Today, we will be looking at what the fruit of The Spirit is in the life of the believer.

The word “but” or “de” in the Greek is used to express a continuation of the thought with a contrast between two ideas. “Fruit” is in the singular form and the phrase “of The Spirit” tells us whose “fruit” it is or “The Spirit’s fruit”. The word “fruit” relays the understanding of the outcome of something produced from a producer. What is produced from a plant will in turn identify what type of plant it is. So here we see the fruit that will be seen is produced by The Spirit since the fruit is His and not ours. The characteristics that are seen in a person by others will identify The Spirit in that person.

The word “fruit” is in the Nomitive Feminine Singular form and the following characteristics listed are also in the Nomitive Feminine Singular form. This shows us that the characteristics relate to only the word “fruit” in the sentence. The verb “is” is in the Indicative Present Active 3rd Person Singular form. This tells us that the subject is doing the action (In this case it is the state of being), it is a factual event, and is happening at the present moment continuously.

Since the verb “is” is an equative verb (a verb that equates the subject with something else), and the list of characteristics is in the Nomitive form (noun form), this shares with us that the list of characteristics is what the fruit exactly is or the essence of what it is. So we can put each individual word in the list linked with the word “fruit” like this: “the fruit of The Spirit is love”, The fruit of The Spirit is joy”, “The fruit of The Spirit is peace”, and so on. The understanding is the fruit is in essence love or joy or peace at its core and as a whole. This would be true of all the characteristics listed. The fruit is in essence God displayed. If the list consisted of words that were adjectives then it would be telling us attributes of what the fruit is like or similar too.

As we read of the characteristics of The Spirit in verses 22 and 23, and we understand that those characteristics are pointing back to origin from which they came, The Spirit of God. By seeing the fruit that a particular tree produces, one can identify that tree and by the fruit that it produces. In the same way the fruit of The Spirit in a person’s life can be identified as the list provided.

All the characteristics are noticeable and evidently seen. These characteristics display The Spirit of God in a person’s life. If one walks with the flesh, then the works are evidently seen. When one understands the characteristics of God and the characteristics of the flesh, the contrast of the two will be understood.

After the list we see the noun “such things” or “toioutos in the Greek is referring back to the list of characteristics. This word shares with us that this is not a completed list. In the verse it says that they also pertain to no law. The reason there is no law for them is that the law is fulfilled in love. Love supersedes the law. The law is for those who break the law of love. God is love and therefore the law is not against Him. Jesus is God and He lived on earth and lived out love perfectly. In all His actions He did in love for God The Father and for others. Therefore, no law could condemn Him for any action. This is why He was the blameless Lamb of God that was killed for our transgressions (sins) against God. Transgressions are to do anything that is lacking God’s love which leads to disobedience against Him.

In verse 24, the verb “stauroo” in the Greek or “crucified” is in the Indicative Aorist Active 3rd person plural form. It designates a real time event that took place in the past and the subject did the action. Here the writer is explaining that those who are Jesus’ no longer live to please the fleshly desires.

Here Paul clarifies what a follower of Jesus is like. The second list that Paul gives is what is produced in the life of a Christian by The Spirit. This is because if this is seen in a person’s life then The Spirit of God is living and being followed in a person’s life. It is The Spirit that produces the “fruit” or evidences of the character of God in a person. It is not the person trying to become like Christ Jesus. For a person’s own power is of the flesh and is insufficient to produce the characteristics of God, but only The Spirit of God is able to produce His characteristics in a person. A person without The Spirit can display shadows of the good characteristics of God but is corrupted by selfishness at its core. The Law has shown that the best intentions of people to do what pleases God falls short because of sin. We see this in the fact that the Jewish nation was unable to keep from breaking the Torah (Law of God given to Moses in the Pentateuch) or anyone who has tried to live by it. They needed to offer repeated sacrifices in order to atone for their sins.

We are no different than they. We continually fall short before God Who is holy. He is perfect without any wrong doing. It is by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus The Messiah, The Son of God (therefore being God, Himself) for the washing away of sins that enables one to appear before Him as righteous. This is because the sin of the believer was placed upon Jesus on the cross to take the penalty of death. After His resurrection, He gave His Spirit to live in the believer (John 16:7; Galatians 4:6) giving life and freedom from the power of the flesh.

In verse 25, The word “if” or “ei” in the Greek is a conditional particle that can also be translated as “since” depending on the context of the passage. In this context the word should be translated as “since” because the following verb “we live” or “zomen” in the Greek is in the Indicative form. This tells us that it is a factual or real event in the present moment and the subject is performing the action. Because of this grammatical structure, “ei” expresses a condition of fact regarded as true or settled (Friberg Lexicon – def- 1). As well as in the previous verse the understanding is that Paul is talking to believers by the phrase “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh…”. By using the word “if”, Paul would be focusing on questioning the person’s position of belief. However, it is a factual or real event and the thrust of the point is not questioning the status of the person, wondering “if” they are a believer, but pointing to the fact that the believers’ spirits were raised from the dead by The Spirit of God, therefore, “Since” is the more accurate word choice to be used.

