some are gnashers who curse God for eternity. Matthew 8:12 NLT But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Ways of provoking God

B1 Disbelief which results in disobedience—Numbers 32:9-13

B2 Doing evil things—Deuteronomy 31:29

B3 Stealing then covering it up as Achan—Joshua 7:1

B4 Disobedience, even with good intentions, as Uzzah did—2 Samuel 6:6-7 (compare Leviticus 10:1-3, Acts 5:1-11, and Numbers 4:15 (only Kohathites could carry the Ark. It is doubtful that Uzzah was either))

B5 Encouraging others to worship a false god. We must be careful to define God and His character traits correctly, too. See 1 Kings 15:30.

B6 Refusing God’s call to salvation. See Isaiah 65:1-5, Acts 13:46, Psalm 81:11-13, and John 3:19.

B7 Not giving God credit for all He does and not being thankful—Romans 1:21.

B8 So a summary would be disbelief, reject and refusal of God, His plan, His ways, His worldview, His salvation, also disobedience, deliberately being disobedient, refusing to repent, etc.

B9 Sometime and in some place, nations, governments, leaders, businesses, and people provoke God. The time of repentance is over. It is judgment time. Let us ourselves be sure we have our faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and pray for all who have not.

B10 Come, Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NRSV Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

2 Peter 3:17-18 NRSV You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

John 14:16-17 NRSV And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

Jude 1:24-25 NRSV Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

A Few Thoughts about John 14:15

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Judas has left Jesus and his fellow apostles. He has joined with satan and turned against the Lord Jesus.

Jesus brings His farewell message to His followers. This is recorded in John 13:31-John 16:33.

In John 13:31-16:33, the Lord Jesus uses the word love 19 times. 18 times it is the Greek word ἀγαπάω agapáō, which is the highest love. It is a choosing to love and loyalty. 1 time it is the Greek word φιλέω philéō, which means personal affection and personal attachment.

Jesus teaches them that if they really love Him, they will keep His commandments.

The Greek word for keep is τηρέω tēréō. It means to guard in the sense of

B1 Some thoughts

C1 Wuest Word Studies: Keep" is tēreō, "to keep by guarding, to guard by exercising watchful cafe." It speaks of guarding something which is in one’s possession.

C2 Examples:

D1 John 17:12 CSB While I was with them, I was protecting them by your name that you have given me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled. [Emphasis added. The word guarded is φυλάσσω phylássō, which means be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid].

D2 John 17:15 CSB I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

B2 In a sense, there is the idea of conforming our lives in body, soul, and spirit to do His commandments in love and loyalty for Him.

The Greek word for commandments is ἐντολή entolḗ. It means

B1 generally, a charge, injunction, order, command [Source is Greek Lexicon Of The New Testament, Abbott-Smith].

B2 From TDNTa

C1 entolḗ in the General Usage of the Greek and Hellenistic World. The meaning is “command,” “commission,” a. as the command of a king or official, b. as the instruction of a teacher, c. as a commission, and d. as authorization.

C2 Keeping Christ’s entolaí is a mark of love for Christ (Jn. 14:15, 21). If we love him, we both “have” and “keep” them. In view of the basis, the plural entolaí is not legalistic. The many commands are summed up in the one command of love, which comes to expression in the multiple spheres of the obedient life. In the light of Jn. 15:10 “task” or “commission” might also be embraced by entolḗ, but tereín tás entolás means “keeping the commandments,” not “fulfilling a commission.” Comparison of the disciples’ keeping of the commandments with the Son’s doing of the Father’s work shows that a personal relationship is involved, especially in view of the common abiding in love. [Source is TDNTa]

B3 Commandment is the verbal or written desire of an authority and backed by that authority. Law is the sum of verbal or written commands. Command is to one person or more depending on the context, while law is for all those under that authority. It is the set of commands.

Some thoughts

B1 Robertson: Continued love prevents disobedience.

B2 Adam Clarke: Do not be afflicted at the thought of my being separated from you: the most solid proof ye can give of your attachment to and affection for me is to keep my commandments. This I shall receive as a greater proof of your affection than your tears.

