20 October 2020

Hebrews Chapters 1-8 WEL

 I have update the New Testament daily and thought to post Hebrews. God bless.

Welcome Bible

New Testament

Version 2020-289

Copyright © 1990-2020 by Len Gane. All Rights Reserved.

Preface to the Welcome Bible

  1. My Greek is weak, having only 2 years of Greek study, but with Greek and other languages helps.

  2. It is offered to all freely.

  3. I have worked on this since the late 1990s and continue revising it.

  4. It came about due to my younger children having difficulty understanding the text.

  5. It is based on the Textus Receptus and the Majority Text as edited by Dr. Wilbur Pickering et al.

  6. Brackets [] are used to enclose text that is added to clarify the sense.

  7. Occasionally, italics are used to indicate a questionable valid text in the Greek, as Matthew 3:11 and fire.

  8. I have prayed and continually sought to be aware of doctrinal or other biases that would influence the choice of a word. But, all work by humans is tainted.

Hebrews

Hebrews Chapter 1

Jesus Is God

1 God, who in times past spoke by the prophets to the fathers at various times and in various ways,

2 Has in these last days spoken to us by [His] Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the worlds.

3 [The Son], being the brilliant shining of [His] glory and of the same essence, and maintaining everything by his powerful word, after—by himself—making purification of our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of high,

4 Being so much better than the angels as he has inherited a more excellent name than they.

Superior To Angels

5 For to which of the angels did he ever say, “You are my son, this day I have begotten you?” [Psalm 2:7] And again, “I will be a Father to him, and he will be a Son to me?”

6 Again, when he brings in the first born into the world, he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” [Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX]

7 But about the angels he says, “Who makes his angels spirits and his attendants a flame of fire.” [Psalm 104:4]

8 But to the Son [he says], “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 “You have loved righteousness and hated breaking the law, therefore, God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness far above your peers.” [Psalm 45:6-7]

10 And, “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11 “They will perish, but you remain. All of them will become worn out like garment,

12 “Like outer clothing you will fold them up, and they will be changed, but you are the same, and your years do not end.” [Psalm 102:25-27]

13 To which of the angels did He ever say, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?” [Psalm 110:4]

14 Are not all ministering spirits sent out to help those who will be heirs of salvation?

Hebrews Chapter 2

Jesus Provides the Only Salvation

1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to the things that we have heard, lest we drift away.

2 For if the message spoken by angels was proven true, and every violation and disobedience received a just repayment,

3 How will we escape, if we disregard such a salvation, which first began to be proclaimed by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

4 God also bore witness, both with signs and miracles, and with different types of power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.

Jesus Is Fully Human and His Purpose

5 For he has not made the world to come—of which we speak—under the authority of angels.

6 But someone somewhere gave his witness saying, “What is man, that you would remember him, or the son of man that you would come and help him.

7 “You made him a little lower than the angels; you adorn him with glory and honor; you set him over the works of your hands.

8 “You put everything under his feet.” [Psalm 8:4-6] For to put all under his authority, [means] he left out nothing that is unable to be under his authority, but now we do not see everything under his authority.

9 But we can look at Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, so that he by the grace of God might taste death for everyone, [now] crowned with glory and honor.

10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was right for him—for whom are all things and by whom are all things—to perfect the leader of their salvation through sufferings.

11 For both the one who sanctifies and those being sanctified are all from one, for this reason he is not ashamed to call them brothers.

12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the church, I will sing praise to you.” [Psalm 22:22]

13 Again, “I will put my confidence in him.” And again, “Look, I and the children whom God has given me.” [Isaiah 8:18]

14 So then, as the children have flesh and blood in common, so he also likewise took of the same, so that through death he might inactivate the one who had the power of death, that is, the Devil

15 And deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime held in bondage.

16 Truly, he didn’t come to help angels. He came to help the descendants of Abraham.

17 Therefore, it was necessary in all things to become like his brethren, so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest before God, to make atonement for the sins of the people,

18 Because he has himself suffered from being tempted, he is able to help those who are now tempted.

Hebrews Chapter 3

Jesus Is Superior to Moses

1 As a result, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our common confession, Christ Jesus.

2 He was faithful to him who appointed him, just like Moses [was faithful] in all of God’s house.

3 For this man is entitled to greater honor than Moses, in the same way as one who builds the house has greater honor than the house.

4 For every house is built by someone, but he who built everything is God.

5 Truly Moses was faithful as a servant in all of God’s house as a witness for those things spoken about later,

6 But Christ as a son over his own house. We are his house, if we tightly hold on to our boldness and rejoicing of hope firmly to the end.

Jesus Warning About Unbelief

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you will listen to his voice,

8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in ’The Provocation,’ the day of testing in the wilderness,

9 “When your fathers challenged me, questioned my credibility, and saw my works for forty years.

10 “Therefore, I was totally disgusted with that generation and said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not really known my ways.’