The second part of the verse uses the verb “stoicheo” in the Greek or “let us walk” in this verse is in the Subjunctive Present Active 1st person plural form. The Subjunctive mood describes the idea of probability or possibility dealing with a future circumstance. This verse is describing a continual action by being in the present tense form and the subject is doing the action of the verb. The verb walking or living has these connotations with the meaning: of being in stride with, be in line with, live, conduct oneself, walk, be in harmony with, be in agreement with, hold to, live in conformity with, walk in someone’s steps, walk by, and imitate. It describes a close relationship in this case with The Spirit of God. The writer is encouraging the believer to live in a manner that is continually with The Spirit. It is their choice to live walking with The Spirit or not. As one walks by or in conformity with The Spirit the character and attributes of God will be lived out in their life.

It is so comforting to know that God desires an intimate relationship with us. The God of creation’s desire was not only to come in the form of a man to save His disobedience and lost humanity but to live in the hearts of those who turn and trust in Him for salvation in a personal and intimate relationship. He is not distant and aloof but a personal, intimate, and loving God. He wants to lead us by His Spirit as we let Him and obey Him. He has freed us from the control of only following the fleshly desires so that now we can live in harmony with Him, loving Him with our lives, as it was in the beginning with Adam and Eve, and allowing Him to produce His fruit in us.

Lord God, please help us to die to our desires and raise up Yours to reign in our hearts. Help us to walk with you in our lives living in a pleasing and loving relationship with You. Our desire is to serve and love You with our lives for You are The Lord God Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Please help us to allow You to live powerfully within us, Amen.

Love Daniel

In the following verses 19-21, Paul comes to list out the deeds of the flesh and says that are easily seen. They are witnessed and understood by those around them. The list consists of sexual sins, emotional sins, intellectual sins, relational sins, and moral sins. Every one of the sins listed have a bent toward either protecting or pleasing the self. This is not a complete list. There are more than what is in the list by the statement “and things like these”. So any other sins that could be listed that would fall into one of those categories could have been listed as well.

It is interesting to note that the first three listed deal with physical sins involving someone else. The three listed are immorality, impurity, and sensuality. Immorality (fornication) is to be understood of every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual intercourse. Impurity (uncleanness) is also known of the sexual vice of indecency and sexual impurity. Sensuality is known as living without any moral restraint.

Paul concludes the fleshly deeds with a critical point that he wants to make here concerning living in the flesh. He gives a warning and the consequences of not heeding to that warning. The word “practice” is in the Participle Present Active Nomative Masculine Plural form acting in an adjectival sense relating to the subject. This tells us that the action is being done in a continual fashion by the subject. The subject in this case is the person who is living like the list that was previously provided. Paul is describing a lifestyle of an individual that has chosen to live in such a fashion.

Paul is clear that those who continue to live in such a manner will not inherit the kingdom of God. In other words, they will not be living with God for eternity. They will not be saved even though they might understand that Jesus is The Messiah (Savior of their sins). This is because they would be living in direct disobedience to pleasing God and following Him by the leading of His Spirit by their own choice. Salvation in Jesus Christ is not only believing in Him for the atonement of sins but also turning away from the sins that caused Jesus to die for us in the first place.

Paul is pointing out the desire of the will of the person that claims to be saved and a lover of God. Paul is very clear that it is the choice of the believer to follow the leading The Spirit of God or to follow the leading of the flesh, by the choice that the person makes will demonstrate the heart’s desire or will of that person. Their choices will show if they love and desire to please God or if they desire to please the sinful flesh.

What Paul is not saying is that believers will never sin again. We know that if we do sin, that is choosing to follow the flesh, then we have An Advocate Who speaks to The Father on our behalf. “NAU 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”; We are forgiven our sins when we come to Jesus in repentance of sins. He knows how honest our hearts are during a time of repentance for living in a manner that is unpleasing to Him. The desire of one who is repenting is not to live in disobedience to God but desires to live in obedience to Him. They desire to love God with their lives. Paul is not talking about this type of person. He is talking about the type of person who practices or lives a life following the desires of the flesh as a normal way of life.

What a joy it is to know that God has given us His Spirit to guide us to live pleasing to Him by overcoming the desires of the flesh. How precious is it to know that God desires a relationship with us, in such a way, that He hopes that we will choose to follow the leading of His Spirit in our lives and not the leading of the sinful flesh. What a wonderful loving and compassionate God we serve Who not only gives eternal life to those who believe in Jesus The Messiah but Who also desires to live intimately in our lives as we let Him.

May we delight in this fact about You, Lord. Please help us to choose You Lord over the sinful desires of the flesh. It is truly only in You that fullness of life resides in this life time and for eternity.

love,

Daniel

Today we will be looking at verses 17-21. In these verses Paul describes the battle that is going on between the flesh and The Spirit within the believer. Paul contrasts two different types of lifestyles one with The Spirit and one with the flesh. He uses the term “flesh” to mean ‘the sinful and sensual power tending toward sin and opposed to The Spirit’s working’ (Friberg’s Lexicon). Everyone’s flesh leans toward sin or disobedience to God’s ways because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Romans 3:23, states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” By this we know that everyone starts from the same vantage point.

Now the difference between a non-believer and believer is that the one who trusts in Christ Jesus has The Spirit of God living in them and those who have not turned to Jesus Christ for salvation do not have The Spirit living in them. It is the one who professes faith in Jesus Christ that Paul is addressing in this passage because we will see later in verse 21 that he states “I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Therefore, Paul is speaking to those who profess being a Christian. The ones who are professing believers but still live in disobedience to God by choice of lifestyle are the ones that Paul is stating will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In verse 17, the phrase “sets its desire” or “epithumeo” in the Greek is in the Indicative Present Active 3rd person singular form. In the Greek the verb “epithumeo” generally means “to have a strong impulse towards something, to desire, or to long for” (Friberg’s Lexicon def -1). In the English the phrase “sets its desire” the word “desire” is a noun. In the Greek the word “desire” is the verb. The translation could be written “the flesh desires against The Spirit”.