B3 One of the proofs that we are a believer is to conform, do, keep, observe the commandments and rules of the Lord Jesus. One of the purposes of 1 John is for us to examine our lives to see if we are in the faith. We cannot be sinless but can be blameless. If we sin, we confess and with God’s help do not sin again. We often do but we must ask forgiveness again. 1 John 5:1-3 NRSV Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

B4 This might seem impossible, but the Lord Jesus reveals something: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever (John 14:1 ESV). [Emphasis added]. Jesus was the helper while ministering on earth. He now intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them). The Holy Spirit is our helper now. He encourages, reminds, gives strength to resist, protects, etc. Note, too, that He will be with us forever. God’s grace never ends. We need grace every moment of our life. See Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9-12, James 4:6, and John 1:16.

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

B1 With God’s help our love will be seen in what we do.

B2 The standard of these doings is Jesus’s commands.

B3 We are loyal to God because of love, not force, bullying, gun, sword, fist, abuse, threats, etc.

B4 To John there is only one test of love and that is obedience. It was by his obedience that Jesus showed his love of God; and it is by our obedience that we must show our love of Jesus. C. K. Barrett says: "John never allowed love to devolve into a sentiment or emotion. Its expression is always moral and is revealed in obedience." We know all too well how there are those who protest their love in words but who, at the same time, bring pain and heartbreak to those whom they claim to love. There are children and young people who say that they love their parents, and who yet cause them grief and anxiety. There are husbands who say they love their wives and wives who say they love their husbands, and who yet, by their inconsiderateness and their irritability and their thoughtless unkindness bring pain the one to the other. To Jesus real love is not an easy thing. It is shown only in true obedience. [Source Barclay Daily Bible Study. Be cautious].

B5 Let us be joyful, be encouraging to each other, be helping each other, be faithful and steadfast until the end utilizing God’s good grace. Colossians 3:12 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

We grow by reading, studying, and living the Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:18 GNB But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

We are to be a light to the world of God’s best ways for living. Ephesians 5:8-9 GNB You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Pray: Psalms 86:6 ESV Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings and help. Give us strength to live for you.

A Few Thoughts about Marriage Issues

Submit and obey definitions

B1 Submit

C1 English

D1 to accept that someone has defeated you or has power over you

submit to (Source)

D2 Accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person (Source)

C2 Greek

D1 The Greek word is ὑποτάσσω hypotássō.

D2 There is both a military and non-military usage: This word was a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden. (Source) Amenable might be the closest English word: [amenable: open or susceptible to suggestion; likely to listen, cooperate, etc. Source]

D3 Ephesians 5:21-22 WEL Be amenable to one another in the fear of God. [amenable: open or susceptible to suggestion; likely to listen, cooperate, etc. Source] 22 Wives be amenable to your own husbands as to the Lord.

B2 Obey

C1 English (Source)

D1 to follow the commands or guidance of He always obeys his parents

D2 to conform to or comply with

C2 Greek

D1 Verse: 1 Peter 3:6 NKJV as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

E1 Peter quotes Genesis 18:12 NKJV Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

E2 The Hebrew word for lord is אָדוֹן ʼâdôwn. It means everything from owner, to boss (as king, etc.), and to God. It is also used as a term of respect much as we might say, “Yes, sir,” or “Yes, Madam.” It is not always used in the sense of someone who is an owner or king of the wife, etc.

F1 Genesis 23:5-6

G1 KJV: Genesis 23:5-6 KJV And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, 6 Hear us, my lord: thou [art] a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

G2 NIV: Genesis 23:5-6 NIV The Hittites replied to Abraham, 6 "Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead."

G3 Comment. Abraham never was their king, boss, governor, etc. Abraham never ruled over the Hittites.

F2 Similar, but not common, uses are found in 2 Kings 8:12, Ruth 2:13, Genesis 32:4, Genesis 43:20, etc.

D2 Greek word is ὑπακούω hypakoúō. It means obey, that is, hear and do (for humans) and accomplished (non-human). The request must be heard, then it must be done. This is the meaning of obey.

