Good afternoon! The Book of Life is between reproof and correction in righteousness as Jesus is the beginning and the end. Outside of this Book is decay without end as everything that was made was made in Christ Jesus eternally. Nothing was created outside of this Life. We know though by the Word that only 2/3 of the angels remained in their first estate of Glory. There remains a fiery judgement in that which is corruptible when the Book of Life is closed and sealed up in eternal rest and peace. And so today the blood bought Christian remains in the sanctified workings of Christ Jesus for the gathering in of the summer fruits of harvest before winter begins its decay.
"Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." Isaiah 28:17 KJV
We must know the judgement to know righteousness. We were hiding in lies and tried covering ourselves but reproof found us and the waters overflowed us in His justification.
Good evening! Thinking of the verse below that if a plumbline is set by God before us then we know what is true and this truth can be our reproof for our unrighteousness. Likewise if God is our correction then we can know the righteousness of God.
"And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:" Amos 7:8 KJV
Romans 16:18 - For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
For they are such as serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; which is a term that is used for their own satisfaction. And by good words. Interesting that this is the word useful. With useful words and fair speeches (and this is the word eulogy), they deceive the hearts of the simple. The word simple means nave. With useful words and fair speeches, they deceive the people who are nave. That's what it is saying.
Romans 16:27 - To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
So, he says to the only wise God. That's its literal translation, to the only wise God. The only God, and the only wise God. He's only wisdom and He's the only God. Is glory, and if we understand this, he is making a deity presentation that the only wise God is glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
The word glory in Greek has to do with substance. The SHEKINAH glory in the Old Testament was the substance of God appearing in the holy of holies. When you hear the word glory, it would be incorrect for me to do something in the human and say, "Give God the glory." That's just giving Him credit for the good that I do because I don't want to take the credit for myself. Glory means His substance, His Spirit, His presence. The only wise God is glory through Jesus Christ. He is revealing Himself, His substance through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Well, that is all I have to share from Romans. I will begin with 1 Corinthians soon, Lord willing!
Romans 16:6 - Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
It says Greet Mary. It is literally Mariam, one of six Mary's mentioned in the New Testament. We don't know who she is but we know he said who bestowed much labour on us. The word labour in the Greek means work to the point of exhaustion.
Romans 16:10 - Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. The word approved is the word DOKIMADZO that means to approve after testing. That is a very important word. It's the word used for a Christian. 1 Peter Chapter 1 tells us that the genuineness of our faith is put to the test and proven.
Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Now I appeal to you, brethren, and listen to this, the command. Mark them which cause divisions and offences. The word mark is the word SKOPOS. We get our word scope from this word. And it is in a Present Participle form in the Greek, which means continue to observe. Be continually looking at those who cause divisions and offenses (SCANDALONS), contrary to the doctrine which you have learned.
Paul said in Galatians Chapter 1 that if anybody preaches any other gospel than that which he has preached, let them be accursed. That's pretty bold and authoritative. If they don't preach, or if they preach contrary to the doctrine which Paul has taught and has given them, mark them. That's command number one. Command number two is avoid them.
The word avoid means to go out of your way to avoid them. It's the word bend in the Greek. If you are walking right at somebody, just bend yourself right around them. You give them the message that they are teaching false doctrine.
Romans 15:26 - For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution, and the word contribution is the word Koinonia. It is where we get our word fellowship. A contribution for the poor saints. It should literally read "For the poor of the saints," which are at Jerusalem.
Paul went through Macedonia and Achaia, and he says "You know, we got some saints over there in Jerusalem that are in poverty. Not only is there a famine, but they are cut off because of their belief in Christ. They don't have a lot of finances, and they don't have a lot of help. Their families won't help them. This would really bring unity in the body of Christ if you Gentiles could give a contribution, and I take it to the Jews in Jerusalem and tell them here's from your brethren the Gentiles."
Romans 15:30 - Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
He says my appeal is that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
The term "strive together" is one compound Greek word. It's the word SUN (pronounced Soon), which means with, and the word AGONA, which means agony. Agonize with me! In fact, the word is used for wrestling. When you see two wrestlers flopping around on the mat, they are agonizing together. So, he says "Join with me in prayer, agonize together with me in prayers to God for me."
