WEALTH
1. Wealth refers to an abundance or fullness of material
goods.
The Greek word is ploutos, which means fullness or wealth.
A. I use the The term "DETAILS
OF LIFE" to refer to all activities and possessions
involved with normal human life.
1. The term is based on Luke 12:23
For life (psuche + definite article = the soul) is more than food.
This indicates that there is more than just the physical sphere of life,
but there is a spiritual sphere as well, which in fact, has greater value
than the physical. Jn. 3:3-7; 6:63
2. Thus the term is used to describe those things which
are a part of man's life with regard to his physical
existence.
B. Details of life must be divided into two categories.
1. Necessity details: Lk. 12:30, Your Father knows you
have need of these things. (food, drink, clothing)
The Greek verb, chridzo (present active indicative) indicates that there
are physical things (details) that are NECESSARY for the sustaining of
physical life. Thus the term, necessity details.
2. Surplus details: Luke 12:15b, when one has an abundance
(perisseuo, present active infinitive) of possessions.
3. Phil. 4:12 -
a. live with humble means (to be humbled, tapeinoo as
a present passive infinitive) indicates having what one needs to stay alive, but little more.
b. live in prosperity, (to prosper, perisseuo as a present
active infinitive), indicates having material things above and beyond what
is needed to stay alive.
2. The source of both necessity and surplus details is
God.
A. Psalm 24:1 - Divine ownership
B. Ecclesiates 5:19 - It is the gift of God
C. 1 Samuel 2:7 - God controls who prospers and who does not.
D. Proverbs 10:22 - It is possible for prosperity without sorrow.
E. 1 Chronicles 29:12 - Both riches and honor come from God.
F. James 4:13-16 - If the Lord wills, we shall live, etc.
G. 1 Timothy 6:17 - He provides material things for our enjoyment.
H. Acts 14:16-17 - the divine laws of nature provide opportunity for all
people to prosper in an agricultural economy.
3. So the possession of surplus details (wealth) is never
condemned by God. It is the attitude of rich-mindedness that breaks fellowship
and violates spiritual principles.
See Topic: RICH
MINDEDNESS
4. The proper attitude toward details is represented in
many passages.
A. Job 1:21- Recognize the perfect wisdom and justice
of God.
B. 1 Timothy 6:6-8, autarkeia means contentment or self-sufficiency.
C. Philippians 4:11-13, based on specific knowledge of God's character.
D. Hebrews 13:5, being content with what you have.
Verse 5
1. Let your character: tropos - way of life, conduct,
(Lit: THE character) character.
2. free from love of money: one word,
aphilarguros, means
a friendship or strong affection for silver.
3. being content: arkeo as a present passive participle,
indicates the mental attitude that combats rich-mindedness. The passive voice means that one receives adequacy or sufficiency,
thus, to be content.
4. with what you have: This is a plural present participle
of pareimi which means, the things possessed.
5. for: gar, introduces the reason for total contentment.
6. He himself has said: the promises of God are the basis
for contentment. Quote from Joshua 1:5; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8.
7. I will never desert you:
a. ou ma is a very strong negative, thus, never
b. aniami, as an aorist active subjunctive refers to any
possible POINT of time.
8. Nor forsake you:
a. oude ou ma: neither no not - absolutely never.
b. egkataleipo, aorist active subjunctive.
9. Similar promise from Jesus: Mt. 28:20 compared with
John 14:16-18;
Verse 6 The result of trusting the promise
1. SO that: hoste - introduces the result
2. Corrected translation: So that we may say, being totally
confident.
a. say: lego as a present active infinitive means to continually
AFFIRM.
b. confident: tharreo, as a present active participle
is adverbial, and describes the attitude of soul that we can have as we
AFFIRM that God is our helper. It indicates then, an attitude of confident
certainty and dogmatism.
3. Quote from Psalm 118:6 to indicate the expression of
total confidence in the character and plan of God
and therefore contentment.
