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Inherent power (δύναμις)

Inherent power (δύναμις) describes the potential for functioning, the ability or capability to carry something out.

Inherent ability is often translated as, “power”, “wonders”, “mighty works”, or “miracles”, which can cause a lot of confusion in understanding what is being expressed. However, when we go back to its roots, we find that it refers to a person’s natural innate capacity or talent without the need to be taught or trained.

In Matthew chapter eleven, verses twenty through twenty-three, Jesus rebukes Chorazin and Bethsaida for their unbelief because of all the many manifestations of inherent ability that were done before them. In comparison, if these works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, these cities would still remain. However, in the day of Judgment, it will be more tolerable for these cities than for Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated His authority by bestowing inherent ability upon the twelve disciples. He sent them to Israel to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God, equipping them with the inherent ability and authority over demons and diseases, Luke 9:1.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved, it is the inherent ability of God, 1 Corinthians 1:18. The gospel of the Christ has within its words the inherent ability to save, Romans 1:16. It is important to clearly and without modification state the good news by which we are saved that is laid out by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Christ died on behalf of our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. Unlike the message of the Kingdom of the Heavens, which could […]

Inherent power (δύναμις)2024-08-15T05:57:37-07:00

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω)

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω) means putting on a mask to appear as something you’re not. It is to conform one’s mind and character to another’s pattern.

Suschēmatizō (συσχηματίζω) is derived from a word that means to be in the appearance or likeness of something else. When God the Son wrapped Himself in flesh, He was found in the likeness of a man; however, He was still fully God. He emptied Himself of His outward display of Deity and wrapped Himself in flesh, Philippians 2:8. As Christians, we are not part of the world system, for in Christ we are crucified to it, and it to us. However, Christ chose not to remove us from it; therefore, we are to use it but not abuse it, realizing that the outward form of the world is always changing, 1 Corinthians 7:31. It is the one who does the desirous will of God that abide into the age, 1 John 2:17.

In Romans 12:2, we are instructed not to put on a mask (outwardly conform ourselves) as though we are under law. Christians do not govern their lives by law, Romans 6:14. We are not to be inarticulate babblers who need a tutor because we are sons, Ephesians 1:5 (having marked off our bounds to the placement of sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself, according to the good pleasure of His desirous will). Sons do not need governors and tutors, which is what the law served as, Galatians 3:24. In contrast to living by law we are to train our senses to know what is proper from what lacks in character and govern our lives by grace out from faith, Hebrews 5:14; Romans 1:17. This standard needs no law […]

Outwardly conforming (συσχηματίζω)2024-08-09T16:26:11-07:00

Self-Control (ἐγκράτεια)

Self-control (ἐγκράτεια) means to have strength over one’s appetites through regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of impulses or temptations.

Self-control is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:23. Since it is a part of the fruit belonging to the Spirit, we cannot obtain it through law or self-effort. Those who seek to be righteous through their works, although having a word of wisdom through self-imposed religion, humility, and the neglecting of the body, do not through these enjoy freedom over the indulgences of the flesh, Colossians 2:23. Self-control is a product of walking by the Spirit; therefore, self-control is an ingredient of the characteristics of Christians who are Spiritual, Acts 24:25.

As we work out our faith, we gain knowledge. To this knowledge, we are to add self-control, through which we can apply godliness to our lives, 2 Peter 1:6. As we continue to mature, we add to godliness a fondness for the brethren that gives place to seeking the best for the ones loved, so the we abound and are not unfruitful or barren in the full experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Therefore, self-control is a natural result of seeking out and governing our lives by the desires from the Holy Spirit, so that in freedom we maintain strength over our appetites, emotions, thoughts, and behavior in a worthy manner that glorifies God as the Holy Spirit produces the character of Christ through us.

Self-Control (ἐγκράτεια)2024-06-06T06:33:53-07:00

Tempt (πειράζω)

Tempt (πειράζω) expresses a trial through examination or a solicitation to do something that is wrong.

When Jesus was led away into the wilderness by the Spirit, the devil solicited Him to go against the desirous will of the Father, Matthew 4:1. Satan knows that God is One, James 2:19, and that Jesus is the second Person of the Godhead, Mark 3:11. By tempting the second Person of the Godhead, Who was now in human form, Satan sought to divide Them so that Their Word concerning his coming judgment would not hold truth.

In one of the trials by the Pharisees and Sadducees, they again sought a sign from Jesus. However, their intent was not to see a sign so they would believe; instead, they sought something by which they could accuse Him of doing wrong. In response, Jesus rebukes them for being hypocrites and a malignantly evil and [spiritually] adulterous generation. They claim to know what is coming by the appearance of the sky but cannot discern the signs of the times, Matthew 16:1-4.

Attempting again to gain an advantage over Jesus so they could accuse Him, the Pharisees solicited Him to do wrong with a question, “Is it lawful for man to divorce his wife for any reason”, Matthew 19:3. Through Moses, divorce was permitted. Therefore, rather than going against Moses, which is what the Pharisees sought, Jesus explains to them why divorce was permitted through Moses. It was the hardness of their heart. However, Scripture states that the two will become one flesh and, therefore, if a man divorces his wife for anything other than fornication and marries another, he commits adultery under the Mosaic Law, Matthew 19:3-9.

Desires that solicit us to do wrong […]

Tempt (πειράζω)2024-05-30T05:38:34-07:00

To Ruin (φθείρω)

Ruin (φθείρω) expresses corruption by causing physical harm or financial destruction.

When it comes to our conduct during our time on earth, we need to pay attention to our works. Are they based upon who we are in Christ or seeking the fulfillment of the flesh? We are the Holy of Holies of God. One of the aspects of our salvation is the Trinity indwells us. Therefore, if someone brings to ruin the Holy of Holies of God, which is our bodies, He will bring them to ruin, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Our works matter. We reap what we sow. We are not to be so foolish as to think that we can live like the devil’s children while enjoying the things of eternal life. If your life is in ruin, look at the works you are producing.

What agreement does the Holy of Holies of God have with false gods and idols? What part do unbelievers have with believers? God said, He will walk among us, and we will be His people, 2 Corinthians 6:16. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, 2 Corinthians 6:18. Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit that the unsaved run after while we bring holiness to maturity in our lives. Ensuring that our works are causing no one to come to ruin, physically or financially, or fraudulently taking advantage, 2 Corinthians 7:2.

Those who we associate with are important to vet. Bad company brings to ruin useful habits, 1 Corinthians 15:33. We are to awake to righteousness and stop sinning. Those who continue in a sinful lifestyle are ignorant of God, to their shame.

Through […]

To Ruin (φθείρω)2024-05-23T06:08:33-07:00
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