Romans 15:33 - Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Now the God of peace, and notice that the word "be" is in italics. It's that way in the scriptures, but the verb is not "be." It should be "is." It's a statement of fact. It literally reads, "Now the God of peace IS with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
He says, now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. The cause: And the word "that" actually means toward. Toward the goal that you might abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Isn't that great? No covenants and no promise, but for us, we find hope as God's Spirit empowers us in Christ. So, we're told not to please ourselves, but rather to love our neighbor. Love him for the good, that is, the good in Christ!
Romans 15:14 - And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
In three areas of his life, the first one is in the preaching of Paul. Paul says, and I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness. And again, this comes from the root AGATHOS, the Spiritual good. But these next two phrases describe what he means by Spiritual good.
Having been filled with all knowledge. That's a Perfect Tense in the Greek text. These people are not ignorant. They are filled with knowledge. And being able to admonish one another. The word admonish means to warn, literally place in the mind or warn people.
So, he's telling them that they are doctrinally sound and that they are filled with the knowledge of God. They just needed to be taught a little more exact through Paul's writings. But he says I'm convinced that you have enough knowledge of God's word and the truth, and enough maturity that you can admonish one another through the use of the word.
Romans 15:2 - Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Let every one of us please his neighbor. The word neighbor is the closest person to you at any given time. It doesn't mean just your next-door neighbor. It's anybody that is close to you at any given time.
The cause for this command: For his good and to edification. The word good is the word AGATHOS for spiritual good.
Please your neighbor. How do I do that? For his spiritual good to build him up. Again, edification is a construction term that means to build a house. Whatever is best for that person spiritually to develop their relationship with the Lord.
Romans 15:5 - Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Now the God of patience (HUPOMONE), and again that's remaining under, and consolation (encouragement), grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Likeminded towards one other! Well, what is the example? According to Christ Jesus. He's the example!
Now the word mind for "likeminded" is the word PHRONEO. We get our English term frame of mind and attitude from this Greek word. We are to have the same attitude, the same goal, and we are to be likeminded one toward another.
In Philippians 2:5, the same word was used about Jesus. Here's the command, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." The book of Philippians was written about fellowship. Some think it was written about joy, but it is actually about fellowship. That's what Philippians was written for. Paul says that the believers ought to be one in fellowship.
They ought to be likeminded. That doesn't mean that we believe the same thing and we think the same words and the same thoughts all the time together. What it means is we have the same frame of mind. And we find that Jesus was used as the example. What was His attitude when He came into this existence here?
It is a burden to carry. If you have to be sensitive to one or more people, and to carry their weaknesses and their views, it is a burden. And we are to carry it! That's what it boils down to. You carry your own load, but the heaviness of somebody else's load, help them. But you are responsible to carry your own.
The older believer, a Christian matures to where they can start handling their own freight and the weight of that load. And they get to a point to where they can carry their own freight, but they can start helping other people down this pilgrim road that people are having a tough time walking.
So, we that are strong, we are continually indebted to carry the weaknesses of the ones who are without power, and not to please ourselves. It is hard to do in our society. Our culture and our society encourage self-centeredness. We're a society that seeks pleasure. And we're told not to please ourselves.
The book of Romans (Constitution of the Christian faith)
(Romans Part 31a):
Romans 15:1 - We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
First of all, the classification. It says, we then that are strong. Romans 14:1 started off with "to the one who is weak with respect to the faith." Here it says to we who are strong. Paul considers himself to be a strong believer.
There are only two kinds. There's a weak believer and a strong believer. That's it! We then that are strong, that's a classification. Here's the concept: What are we to do? We ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. What a verse!
The word ought is an old English word that has to do with indebtedness. We are indebted. In the Greek, this is what is called a Present Active Imperative Indicative which means we are to continue to be indebted and obligated to those who are weaker. It is a continuous obligation. Our obligation is to bear the infirmities of the weak.
The word infirmities ASTHENEMATA means weakness. And the word weak ADUNATON means without power. They have no spiritual strength. We are not talking about somebody who is physically weak. We are talking about somebody who is spiritually weak. But we are to bear the infirmities of the weak. This is the same word used in Galatians Chapter 6 where it says to bear one another's burdens. This word actually means to carry. It doesn't mean to tolerate younger believers. It means to shoulder the load. Help carry their burdens, and to not please ourselves.