D3 Other verses:

E1 Ephesians 6:1 KJV Children, obey [G5219] your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

E2 2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV And if any man obey [G5219] not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

E3 Hebrews 5:9 KJV And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey [G5219] him.

A woman: without her, man is nothing. For the quote see here.

B1 Scripture:

Genesis 2:7, 15-18, 21 NIV Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. ... 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." 18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." ... 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh.

B2 Comment:

C1 "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

C2 Adam did not have everything needed to effectively do his mission. As an example, consider that there 10 gifts needed to govern and carry out his mission. Adam has 5 and Eve has 5 different gifts. Together they have the complete gifts needed to carry out God’s mission for them. The principle learned is that no one has all the gifts to live life. In marriage with the problems that arise, both husband and wife have gifts for solving the problem.

Mutuality in physical love

B1 Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 GW Husbands and wives should satisfy each other's sexual needs. 4 A wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but his wife does. 5 Don't withhold yourselves from each other unless you agree to do so for a set time to devote yourselves to prayer. Then you should get back together so that Satan doesn't use your lack of self-control to tempt you.

B2 A husband cannot override his wife. If she is sick, tired, etc., she can refuse, and the husband must submit. Likewise, if he is tired or whatever, she must refrain her desires. Refraining from each other should be limited, for the Scriptures teach only for a brief time to give themselves to prayer. Note you must both agree to abstain. It is not just the husband’s.

Making decisions:

B1 Verse example: 1 Kings 22:19-23 NLT Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the LORD says! I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left. 20 And the LORD said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’ “There were many suggestions, 21 and finally a spirit approached the LORD and said, ‘I can do it!’ 22 “‘How will you do this?’ the LORD asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ “‘You will succeed,’ said the LORD. ‘Go ahead and do it.’ 23 “So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the LORD has pronounced your doom.”

B2 The principle taught is for us to seek viable solutions for a situation, problem, difficulty, etc. It is not always the husband’s will. The wife should be informed, consulted, genuinely listened to, and fully respected. If all decisions are only the husbands, then that husband is failing God’s will. The above passage is not teaching that God has the solution and that God is deceiving the spirits to make them happy thinking that their opinion is heard humors them for their opinion, but that opinion is meaningless. I believe that this passage teaches that God does seek on occasion genuine opinions. It is His style of leadership. We must adopt and conform to that style of leadership.

Love:

B1 Definitions

C1 ἀγάπη agápē:

D1 ISBE: Love, whether used of God or man, is an earnest and anxious desire for and an active and beneficent interest in the well-being of the one loved.

D2 TDNTa: Here is a love that makes distinctions, choosing its objects freely. Hence it is especially the love of a higher for a lower. It is active, not self-seeking love.

D3 This is love by choice. It is not forced or coerced. This is choosing to love and choosing loyalty.

D4 Examples:

E1 We don’t naturally love our enemies. We don’t emotionally love our enemies. It is a choice. Matthew 5:44 NASB But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

E2 Giving is voluntary. God chooses to love those who freely give. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB Each one [must do] just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

E3 God’s grace plus our active choice is necessary to comply with this verse: 1 John 2:15 NASB Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

C2 φιλέω philéō:

D1 The feeling of giving attention, concern, care, etc. It is usually applied to friendship.

D2 Examples (a few among many)

E1 Titus 3:15 NRSV All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

E2 Matthew 6:5 EMTV And whenever you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and on the street corners, so that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say to you, that they receive their reward in full.

E3 Revelation 22:15 EMTV But outside are dogs and drug users and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices a lie.

C3 Eros érōs:

D1 This is the feeling of ecstasy, bliss, and the feeling of wanting another to fulfill and cause this desire. It is associated with sex, food, power, etc.

D2 Also the idea of enjoyment.

D3 Examples (a few among many) For several other examples see here. Logos Bible can be bought here but is also found elsewhere.

E1 Proverbs 4:6 Logos Bible LXX And do not forsake it, and it shall cleave to you: love it, and it shall keep you.

E2 Esther 2:17 Logos Bible LXX And the king loved Esther, and she found favor beyond all the other virgins, and he put on her the queen's crown.

C4 Natural love:

D1 Greek

E1 στέργω stérgō which is not used in the Bible and means cherish.