11 “So I swore in my wrath, ’They will never enter my rest.’” [Psalm 95:7-11]

12 Be careful, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.

13 Urge one another every day while it is still “Today,” lest any of you become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we have been made partakers of Christ, if we hold on to the beginning of our confidence firmly to the end.

15 That’s why it is said, “Today—if you will listen to his voice—do not harden your hearts as in ’The Provocation.’”

16 For some, after they had heard, did provoke to anger, but not everyone who came out of Egypt with Moses.

17 But with whom was he exasperated with for forty years? Wasn’t it with those who had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?

18 Or to whom was it that he swore that they wouldn’t enter into his rest? Wasn’t it with those who refused to believe?

19 So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.

Hebrews Chapter 4

God’s Promised Rest Is Coming

1 Therefore, let us be very careful, lest, since the promise of entering his rest still remains, any of you perhaps will fall short of it.

2 For the Good News was spoken to us as well as to them, but the message heard [by them] did not benefit them, [because it was] not united with faith in those who heard it,

3 Yet, we who have believed enter rest, just like he said, “As I have sworn in my wrath, those people will never enter into my rest,” even though the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spoke in a certain place about the seventh day this way, “And God rested the seventh day from all his works.” [Genesis 4:4]

5 Again here, “If they will enter into my rest...”

6 So then, it follows for some to enter into it, and those to whom it was first spoken did not enter because of obstinate unbelief.

7 Moreover, he designates a certain day, today—saying through David after such a long time—to quote it exactly, “Today—if you will listen to his voice—do not harden your hearts.”

8 If Joshua had given them rest, then [God] afterward wouldn’t have spoken about another day.

9 Therefore, there remains a rest for the people of God.

10 For one who enters his rest also ceases from his own works, just as God did from his.

11 Therefore, let us be diligent to enter into that rest, in order that no one would fall in the same obstinate unbelief.

12 For the Word of God is living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to separate the soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Nor is there anything in creation that is not transparent in his sight, but all things are uncovered and opened to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account [of ourselves].

Jesus Is The High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who is gone into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold on tightly to what we believe,

15 For we don’t have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses but was in every way tempted like us, yet without any sin.

16 Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.

Hebrews Chapter 5

1 All high priests taken from among men are appointed for people in things [pertaining] to God, so that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins,

2 Being able to be gentle to those who are ignorant and those who have wandered away, for he himself is also encompassed with weakness.

3 For this reason, he must bring an offering for his own sins just as he does for the people.

4 No man takes this honor for himself, instead [it is for] him who is called by God, like Aaron.

5 So also, Christ didn’t glorify himself to be made high priest, instead [it was] he who said to him, “You are my Son. Today, I have begotten you.” [Psalm 2:7]

6 As he also says in another place, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]

7 [Christ] in the days of his flesh, when he had offered requests and urgent appeals for help with intense cries and tears to him who was able to save him from death was heard because he feared.

8 Even though he was a son, yet he learned obedience through the things which he suffered.

9 Having finished all this, he became the author of eternal salvation to those who obey him,

10 Having been verbally designated by God a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Warning Not To Fall From the Faith

11 About whom we have many things to say and difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to listen.

12 Also at the time you should be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basics of the word of God and have become as those who need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who uses milk is inexperienced with the word of righteousness, because he is a baby.

14 But solid food belongs to those who are mature having their spiritual senses exercised through use to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews Chapter 6

Encouragement to Grow Doctrine

1 So then, leaving the discussion about the basic principles about Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying the foundation again of repentance from dead works and of faith in God,

2 Of the doctrine about baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment.

3 We will do that, if God permits it.

4 For those who were once enlightened, experienced the heavenly gift, were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

5 Experienced the good word of God and the powers of the coming age,

6 And have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them to repentance again, since they put the Son of God up on the cross again for themselves and expose him to public disgrace.

7 For the earth, which soaks in the rain that frequently falls on it and produces herbs useful for those who work the soil, receives blessing from God,

8 But that which produces thorns and briars is rejected and about to be doomed, whose final state is to be burned.

9 But, beloved, even though we speak this way, we are convinced of better things of you and things that accompany salvation.

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown [by your life] for his name in that, you have served and do serve the saints.

11 We desire that each one of you would show the same diligence to [obtain] the unshakable assurance of hope all the way to the end,

12 So that you will not be apathetic but followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

God’s Promise Is Sure

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, and since he could not solemnly swear by anyone greater, he swore by himself,

14 Saying, “I will bless you, surely blessing, and multiplying, multiply you.” [Genesis 22:17]

15 So, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

16 Truly people swear by the greater, and a vow of confirmation is to them the end of all argument.

17 In this, God wanting even more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the unchangeableness of his counsel confirmed it with a vow,

18 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge could have great comfort to hang on to the hope set before us.

19 That [hope] we have is a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul and enters the other side of the veil,

20 Where our forerunner, Jesus, entered, having become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews Chapter 7

The Great Priest Melchizedek

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem [and] priest of the most high God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him.

