Systematic Bible Study
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So, if I promise to give my daughter my car when she graduates, is it not a gift? Did she not earn it?
The hypothetical is relevant because I suspect there are differences between "grace" and "a gift", and they are not interchangeable terms. The hypothetical is intended to help me, and others interested, to clarify what the Bible means by these terms and not to just accept uncritically claims made by theologians with barrows to push they always mean [insert theological definition here]. After 66 years living among humans, I know how capable we humans are of deceiving and being deceived. I have learned to question every claim and to measure them against the Greek and Hebrew biblical text.
The hypothetical is relevant because I suspect there are differences between "grace" and "a gift", and they are not interchangeable terms. The hypothetical is intended to help me, and others interested, to clarify what the Bible means by these terms and not to just accept uncritically claims made by theologians with barrows to push they always mean [insert theological definition here]. After 66 years living among humans, I know how capable we humans are of deceiving and being deceived. I have learned to question every claim and to measure them against the Greek and Hebrew biblical text.
Ephesians 2
17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], 18 for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. 19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way! 21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. 25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. [Zech 8:16] 26 BE ANGRY [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], YET DO NOT SIN; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. [Ps 4:4]
*just some spiritual insight to help.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], 18 for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. 19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way! 21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. 25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. [Zech 8:16] 26 BE ANGRY [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], YET DO NOT SIN; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. [Ps 4:4]
*just some spiritual insight to help.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. [Eph 1:13, 14; Phil 3:20, 21] 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. 32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
28 The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need.
*indeed**
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
*indeed**
Meyer, Joyce. The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Function). Kindle Edition.
Yes, words can have multiple meanings, and knowing languages is necessary for communicating meaning.
Yes, knowing the biblical languages is needed for understanding God's communique to humanity.
And yes, we should question or test claims and keep/believe what seem to be true (1THS 5:21).
Glad we are copacetic (if you know what I mean :^)
Are you going to comment on EPH 1:3?
Yes, knowing the biblical languages is needed for understanding God's communique to humanity.
And yes, we should question or test claims and keep/believe what seem to be true (1THS 5:21).
Glad we are copacetic (if you know what I mean :^)
Are you going to comment on EPH 1:3?
Eph 1:3
¶
Blessed (eulogEtos) [is] the God (ho theos) and (kai) a Father (patEr) of our (hEmOn) Lord (kuriou) Jesus (IEsou) Christ (Christou), the one (ho) having blessed (eulogEsas) us (hEmas) with all (en pasEi) spiritual (pneumatikEi) blessings (eulogiai) in heavenly [places] (en epouraniois) in Christ (ChristOi):
The Newberry reference Bible notes on the grammar of the definite article in Greek suggests that where there is no definite article where one would expect a definite article in English, the noun is meant CHARACTERISTICALLY rather than pointing to a particular example of the noun. Based on this, the absence of the definite article before Father would mean that the characteristic of fatherhood is meant. So "eulogEtos ho theos kai patEr" would be "Blessed is the Fatherly God of our Lord Jesus Christ" or "Blessed is the God who is as a father of our Lord Jesus Christ".
Again, maybe Paul has in mind the triune God who is the Entity who generated Jesus of Nazareth. This entity also blessed the church with every spiritual blessing that exists in the heavenlies, giving them to the church when They gave Jesus Christ to the church, because all the things the triune God possesses are also in Jesus. Jesus in our spirit has everything in Him that we will ever need for life and godliness now. The trick is learning how to manifest Christ's abilities so that we actually do the works He did and greater works.
¶
Blessed (eulogEtos) [is] the God (ho theos) and (kai) a Father (patEr) of our (hEmOn) Lord (kuriou) Jesus (IEsou) Christ (Christou), the one (ho) having blessed (eulogEsas) us (hEmas) with all (en pasEi) spiritual (pneumatikEi) blessings (eulogiai) in heavenly [places] (en epouraniois) in Christ (ChristOi):
The Newberry reference Bible notes on the grammar of the definite article in Greek suggests that where there is no definite article where one would expect a definite article in English, the noun is meant CHARACTERISTICALLY rather than pointing to a particular example of the noun. Based on this, the absence of the definite article before Father would mean that the characteristic of fatherhood is meant. So "eulogEtos ho theos kai patEr" would be "Blessed is the Fatherly God of our Lord Jesus Christ" or "Blessed is the God who is as a father of our Lord Jesus Christ".
Again, maybe Paul has in mind the triune God who is the Entity who generated Jesus of Nazareth. This entity also blessed the church with every spiritual blessing that exists in the heavenlies, giving them to the church when They gave Jesus Christ to the church, because all the things the triune God possesses are also in Jesus. Jesus in our spirit has everything in Him that we will ever need for life and godliness now. The trick is learning how to manifest Christ's abilities so that we actually do the works He did and greater works.
I think God prefers Spirit fruit and not religious nuts. I one day, think I hatched, yet I know not to think I have, what a perplexity.
