Word Study Wednesday: Temple

1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Recently, my friends and I were discussing the Ark of the Covenant. Our conversation consisted of comments like "Can you imagine traveling with the Spirit of God like that?" "I can't begin to imagine carrying the Ark..." Then a friend reminded us that the Spirit of God dwells in us. Oh, yeah.

Since then, I've been contemplating my body and how I treat it. Not just physically, but spiritually and mentally as well. How do I honor God with my body? It is in the way I live my life.

Romans 6:19 reads: "...Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." The Greek word for slavery is "doulos" (pronounced doo'-los) meaning a "slave (literally or figuratively, involuntary or voluntary frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): bond, servant."* We were once slaves to our bodies, needing to gratify every carnal desire, but not anymore. Jesus died in order to pay for our sins. He paid the price for us to free us. Now that the Spirit of God dwells within us, our old desires have been replaced with new desires to please God, to live a holy life.

What does a holy life mean? "holy" means "...morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated: saint."* Believe it or not, this is possible by listening to that still, small voice inside known as the Spirit of God. Holiness comes from obedience to the Word of God. We cannot attain holiness without God. Of course, the only way to get to God is through His Son Jesus.

If we live our lives recognizing, on a daily basis, that we are the temple of God - the dwelling place of His Spirit, I wonder how different we would be? Would we be kinder to others and to ourselves? Would we be healthier physically and mentally? Would we be the salt Jesus talks about? And before anyone thinks I'm judging them, I'm not. These questions are directed to me as well.

What are your thoughts?

*Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Word Study Wednesday: Disciple Part 2

Today we continue studying discipleship, with a focus on John 15. In John 15:8, Jesus proclaims "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The definition for "disciples" is "student, follower." We are students and followers of Christ.

How do we produce fruit? We, on our own, can't. In John 15:4, Jesus says "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." This makes sense, since a branch on its own cannot live without the vine. We must abide or live in Christ and He must live in us to bear fruit.

Jesus states that God, as the Gardener, will cut "off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:2). It's inevitable, we will be pruned so that we will grow stronger and bear more fruit. To reiterate what Jesus said, bearing fruit not only shows ourselves as His disciples, but it also brings glory to God.

I know I've been pruned, usually through some sort of a life change - a move to another city, a death of a loved one, a change of habit, and so on. Yes, the pruning may have been painful, but whenever I look back at where I was before and after the pruning, I see growth. I also notice myself growing stronger in Jesus - my vine. I would rather be pruned than to be completely cut off from the vine. To be completely cut off from the vine leads to death.

What kind of fruit will we bear? Jesus answers this as well. Answered prayers (vs. 7, 16), obedience to His commands (v. 9), completed joy (v. 11), and love (vs. 9, 12, 13, 17). Once again, Jesus commands us to love another (see last week's post), even to the point of death. Let it also be noted that obedience to His commands is a result of living in love (v. 9). Love is crucial to being a disciple of Christ.

What kind of fruit are you bearing? Are you willing to be pruned in order to grow stronger and to bear more fruit? Are you living in love? More importantly, are you abiding in Christ? These are not just questions for you, but for me as well.

Word Study Wednesday: Disciple

Today (and for the next one or two Word study posts), I would like to focus on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. I'm not only sharing this information with you, but I'm also learning it myself. I am not coming from a place of "expert," but rather as a friend sharing what I've learned. I want to hear your opinion as well. That's the point of this blog.

Being a disciple is more than accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior. The definition of disciple is "a learner; a pupil* (which is why the twelve men who followed Jesus were called "disciples"). They were learning from the Master on how to live a Christ-like life. Notice the definition does not say "one who has been taught" or "graduate." The definition implies a current existence. As a disciple, we are continually learning how to be like Jesus.

So, how can we be like Christ? One way is to love each other. Jesus says in John 13:34 - 35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Let's look at how he loved us. In John 3:16, Jesus says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." He came to die for us so that we may gain eternal life. I cannot think of a better example of love. Jesus showed love to everyone, the leper, the adulteress, the tax collector, and those who wanted to kill Him. Even as the soldiers nailed Him to the cross, He prayed for them (Luke 23:34).

I am by no means perfect in this area. I too quickly speak words of hatred (it shames me to write that) towards those I may dislike (politicians come to mind - just as an example). If I want to be like Christ, I need to exhibit love towards those people. How? I can pray for them and pray for myself that God will show me how to love them. I can also keep my mouth shut.