2 Abraham also gave him a tenth of everything. First of all, [Melchizedek] by interpretation [means] King of righteousness, and then King of Salem [means] King of peace.

3 [He is] without father, mother, or a genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. In this sense, he continually remains a priest like the Son of God.

4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave ten percent of the spoils of war.

5 Truly those who are from the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a command to take a tenth from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren even though they come out of the loins of Abraham.

6 But he whose lineage is not from them received a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

7 Without any contradiction, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 Here, men who die receive a tenth, but there, he of whom it is witnessed that he lives [receives them].

9 If I may say so, Levi also, who receives the tenth, paid ten percent through Abraham,

10 For he was still in the loins of his forefather when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus Is Greater Than Aaronic Priesthood

11 Therefore, if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law) what further need [was there] that another priest should arise in the order of Melchizedek and not be mentioned in the order of Aaron?

12 Because the priesthood was being transferred, there needed to be a change in the law also.

13 For the one of whom these things are spoken about belongs to another tribe about which no one attended the altar.

14 For [it is] obvious that our Lord arose from Judah, [and] about this tribe Moses said nothing pertaining to the priesthood.

15 Yet something is still more obvious―another priest arose, similar to Melchizedek,

16 Who was made [a priest] not according to the law about meeting human requirements but according to the power of an endless life.

17 For he testifies, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]

18 So there truly is a canceling of the former commandment because of its weakness and ineffectiveness,

19 For the law made nothing perfect. But bringing in a better hope [did], by which we draw near to God.

20 None of this happened without an oath,

21 For indeed, they [Mosaic Law priests] were made priests without an oath, but this one [was made priest] with an oath by him who said to him, “The Lord swore and will not repent, ’You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’”

22 By so much more was Jesus made a guarantee of a better covenant.

23 Truly, there were many priests, because they were prevented from continuing by death,

24 But this one, because he endures forever, has a nontransferable priesthood.

25 Therefore, he is also able to save them, who come to God through him, to the uttermost, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For such a high priest is suitable for us. [He is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens,

27 Who doesn’t need daily, like those high priests, to offer up a sacrifice first for his own sins, then for the people’s. He did this [sacrifice for the people] once when he offered up himself.

28 The law appoints men high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, [appoints] forever the Son, who is completely perfect.

Hebrews Chapter 8

The Priestly Work of Jesus

1 Now, this is the summary of what we have talked about. We have such a High Priest who sits at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.

2 [He serves as] the minister of the most holy place and the true tent, which the Lord set up, not man.

3 Every high priest is appointed to bring both gifts and sacrifices, and so [it is] necessary that this man have something to bring also.

4 If he were on earth, then he would not be a priest, since there are priests, who bring gifts according the law,

5 Who serve as an example and shadow of heavenly things just as Moses was warned by God when he was ready to make The Tent, for he says, “See, [that] you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain.”

6 But now he [Jesus] has gotten a more excellent ministry and is far superior, as he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

Jesus Is the Priest of The New Covenant

7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then there would be no need to seek the second.

8 But finding fault with them, he says, “Look, the days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,

9 “Not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Since they did not continue in my covenant, I had no interest in them,” says the Lord.

10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel in those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

11 “Never again will they teach their neighbor saying, ’Know the Lord,’ for they all will know me, from the least to the greatest.

12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will certainly no longer remember their sins and wickedness.” [Jeremiah 31:31-34]

13 By saying, “New,” he has made the first [covenant] old. Now that which is worn out and grows old [is] soon to disappear.

Copyright © 1990-2020 by Len Gane. All Rights Reserved.


14 October 2020

A Few Thoughts About the devil’s Methods

2 Corinthians 2:11 WEL Fearing that Satan would take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

What are some of the devil’s schemes?

From the article, Temptation: The Ordinary Ways the Devil Attacks Us by Kathleen Beckman (beware Roman Catholic), I quote:

The devil tempts us to sin by several means: deception, accusa­tion, doubt, seduction, and provocation. These are ways of disquiet­ing us and of arranging circumstances that will likely stir us to commit deadly sins of pride, greed, anger, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.

In his excellent book The Devil You Don’t Know, Fr. Louis Cameli articulates four ordinary, common means of diabolical temptation: deception, division, diversion, and discouragement. In my experience, we could add distance, destruction, disobedi­ence, and duplicity. Below, I’ll demonstrate these and other ordi­nary demonic.


The list includes the following ways of deception:

B1 Deception

B2 Accusation

B3 Doubt

B4 Seduction

B5 Provocation

B6 Division

B7 Diversion

B8 Destruction


The Greek word for schemes/devices is νόημα nóēma. It means mental processes, thoughts, plans, mind and depends on context.

All of satan’s schemes are based on lies instead of truth. It can be seen throughout history.

B1 Jesus: John 1:17 NIV For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

B2 satan: John 8:44 NIV You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

B3 A contrast of a few verses in Proverbs illustrates truth vs lies.

C1 Proverbs 6:16, 19 NIV There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: ... 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

C2 Proverbs 12:17 NIV An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.