Thanks, we can share in care and as you said usually starts out that way and ends up feeding, the old self back in the way of I am right and you are wrong attitudes. Might be best for each to read the entire Epistles to ourselves and see from Father to learn from as said in 1 John 2:27 to me at least and thank you
Thanks, we can share in care and as you said usually starts out that way and ends up feeding, the old self back in the way of I am right and you are wrong attitudes. Might be best for each to read the entire Epistles to ourselves and see from Father to learn from as said in 1 John 2:27 to me at least and thank you
While there are verses that speak to election and being chosen, the gist of my posts on this subject matter much more (in fact almost exclusively) focus on the fact that the natural man, according to Scripture, is inherently hostile to God, and has a stony heart that is not good ground at all for growing the Seed of God's Word into faith. The natural man is who Scripture refers to as being under the influence of the evil one, captive to the will of the devil, a slave to sin, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, a lover of darkness, and more, since he is defined as darkness itself, which cannot comprehend the Light, nor can he receive nor understand the Spiritual things of God. So how exactly is such a person to decide to believe that which is foolishness to him, when we are told too that he is incapable of submitting to God's law? I say such a position is foolishness itself, according too all the Bible has to say of the natural man. Even with as much as the Bible has to say of the natural man, there are many here who honestly do not seem to have a clue who he is, and ascribe to him characteristics and abilities that only the spiritual man possesses. In order to believe, I was enabled. I was made alive in Chrst, and my heart was circumcised. Naysayers essentially claim they effectuated their life in Christ by choosing, as a natural man, of their own volition, something which is 100% contrary to the natural man. They think they cured their own heart by choice. We are alive in Christ because of righteousness not our own.
Jeremiah 17:9 plus John 3:19-20 ~ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.
Jeremiah 17:9 plus John 3:19-20 ~ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.
God does the Spirit healing and physical follows at least for me
I see clearer today than I did yesterday, thanks
We are made the righteousness of God by God and not anyone else thanks
The two Father and Son are One (Won) for us to stand in at least me learning 1 John 2:27
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Ephesians 4:17-18; Luke 6:43; Jeremiah 10:14 In the futility of their thinking, unbelievers are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. A diseased tree cannot bear good fruit. Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge.
Yet, physical life here on earth tried, got in and out again by me in my ignorance and not listening to godwits me forever as David said God stays with me, whether I go to hell or not. Never forsaking anyone desiring all to come to belief God knows what is best to rest in that alone
thank you again sister for encouraging not condemning g or excusing anyone
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Thanks for the refresher on Greek! It appears that your gift is languages, whereas mine is NOT. Although I learned tourist German while stationed there, I have been trying to learn Spanish since HS without much success (although I can read it somewhat). I guess my gift is editing or connecting Scripture. At least that is my interest and why I enumerated the TOJ and I am winding up doing the same with the TOP.
So now I will try to exercise editing by connecting our two versions of EPH 1:3 as follows:
EPH 1:3, “Blessed/Praised be the Father/God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all/every spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms in Christ.”
I understand that this passage is one long sentence through verse 14, so you might want to comment on that as we proceed.
By way of OT context I note places saying that God is worthy of being praised (2SM 22:4, 1CH 16:25, PS 48:1), that it is fitting for people to praise God (PS 33:1) because He is good (PS 34:8) and forgives those who confess their sin (PS 32:5) and that praising is akin to thanksgiving (PS 100:4) for God’s love and justice (PS 101:1).
I glean from "Being blessed in the heavenly realms with spiritual blessings" that the primary purpose of God is for earthly existence/experience to lead souls to realize their mortality and sinfulness and thus need for Him/His salvation. It seems logical to think that Heaven’s blessings are in the vein of the spiritual fruit listed in GL 5:22-23 and elsewhere.
I also notice that “In Christ” will be repeated many times in this passage, so it is important to understand that it means oneness with Christ via faith (cf. JN 17:11&20-23, cf. EPH 4:13 & 5:31-32) and that it is akin to being one with Abraham or being spiritually circumcised and credited with Christ’s righteous-ness (RM 2:28-29, 3:21-26, 4:3 & 9-17).
So now I will try to exercise editing by connecting our two versions of EPH 1:3 as follows:
EPH 1:3, “Blessed/Praised be the Father/God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all/every spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms in Christ.”
I understand that this passage is one long sentence through verse 14, so you might want to comment on that as we proceed.
By way of OT context I note places saying that God is worthy of being praised (2SM 22:4, 1CH 16:25, PS 48:1), that it is fitting for people to praise God (PS 33:1) because He is good (PS 34:8) and forgives those who confess their sin (PS 32:5) and that praising is akin to thanksgiving (PS 100:4) for God’s love and justice (PS 101:1).
I glean from "Being blessed in the heavenly realms with spiritual blessings" that the primary purpose of God is for earthly existence/experience to lead souls to realize their mortality and sinfulness and thus need for Him/His salvation. It seems logical to think that Heaven’s blessings are in the vein of the spiritual fruit listed in GL 5:22-23 and elsewhere.