E2 ἄστοργος ástorgos is the negative of the above word and is translated without natural affection in Romans 1:31 and 2 Timothy 3:3.

D2 This ( στέργω stérgō) is the natural love of parents for children and children for parents, etc.

B2 Actions: How love is seen in life. How do we know if there is love? These actions must be constant in public and private.

C1 Jesus

D1 Matthew 22:37-40 NLT Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

D2 The example from the teaching about the Good Samaritan as in Luke 10:30-37.

D3 John 14:15 NRSV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

C2 Towards others as spouse, fellow believers, enemies, etc.

D1 Love is not in giving gifts, favors, and things. It is giving of ourselves, our attention, and our time.

D2 These actions are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices with the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never falls away,

C3 If a person is not treated as taught in 1 Corinthians 13, it is doubtful that there is love as God defines it and loves.

C4 We are to treat our spouse with this kind of love including love for body, soul, and spirit. We are to be one with them in body, soul, and spirit. There is no idea of superiority or mastery. We worship as one. We work as one. We deal with problems and situations as one.

D1 Mark 10: 6-8 WEL “Moreover from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 “And those two will be one flesh. So then, they are not two anymore but one flesh. [Genesis 2:24]

D2 One flesh has the idea of oneness is all areas. If I walk from one side of the room to the other, then my head moves, too, as well as my feet, arms, soul, and spirit. So, there is oneness between husband and wife in life. There can be this oneness even if separated physically by work, education, illness, etc.

C5 Spouses are to have fellowship with each other. Christians have fellowship with God, so we are to have fellowship with each other.

D1 Philippians 2:1 NLT Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

D2 1 John 1:3 MKJV that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

D3 The principle of oneness is to be among Christians, so how much more our spouse. Acts 1:14 NASB These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with [the] women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

D4 As is true for the church, so is true for marriage: John 17:21 GNB I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.

D5 The principle that we must live in public and private the same as we talk is for Christians towards each other so more so with our spouse. 1 John 1:6 EMTV If we claim that we have fellowship with Him, and we are walking in the darkness, we are lying, and are not practicing the truth.

Abuse, controlling attitudes and actions, force, manipulation, etc. is not love and God allows divorce in these cases. See Conditions for Christian Divorce Updated.

Devotional Notes Romans 16

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Paul’s Personal Greetings

D1 Phoebe, a deaconess

E1 I wrote an article about this: A Few Thoughts About Deaconesses

E2 Robertson’s Word Pictures comment on Romans 16:1:

Who is a servant of the church (ousan diakonon tēs ekklēsias). The etymology of diakonos we have had repeatedly. The only question here is whether it is used in a general sense or in a technical sense as in Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In favour of the technical sense of “deacon” or “deaconess” is the addition of “tēs ekklēsias” (of the church). In some sense Phoebe was a servant or minister of the church in Cenchreae. Besides, right in the midst of the discussion in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Paul has a discussion of gunaikas (1 Timothy 3:11) either as women as deaconesses or as the wives of deacons (less likely though possible). The Apostolic Constitutions has numerous allusions to deaconesses. The strict separation of the sexes made something like deaconesses necessary for baptism, visiting the women, etc. Cenchreae, as the eastern port of Corinth, called for much service of this kind. Whether the deaconesses were a separate organization on a par with the deacons we do not know nor whether they were the widows alluded to in 1 Ti 5:9.

E3 The Roman believers were to help her in every way possible. This is referring to her ministry. Note, that she has been a helper to many. We should always be willing to help (if we are able) fellow believers especially if they are engaged in ministry.

D2 Priscilla and Aquila

E1 See Acts 18 and 1 Corinthians 16:19

E2 A few articles

F1 Who were Priscilla and Aquila?

F2 Priscilla and Aquila

D3 Epaenetus, the first Achaia convert. See here.

D4 Verse 6, Mary. Adam Clarke writes: Who this Mary was, or what the labor was which she bestowed upon the apostles, we know not. Her works, though hidden from man, are with God; and her name is recorded with honor in this book of life.

D5 Andronicus and Junia.