C3 Psalm 5:5-6 NIV The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; 6 you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest.

C4 Proverbs 29:12 NIV If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.

C5 Zechariah 8:16-17 NIV These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17 do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.

C6 Hebrews 6:18 NLT So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Deception

B1 Defined

C1 From Cambridge Dictionary the act of hiding the truth, especially to get an advantage.

C2 From Merriam-Webster Dictionary

D1 the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid : the act or practice of deceiving : deception achieving one's goals through a web of deceit.

D2 an attempt or device to deceive : trick Her excuse turned out to be a deceit.

D3 the quality of being dishonest or misleading : the quality of being deceitful .

B2 Examples

C1 Genesis 3:1-5 NIV Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " 4 "You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

C2 Genesis 37:31-34 NIV Then they got Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe." 33 He recognized it and said, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.

B3 Scripture

C1 Jesus warned us. Matthew 24:4 AFV Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Be on guard, so that no one deceives you.

C2 Romans 16:18 EMTV For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and through smooth speech and flattering, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

C3 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 NRSV and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, 12 so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.

Accusation

B1 Defined

C1 Cambridge Dictionary

D1 a statement saying that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind, or the fact of accusing someone

D2 Using a FALSE accusation is a lie.

C2 Free Dictionary

D1 an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation

D2 Using a FALSE accusation is a lie

B2 Example

C1 Jeremiah 37:13-15 NRSV When he reached the Benjamin Gate, a sentinel there named Irijah son of Shelemiah son of Hananiah arrested the prophet Jeremiah saying, "You are deserting to the Chaldeans." 14 And Jeremiah said, "That is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans." But Irijah would not listen to him, and arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 15 The officials were enraged at Jeremiah, and they beat him and imprisoned him in the house of the secretary Jonathan, for it had been made a prison.

C2 Luke 6:7 NRSV The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him.

B3 Scriptures

C1 Exodus 20:16 NLT You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

C2 Matthew 5:10-12 EMTV Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you whenever they revile you, and they persecute you, and they say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Doubt

B1 Defined

C1 Wordnik To be uncertain as to a truth or fact; be undetermined or undecided; waver or fluctuate in opinion; hesitate.

C2 Free Dictionary The state of being uncertain about the truth or reliability of something.

B2 Examples. The devil or even ourselves start to question what we know is true.

C1 Luke 7:18-19 NRSV The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"

C2 Psalms 77:7-9 GNB Will the Lord always reject us? Will he never again be pleased with us? 8 Has he stopped loving us? Does his promise no longer stand? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has anger taken the place of his compassion?"

B3 Scriptures

C1 Knowing truth. Psalm 119:130 NKJV The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

C2 Colossians 2:2 NET My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ.

Seduction

B1 Defined

C1 Enticement and temptation. (FreeDictionary)

C2 History and Etymology for seduction Middle French, from Late Latin seduction-, seductio, from Latin, act of leading aside, from seducere. (Merriam-Webster)

C3 The deliberate enticement or persuasion of someone into the abandonment of godly principles. Scripture speaks of both sexual and spiritual seduction. (Source Manser Dictionary of Bible Themes)

B2 Examples

C1 Genesis 39:6-12.

C2 Acts 20:28-31 NIV Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

B3 Scriptures

C1 Philippians 4:8-9 GNB In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. 9 Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.

C2 Ephesians 6:11 NRSV Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Provocation

B1 Defined

C1 unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment (FreeDictionary)

C2 an action or statement that is intended to make someone angry (Cambridge Dictionary)

B2 Examples

C1 Proverbs 18:6 ERV Fools say things to start arguments. They are just asking for a beating.

C2 Deuteronomy 9:18 NLT Then, as before, I threw myself down before the LORD for forty days and nights. I ate no bread and drank no water because of the great sin you had committed by doing what the LORD hated, provoking him to anger. Compare 1 Kings 14:9.

B3 Scriptures

C1 Proverbs 29:11 NLT Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

C2 1 Peter 2:23 EMTV who, being verbally abused, did not return verbal insults, when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.

Division/dissension

B1 Defined

C1 Disagreement in opinion, usually of a violent character, producing warm debates or angry words; contention in words; partisan and contentious divisions; breach of friendship and union; strife; discord; quarrel. (Webster 1913)

C2 The Greek word is σχίσμα schísma. It means

Gloss: tear, split, divide an object into parts, with an implication that the object is now damaged; by extension: division, dissension, implying discord and damage to the unity of the original group

Definition: a split, Mt. 9:16; Mk. 2:21; met. a division into parties, schism, Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18; 12:25* (Mounce)

B2 Examples.

C1 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Compare 2 Corinthians 12:20 and Galatians 5:20.

C2 Romans 16:17 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

C3 John 9:16 GW Some of the Pharisees said, "The man who did this is not from God because he doesn't follow the traditions for the day of worship." Other Pharisees asked, "How can a man who is a sinner perform miracles like these?" So the Pharisees were divided in their opinions.