What about you? What can you do to love others, even those who seem unlovable?

Next week: Abiding in Him

*Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: Greek Dictionary (3101 mathetes (pronounced math-ay-tes))

Word Study Wednesday: Discipline

Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (NIV)

Discipline: (3809 in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance): The Greek word for "discipline" is Paideia (pronounced pahee-di-ah). By implication, it means "disciplinary correction: chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture."

Trained (1128): The Greek word for "trained" is Gumnazo (pronounced goom-nad-zo). It means "to train; exercise."

My Take
There are two ways to interpret this verse. One way is to look at discipline as a chastening from the Lord. The other way is to view it as instruction from the Lord. I believe though that these two interpretations intermingle with each other.

Discipline is a common theme in our household. We discipline the children when they do something wrong. We discpline our dog for tearing into the trash. When we do discipline, it is not for the sake of punishment. Granted, punishment may be involved so that our children will learn more about actions and consequences (the dog is hopeless), but we discipline in order to correct a behavior or action that is wrong.

Though we may be Christians, we are still human and still exercise free will. Sometimes we do things that are not in line with Abba's way, including actions that may harm ourselves or others. Since we are His children, He will discipline us in order to correct our behavior or action.

Don't think His discipline will take away our free will. We still have the choice to either accept or rebel against His discipline. When we do accept His discipline and train ourselves according to His will, we will reap righteousness and peace. Of course, when we rebel against the Lord, there is no peace because we are not in righteous standing with Him.

The other way to interpret this verse is to see discipline as instruction from the Lord. He shows us, through His Son Jesus, how we should live our lives. It is up to us to train ourselves, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to follow His examples, His instruction.

Whether the Lord is chastening you or instructing you, it is for the good. It may hurt, but the results will include peace and righteousness in God's eyes. As children of the Lord, that should be what we desire.

Word Study Wednesday: Fruit

Luke 6:44: "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers." (NIV)

Recognized (1097 Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Greek): ginosko (ghin-oce-ko); to know; recognize

Fruit (2590): Fruit

My Take
What fruit am I bearing? Am I bearing the fruit of the Spirit or my own bitter fruit? In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. He continues saying, in verse 45, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." My fruit takes root in my heart and then ripens and bursts forth through what I say and do.

What fruit do I want to bear? To begin with, there is the Fruit of the Spirit - "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..."(Galatians 5: 22 - 23). There's more! Second Peter 1:5-8 lists a few more fruits to add to faith: knowledge, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness. Peter adds "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive (unfruitful in KJV) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

What happens if I'm not bearing fruit? Peter addresses this as well in verse 9: "But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." I don't know about you, but I don't ever want to forget that I've been cleansed from my sins.

So, how do I know my fruit is good? By knowing Christ and living my life like He did. Follow His example of loving God and others, expressing joy, exhibiting peace, showing patience, being good, faithful, and gentle, and exhibiting self-control. These may not appear overnight, but through perseverance and most importantly, prayer, this good fruit will take root.

What fruit are you bearing?

Word Study Wednesday: Forsaken

Matthew 27:46: "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' - which means, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?'" (NIV)

Forsaken: (1459 Strong's Exhaustive Concordance) egkataleipo (eng kat a li po): to desert: - forsake, leave

My Take
According to the commentary listed in my Bible, Jesus used this quote from Psalm 22:1 to express grief and anguish brought on by being forsaken by God, his Father. It goes on to call it a "double death." He not only died physically, but spiritually as well, as he died for our sins.

I cannot begin to fathom the anguish he felt - not only the physical pain, but the spiritual pain as well. He not only was separated from God, the creator and ruler, but God, his Father. From an early age, Jesus knew he was the Son of God. Remember Jesus' reply to his earthly parents when they questioned why he stayed in Jerusalem. He said "Why were you searching for me?...Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49). As a side note, I like the way he said "had to be in..." like it was an urgent desire that had to be fulfilled.

Someone once asked me what was my biggest fear. After a little bit of thought, I realized my fear was being separated from God. I can't imagine not being able to worship Him, adore Him, admire the works of His hands. I can't imagine living without His peace, His love, His joy, His grace, His forgiveness.

Jesus experienced all of that and more while on the cross so that we wouldn't have to. I know I don't want to be separated from that kind of love.

Word Study Wednesday: Procrastination

Joshua 18:3: "And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, how long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?"