I also notice that “In Christ” will be repeated many times in this passage, so it is important to understand that it means oneness with Christ via faith (cf. JN 17:11&20-23, cf. EPH 4:13 & 5:31-32) and that it is akin to being one with Abraham or being spiritually circumcised and credited with Christ’s righteous-ness (RM 2:28-29, 3:21-26, 4:3 & 9-17).
Read through some of this post, looks exactly what i need, especially at the moment, definitely floats my boat too. Looks hopeful an issue which has been rather troubling for me recently, might soon have a decent resolution. Things have been a bit hectic in other ways too and sadly, i haven't been able to enjoy my arthritis issue being the least painful it's been for a while.
The discussion on your post is very much what i hoped to find on this forum GWH, lovely to see comments which are both respectful and informative too. God's blessings to you all for now.
The discussion on your post is very much what i hoped to find on this forum GWH, lovely to see comments which are both respectful and informative too. God's blessings to you all for now.
Ephesians 4:17-18; Luke 6:43; Jeremiah 10:14 In the futility of their thinking, unbelievers are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. A diseased tree cannot bear good fruit. Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge.
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Won't say much at the moment but lovely to see some of the people i have most in common with are here. Homewardbound's God wants spirit fruit not religious nuts is just so spot on to my mind, made me laugh too. Sadly, it does seem some see God as being a more powerful version of themselves, with some of the same prejudices.
Personally think we're now so fallen anything but the most basic understanding of our Heavenly Father is beyond us. However, he makes sure all we need to know now is available to us and provides tantalising partial glimpses of what might be to come.
On my 2nd round of reading the Bible now and really surprised how much more i understand on second reading of books. Obviously, i do have my favourites but will read all the way though a 2nd time, as even books i'm less enthusiastic about, have scriptures or chapters which help back up or provide relevant/crucial context.
Had very little sleep last night, actually it was around 3am this morning before i got some sleep, so will get some decent kip tonight. God's blessings and hugs to you all, look forward to chatting more here soon.
Personally think we're now so fallen anything but the most basic understanding of our Heavenly Father is beyond us. However, he makes sure all we need to know now is available to us and provides tantalising partial glimpses of what might be to come.
On my 2nd round of reading the Bible now and really surprised how much more i understand on second reading of books. Obviously, i do have my favourites but will read all the way though a 2nd time, as even books i'm less enthusiastic about, have scriptures or chapters which help back up or provide relevant/crucial context.
Had very little sleep last night, actually it was around 3am this morning before i got some sleep, so will get some decent kip tonight. God's blessings and hugs to you all, look forward to chatting more here soon.
Won't say much at the moment but lovely to see some of the people i have most in common with are here. Homewardbound's God wants spirit fruit not religious nuts is just so spot on to my mind, made me laugh too. Sadly, it does seem some see God as being a more powerful version of themselves, with some of the same prejudices.
Personally think we're now so fallen anything but the most basic understanding of our Heavenly Father is beyond us. However, he makes sure all we need to know now is available to us and provides tantalising partial glimpses of what might be to come.
On my 2nd round of reading the Bible now and really surprised how much more i understand on second reading of books. Obviously, i do have my favourites but will read all the way though a 2nd time, as even books i'm less enthusiastic about, have scriptures or chapters which help back up or provide relevant/crucial context.
Had very little sleep last night, actually it was around 3am this morning before i got some sleep, so will get some decent kip tonight. God's blessings and hugs to you all, look forward to chatting more here soon.
Personally think we're now so fallen anything but the most basic understanding of our Heavenly Father is beyond us. However, he makes sure all we need to know now is available to us and provides tantalising partial glimpses of what might be to come.
On my 2nd round of reading the Bible now and really surprised how much more i understand on second reading of books. Obviously, i do have my favourites but will read all the way though a 2nd time, as even books i'm less enthusiastic about, have scriptures or chapters which help back up or provide relevant/crucial context.
Had very little sleep last night, actually it was around 3am this morning before i got some sleep, so will get some decent kip tonight. God's blessings and hugs to you all, look forward to chatting more here soon.
Do you make notes in the margins? I also am enjoying the congenial fellowship with those who love to LGW
(which is my motto :^)
EPH 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
The verb “chose” is synonymous with saved and elected. “In him” means the same as “in Christ” in the previous verse.
Before creation indicates that the reason God created the entire vast universe was to serve as the stage
upon which to enact His plan of salvation of human sinful souls.
“To be holy” means to be set apart or saved.
“And blameless in his sight” refers to sharing/being credited with the righteousness of Christ,
as in RM 3:20, “Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.”
The verb “chose” is synonymous with saved and elected. “In him” means the same as “in Christ” in the previous verse.
Before creation indicates that the reason God created the entire vast universe was to serve as the stage
upon which to enact His plan of salvation of human sinful souls.
“To be holy” means to be set apart or saved.
“And blameless in his sight” refers to sharing/being credited with the righteousness of Christ,
as in RM 3:20, “Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.”