B3 Scriptures

C1 Read 1 Corinthians 12 which addresses why there should not be divisions.

C2 “The spirit and the law of the Life of Christ is to be that of every member of the Church, and the law of the Life of Christ is that of sympathy. How little, during the eighteen hundred years, have the hearts of men been got to beat together! Nor can we say that this is the fault of the capitalists and the masters only. It is the fault of the servants and dependents also.”—Robertson. (Quoted by Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Scroll down to verse 25).

Diversion

B1 Defined

C1 The act of turning aside from any course, occupation, or object; as, the diversion of a stream from its channel; diversion of the mind from business. (Webster Dictionary 1913)

C2 The act or an instance of diverting or turning aside; deviation. (Wordnik)

B2 Examples

C1 Proverbs 4:27 NLT Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

C2 Psalms 40:4 ESV Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

B3 Scriptures

C1 1 Thessalonians 5:22 EMTV Abstain from every form of evil.

C2 Philippians 3:13-14 EMTV Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

C3 Adam Clarke writes:

I press toward the mark - Κατα σκοπον διωκω· I pursue along the line; this is a reference to the white line that marked the ground in the stadium, from the starting place to the goal, on which the runners were obliged to keep their eye fixed; for they who transgressed or went beyond this line did not run lawfully, and were not crowned, even though they got first to the goal. See the concluding observations on 1Co 9:27.

What is called σκοπος, mark or scope, here, is called κανων, the line, i.e. the marked line, Phil 3:16. When it was said to Diogenes, the cynic, "Thou art now an old man, rest from thy labors;" to this he answered: Ει δολιχον εδραμον, προς τῳ τελει εδει με ανειναι, και μη μαλλον επιτειναι; "If I have run long in the race, will it become me to slacken my pace when come near the end; should I not rather stretch forward? " Diog. Laert., lib. vi. cap. 2. sec. 6.

For the prize of the high calling of God - The reward which God from above calls me, by Christ Jesus, to receive. The apostle still keeps in view his crown of martyrdom and his glorious resurrection.

Destruction

B1 Defined

C1 One of the Greek words is ἀπώλεια apṓleia. It mean complete ruin in various senses.

C2 the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

B2 Examples

C1 Love of money leads to destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 EMTV But those desiring to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many senseless and harmful lusts which sink men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some by aspiring have strayed away from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

C2 So does pride. Proverbs 16:18 NRSV Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

C3 Can be done verbally. Psalms 52:1-4 NRSV To the leader. A Maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came to Saul and said to him, "David has come to the house of Ahimelech." Why do you boast, O mighty one, of mischief done against the godly? All day long 2 you are plotting destruction. Your tongue is like a sharp razor, you worker of treachery. 3 You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking the truth. [Selah] 4 You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.

B3 Scriptures

C1 Psalm 15:2 CSB The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart

C2 By knowing God’s ways: Proverbs 10:14 NRSV The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.

Gill writes on this passage: Wise [men] lay up knowledge,.... Which they get by reading, prayer, meditation, hearing the word of God, and conversation with good men: this they lay up in their hearts, minds, and memories, that they may not forget it, and as a rich treasure they highly value it; that they may bring it forth at proper times, and on proper occasions, for the benefit of others; see Mt 12:35; or hide {f} it; conceal it; do not boast and brag of it, as foolish men do;

but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction: who rashly and unguardedly utters things which bring swift and sudden destruction on himself and others; or terror and consternation, as the word {g} also signifies. The Vulgate Latin version is, "but the mouth of the foolish is near to confusion"; he boasts of his knowledge, betrays his ignorance, and so brings himself to shame and confusion.


Other articles on types of lies.

B1 5 Different Types Of Lies You Tell Without Noticing (And How To Be More Honest)

B2 The truth is everybody lies.

B3 100 Bible Verses about Dealing With A Liar

Truth and reality are the defense

B1 Know the truth. Become mature in the faith, which only comes from Bible study.

C1 Ephesians 4:13-14 NLT This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

C2 Psalms 119:11 LEB In my heart I have hidden your word, so that I may not sin against you.

B2 Study truth

C1 2 Timothy 3:16-17 EMTV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be proficient, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.

C2 Matthew 22:29 NRSV Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.

C3 Proverbs 23:23 NRSV Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Adam Clarke writes: Buy the truthAcquire the knowledge of God at all events; and in order to do this, too much pains, industry, and labor cannot be expended.

And sell it notWhen once acquired, let no consideration deprive thee of it. Cleave to and guard it, even at the risk of thy life. Coverdale translates: "Labour for to get the treuth; sell not awaye wissdome."

B3 Be a little skeptical

C1 1 Thessalonians 5:21 EMTV But test all things; hold fast that which is good.

C2 1 John 4:1-3 EMTV Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this the Spirit of God is known: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit which does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard that it is coming, and now is already in the world.

B4 Live the truth

C1 These teachers did NOT: Matthew 23:3-4 NRSV therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.