Christian greetings! This verse among several on meditations of reproof and correction speaks to me this day.
"Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction." Habakkuk 1:12 KJV
Yes Ronald, I, too, miss and wonder about those who with us here but have not been here in awhile. I pray for them and would be blessed to hear from them all again. Yet, I trust that they are walking in God's will and way as He keeps them from falling as He does for us, too.
As to discussions. I have been so very blessed by the discussions on this site. I have learned so much from others and mostly from going back into Scriptures to refresh my learning about topics. I hope that the discussions on varied topics will pick up soon. I am preparing to post the next segment of what I posted last month on God's will and man's will. It will be about God's holiness, righteousness and purity as it relates to His actions towards sin and sinners. I am nearly done composing it in a Word doc so I can review, revise, and add to it with future topics related to the idea I have that stems from a posting between Chris and I a while back. I pray that I will write well and accurately as a reflection pf what the Scriptures teach. I value your prayers on this, if you would be so kind.
We are doing well. Still waiting to get started on the stair railings very soon. Should hear from Eric about upcoming time frame.
Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I'm happy to hear that the things I am sharing are helpful. I do wish that the person who asked me to do this was still here. My whole intent was to point out some variations/differences that I have found between the Greek text and our English translations. This is what I was asked to do by a user on this forum. As long as you and a few others are still following along, I will continue to press on through the book of Revelation (Lord willing).
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Like you, I also miss the discussions. I know we have a different understanding between the Great White Throne Judgment and the Bema Seat Judgment. I think we may have discussed that one before.
I agree about the 1,000-year reign where some will be saved, and others will still continue to reject Christ. It amazes me how anyone can live in such a perfect world during that time period and at the end still choose to reject Christ.
I do find it interesting that you believe the new city is made up of each believer's stone. I've never heard that before. I have no opinion on that one way or another, but I do find it thought provoking.
Again, thank you so much for your message my brother. I do hope and pray that the Lord will continue to give each of us that hunger and desire for His word in order that we might come to know Christ more and more each day and that His perfect will for our lives be carried out.
I hope all is going well for you and your family. I still read all the posts and my prayers are still for this site and those on it. I miss the discussions and the brothers and sisters that use to post here.
I read all your posts, thank you for continuing they are helpful, seems there have not been many discussions lately. In your part 29 every one of us shall give an account of himself and you gave a very good description of the fire we also see in 1 Corinthians 3, I had a dream about that once.
I understand many believe the white throne judgment is only for the lost and the Bema seat judgment of Christ is for all that is saved. My understanding we see those in the first resurrection and Revelation 20:4 judgment is given to those who will reign with Christ in the millennium.
There will be 1000 years and there will be those who accept Jesus and those who will not as we see when Satan is released from the bottomless pit, he goes out to deceive again and we see when they go up to and surround the camp of the saints their number is as the sands of the sea. People will die during these 1000 years.
Jesus's reign is to be until all enemies are destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 and we see that the last enemy is death, death along with the grave is cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:14 and in 20:15. My understanding the second and last resurrection, those who were not in the first resurrection will be judged in the white throne judgment and whosoever was not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, then the new heaven and the new earth.
In part 30, well done; I see these precious stones and what they are building that may be almost finished, Revelation 21:9-27 and I believe this new city is made up of each believer's stone.
Lord, help us to be faithful and obedient to You. May we be ready to follow closely to Your word and worship You in truth and in spirit.
Bless the new leadership in D.C. to look to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for wisdom and courage to do that which is right in Your name. May all the people of GOD serve You in prayer, giving, and studying of Your word. Grant unto us the courage to repent and seek Your forgiveness daily.
Merry Christmas to all! GOD to shine HIS face on all who love HIM and look forward to HIS coming.
Praise the Lord. Truth is, God knows our heart. However, God needs to hear the words of confession come past our lips. He hears our voice out of his temple and responds accordingly.
II Sam. 22:7___KJV
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."Amen, Amen, Amen.