E1 Not Apostles but well known and highly regarded by the Apostles. Some articles on controversies about them:

F1 Junia Among the Apostles: The Double Identification Problem in Romans 16:7

F2 Was Junia/Junias a female apostle?

F3 Romans 16:7 at Bible Hub. Multiple translations and some comments.

E2 Two men or husband and wife? Most likely, it is husband and wife as in most translations.

D6 Amplias. See Bible Hub and Net Bible Dictionary.

D7 Verse 9,

E1 Urbane. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Stachys. Bible Hub entry.

D8 Verse 10,

E1 Apelles. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Aristobulus. Bible Hub entry.

D9 Verse 11,

E1 Herodion. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Narcissus. Bible Hub entry.

D10 Verse 12,

E1 Tryphena and Tryphosa. Most likely, they are sisters serving Christ. Bible Hub entry.

E2 Persis. Another sister in Christ. Bible Hub entry.

D11 Verse 13, Rufus. Bible Hub entry.

D12 Verse 14-15. See Haldane’s Commentary.

D13 Verse 16, showing greetings and the Christian fellowship of one family in Christ.

D14 Verse 17, two types of people to avoid.

E1 The Greek word avoid is ἐκκλίνω ekklínō. It means to turn away from even to shun.

E2 Those who create dissensions.

F1 This is mainly referring to doctrine. Many want to change the Christian doctrine taught by Jesus and the Apostles. Some ignore it. Some redefine it. Some apply a philosophical justification to come up with an unrecognizable teaching. It is best to not speculate but accept the plain, normal sense of Scripture.

F2 It applies to those who do not agree with Paul’s Roman letter.

F3 Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

E3 Those who create opportunities for sin.

F1 Sin begins in the heart, blossoms, and finally a person gives in, sins, and faces the consequences. See James 1:14-15.

F2 Often people separate for reasons not required by Scriptures. Let us be very careful.

F3 1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV but now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

F4 2 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

F5 Titus 3:9-11 NIV but avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

D15 Verse 18, the motive for the errors noted in verse 17.

E1 Selfish interests and goals are common errors.

E2 Note how they believe they are serving the Lord Jesus but definitely are not serving Him.

E3 Notice their method of swaying people to their opinion. They use pleasant speech and flattery. Barclay remarks:

There are two interesting words in this passage. There is the word we have translated plausibility (chrestologia, Greek #5542). The Greeks themselves defined a chrestologos (see Greek #5542) as "a man who speaks well and who acts ill." He is the kind of man who, behind a facade of pious words, is a bad influence, who leads astray, not by direct attack, but by subtlety, who pretends to serve Christ, but in reality is destroying the faith. There is the word we have translated untainted with what is evil. It is the word akeraios (Greek #185) and it is used of metal which has no suspicion of alloy, of wine and of milk which are not adulterated with water. It describes something which is absolutely pure of any corruption. The Christian is a man whose utter sincerity must be beyond all doubt.

E4 They show great interest and kindness to others, but it is only to groom them for some evil.

E5 They flatter them and make them believe they are special to this teacher.

D16 Verse 19 refers to the Roman believers having a good testimony in society.

D17 Verse 20. God does punish. He does not say when. We must be patient. God gives us grace to be patient.

D18 Verse 21-23 are some of the believers with Paul who send their greetings and blessings to the Roman believers.

C2 Paul’s Blessing and Prayer for the Roman Christians

D1 Verse 24, Paul’s confidence in the Lord Jesus to help them.

D2 Verse 25, God has both the power/strength and desire to help us live steadfastly in the faith.

E1 We must believe God. James 5:8 CSB You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near.

E2 The ministry of all to teach what we believe and why and how we live and why is SO important. Colossians 2:5-7 CSB For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ. 6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

D3 Verse 25, the mystery is the clearness of the Gospel and the life God wants for us who live in God’s kingdom in spirit and someday in presence. It also refers that God’s blessings of salvation are not only for Jews but also Gentiles.

D4 Verse 26,

E1 The importance of prophecy

E2 God is everlasting

E3 The obedience of faith.

F1 God gives the command to believe. Mark 1:15 NLT the time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!"