Slack (7503 Strong's Exhaustive Concordance): Raphah (raw-faw): forsake, idle, leave, let alone, be slothful

Possess (3423): Yaresh (yaw-raysh): to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)

Given (5414): nathan (naw-than): apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, bestow, distribute, give (forth, over, up) (these are just a few of the words given for nathan).

My Take
Though the word procrastination does not appear in the Bible (at least in the KJV), this verse illustrates it perfectly. Most of the Canannites had been conquered and the land now belonged to the Israelites (see Joshua 18:1 - 2). Seven tribes though, had yet to lay claim on their property. Why? Was the job too difficult? Too time consuming? Why didn't they "receive their inheritance?"

Though I'm not claiming any land, the Lord has set before me a purpose for my life. A lot of the time though, I do not work on my purpose. I procrastinate. I know the Lord wants me to write, but there are some days where I prefer to clean my house, run errands, even exercise (gasp!) than to sit down and write. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for me to do these other things, but when I do them instead of writing, I am procrastinating. So now, I must ask myself, why am I so slack? Is the job too difficult? Too time consuming? Why am I not receiving my inheritance. I know some of the answers, but to be honest, they are more like excuses.

So, how do I beat procrastination? In the verses following verse 3, Joshua appoints men from each tribe to map out the land and to divide it. After the mapping is done, Joshua tells the tribes that he will then cast lots in the presence of the Lord. Joshua had a plan. That's what I need - a plan. I need to allot time for chores, errands, exercise, and writing. When it is time to perform these tasks, I need to be disciplined (another word study coming soon) to do them.

He also had the appointed men report back to him. He held them accountable to their purpose, their plan. That's what I need to do as well. Whether it be through a writer's group, a critique group or partner, I need that accountability.

Finally, Joshua cast lots before the Lord. By doing this, he was leaving the division in the Lord's hands. Though I probably won't be casting lots before the Lord, I will dedicate my work to Him. The point here is letting the Lord's will be done.

So, right now I am acknowledging my procastination. I know I do it and do it well. I will, however, create a plan, find someone to hold me accountable, and dedicate my work to the Lord. Now, hopefully, I won't slack in creating my plan.

Word Study Wednesday: Will

Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Will (2307 Greek - Strong's Exhaustive Concordance): thelema (thel-ay-mah): desire, pleasure, will.

My Take

I was recently reminded of this verse during a Bible study. To be honest, a knot formed in my stomach as I read it. I questioned whether or not I was truly doing the will of the Father.

In order for me to understand the context of this verse, I read the verses before and after verse 21.

Verse 20: "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Verses 22 and 23: "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

I believe Jesus is referring to those who "talk the talk," but don't walk with Him. They are doing their own wills, their own desires, not the will of the Father. Their fruit is rotten.

So, what is the Father's will? In John 6:40, Jesus says: "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." It's God's desire or pleasure for us to believe in His Son and to spend eternity with Him. What a great verse! More proof as to how much the Father loves us.

This particular definition of "will" is also used in other places. The first mention of it is in the Lord's Prayer: "...Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).

Jesus used "will" during his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

Again in both of these verses, Jesus is referencing the Father's will, not ours, or Jesus' will.

Another point I find interesting is whenever Jesus spoke of God's will, he used "Father" instead of "God" or "Lord." It adds a degree of parent-child intimacy (obviously, since Jesus is the Son of God), but for me as well. It adds a sense of wanting to do the Father's will, since I am His child wanting to please and obey Him.

Now I use Matthew 7:21 as a spiritual check. Am I doing the Father's will or mine? To do the Father's will is to say so long to my will, my desire. At times, it will be a sacrifice to me, but it's a choice I make, just like Jesus made his choice to die for our sins. If the Father's will is important enough for Jesus to follow it to the point of death, then, as his disciple, I need to follow his example.

Coming Soon: Word Study Wednesday

What is Word Study Wednesday? WSW is where I will pick a key word out of a verse and conduct a study of that word. I will consult various references (think concordance, dictionary, and such) to learn more about the true context of the word.

I believe it is very important for a Christian to truly understand the Word of God. In order to do this, it is necessary to learn more about the origin of the word.

The "My Take" section is my opinion on what I learned from the study. I am in no way a theologian. This section is to encourage dialogue only. I would love to hear what you have to say. As Proverbs 27: 17 says: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (NIV).