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
I have been keeping you in my prayers and was just thinking yesterday how I missed you posting here. What a blessing to hear from you again. I will keep praying for your Mom and Dad and you as you face these coming months with them.
God bless our faithfulness.
We must know the judgement to know righteousness. We were hiding in lies and tried covering ourselves but reproof found us and the waters overflowed us in His justification.
"And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:" Amos 7:8 KJV
I will see you in 1 Corinthians!
God bless.
Romans 16:18 - For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
For they are such as serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; which is a term that is used for their own satisfaction. And by good words. Interesting that this is the word useful. With useful words and fair speeches (and this is the word eulogy), they deceive the hearts of the simple. The word simple means nave. With useful words and fair speeches, they deceive the people who are nave. That's what it is saying.
Romans 16:27 - To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
So, he says to the only wise God. That's its literal translation, to the only wise God. The only God, and the only wise God. He's only wisdom and He's the only God. Is glory, and if we understand this, he is making a deity presentation that the only wise God is glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
The word glory in Greek has to do with substance. The SHEKINAH glory in the Old Testament was the substance of God appearing in the holy of holies. When you hear the word glory, it would be incorrect for me to do something in the human and say, "Give God the glory." That's just giving Him credit for the good that I do because I don't want to take the credit for myself. Glory means His substance, His Spirit, His presence. The only wise God is glory through Jesus Christ. He is revealing Himself, His substance through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Well, that is all I have to share from Romans. I will begin with 1 Corinthians soon, Lord willing!
Blessings to you all in Christ!
Romans 16:6 - Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
It says Greet Mary. It is literally Mariam, one of six Mary's mentioned in the New Testament. We don't know who she is but we know he said who bestowed much labour on us. The word labour in the Greek means work to the point of exhaustion.
Romans 16:10 - Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. The word approved is the word DOKIMADZO that means to approve after testing. That is a very important word. It's the word used for a Christian. 1 Peter Chapter 1 tells us that the genuineness of our faith is put to the test and proven.
Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Now I appeal to you, brethren, and listen to this, the command. Mark them which cause divisions and offences. The word mark is the word SKOPOS. We get our word scope from this word. And it is in a Present Participle form in the Greek, which means continue to observe. Be continually looking at those who cause divisions and offenses (SCANDALONS), contrary to the doctrine which you have learned.
Paul said in Galatians Chapter 1 that if anybody preaches any other gospel than that which he has preached, let them be accursed. That's pretty bold and authoritative. If they don't preach, or if they preach contrary to the doctrine which Paul has taught and has given them, mark them. That's command number one. Command number two is avoid them.
The word avoid means to go out of your way to avoid them. It's the word bend in the Greek. If you are walking right at somebody, just bend yourself right around them. You give them the message that they are teaching false doctrine.
Romans 15:26 - For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution, and the word contribution is the word Koinonia. It is where we get our word fellowship. A contribution for the poor saints. It should literally read "For the poor of the saints," which are at Jerusalem.
Paul went through Macedonia and Achaia, and he says "You know, we got some saints over there in Jerusalem that are in poverty. Not only is there a famine, but they are cut off because of their belief in Christ. They don't have a lot of finances, and they don't have a lot of help. Their families won't help them. This would really bring unity in the body of Christ if you Gentiles could give a contribution, and I take it to the Jews in Jerusalem and tell them here's from your brethren the Gentiles."
Romans 15:30 - Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
He says my appeal is that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
The term "strive together" is one compound Greek word. It's the word SUN (pronounced Soon), which means with, and the word AGONA, which means agony. Agonize with me! In fact, the word is used for wrestling. When you see two wrestlers flopping around on the mat, they are agonizing together. So, he says "Join with me in prayer, agonize together with me in prayers to God for me."
Romans 15:33 - Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Now the God of peace, and notice that the word "be" is in italics. It's that way in the scriptures, but the verb is not "be." It should be "is." It's a statement of fact. It literally reads, "Now the God of peace IS with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
He says, now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. The cause: And the word "that" actually means toward. Toward the goal that you might abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Isn't that great? No covenants and no promise, but for us, we find hope as God's Spirit empowers us in Christ. So, we're told not to please ourselves, but rather to love our neighbor. Love him for the good, that is, the good in Christ!