C2 Romans 2:21 NRSV you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?

B5 Practice truth in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds to yourself and all people

B6 Make true decisions

C1 John 7:24 EMTV Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.

C2 Proverbs 17:15 GNB Condemning the innocent or letting the wicked go—both are hateful to the LORD.

B7 Choices have consequences

C1 Galatians 6:7-8 EMTV Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for what a man sows, this also he will reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh, from his own flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap everlasting life.

C2 1 Corinthians 15:33 GNB Do not be fooled. "Bad companions ruin good character."


Articles about truth

B1 What Is Truth? — A Question for the Ages

B2 How to Know Truth and Evaluate Competing Worldviews


The father of lies, the devil, will be punished forever. Revelation 20:10 NRSV And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The bringing of truth, Jesus, will live and reign forever. Revelation 11:15 NRSV Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever."

11 October 2020

A Few Thoughts About Hebrews 2:10

Hebrews 2:10 NIV In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.

Jesus tested and passed the test—perfectly.

B1 God teaches, then tests.

C1 Israel taught. Exodus 16:5-8

C2 Israel tested. Exodus 16:4 CSB Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.

C3 Israel’s failure: read the rest of Exodus 16

C4 Repeated failure brings judgment: Numbers 11

B2 Jesus

C1 Jesus taught. Jesus, the Son of God, did NOT need teaching. Jesus, the Son of Man did. Luke 2:40 CSB The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on him.

C2 Jesus tested. Matthew 4:1-11

C3 Jesus passes all tests.

D1 Hebrews 2:10 WEL In bringing many sons to glory, it was right for him—for whom are all things and by whom are all things—to perfect the leader of their salvation through sufferings.

D2 Hebrews 5:8-10 NIV Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

C4 Jesus was repeatedly tested and always was steadfast and true. He was and is sinless. Hebrews 4:15 NASB For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin.

Jesus showed that what He said and what He did was 100% consistent.

Jesus showed by His perfect obedience, that He was perfectly qualified to be God’s High Priest of the heavenly temple.

Everything is tested to prove genuineness.

Jesus passed every test, even those that no one else could.

B1 Hebrews 7:26-28 CSB For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He doesn't need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests dofirst for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.

B2 Isaiah 53:9 CSB He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but he was with a rich man at his death, because he had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully.

Jesus is fully qualified for every honor. Philippians 2:8-11 CSB he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of deatheven to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bowin heaven and on earth and under the earth11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God teaches us, too.

God gives us grace to live a Christian life.

There is a Christian lifestyle and worldview.

Let us glorify God is all we do and think.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 PickNT Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 Because you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 PickNT To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of the calling and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31 WEL Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

09 October 2020

A Few Thoughts on Luke 9:43-45

 

Luke 9:43-45 NIV And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.


Why did Jesus hid the meaning from them?

My opinion only.

B1 We need God to give us understanding of what He says, even if it is plain.

B2 The time was not right.

B3 Jesus is a prophet, which helps authenticate His testimony of who He is.

Humans are described in Scriptures as

B1 Dead in sins

C1 This was our condition before placing faith into the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 2:1 NIV As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.

C2 God makes us alive. Colossians 2:13 NIV When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.

B2 Sold to sins

C1 A verse: Isaiah 50:1 AFV Thus says the LORD, "Where is your mother's bill of divorce, with which I have put her away? Or to which of My creditors have I sold you? Behold, you yourselves were sold for your iniquities, and your mother is put away for your transgressions.

C2 The meaning of this verse applies to Israel, but the principle is “sold for your sins.” Gill writes: behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves; or, "are sold"; they were sold for them, or delivered up into the hands of their enemies on account of them; they had sold themselves to work wickedness, and therefore it was but just that they should be sold, and become slaves:

B3 Enslaved to sin Titus 3:3 NIV At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

B4 Blind

C1 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

C2 Ephesians 4:17-19 NIV So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

B5 Helpless Romans 5:6 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

B6 Before the work of God, when He initiates salvation, we are unable to understand.

There is a right time for understanding

B1 Messiah came at the right time: Romans 5:6 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

B2 When God initiates salvation and opens our understanding (the truth) of our sins and spiritual condition, He gives the command to obey the Gospel at the right time. 2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

B3 A right time for everything to be under the authority of Messiah: Ephesians 1:10 NLT And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

B4 Jesus will be revealed at the right time. 1 Timothy 6:15 NLT For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

The meaning was hidden in my opinion because it was not the right time to understand it. Jesus wanted the message known but it was not time for the disciples to understand. Without Jesus giving the understanding, these things are not understood. 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

In summary, sin blinds spiritual truth, so the meaning was hidden. It also appears that it was not the right time, so the meaning was hidden. Both humans and God had a role in not understanding the meaning.

