Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Truth to Learn Christians must be submitted to their leaders. Behind the Words “I say” is the translation of the verb legō,...
1 Corinthians 1:11 – Discuss, Don’t Argue
For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Truth to Learn Discussions are good, but arguments are bad. Behind the Words The words “it has been declared” are translated from the Greek verb dēloō. This word...
1 Corinthians 1:10 – No More Divisions
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Truth to Learn Christians must...
1 Corinthians 1:9 – Called Into Eternal Fellowship
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Truth to Learn Christians are called into fellowship with God, forever. Behind the Words Pistos is the Greek word translated “faithful.” It is based on the verb peithō, meaning “to win over”...
1 Corinthians 1:8 – Preserved Blameless
who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn Christians are now, and will always be, blameless according to Jesus Christ’s judicial action on our behalf. Behind the Words The verb “confirm” is from the...
1 Corinthians 1:7 – Gifts Used for Him
so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, Truth to Learn All Christians are gifted so we might bring glory to God. Behind the Words The words “come short” are from the Greek verb husteroō, which is based on the...
1 Corinthians 1:6 – Testimonial Gifts
even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are an indication of true salvation, but only when they are used in the proper manner. Behind the Words The words “even as” are translated from the Greek word kathōs, This word is made up...
1 Corinthians 1:5 – Birthday Gifts
that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, Truth to Learn Christians are given spiritual gifts at the moment of salvation. Behind the Words The words “you were enriched” are translated from the Greek verb ploutidzō, which is derived from the noun ploutos, meaning...
1 Corinthians 1:4 – Give Him Your Best
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, Truth to Learn We should give our best to any ministry we are involved in. Behind the Words “I thank” is translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which means “to...
1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace and Peace
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace. Behind the Words The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.”...
1 Corinthians 1:2 – A Letter to You
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Truth to Learn The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to...
1 Corinthians 1:1 – Commissioned Preacher
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Truth to Learn We have a commission from our Lord to make disciples. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “called” is the noun klētos. It means “one who is called, invited,...
1 Corinthians – Introduction
Before we begin our study of 1 Corinthians, here is some background information on the city and the letter we are about to study. The City of Corinth The city of Corinth was located approximately 45 miles southwest of Athens on the narrow isthmus which connects Achaia (Southern Greece) with...
2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that...
2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible
The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. Truth to Learn We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us. Behind the Words Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which means...
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. Truth to Learn There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God. Behind the Words “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based...
2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment
Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Truth to Learn Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment. Behind the Words The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai, which...
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Truth to Learn We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient. Behind the Words “Obey” is translated from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – Don’t Get Discouraged
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. Truth to Learn Work hard for God and don’t get discouraged. Behind the Words Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It literally refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout...
2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. Truth to Learn Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight. Behind the Words The words “who are such” come from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line
For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Truth to Learn There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we...
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Truth to Learn There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we commanded” is parangellō, which is made up...
2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness
not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. Truth to Learn Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them. Behind the Words “Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is derived from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:8 – A Servant Above Reproach
nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, Truth to Learn The Apostle Paul behaved above reproach in his ministry. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “free of...
2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; Truth to Learn The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about. Behind the Words The word translated “know” is eidō, which means...
2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. Truth to Learn There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others. Behind the Words The...
2 Thessalonians 3:5 – Our Heavenly Guide
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. Truth to Learn As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions. Behind the Words “Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of kata,...
2 Thessalonians 3:4 – Obey Your Commander
And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Truth to Learn It’s up to Him and He is faithful. But, it’s also up to us to do our part. Behind the Words “We have confidence” is translated...
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – Walking Faith
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. Truth to Learn Walking by faith means trusting that God will establish and guard you both now and in the future. Behind the Words The word translated “faithful” is pistos, which is based on...
Resumption of verses will be dalayed
I had been planning on starting back on 2 Thessalonians this week, however I have a family situation that will require me to fly to New York State. Depending on how long this business takes, I should be able to start-up again some time next week. In God's...