Romans 15:14 - And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
In three areas of his life, the first one is in the preaching of Paul. Paul says, and I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness. And again, this comes from the root AGATHOS, the Spiritual good. But these next two phrases describe what he means by Spiritual good.
Having been filled with all knowledge. That's a Perfect Tense in the Greek text. These people are not ignorant. They are filled with knowledge. And being able to admonish one another. The word admonish means to warn, literally place in the mind or warn people.
So, he's telling them that they are doctrinally sound and that they are filled with the knowledge of God. They just needed to be taught a little more exact through Paul's writings. But he says I'm convinced that you have enough knowledge of God's word and the truth, and enough maturity that you can admonish one another through the use of the word.
Romans 15:2 - Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Let every one of us please his neighbor. The word neighbor is the closest person to you at any given time. It doesn't mean just your next-door neighbor. It's anybody that is close to you at any given time.
The cause for this command: For his good and to edification. The word good is the word AGATHOS for spiritual good.
Please your neighbor. How do I do that? For his spiritual good to build him up. Again, edification is a construction term that means to build a house. Whatever is best for that person spiritually to develop their relationship with the Lord.
Romans 15:5 - Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Now the God of patience (HUPOMONE), and again that's remaining under, and consolation (encouragement), grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Likeminded towards one other! Well, what is the example? According to Christ Jesus. He's the example!
Now the word mind for "likeminded" is the word PHRONEO. We get our English term frame of mind and attitude from this Greek word. We are to have the same attitude, the same goal, and we are to be likeminded one toward another.
In Philippians 2:5, the same word was used about Jesus. Here's the command, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." The book of Philippians was written about fellowship. Some think it was written about joy, but it is actually about fellowship. That's what Philippians was written for. Paul says that the believers ought to be one in fellowship.
They ought to be likeminded. That doesn't mean that we believe the same thing and we think the same words and the same thoughts all the time together. What it means is we have the same frame of mind. And we find that Jesus was used as the example. What was His attitude when He came into this existence here?
Romans 15:1 Continuation
It is a burden to carry. If you have to be sensitive to one or more people, and to carry their weaknesses and their views, it is a burden. And we are to carry it! That's what it boils down to. You carry your own load, but the heaviness of somebody else's load, help them. But you are responsible to carry your own.
The older believer, a Christian matures to where they can start handling their own freight and the weight of that load. And they get to a point to where they can carry their own freight, but they can start helping other people down this pilgrim road that people are having a tough time walking.
So, we that are strong, we are continually indebted to carry the weaknesses of the ones who are without power, and not to please ourselves. It is hard to do in our society. Our culture and our society encourage self-centeredness. We're a society that seeks pleasure. And we're told not to please ourselves.
(Romans Part 31a):
Romans 15:1 - We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
First of all, the classification. It says, we then that are strong. Romans 14:1 started off with "to the one who is weak with respect to the faith." Here it says to we who are strong. Paul considers himself to be a strong believer.
There are only two kinds. There's a weak believer and a strong believer. That's it! We then that are strong, that's a classification. Here's the concept: What are we to do? We ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. What a verse!
The word ought is an old English word that has to do with indebtedness. We are indebted. In the Greek, this is what is called a Present Active Imperative Indicative which means we are to continue to be indebted and obligated to those who are weaker. It is a continuous obligation. Our obligation is to bear the infirmities of the weak.
The word infirmities ASTHENEMATA means weakness. And the word weak ADUNATON means without power. They have no spiritual strength. We are not talking about somebody who is physically weak. We are talking about somebody who is spiritually weak. But we are to bear the infirmities of the weak. This is the same word used in Galatians Chapter 6 where it says to bear one another's burdens. This word actually means to carry. It doesn't mean to tolerate younger believers. It means to shoulder the load. Help carry their burdens, and to not please ourselves.
I am doing well for an old man; I am also glad Jesse is continuing. Hope your travel has been smooth.
Thanks, brother and God bless,
RLW
"Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction." Habakkuk 1:12 KJV
Now back to work. :)
How are you?
It's good to see you check in from time to time!
It haven't been many questions or discussions on the site lately.
I have been studying and enjoying Brother Jesse's material in the Greek.