Since the verb is in the Present Active form, it explains to the reader that the subject is doing the action in the present time. The subject is “the flesh” in the sentence and is doing the action. The adverb “against” in the sentence clarifies the direction of the verb. Similarly, as the flesh is against The Spirit, The Spirit is presently “setting its desire” or “desiring” against the flesh as well. This is understood because of the phrase “and The Spirit against the flesh”.

Paul uses the word “for” or “gar” in the Greek to introduce an explanation. In this context the explanation is for expressing a cause or reason for the previous idea mention. Also, here in the Greek there are two verbs in the subjective mood. They are “thelo” and “poieo” which mean “to want” and “to do.” “Thelo” has the idea of exercising the individual’s will based on a desire, wish, or want (Friberg’s Lexicon – def-1).

Paul is talking to the believer here because the believer wants to please God with their life. He wants the believer to understand that their flesh is an enemy of The Spirit. It does not want to please God but itself which is in opposition to Him. He is stressing that the flesh and The Spirit are presently and actively opposing each other. There is a battle that is taking place for the direction of the individual. However, it is the believer’s choice as to which one they will follow. Because the verb “thelo” is in the subjunctive Present Active form, it stresses a possibility, in this case, the choice of the will of the individual to follow which desires they choose. This also refers back too and completes the point from verse 16. Since the flesh and The Spirit’s desires are against each other, if one chooses too and therefore is living by The Spirit the fleshly nature will not be lived out or decided upon to be carried out or fulfilled.

What in the past was so normal or natural for the individual before being saved and The Spirit indwelling them, that is living opposed to God by following the desires of the sinful nature of the flesh, is now able to live pleasing to God by the working of The Spirit in the believer’s life. And, this is by the choice of the believer to live according to the desires of The Spirit of God by His leading and strength.

Next in verse 18, the verbal phrase “are led” or “ago” in the Greek is in the Indicative Present Passive 2nd person plural form. This verb has the idea of conducting or accompanying someone as to bringing or taking them along. In a figurative sense it is to be lead or guided by the influence of God’s Spirit (Friberg’s Lexicon – def- 1). The verb in this form tells us that the action is a factual event happening in the present time and the direct object is aiding in the action of the verb and the subject is affected by the direct object. In this sentence the direct object is “The Spirit”.

Here we see the relationship that God has established with those who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Those who believe have The Spirit and He personally accompanies the individual if they want Him too. God does not force Himself on the believer as to make Him do what He wants, but allows the individual to decide for themself what type or how deep of a relationship they want with Him and this relationship is based on trusting and following Him as He leads by His strength and power in the individual’s life.

Paul is, also, referring back to verse 16 and verses 1-6 in chapter 5. He is again stressing that one is directed either by The Spirit or by the flesh. If one is directed by The Spirit then they will do the things of The Spirit. Living out the Law for justification before God is not being directed by The Spirit. One who tries to live in obedience to the law is trying to make themselves more holy or righteous before God by their actions. What we see here is a relationship with God that involves being lead by The Spirit and in this leading there is freedom from the flesh’s power. Also, we will see is that living by The Spirit produces the love of God in a person. In verses 19-21 we will see what the flesh looks like in a person and 22-25 what living by The Spirit looks like in a person.

Note: Believing or trusting in The Messiah (The Christ) for salvation involves repenting (acknowledging and turning away) from sins and turning to God, which also, involves a new desire to live to please Him. This process can not be separated. Though living in obedience to God is a growing experience by trusting in Him.

Today we will be focusing in on verse 16 of Galatians chapter five. In verse 16, Paul is continuing his thoughts of encouraging the believers to live in love for one another.

First he says “walk by the Spirit”. In the Greek the verb “peripateo” is used. It literally means to walk with the idea of spending time in a place, and figuratively meaning how one conducts one’s daily life or how one behaves or lives. This verb with a word in the dative position states the idea of a kind of life. Since The Spirit is in the dative position, walking, living, or behaving is directly related to Him being a part of how one is able to conduct one’s life. The verb is, also, in the Imperative Present Active 2nd person plural form. This tells us that a command or exhortation is given by someone to a group of people and describes the continuous action of the verb.

Secondly, Paul states, “and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” He continues the point of the verse by using the word “and” to make the connection and complete the thought. The verb used is “carry out” or “teleo” in the Greek. The idea of the verb is to complete a performed action. It is in the Subjunctive Aorist Active 2nd person plural form. This tells us that action has the possibility of happening at a future time, the action is undefined, and the subject is doing the action. Paul uses the negative construction “ou me” in the Greek. This is a combination of two negative words meaning “no or not” that expresses an emphatic “NO or NOT!!” It gives the understanding of never, in no way, or in any circumstances. The direct object of the sentence is “desire”. The type of desire is specified by the prepositional phrase “of the flesh”. Paul used the term “flesh” in this context to mean ‘the sinful and sensual power tending toward sin and opposed to The Spirit’s working’ (Fridberg’s Lexicon).