4. The Lord is my helper: Yahweh the Father is our
boethos.
That means that in any and every situation, we can depend on the Lord to
come to our assistance. This is of course based on abiding in Him through
consistent fellowship. If the believer is out of fellowship, he cannot
depend on God's help, but on divine discipline instead. Indeed, if the
person is out of fellowship, then the TROUBLE that he is encountering,
might very well be discipline from God (Heb. 12:6).
Notice the promise at Psalm 103:15-18, "the grave provision (lovingkindness)
of Yahweh is . . .on those WHO REVERENCE HIM."
5. I will not be afraid: ou + phobeomai as a future passive
indicative indicates that the believer can live without any fear or intimidation
at anything that another creature can throw at him.
6. What shall man do to me? The negative response implied
is - NOTHING!
Verse 7 The source of confidence is the Truth, and the
believer is ever dependent on the personal counsel and teaching from the
teachers of the church.
1. Remember: mnemoneuo as a present active imperative
is a reminder to learn from your teachers.
2. those who led you: present middle participle of hegeomai
refers to the communication elders of your fellowship.
3. Who spoke the word of God to you.
a. The method of leading: laleo, aorist active indicative
b. They teach you in 2 ways: content and example
4. And considering: anatheoreo, present active participle
refers to a concentrated, objective evaluation.
5. the result: ekbasis (ek + ballo) refers to what is
cast out, and therefore the fruit of one's life; the result and manifestation
of the communicator's own spiritual maturity.
6. of their manner of life: anastrophe
7. Imitate: mimeomai as a present active imperative.
8. their faith: Literally, the faith (pistis) which refers
to the content of truth in their soul and the application of that truth
demonstrated in their life.
Verse 8 Statement of Christ's character that will encourage
the attitude of verses 5-6.
1. Corrected translation: Jesus Christ, yesterday and
today - the same; even unto the ages (eternity).
2. the same: to autos - indicates absolute consistency
3. unto eternity: eis + definite article (the) plus the
plural accusative of aion.
4. In other words, we can count on all his promises related
to time, so that no circumstance is ever greater than his character and
work.
5. And then we can have total confidence in the promises
of the afterlife, knowing that everlasting peace, joy and security awaits
us. John 14.1-3
6. Point of application: This promise is referring to
Christ's CHARACTER, not to policy and procedure. It does NOT teach that
God cannot or will not change His POLICIES in reference to the progress
of human history. He did just that when Israel was temporarily replaced
by the church as the evangelistic agent. It was also done when God discontinued
the use of some of the spiritual gifts, such as apostle, tongues, healing,
prophecy; gifts that were functional during the formative period of the
church, but were removed from the church after the apostolic era. See Topic:
Spiritual gifts
E. 1 Corinthians 7:31
1. And those who use the world: present middle participle
of chraomai indicates participation in the normal things of the world.
2. kosmos is used to refer to an abundance of surplus
details and not anything bad.
3. As not abusing it: katachraomai as a present middle
participle with the negative indicates that one can HAVE surplus details,
but should not ABUSE them.
a. Abuse indicates allowing details to become the priority
in your life so that you use them to the point of distracting you from
spiritual values.
b. Abuse represents the presence of rich-mindedness in
the soul.
c. Abuse is when you place your confidence in those riches.
F. James 4:15
1. instead: anti
2. you should say (lit: you ought to say): lego
3. if: 3rd class condition indicates that maybe He wills
it and maybe He does not.
4. The Lord wills: thelo as a present active subjunctive
recognizes God's permissive will over every circumstance
of life.
5. We will live: zao as a future active indicative, recognizes
creature dependence on the creator for physical life, both origin and
sustaining
(Deuteronomy 32:39; Numbers 24:23; 1 Samuel 2:6).
6. And do: poieo (future active indicative) recognizes
the believer's responsibility as the servant of God.
Romans 14:7-8; 1 Corinthians 10:31
7. This or that: indicates the existence of our desires.
8. But the point is that we must conform our desires to
God's purpose for leaving us in this.