Again, It's good to hear from you!
Blessings.
God bless,
RLW
As to discussions. I have been so very blessed by the discussions on this site. I have learned so much from others and mostly from going back into Scriptures to refresh my learning about topics. I hope that the discussions on varied topics will pick up soon. I am preparing to post the next segment of what I posted last month on God's will and man's will. It will be about God's holiness, righteousness and purity as it relates to His actions towards sin and sinners. I am nearly done composing it in a Word doc so I can review, revise, and add to it with future topics related to the idea I have that stems from a posting between Chris and I a while back. I pray that I will write well and accurately as a reflection pf what the Scriptures teach. I value your prayers on this, if you would be so kind.
We are doing well. Still waiting to get started on the stair railings very soon. Should hear from Eric about upcoming time frame.
Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I'm happy to hear that the things I am sharing are helpful. I do wish that the person who asked me to do this was still here. My whole intent was to point out some variations/differences that I have found between the Greek text and our English translations. This is what I was asked to do by a user on this forum. As long as you and a few others are still following along, I will continue to press on through the book of Revelation (Lord willing).
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Like you, I also miss the discussions. I know we have a different understanding between the Great White Throne Judgment and the Bema Seat Judgment. I think we may have discussed that one before.
I agree about the 1,000-year reign where some will be saved, and others will still continue to reject Christ. It amazes me how anyone can live in such a perfect world during that time period and at the end still choose to reject Christ.
I do find it interesting that you believe the new city is made up of each believer's stone. I've never heard that before. I have no opinion on that one way or another, but I do find it thought provoking.
Again, thank you so much for your message my brother. I do hope and pray that the Lord will continue to give each of us that hunger and desire for His word in order that we might come to know Christ more and more each day and that His perfect will for our lives be carried out.
Blessings in Christ!
I hope all is going well for you and your family. I still read all the posts and my prayers are still for this site and those on it. I miss the discussions and the brothers and sisters that use to post here.
In love God bless,
RLW
The Lord hears us when we praise him. He is worthy to be praised.
Malachi 3:16,17_
..."And they that feared the Lord spoke often to one another:
and the Lord was listening, and heard it,
And a book of remembrance
was written before him
for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his name."(kjv)
May God continue to bless us all. Amen!
I read all your posts, thank you for continuing they are helpful, seems there have not been many discussions lately. In your part 29 every one of us shall give an account of himself and you gave a very good description of the fire we also see in 1 Corinthians 3, I had a dream about that once.
I understand many believe the white throne judgment is only for the lost and the Bema seat judgment of Christ is for all that is saved. My understanding we see those in the first resurrection and Revelation 20:4 judgment is given to those who will reign with Christ in the millennium.
There will be 1000 years and there will be those who accept Jesus and those who will not as we see when Satan is released from the bottomless pit, he goes out to deceive again and we see when they go up to and surround the camp of the saints their number is as the sands of the sea. People will die during these 1000 years.
Jesus's reign is to be until all enemies are destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 and we see that the last enemy is death, death along with the grave is cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:14 and in 20:15. My understanding the second and last resurrection, those who were not in the first resurrection will be judged in the white throne judgment and whosoever was not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, then the new heaven and the new earth.
In part 30, well done; I see these precious stones and what they are building that may be almost finished, Revelation 21:9-27 and I believe this new city is made up of each believer's stone.
Thanks again brother
God bless,
RLW
Bless the new leadership in D.C. to look to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for wisdom and courage to do that which is right in Your name. May all the people of GOD serve You in prayer, giving, and studying of Your word. Grant unto us the courage to repent and seek Your forgiveness daily.
Merry Christmas to all! GOD to shine HIS face on all who love HIM and look forward to HIS coming.
December 5, 2024.
Praise the Lord. Truth is, God knows our heart. However, God needs to hear the words of confession come past our lips. He hears our voice out of his temple and responds accordingly.
II Sam. 22:7___KJV
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."Amen, Amen, Amen.
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
I have been keeping you in my prayers and was just thinking yesterday how I missed you posting here. What a blessing to hear from you again. I will keep praying for your Mom and Dad and you as you face these coming months with them.
May the Lord continue to bless you.