Paul is stating that the believer has the choice of either living with The Spirit’s direction in ones life or not too. Just because The Spirit lives inside the Believer does not mean that He takes over. Just as someone turns to Jesus or salvation by choice, God also desires the choice of letting Him live freely and powerfully in the life of the Believer. This is understood by the continuous aspect of the verb “walk” or “peripateo” in the Greek. This is a moment by moment decision by the believer. This is part of the relationship that the Believer has with God. The giving of the command or exhortation by Paul implies that the Believer has a role in submitting to The Spirit’s work in their life.

What Paul wants the reader too understand is that if one is letting The Spirit direct ones’ life then the fleshly desires will not be carried out or performed. There is no possibility of it happening. It is impossible for one to be directed by The Spirit and live fulfilling the desires of the flesh at the same time. Absolutely impossible!! One is either directed by The Spirit over directed by the flesh.

The promise given here is that as one does live with The Spirit’s working in their life that the desires of the flesh will not be lived out. This is not to say that trials and temptations will not be confronted any longer in ones life, but that by walking or living by The Spirit’s direction and help, the Believer has the ability and power of The Spirit too not make decisions that will in the interest of the flesh’s wants or desires.

Paul is not stating an idea here. He is telling the reader a fact about life with The Spirit of God.

The truth that he is stating in verse 16 is powerful and vital to life. It can be over looked or watered down because of the constant failure one can have of trying to live in and by the help of The Spirit. Because of this failure, one could easily think that no one can live like Jesus did. We could say, ‘We are sinful humans and He is a sinless God. We cannot live life like Him.’ This can be believed because of the continual failure to be able to live like Him. This type of thinking would be a denial of the truth that is stated here by Paul.

We live in a world with a philosophy that is always trying make situations relative to experience. It is always trying to distort the absolute truths about life that God shares with us. If the world can pervert the understanding of the truth enough, then the truth will have no relevance, power, or impact in ones life.

What Paul is not saying is that if one lives by The Spirit one becomes God. What he is saying is that when one relies on and rests in The Spirit’s power and leading then one will not make decisions that are of the flesh. If one is not following The Spirit, then decisions are being made out of selfish motives void of The Spirit’s leading. Later in the passage, he shares a list of what living in the flesh looks like (verses 19-21) and what living by The Spirit looks like (verses 22-23). The lists are totally opposite of one another.

love Daniel

Notes: Greek Lexicons (dictionaries) used for definitions Fridberg, Strong’s, LS, Louw-Nida, and UBS.

In the previous two chapters Paul has explained that by believing by faith in the promise of God, which is salvation by Christ Jesus alone for the redemption of sins, we don’t need to live by The Law of Moses (The Torah), and because of believing by faith in Christ we are adopted into God’s family. He also shares the drastic difference between a life based on salvation in Jesus through faith and a life without faith in Jesus for salvation. In chapter 5 the difference is clarified for the reader. He makes a contrast between living by the Law of Moses for righteousness in verse 3 and trusting in the promise of God by faith in verse 6. One living by the Law of Moses is forced to live by rules and regulations to the point of self-preservation. Once one starts to live by the Law, the Law is not to be broken or one has failed at the Law and has failed to live righteously before God. One living by faith in the promise of God is found to be in a personal relationship with Him The One in Whom the believer is trusting for salvation. Living by faith stresses an outward action of dependency upon God. It also displays the desire to include others in ones life. Faith and love go hand-in-hand. They demonstrate the necessity of relating to others and sharing love with them. This is because God is love as we read in 1 John 4:8. God by nature is love. Love is built on relationships with others. The Trinity of the Godhead is a loving relationship between The Father, Son, and Spirit. It is also the starting point in which all things were created. God created all things because of His love and desire for relationship with us, His creation. He doesn’t need this relationship with us, but desires to share in relationship with us, therefore, He created us for this purpose. Knowing this, when someone trusts God by faith, they now enter into a relationship with Him. He said that He will give His Spirit to those who believe in Him by faith and His Spirit will lead them in life. The Spirit will teach the believer how to love as God loves and together they will show His love to others through relating to them. Faith in God without love is not to know or have a relationship with God. One cannot have faith in God and not understand the loving aspect in which He reaches out and desires to give life to the individual and bring them into a relationship with Him.

In chapter 5 verse 1, Paul states that “It was for freedom that Christ set us free”; (NAU). That is freedom from death to life, from isolation from Him to relationship with Him, from sin to righteousness, and from the control of the flesh to the leading of The Spirit. This is a pivotal verse. If someone does not know what they have been freedom from, they will continue to walk in deception and defeat because it will be unclear as to what they came from and where are they suppose to be going. One cannot live in this newly found freedom when what was holding one captive is not looked at as wrong or deadly.

Paul encourages them not to turn from the truth to be placed in bondage again. Paul will make it clear in the following verses that one will live either in their own fleshly ways and on their own fleshly power or by the power of God through The Spirit. We will take deeper look into the verses next.

Lord help us to know the freedom that we have in You deep in our hearts so that our lives are pleasing to You.

love Daniel

Notes: Greek definitions used from Fridberg, Strong’s, UBS, Louw-Nida, and LS Lexicons (Dictionaries)

In the preceding verses Jesus sees the people without a shepherd. He sends the disciples to the Jews but prophesies that the Gentiles will also hear the gospel. He says that one must make a decision to follow Him. Jesus is The Shepherd of those who follow Him. John the Baptist asks if Jesus is The Expected One (The awaited Messiah). Jesus responds that the miracles He has preformed are His witnesses. They clearly point to Him being The Expected One. Jesus tells the people that John the Baptist prepared the way for The Messiah. Jesus was The One that came after John preparing the way indicating all that He is The Messiah. He rebukes the cities that He preformed miracles and proclaimed the gospel but was rejected. He is The Judge of all mankind. Only God can judge the hearts of people which brings us to our verses for today. Here He speaks about The Father not disclosing the truth to the proud, His close relationship with The Father, and His heart for mankind. Leading up to this point, Jesus wants the reader or listener to understand that He is The Messiah and He is God.

