13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. … 20Pilate addressed them again wanting...
Romans 9:16 – All His Doing
So then it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God who shows mercy. Truth to Learn God deserves all the praise and glory for our salvation. Behind the Words The word translated “willing” is a form of the Greek word thelō, which...
Romans 7:16 – Encouragement in Defeat
If, then, I do what I determine not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. Truth to Learn Our battle against our sin nature is evidence that we are saved. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “determine” is thelō, which is often translated as...
1 Peter 3:10 – Innocent Language
For the one determined to love life and to see good days, let him stop his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. Truth to Learn The way we speak and the things we say will have an effect on the way we live. Behind the Words...
1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Dead, But Still Alive
But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, that you not grieve as others who have no hope. Truth to Learn For Christians, physical death is not the end of existence. Behind the Words “We … want” is translated from the...
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries
Therefore we determined to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Truth to Learn Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan. Behind the Words “We determined” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.”...
James 4:15 – The Lord’s Plan
Instead you ought to be saying, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." Truth to Learn It is God’s plan for us that is important, not our own plans. Behind the Words The expression “Instead you ought to be saying” should be more literally translated...
James 2:20 – A Fool Without Works
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is useless? Truth to Learn God calls all true believers to do good works. Behind the Words “Want” (“will” in some translations) is translated from thelō, which refers to the will of man (the determined will). It...
James 1:18 – New Birth
Having desired it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain first fruit of His creatures. Truth to Learn Our salvation is the greatest example of the goodness of God and His desire to give us good things. Behind the Words The words...
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...
1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Dead, But Still Alive
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Truth to Learn For Christians, physical death is not the end of existence. Behind the Words “I … want” is translated from the Greek verb...
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries
Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Truth to Learn Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan. Behind the Words “We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However,...
Romans 9:19 – No Fault Sovereignty
Romans 9:19 - No Fault Sovereignty You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" Truth to Learn It is completely fair for God to do as He decides. Behind the Words The Greek verb translated “find fault” is memphomai, meaning...
Romans 9:18 – God and God Alone
Romans 9:18 - God and God Alone Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. Truth to Learn God makes the decisions regarding whom He shows mercy to. Behind the Words The word “mercy” is from eleeō, which we looked at in verse fifteen....
Romans 9:16 – All His Doing
Romans 9:16 - All His Doing So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Truth to Learn God deserves all the praise and glory for our salvation. Behind the Words The word translated “wills” is a form of...
Romans 7:19 – Surrender to Him
Romans 7:19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Truth to Learn Overcoming our enemy, our sin nature, is not ours to do. Behind the Words Back in verse sixteen we looked at the...
Romans 7:15 – That Thing You Do
Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. Truth to Learn Paul battled his sin nature just as you and I do. Behind the Words “Doing” is from the...