F2 We can resist or not resist after the Holy Spirit frees our blindness and deadness. The Holy Spirit enables what was not enabled because of the sin nature.

G1 Resist:

H1 2 Thessalonians 1:8 CSB when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

H2 1 Peter 4:17 NKJV for the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

G2 Not resist:

H1 Acts 16:14 RSV One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul.

H2 Isaiah 50:5 RSV The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward.

G3 Luke 24:45 RSV Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

D5 Romans 16:27 WEL [May] praise [be given] to God, who alone is wise, through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

E1 Praise to God alone.

F1 Exodus 20:3 NLT You must not have any other god but me.

F2 John 4:23 NLT but the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

E2 God is the only one with full and complete wisdom.

F1 Psalm 147:5 NLT How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

F2 Isaiah 40:28 NLT Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

E3 Through Jesus Christ. All honor is His.

F1 Philippians 2:10-11 NLT that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

F2 John 17:1 NLT After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? To love the brothers and sisters, be faithful, trust in God’s grace to remain steadfast and faithful to the end.

Resources:

B1 For an in-depth commentary on Romans 9-11 from an Arminian viewpoint, see Romans Blog Series.

B2 Precept Austin

C1 Romans Verse by Verse(Scroll down)

C2 Romans resources

Devotional Notes Romans 15

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Helping Our Weaker Christian Brother and Sister

D1 We must always be considerate and aware of others. Everyone is offensive in some way, but this is referring to an attitude of doing or saying something that is not necessary. We must also take a stand of respect for God regardless if that is offensive.

E1 Exodus 1:17 NLT but because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

E2 Sometimes being offensive can save a life: Ezekiel 3:18-19 NLT If I warn the wicked, saying, 'You are under the penalty of death,' but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

E3 The attitude of the Apostle Paul: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NRSV though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 8 So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

E4 Even the Lord Jesus did not seek to please himself. This is a quote from Psalm 69:9.

E5 Matthew 11:29 ESV Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

D2 Verse 4 is one reason we read and study the Old Testament. In the Old Testament

E1 We learn about the character traits of God, His decisions, His management of His kingdom, principles of right and wrong, prophecy, what pleases and displeases Him, etc.

E2 We learn from the people lives and choices examples of success and failure.

E3 We have a source of absolute truth.

E4 We have God’s promises to encourage us.

E5 Spiritual growth as in Matthew 4:4 NRSV but he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (This is a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3 NRSV He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD).

D3 From the Bible Illustrator on God’s patience:

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded. —

The God of patience: — When we say God is patient four things are implied.

I. PROVOCATION. Where there is nothing to try the temper there can be no patience. Humanity provokes God. The provocation is great, universal, constant. Measure His patience by the provocation.

II. SENSIBILITY. Where there is no tenderness or susceptibility of feeling, there may be obduracy and stoicism, but no patience. Patience implies feeling. God is infinitely sensitive. "Oh, do not this abominable thing," etc.

III. KNOWLEDGE. Where the provocation is not known, however great, and however sensitive the being against whom it is directed, there can be no patience. God knows all the provocations.

IV. POWER. Where a being has not the power to resent an insult or to punish a provocation though he may feel it and know it, his forbearing is not patience, it is simply weakness. He is bound by the infirmity of his nature to be passive. God is all powerful. He could damn all His enemies in one breath. (D. Thomas, D. D.)

D4 Likeminded, seeking to be agreeable to all. Ephesians 4:3 NIV Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

D5 Our whole being—body, soul, and spirit is to praise and bring glory in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. This should be our attitude, motive, and goal.

E1 Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

E2 Hebrews 13:9 NLT So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them.

C2 Praising God Together

D1 Christians do disagree on trivial things, as has been mentioned, so let us put up with these trivial things without fuss. God doesn’t fuss about us in these things either.

D2 Verse 8 shows Christ Jesus’s ministry to those who are circumcised (Jews) for truth confirming the promises to Israel.

D3 Verse 9-12 shows Christ Jesus’s ministry of mercy to Gentiles. He is Messiah of all people, not just Jews. Deuteronomy 32:43 Brenton Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people.