NAU Matthew 11:25-26 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. “Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

At this point Jesus directs the conversation to The Father. He begins by praising The Father for the way that He decided to reveal the truth of salvation to others. The verbs “have hidden” and “have revealed” are both in the Indicative Aorist, Active 2nd person singular form. They tell us that it is a real event and the subject did the action sometime in the past with the time not of significance. The Father is the subject in this sentence. He is The One Who hid and revealed the truth to people. In this case we see that He hid it from the proud in heart and revealed it to the humble in heart. God dislikes, hates, and is opposed to the proud in heart, but is open and welcoming of the humble. Jesus is speaking in figurative language when talking about the wise, intelligent, and infants. The “wise and intelligent” here are not merely just smart people, but people who have learned the philosophies of the world. Such people have their world views convinced in their minds as right even if they are wrong. They are not open to the truth when they actually come across it, because they are proud in mind and heart, are not open to it. The “babes” that is referred to here are not merely infants but people who are not tainted in thinking by the worlds philosophies so are still open to hear the truth and receive it when they presented it.

NAU Matthew 11:27 “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Jesus was talking to The Father but turns the focus of the conversation to the people at this point. The verb “have been handed” is in the Indicative Aorist Passive 3rd singular form. This tells us that it is a real event and the subject received the action of the verb that was done in the past with the time not of significance. He states that God The Father has given Him all things. Jesus is making a statement that is eye opening and profound. He is equating Himself to be God and equal in authority by this statement. We will see the authority that He has in the following verses.

The verb “knows” or ” epiginosko” in the Greek means to know thoroughly or accurately. It is in the Indicative Present Active 3rd person singular form. Telling us that it is factual, happening now, the subject is doing the action. The word “except” follows the verbs in both cases the word is used in this verse. Jesus is stating that absolutely no one knows The Father and The Son as intimately as they do. He is speaking of the extremely close relationship that they have together. To know God this way would have been unheard of and impossible in the minds of the people. By saying that He knows God The Father this way is a claim that He came from heaven, from where The Father is, and that He is from The Father. By being His Son makes Him Deity as well.

Jesus continues to say that He has the authority to reveal or disclose The Father to others because all things have been handed over to Him. The Son has the authority and power to reveal The Father to another and this by His will or desire. We see this in the use of the Subjunctive verb “wills or desires” and the Infinitive verb “to reveal”. Words in the Subjunctive mood do not describe reality but possibility or probability. It is in the Aorist aspect indicating undefined action which means that the verb happens at some point but not in a continuous state. Also, many times verbs in the Infinitive mood complete important ideas that are being stated.

In this verse the use of this combination relays the idea to know God The Father rests in Jesus’ desire or decision to reveal Him. However, the reality is that to those He reveals Him will know Him intimately. Jesus has the power and authority to reveal The Father to others. It is only by Him that anyone can know The Father. Apart from Jesus no one can know The Father. In the following verse, is the continuation of this idea in which defines to whom He desire to reveal The Father.

NAU Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

In this verse, He displays His authority to reveal The Father, that was given to Him by The Father, and shows His heart for mankind. We see this in the verb “Come”. It is used as an Imperative in this case demonstrating a command or exhortation. It is, also, in the Aorist Active 2nd person plural form. This indicates that it is a non-continuous action and the subject is doing the action. The subject is “you” understood and it is plural. Jesus is not quietly saying something to the people, but He is calling out them to actually come to Him.

He, also, puts a contingency on the calling. This relates back to the previous verse as to why He used the Subjunctive mood showing the probability or possibility of the revealing. Firstly, He uses the word “all”. This shows us that He is calling not only the Jews but to every Gentile. Secondly, He narrows calling everyone to those who receive His calling through means of knowing they have a need for Him. They are humbled in spirit and choose to come to Him for their rest. The verb “will give . . . rest” is in the Indicative Future Active 1st person singular form. It is preceded by “kago,” which is a conjunction that is combined with the pronoun “I,” and adds emphasis that He will personally be The One giving them rest. This rest will be given after a person heeds His calling to come to Him. Not everyone will desire or want Him, but those who do will receive the rest He offers.

Jesus tells anyone who considers themselves weary (physically – to become tired, emotionally – to become discouraged or give up) or heavy-laden (being weighed down with troubles or difficult circumstances) that they are to come to Him. Then He gives the reason why in the form of a promise. He says that, “I will give you rest.” He is speaking figuratively here not just of physical weariness but of spiritual weariness of trying to work or attain righteousness by trying to perform religious rituals to make themselves received by God but continually failing to meet those requirements. This is the aspect of the humble in heart. Those who realize that they need His help will come to Him. The proud in heart will continue to try to continue to live in right standing before God on their own strength and continue to struggle in unholiness before Holy God.

