It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Truth to Learn Consider the good of others more important than your own. Behind the Words The word translated “good” is a form of...
Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Truth to Learn The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good. Behind the Words The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers to “a conquest or victory.”...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning...
Romans 11:20 – Faith and Fear
Well said. In unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be high-minded, but fear. Truth to Learn Salvation should not produce pride, but reverential fear. Behind the Words “Well said” is translated from the Greek word kalōs, meaning “well, justly, or aptly.” It is...
1 Peter 2:12 – For His Glory
having your behavior good among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of inspection. Truth to Learn Our good behavior will bring glory to God. Behind the Words “Behavior” is translated from...
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Find Good and Hold On
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Truth to Learn We are to look for good and hold on to it when we find it. Behind the Words Dokimadzō is the Greek verb translated “test” in today’s verse. This Greek word means “to test something to determine its...
James 2:19 – One God Faith
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! Truth to Learn Faith is necessary for salvation, but what you have faith in is crucial, and the proof of that faith will be your good works. Behind the Words The word here translated as...
James 2:7 – Blasphemous Wealth
Don’t they blaspheme that beautiful name by which you are called? Truth to Learn The conversation of the rich and famous is more an indication of their devotion to God (or lack thereof) than their wealth. Behind the Words The word “blaspheme” is not a translation but a transliteration. That...
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Find Good and Hold On
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Truth to Learn We are to look for good and hold on to it when we find it. Behind the Words Dokimadzō is the Greek verb translated “test” in today’s verse. This Greek word means “to test something to determine its worth.”...
Romans 14:21 – Good For Whom?
Romans 14:21 - Good For Whom? It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Truth to Learn Consider the good of others more important than your own. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 14:16 – The Right Thing?
Romans 14:16 - The Right Thing? Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; Truth to Learn Sometimes doing “the right thing” can cause harm to others. Behind the Words “Good” is translated from agathos, meaning “benevolent, profitable, or useful.” There is another Greek word translated “good.”...
Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil
Romans 12:21 - Good Versus Evil Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Truth to Learn The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good. Behind the Words The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Romans 12:17 - Reactive or Proactive? Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up...
Romans 11:20 – Faith and Fear
Romans 11:20 - Faith and Fear Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. Truth to Learn Salvation should not produce pride, but reverential fear. Behind the Words “Well said” is translated from the Greek word kalōs, meaning...
Romans 10:15 – Evangelists in Full Bloom
Romans 10:15 - Evangelists in Full Bloom And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Truth to Learn Those who preach the gospel are seen...
Romans 8:28 – Called for Goodness Sake
Romans 8:28 - Called for Goodness Sake And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Truth to Learn God is producing goodness in Christians because He has decided to do so. Behind the...