God is the one who opens our eyes. Luke 24:44-45 NIV He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Others

B1 Difficult Bible Passages: Luke 9:45 by Muehlenberg

B2 College Press Commentary:

But the disciples did not understand what Jesus said to them. How could grown men not understand a statement as straightforward, unmysterious, plain and brief as, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise”? The fact of death, even violent death at the hands of enemies is a common experience to mankind. Resurrection from the dead is not! This may be the reason they could not understand it. But Luke goes on to say that what Jesus said was “concealed” from them and they could not perceive it. The Greek word parakekalummenon means “to cover with a veil.” The Greek verb is in the perfect tense indicating that the veiling had taken place previous to this statement and was continuing to veil their thinking. This same Greek word is used in 2Co. 3:12-18; 2Co. 4:3 where it is talking about the veiled revelation concerning the messianic age in the Old Testament and that the devil uses this, along with man’s unbelief, to hide the gospel. It was not God who concealed from the minds of the apostles the understanding about the-Messiah’s death and resurrection, for the Prophets predicted it (Isa. 53:1-12, etc.). It was not Jesus who concealed His death and resurrection from the Twelve, for He predicted it very plainly four times (Luk. 9:22; Luk. 9:44; Mat. 20:17-19; Mat. 26:1-2). It was the apostles themselves, choosing not to believe Jesus about His death, who were concealing the meaning of His teaching, (see Mat. 16:21-23; Mar. 8:31-33). What the Lord says is perceived only if man is willing to let His word find a place in his heart (cf. Joh. 7:17; Joh. 8:37; Joh. 8:45, etc.). The parable of the soils illustrates this (see our comments on Luk. 8:1 ff.). The disciples deliberately resisted any thinking about this subject (the death of the Messiah) because it “distressed” them (Mat. 17:23) and it was a subject about which they were “afraid” (Mar. 9:32; Luk. 9:45) to seek any more information. Let all followers of Jesus of all ages take warning from the spiritual failure of the Twelve here. It is a betrayal of Christian discipleship to reject any teaching of the New Testament with the a priori that it does not conform to human experience. What Jesus commands and promises is accepted by faith in Who He Is!

B3 Applebury in College Press: But they understood not this saying.—There seemed to be no place in their thinking for the cross. They had their minds centered on the kind of kingdom that they wanted Him to establish—an earthly kingdom. They were afraid to ask what He meant, lest it be the end of their dream. See Luke 24:21.

08 October 2020

A Few Thoughts on Colossians 1:9-14

 

9 Also, for this reason, since we heard, we do not stop praying for you and asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

10 So that you may live for the Lord in a worthy manner pleasing in every way, being fruitful in every good deed, and increasing in [your] knowledge of God.

11 May you be made stronger with all strength according to His glorious power for steadfastness and longsuffering with joy,

12 Giving thanks to the Father who has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance for the saints in the light,

13 And who has rescued us from the power of darkness and has moved us into the kingdom of His dear Son

14 In whom we have redemption through His blood—the forgiveness of sins.


B1 Epaphras

C1 Colossians 1:7-8 WEL You also learned [this] from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you. 8 Who also told us about your love in the Spirit.

C2 A Colossian and servant of God: Colossians 1:12 WEL Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, greets you. He is always working diligently for you in prayers, so that you may stand mature and complete in the full will of God.

C3 An evangelist: Colossians 1:7 NIV You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.

B2 The basics:

C1 Paul heard that a number of Colossians had believed the Gospel.

C2 From the time he heard this, he has prayed for them.

C3 He prays

D1 That they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.

E1 God’s will is known by the Scriptures.

E2 There are God’s rules of what we must do and must not do.

F1 An example of a rule we must do: Colossians 3:15 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

F2 An example of a rule we must not do: 1 Peter 2:1 NIV Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

E3 There are principles of what we must do and must not do.

F1 An example of a principle we must do. Luke 3:14 NIV Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.

G1 This is a rule that soldiers must do, but a principle that the rest of us must do.

G2 The principle is not to extort money, nor to accuse people falsely. We are to be content with our pay.

F2 An example of a principle that we must not do. 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

G1 The rule of we must not do is worshiping falsely. Psalm 106:28 NIV They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods.

G2 The principle is not to yoke ourselves, joining ourselves with unbelievers in marriage, business partnerships, ministry, etc.

F3 The book of Proverbs gives many principles.

E4 There are examples of people’s actions that God blesses or does not bless.

F1 An example of a person’s action that God blesses: Revelation 2:13 New Matthew Bible I know your works and where you dwell, even where Satan’s seat is; and you keep my name and have not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful witness of mine, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

F2 An example of a person’s action that displeases God: 2 Timothy 4:10 NIV for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

D2 This knowledge will be in wisdom and spiritual understanding.

E1 Knowledge is awareness of the facts and truth.

E2 Wisdom is the application of these facts in a situation to the glory of God in love, truth, and holiness.

E3 Understanding is comprehending the why this a fact is and how it works.

C4 The reason for God’s knowledge is to

D1 Live for the Lord which is what we do and say in accordance with His worldview, lifestyle, and rules.

D2 Living like this results in

E1 Being fruitful which is the result of living God’s way.