NAU Matthew 11:29-30 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Now, Jesus is sharing what the people need to do. He tells them to “Take” and “learn”. Both words are in the Imperative Aorist Active 2nd person plural. This demonstrates that a command or exhortation has been made to the people. The people are the subject in this sentence that are doing the action of the verb. He is placing the responsibility in the hands of those who come to Him to take His yoke, which is different from the yoke of man. In the New Testament the word “yoke” is also used to denote servitude (Easton Bible Dictionary). People are always serving something. Ultimately, they either serve God or something other than Him.

Also, Jesus says that they will learn from Him. He will personally be The One that will be teaching them about Himself. What they will learn is that He is gentle and humble in heart. They will be learning about the character of God personally. He desires for people to know Him and know that He is loving and compassionate with those who turn to Him. He, also, promises that they will find rest when they turn to Him. The reason is because His yoke and burden are freeing from what they were carrying.

What a wonderful passage that we can look to for assurance about His love and desire for all mankind to come to Him. He desires for all to come to Him and learn from Him. He wants us to know Him deeply and intimately. He doesn’t want to keep Himself hidden from us but to lead us in a personal relationship with Himself and The Father. Jesus did not come to give us regulations to live by to earn favor with Him. He came to free us from the bondage of sin and death. He came to show us that He is loving and forgiving. He is desirous for us to know Him intimately. He desires for all who will listen to come to Him and learn that He is gracious and compassionate. He desires intimacy with His creation that is for all who are willing to receive His offer. Praise God!!! This truth makes my heart sing. May your heart being singing with mine.

love,

Daniel

NAU Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in engaged in evil deeds,

In verse 20, Paul mentioned that it was through the blood of Jesus’ death on the cross that brought reconciliation between God and all things on earth and in heaven. Now he is directing the eyes of the reader to understand the position that everyone was in before Jesus died for them. We see this in the words “were formerly alienated”. This phrase is made up of two participles and an adverb. The adverb “formerly” is designating a period of time. The second participle is “alienated” which is in the Perfect Passive Accusative Masculine 2nd Person Plural form. This tells us that the subject is receiving the action of the participle and is modifying the verb and refers to the word “you”.

Paul wants the readers to understand that they were separated from God, because of sin, and the enemies of God. They did not want anything to do with Him. Nothing that they did was desirous of wanting God or of pleasing Him. It was the exact opposite. However, God in His infinite love desired to be at peace and in relationship with His creation, therefore, sent Jesus The Messiah (Christ) to bring the possibility of this relationship with His creation once again.

NAU Colossians 1:22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach–

He continues the point by using the conjunction “yet” and turns the direction of time to the present by using “now”. The verb “has . . . reconciled” is in the Indicative Aorist Active 3rd person singular form. This tells us that it was a factual event, the subject is doing the action, and 3rd person singular tells who the subject is. In this context Jesus is the subject. Paul is pointing out that it was not the people’s doing that caused the reconciliation and peace between God and mankind. It was God that reconciled people by and to Himself. They were enemies of God but now there is peace between Him and them.

Paul explains how this reconciliation has occurred and the reason why it did. It was in the death of Jesus’ physical body. The reason is to present them holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. Here we see the contrast of what we were, enemies of God, and now have become holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. Jesus took the blame for our sins when He was crucified on the tree (the cross). That sacrifice only needed to occur once and then the judgment of death for sin was complete. Now we can go to God knowing that we are forgiven because of Jesus. Thus we are holy, blameless, and beyond reproach before God.

NAU Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was a minister.

In the concluding verse of this passage, Paul ties everything together here. After setting the foundation of God lovingly reaching out to His creation to save it from death through His Son Jesus, Paul directs the focus of responsibility onto the believer now. It is here Paul wants to drive the critical point of salvation to the reader.

He uses the conditional particle “if” in conjunction with “indeed” for emphasis to stress the following idea. The verb “continue” is in the Indicative Present Active 2nd person plural. This tells us that it is reality, the subject is doing the action in the present time, and he is specifically talking to all of those who are reading the letter.

The idea here is that their belief in Jesus is secure and deep rooted. Paul uses three words as adjectives describing the subject of the sentence. In this case it is the believer. Each word gives a slightly different characteristic of them. The words “firmly established” in the Greek have the idea of a foundation. “Steadfast” has the idea of not moving from a position. And “not shifting” has the idea of not being moved away from something. In this case, they are to be firmly rooted in the hope of the gospel (salvation, the forgiveness of sins, through The Messiah Jesus) and this is done through faith.

Paul adds that they have heard the gospel from Him personally. Because of this, the gospel that they have heard is the truth and not mixed with false doctrines.

The idea relayed is that those who are reading this letter are already convinced that Jesus is The Messiah. They are secure in their belief. Paul is now urging them to continue in this assurance so that they may not be persuaded otherwise. If they continue believing in Jesus for salvation then they will be friends of God but if not then they will have turned their backs on what God has done and have begun walking once again as enemies of God.

Isn’t it amazing to know that we are friends of The Almighty God and this not based on our own merit trying to earn His love, but only by His love for us shown to us through Jesus Christ (The Messiah). He desires to be our friend. He desires us to be apart of His family. He desires to love us intimately and personally. He wants this with His creation that was once His enemy. What a wonderfully, loving, and compassionate God He is.

May we be forever drawn to Him by His tender love and in return love Him with the choices in our lives. Now may, by the power of His Spirit living in us, we choose to live to love Him moment by moment.

