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To Discern (ἀνακρίνω)

As a derivative of the word for judge, discern expresses the careful study of a question, and is often used in a judicial hearing.

After discerning if Jesus was guilty, Pilate’s response to the Chief Priest and rulers of Israel was that he found no fault in Christ, whom they accused of misleading the people. Not only did he find no blame, but also Herod sent Him back to Pilate for Christ had done nothing worthy of death, Luke 23:13-15. Before the rulers and elders, Peter calls them out for having Christ put to death because he and John were being examined concerning a good deed done to a helpless man, Acts 4:8-10. After killing James and seeing that it pleased the Jewish leaders, Herod locks up Peter so he can continue putting the disciples to death after the days of Unleavened Bread were over, Acts 12:2-3. However, God sent a messenger during the night to release Peter from prison. In the morning, when the guards found that Peter was not in the prison, they were examined and put to death for failing to secure their prisoner, Acts 12:19.

Outside of a judicial setting, discern is used concerning what a person is speaking or how they are acting. The Jews of Berea were high-born, unlike those of Thessalonica. Therefore, they were able to examine the Scripture concerning what Paul was stating to them about the Christ, for they could afford personal copies of the scrolls. As a result of their access to Scripture, many believed what Paul was proclaiming, Acts 17:11. When it comes to discerning the things of the Spirit, they cannot be examined by those who are carnal, for the fleshly mind is not subject […]

To Discern (ἀνακρίνω)Luther Walker2023-12-23T07:16:29-08:00

Scandalize (σκανδαλίζω)

Scandalize is to shockingly offend a person’s moral sensibility.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of a man scandalizing himself when he looks at a woman for the purpose of desiring her for adultery, for in doing so he has already committed adultery in his heart, Matthew 5:28. The kingdom of the heavens is what Jesus is preaching. After the Messiah comes, is cut off, the Temple is desecrated by Satan, and the Messiah returns in glory, He sets up a Kingdom that will last for 1000 years, Daniel 9:24-27. In setting up this kingdom, God makes a new covenant with Israel in which He writes His law within their heart, Jeremiah 31:33. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is giving instructions concerning the rules of this kingdom, not for today. This man scandalizes himself because he intentionally violated the law of God that is written in his heart by acting upon a thought to desire another woman by glancing at her for this purpose. Unlike under the Mosaic Law where the act of adultery, which is a sin, would be punished, he is held liable for scandalizing himself by using his members in a way that is contrary to what he knows is right even though the physical act of adultery has not been committed, for sin and scandalizing are not the same thing. This is not referring to today, for we are in a period of time in which we must learn the law of God, which for the Church is to live by grace through faith. Therefore, such desires, although we may strongly desire not to have them, do not scandalize us, for we expect to have to deal with […]

Scandalize (σκανδαλίζω)Luther Walker2023-12-23T11:33:57-08:00

Simplicity (ἁπλότης)

Simplicity conveys a singleness of nature or unity. Therefore, its purpose is not dividable; rather, it is immutable while expressing a state of openness, frankness, or directness.

In addressing the saints in Rome, the Apostle Paul encouraged the ones with the Spiritual gift of giving to use this gift with simplicity, Romans 12:8. Whether we have the gift or not, when it comes to giving, we are not to do it under compulsion, or out from necessity, but with a cheerful heart, for the Lord loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7. Therefore, let each one determine in his heart what he desires to give from his excess and do it so with simplicity, having no other intent.

In contrast to fleshly wisdom, we are to conduct ourselves in this world in simplicity and godly sincerity, 2 Corinthians 1:12. This is especially important when it comes to ones who teach the Word of God. Their purpose should always be to teach others, not to gain anything from them by teaching. An assembly should take care of its Pastor, and for those who serve well, they should provide for him a double portion; however, the intent of the Pastor should be simple, to equip them unto a work of ministry for the edification of the body of the Christ to bring them all to a unity (oneness) of the faith and a full experiential knowledge of the Son of God so that they are no longer tossed around by every wind of teaching by the trickery of men in deceit.

When it comes to someone who presents a different gospel or receives a different spirit, we are not to put up with them, for they seek to corrupt us […]

Simplicity (ἁπλότης)Luther Walker2023-12-23T11:36:06-08:00

Philosophy (φιλοσοφία)

Philosophy is the fondness of wisdom through the rational, methodical, and abstract consideration of reality as a fundamental measurement of human existence. Because philosophy is based upon the traditions of men and the elementary principles of the world system, not according to the Christ, the wisdom it seeks is also that of the world. A wisdom that is by its nature foolishness to God.

As Christians, we are to beware of those who seek to gain control over us through philosophy and vain deceit., Colossians 2:8. Just as the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of Athens rejected the truth of the resurrected Christ, philosophers continue to do that today because they do not seek the wisdom of God, Acts 17:18-32. Those who profess themselves to be wise while rejecting the clear evidence of the Creator, through their lack of appreciation for what He provides, become foolish in their darkened hearts, changing the incorruptible God to that of corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things, Romans 1:21-24. These are the “so called” wise religious men of this world, who follow after the traditions of men, while ignoring the truth. They are the ones teaching the elementary principles of the world as a means for righteousness and peace: touch not, taste not, handle not. These are practices that have an appearance of wisdom in self-made religions, humility, and neglect of the body that have no value in controlling the indulgences of the flesh, Colossians 2:23. If anyone thinks himself to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God and those who think they are wise in this age are caught in their own craftiness, 1 Corinthians […]

Philosophy (φιλοσοφία)Luther Walker2023-12-23T11:38:11-08:00

Hope (ἐλπίς)

“Hope” expresses an eager expectation that is always based upon a promise. Unlike the English word, the original Greek does not include the concept of “a wishful desire”; rather, expressing a ready anticipation based upon confidence or trust.

In the crucifixion of Christ, He had hope because God the Father had given Him a promise that He would not leave His soul in Hades, nor would His flesh see corruption. Therefore, He did not face the cross with wishful thinking, but in eager expectation concerning the promise given to Him.

Because of this My heart praises and My tongue rejoices, indeed still also My flesh rests upon hope, because You will not abandon My soul in Hades, nor give Your pious One to see corruption – Acts 2:26-27

Herod had desired for a long time to see Jesus, because he hoped (eagerly expected) that Jesus would perform some sign for him, Luke 23:8. Herod knew of what Jesus was doing among the people and the signs and wonders that He had performed; however, his hope was not about believing in the Christ, but for entertainment. And when Christ refused to answer him, he and his men of war mistreated Jesus. Later, Herod is struck with worms and dies when he claims to be a god, Acts 12:21-23.

The hope we find on the road to Emmaus with two of the disciples after the resurrection of Christ expresses an eager expectation because they had anticipation that Jesus was the Messiah and would restore Israel, a hope based upon God’s promise; however, the Chief Priests and rulers of Israel delivered Him over to be condemned to death and crucified. Therefore, even though they expected that Jesus was the Messiah, for He […]

Hope (ἐλπίς)Luther Walker2023-11-25T07:37:53-08:00

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