E2 Increasing in the knowledge about God, which is God’s character traits known and done by us.

C5 The strength to do this is from God. He is omnipotent and omnibenevolent giving grace to remind us and to complete it. (Regarding the problem of evil see here). God’s strength is so powerful that we can be steadfast in the faith regardless of deception or seduction and to be patient with joy. (Happiness is related to events; joy is related to peace, contentment, patience, rest in whatever circumstance. Note that this is God’s joy, not just joy. It is a character trait of God).

C6 Having this knowledge, understanding, and strength should result in thankfulness. We liked to be thanked for things we do and so does God.

C7 God is the one who qualified us. Qualified has the idea that we meet God’s standards of righteousness. Ephesians 2:10 CSB For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

C8 Our inheritance is to be citizens of God’s kingdom, living with God, enjoying all of who He is, serving and loving Him forever with other like-minded beings.

C9 Light has the idea of purity, truth, holiness in all things.

C10 God is the rescuer. Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, has been, is, and always will be Messiah. (For more about Messiah, there are many topics and verses. You can start here at Manser’s Dictionary of Bible Themes.

C11 We are no longer in the “power of darkness” but in the Kingdom of His dear Son.” These are opposite worldviews and lifestyles.

C12 Jesus meet all the qualifications needed to be our Messiah to bring us forgiveness of sins. He is a volunteer, sinless, and a human. His blood was shed indicating death and fulfilling the penalty from sin.

B3 In summary, Paul prays for the believers in Colossae to have the knowledge of God’s will for the purpose of having a godly worldview and lifestyle with the help of God’s enabling strength resulting in a steadfast faith, patience, thankfulness, for God’s work in redemption, removal from the devil’s kingdom into God’s kingdom which is an everlasting inheritance.


Praise God for His good mercy and promises of the Kingdom of God which is coming. See Revelation 21.

23 September 2020

A Few Thoughts About Colossians 1:9

 

Colossae is in the area of modern Turkey and was an important Roman city.

Epaphras visited, preached, and started a church there (Colossians 1:7) in the early 60s A.D. It is one of the prison epistles. Paul was in near-by Ephesus at the time (Acts 19).

Colossians 1:9 WEL Also, for this reason, since we heard, we do not stop praying for you and asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

Paul is thankful to God for the Colossians for several reasons.

B1 The first reason is in verse 4—they believed the gospel.

B2 The second is love for fellow believers.

B3 Thirdly, they are producing fruit honoring God. Fruit that comes from living and thinking God’s ways. For example, Galatians 5:22-23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

B4 Love is the fourth. This is God’s version of love.

This is the reason for Paul and his assistants praying for them. They pray for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. This knowledge is in wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Words:

B1 Filled is the word πληρόω plēróō. It means to fill a container to the very top and ready to run over. It cannot be filled any more liquid. It also has the ideas of completing a task, prophecies that come true, and perfect obedience to God’s rules.

B2 Knowledge is the word ἐπίγνωσις epígnōsis. It means correct and precise knowledge. It is truth.

B3 Will is the word θέλημα thélēma. It means what a person wants to do and is able to do. It also has the idea of what we must be doing or not doing.

B4 Wisdom is the word σοφία sophía. It means using knowledge is the most efficient and honorable way. This wisdom is successful, a blessing to others, and honors God. It helps others to be successful. It is based on the knowledge of experience.

B5 Understanding is the word σύνεσις sýnesis. It is a spiritual understanding of everything, that is, God’s perfect plan. It is a greater, more successful, and blessings of emotional joy to us and others. It is different than knowledge in that understanding connects the dots, puts the pieces together. It is more than facts. It is a knowledge of why.

Application:

B1 Answering questions as what occupation should I prepare for.

B2 God has given us various means of knowing His will:

C1 Prayer—James 1:5

C2 Things we must do—work is good (Genesis 2:2), to have a job (1 Thessalonians 4:11), pay taxes (Romans 13:7)

C3 Things we must NOT do—be a workaholic (Proverbs 23:4), not to love money (Ecclesiastes 5:10), laziness (Titus 1:2)

C4 Principles we must do—working diligently and highest quality possible (Titus 2:9-10), leaders who help with the work (or at least willing to do so) (Luke 22:26)

C5 Principles we must NOT do—dishonorable work (thief (1 Peter 4:15), cheating tax collector (Luke 3:12-13)), a leader listening to lies (Proverbs 29:12)

C6 Examples of people blessed by God—Oholiab the son of Ahisamach (Exodus 38:23), the honorable woman in Proverbs 31, Boaz in the book of Ruth

C7 Examples of people not blessed by God—laziness (Titus 1:2), lazy servant (Matthew 25:26), harlots (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)

B3 If we want to do a particular occupation, we have a standard of measure.

Paul prays for them to not only know God’s will but why and how. God is the master teacher but once we learn, we need to teach others.

Whether it is our earthly work (occupation) or our spiritual work (ministries), all can work (if they healthy) both types of work.