Love Daniel

NAU Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Paul begins by telling the reader two positions that only Jesus holds followed by the reason why. The previous verses spoke about Jesus being The Creator and holding all things together. Now there is a shift of focus to Jesus as The Messiah, however, the understanding of Him being God accompanies this shift of focus.

This verse states the importance of Jesus’ two positions held in conjunction with the believer. His positions are being the head of the body and the first one born from the dead. Paul specifies that Jesus is the head of the church. He not only created all things but He is actively leading those who follow Him. If one is not apart of the church, Jesus is not The One leading or guiding the individual. The person will not submit to His authority because of rejecting Him. Those who are apart of the body of believers are in a relationship with Jesus. Secondly, He is alive from the dead. All things were dead in sin. Now that He died for the sins of the world, those who believe in Him are now alive in Him. Jesus not only died for the sins of the world but He also arose from the dead. The fact that He is alive from the dead proves Him to be God, Himself. He is The Living Messiah.

This is important to state because as God created before, there now, is a new creation that has begun for those who are alive in The Messiah (Christ). 2 Corinthians 5:17 shares that all who are in Christ (Messiah) are now new creations. God The Father made sure that Jesus The Son of God would be first or supreme in all areas so that He would be worshiped as God in all areas. We see this indicated by the use of the word “so that” or “hina” in the Greek which is a subordinate conjunction indicating purpose or goal. This word is followed by “Himself” or “autos” in the Greek. In the Greek this word is used in the Nomative case to emphasize identity from others. Paul wants to make it clear that He is of primary importance in everything. He is to be looked at and worshiped as first in all things.

NAU Colossians 1:19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

The “fullness” that is being spoken of here is of the divine nature of The Father. The word “all” is present for emphasis stressing that all of The Father’s divine nature is in Jesus. When the people saw Jesus, they were seeing God in the flesh, John 1:14. None of God’s nature was left out but all is present in Him. This is a bold proclamation that Jesus is God in the flesh. However, it is a foundational truth in Christianity. It is this truth that many people could not accept during His lifetime and now many still will not accept.

The word “to dwell” in the Greek is in the Infinitive Aorist Active form. It is completing the action of the verb “good pleasure” or In the Greek “eudokeo” in the Indicative Aorist Active 3rd person tense. It is in the active so it shows us that the subject is doing the action of the verb. God’s full divinity was in Jesus.

The fact that the fullness of God dwelt in Jesus separates Him from all other people that ever walked this earth. God is holy thus stating that Jesus is holy also. He was always without sin in while living in the flesh of man. Paul is displaying, to the reader, that Jesus is God and thus holy. The importance of these facts about Jesus is important in order to understand and accept. These foundational truths about Him lead into the next verse of making atonement for the sins of the world.

NAU Colossians 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

The word “to reconcile” has the meaning to bring back to a former state of harmony. The prepositional phase “through Him” is written before the verb to stress the agent by which the reconciliation is brought forth and this is referring to Jesus. We see God’s desire is that all things to be reconciled or brought back to a state of harmony with Him. At one time everything was in harmony with Him. After Adam sinned against God by disobeying His command not to eat of the tree in the middle of the garden, Genesis 2:16-17, death has reigned. But since Jesus died for the sins of the world and arose victoriously over death, life is now given and harmony now realized again with God The Father. This was done through the blood of Jesus. Because He died and was the sacrifice for sin, He now has made peace for all things with God The Father. Since Jesus was without sin, He was not under the judgement of God for sins committed. Therefore, He was the only One that could possibly die in our place, and that is what He did. He willingly took our place in judgement so that we might live in harmony with God again.

How exciting it is to know that God’s desire is for all mankind to know and live peaceable with Him. If you have not turned in faith to trust in His love given to us through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, please be encouraged to do so today. Be assured that your life will never be the same as you walk with God daily. Praise be to God Who loves His creation so much that He would give His own life to save it from death and bring it back into relationship with Him. There is no other worthy of worship and praise at this moment and forevermore.

Love,

Daniel

NAU Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

In verse 15, he states that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God”. The verb “is” relays the meaning of what exists. It is, also, in the present tense form indicating that He is presently in this state of being. The word “image” encompasses the idea of the form, substance, appearance, or likeness of something. In this case Jesus is the visible manifestation of an invisible and heavenly reality. Paul is alluding to the divine nature of Jesus. He is not portraying the physical image of God. We understand this by him stating that God is invisible or unseen and the phrase “the firstborn of all creation.” Since God is not a created being, the physical attributes of Him are not in question. When someone saw Jesus, they were not seeing the physical attributes of God, but the divine character, essence, of Yahweh, The Lord God, in Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 is a wonderful parallel verse stating this same truth.

Paul, furthering the understanding, states that He is “the firstborn of all creation.” The word “first born” means existing before or superior to all. Paul is not saying here that Jesus was created and happens to the first one that God created. What he is saying is that Jesus existed before anything was created. This phrase parallels Him with God as uncreated, as well as, explains two persons of the Trinity, The Father and The Son. Verse 16 will further point to Jesus’ divinity.

NAU Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or — all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Here we see further clarity presented about Jesus being God. Paul uses the preposition “en” in the Greek meaning “by.” The word used in this context refers to the casuality which denotes the means or instrument by which something is done. The word “ktizo” in the Greek means “to create or to make.” It is in the Indicative Aorist Passive 3rd singular form. This tells us that a factual event occurred in the past with time being insignificant and the subject receives the action of the verb. “All things” is the subject that is receiving the action that is being done by Jesus. Therefore, all things were created by Jesus. In the Greek the prepositional phrase “by Him” is in front of the verb. By doing this, it places emphasis on the agent by which all things were created, Jesus. Paul what to make it clear that Jesus is The Creator of all things. He then continues to list what He created. He created not only what we see (the visible) but also what we cannot see (the invisible).