D4 True joy and peace can only come from God. Happiness is not mentioned because being happy depends on the circumstances. Our hope is increased by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, because sometimes we are sooo discouraged that only God can help.

C3 Paul Reminds Them God Choose Him to Be Their Apostle

D1 Continuing from the previous verse, the apostle mentions the work of believers for each other. We do have work to do for God.

D2 Romans 15:14 WEL I, myself, am also persuaded about you, my brothers and sisters, that you are also full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, also able to caution one another.

D3 3 ministries of believers to each other. How are we doing?

E1 Goodness

F1 The Greek word is ἀγαθωσύνη agathōsýnē. It means uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness.

F2 It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work and ministry in our lives (Galatians 5:22).

F3 God’s light in us produces wonderful changes in our life which can transfer to a better society. Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT for once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

F4 We need God’s power to do these good things (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

E2 Knowledge

F1 The Greek word is γνῶσις gnōsis. It means knowledge.

F2 Here the knowledge is the doctrines and life rules for the Christian life.

F3 ISBE has this comment:

A large part of the usage necessarily relates to natural knowledge (sometimes with a carnal connotation, as Gen 4:1, 17), but the greatest stress also is laid on the possession of moral and spiritual knowledge (e.g., Psalm 119:66; Proverbs 1:4, 7, 22, 29; 8:10, etc.; Luke 1:77; Rom 15:14; 2Pet 1:5-6,). The highest knowledge, as said, is the knowledge of God and Christ, and of God's will (Hosea 6:6; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:17; 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 3:8; Colossians 1:9-10, etc.). The moral conditions of spiritual knowledge are continually insisted on ("If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God," John 7:17). On the. other hand, the pride of intellectual knowledge is condemned; it must be joined with love ("Knowledge puffeth up, 1 Corinthians 8:1).

E3 Caution

F1 The Greek word is νουθετέω nouthetéō. It means to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently.

F2 A few verses of our ministry to each other.

G1 1 Corinthians 4:14 NLT I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

G2 Colossians 3:16 NLT Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

G3 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

F3 Let us be open to when others come to us and give us warning. Let us listen. We don’t have to bow our knee to them, but we need to listen and not argue, justify ourselves, or make excuses. Let God confirm it to us.

D4 Paul calls himself a priest. It is only in the sense of teaching new converts, especially Gentiles, to give spiritual sacrifices to God.

E1 Sacrifice of our bodies to serve God by living and talking pleasing to God as in Romans 12:1-2.

E2 Sacrifice of praise includes thankfulness and giving God credit for what He has, is, and will do as Hebrews 13:5.

E3 Sacrifice of help includes (as we are able) financial, physical, etc. helps as in Hebrews 13:16.

E4 Sacrifice of martyrdom as in 2 Timothy 4:6.

D5 Verse 17, we always rejoice when God’s work is done, people place their faith and trust into Jesus, and God’s blessings.

D6 Paul is excited that God has used him for many to believe. He gives God the credit.

D7 Verse 22, sometimes God hinders us from something. Paul was hindered from going to Rome for the purpose of preaching the Gospel to those who have never heard.

C4 Paul Plans to Visit Rome

D1 Verses 23-25, Paul has preached in many areas, laid the foundation for the faith, and now on his journeys he has the opportunity for some fellowship with the Roman believers. Compare 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9.

D2 Verses 26-27, part of the reason is financial assistance to the brethren in need. His rationale is that they have helped us spiritually, so we should have them financially.

D3 Verse 28 is Paul’s plan. He will deliver the gifts to the brethren in Israel then come back and stop for a visit in Rome.

D4 Verse 29-30, Paul asks for their prayers so that he will have a safe journey for many Jews wanted Him dead.

D5 Verse 33 teaches that we are to refresh, encourage, bring joy and common hope to each other.

C5 Questions

D1 Define weaker brother or sister.

D2 How can we help them?

D3 What is our motive to help them?

D4 List some reasons for reading and studying the Old Testament.

D5 What are 4 facets of patience?

D6 Name 3 ministries of believers for and to each other. Can the sisters do this for men?

D7 What are some spiritual sacrifices?

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Give me grace O Lord to do these things.