The second usage of the verb “to create” is in the Indicative, Perfect, Pass, 3rd person, singular form. This tells us that a factual event was a completed action in the past, has present day effects, and the subject receives the action of the verb. Often when a verb is in the Perfect tense, it stresses a great theological truth. Paul, again for the second time, stresses that Jesus was The Creator of the universe. This is a theological truth that he doesn’t want the reader to misunderstand. It is clear that Jesus The Messiah was not just a man but He was God that came in the flesh.

Also, there are two prepositional phrases, by Him and for Him, that accompany this verb to add definition to what is being said. In the Greek they are both written before the verb. This is to place emphasis on those words. Paul wants the reader to understand not only was the universe created by Him but also the reason the universe was created was for Him. The attention of the reader is directed and centered on Jesus.

NAU Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Here, Paul shares two positions that Jesus holds. He is “before all things” and “holds all things together.” He is God The Creator and God The Sustainer. The words “pro panton” in the Greek, when together, means “above all” designating the idea of primary importance or superiority. The verb “sunistao ” in the Greek is in the Indicative Perfect Active 3rd person singular form but has a present meaning “holds together or sustains.” This tells us that Jesus created all things is presently holding everything together. The point, that Paul is making, is that because of Jesus all things remain together without Him nothing would continue to exist.

This is another affirmation by Paul that Jesus is God. For there is only One in the place of superior importance and that is God, Himself. Also, we read that “in Him” or “by Him” or “because of Him” all things hold together. This is seen by the usage of the preposition “en” in the Greek. In this context it gives the understanding of the agent or causality in which something is done. It is also written before the verb in the Greek to add emphasis.

In these verses we see that Jesus is God, The Creator of everything in the universe, and that He presently holds all things together. When these verses are read, we get a taste of the awesome power of God, His love, and the intimacy that He desires to have with us. The loving and intimate aspects are that He created us to be for Himself. His purpose is for us to be for Him. We are incomplete with out Him. He values His creation so much that He wants an intimate relationship with it. He wants to enjoy it as much as His creation can enjoy Him. He did not just create the universe and leave. He also continues to hold it all together. He is constantly present in the lives of His creation.

The God of creation loves us. How amazing!! I hope, we are willing to acknowledge His presence and His desire to pour out His love upon us. What an awesome God He is. He is worthy of praise and honor all of our days!!! Help us Lord Jesus love you with our lives as You have loved us so intimately.

love Daniel

NAU Colossians 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Verse 13 begins by showing us the heart of God The Father. The verb “rhoumai” meaning to rescue or deliver one from severe danger with the idea of bringing to oneself. The verb is in the Indicative Aorist Middle Deponent 3rd person singular form. This tells us that it was a factual event in the past with the time of the event is unimportant and the subject did the action. Just the fact that the event occurred is sufficient to know. God knew that we were in severe danger because of being in the dominion of darkness. Stated another way, we were in a sphere of power that was evil. Instead of leaving us there, He took us from that place and put us in another place. We see this in the verb “methistano” meaning to transfer or remove from one place to another. It is in the Indicative Aorist Active 3rd person singular form. This explains to us that it was a factual event in the past with the time of the event is unimportant and the subject did the action. It was God Who moved us to a place of safety. This place of safety was in the kingdom of His Son. He desires for us to live with Him in His Son’s kingdom. Paul is setting the foundation that it was God Who saved us not something that we could have done. We were helplessly trapped in the dominion of darkness and only God could lift us out of that place and put us in another place and that place was with Him. This demonstrates to us the love God has for us.

NAU Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

In verse 14, He explains by what means we were saved and transferred into the kingdom of His Son. Verse 14 begins with the preposition “en” which in this context means the cause denoting the means or instrument by which something is done. Paul wants the reader to understand that what he is about to say is because of Jesus. He is the agency or the means by which it is done. He then continues to tell the reader that we (the believers) are redeemed from sin. The verb “echo,” meaning “to have or hold,” is in the Indicative Present Active 1st plural. Paul is stating that we, right now, have this redemption from sin. It was presently in effect at the time he was writing to them. The word “apolutrisis” is a noun that means as an action, a buying back of a slave or captive through payment of a ransom. Figuratively it means redemption or deliverance. Paul clarifies what the deliverance is. It is the forgiveness of sins or cancellation of the guilt of sins. It is understood from the beginning of the verse that the forgiveness is only through the agency of Jesus. Later in verse 20, it clarifies that it was through Jesus’ death that we are forgiven. Our sins are cancelled. We were purchased out of the dominion of darkness by the death of Jesus Christ.

In these two verses we are told that The Father transferred us to the kingdom of His Son by the death of His Son. The fact that we are in the kingdom of His Son comments on the fact that He died but is now alive to be The King in that kingdom. Praise God for His love for us that He would send His only Son to die that we might live with Him forever.

Lord deepen our understanding of the reality of Your love for us in these truths. Help us to understand the magnitude that we are apart of Your kingdom now while living here on earth. Help us to live in this truth to Your glory and praise, Amen.

Love Daniel