Verse 16 To reject creator sovereignty and Father sovereignty
is arrogance and rebellion.
1. But as it is: Literally, but now.
2. you are boasting: kauchaomai means to boast, take pride
in, or claim security in something. The present middle indicative indicts
the arrogant believer who places his own desires and plans above the Father's
plan, and in so doing rejects divine sovereignty.
3. in your arrogance: aladzoneia -
a. presumption, pretension of control and authority.
b. Therefore, arrogance or better, arrogant presumption.
4. All such boasting: pas kauchesis
5. Is evil: poneros refers to an intensive, rebellious,
aggressive and intrusively infectious evil. It is not just a CHARACTER
of evil, but an attitude and expression of evil that seeks to control and
influence others.
G. 1 Timothy 6:17
1. Instruct: parangello as a present active imperative
provides proper Christian policy for handling surplus details of life.
2. Those who are rich: plousios refers to an abundance
of surplus details.
3. in this present age: aiwn (age) is used to refer to
the time period of human history from Adam until the end of the Messiah's
earthly reign.
4. Not to be conceited: hupselophronew (present active
infinitive). The word means to be thinking high with a direction TOWARD
SELF, and thus indicates an arrogant confidence IN SELF.
5. Or to fix their hope: elpizo means to put confidence
in something. The perfect active infinitive indicates total trust and reliance
on the subject in view, and here refers to an arrogant confidence IN THINGS
(riches).
6. on the uncertainty: adelotes deceptive by nature.
7. of riches: ploutos refers to surplus details in any
category.
Compare with Psalm 62:10. "---if riches increase, do not set your heart upon them."
8. but: alla - strong contrast because of the mutual
exclusion in service principle found in Mt. 6:24
9. on God: specific reference to God the Father.
10. Who richly supplies:
a. supplies: The verb, parecho, means to hold something
to or at someone's side (para). Therefore, the idea of providing, making
available, or even placing at one's disposal. The present active participle
teaches that God, as the Creator and the Owner, has provided and continues
to provide all the material things that exist in our earthly world.
b. all things: The plural accusative of pas refers to
all the details of life, both necessity and surplus that exist in this
human realm.
c. richly: This adverb, plousiws, refers to an abundant
provision of these details.
11. To enjoy: Lit: for enjoyment (eis
apolausis). This
noun refers to fulfillment and comfort in the sphere of our physical life
needs and pleasures through necessity and surplus
details.
H. Proverbs 30:7-9,
give me neither poverty nor riches
feed me with the food that is my portion.
1. Lest I be full: Indicates total occupation with
details of life that results in neglect of the divine priority.
2. and deny, and say, Who is Yahweh? This is rejection
of Creator source and control over material things
- indeed, over the entire life.
3. Or lest I be in want: Indicates deficiency of necessity
details that produces a comfort or survival crisis
in the life.
4. and steal: human viewpoint solution to the crisis
which still rejects the Father's character and resources.
5. and profane the name (character, reputation) of my
God.
This is misrepresentation of God's character and plan either through blasphemy
or violation of divine moral standards.
5. The example of Moses: Hebrews l1:24-26
Verse 24
1. By faith: pistis (instrumental) refers to the type
of thinking that accepts the viewpoint and standards of God's policy without
any reference to human logic or emotion.
(See Topic: FAITH THINKING)
2. Moses, when he had grown up: Lit: having become great
a. The aorist middle participle of ginomai + megas
b. Reference to Exodus 2:11: gAdal (qal imperfect) is
used to indicate growth to adulthood, but also the idea of reaching a place
of achievement and recognition by one's peers.
c. But this is not talking about his reaching adulthood.
But reaching a point where his endeavors established a reputation and honor
and a promise of inheriting the throne of Egypt.
d. And this point of time was 40 years of age. It is at
this time that he was fully recognized as a great man among the Egyptians.
3. Refused: arneomai as an aorist middle indicative refers
to a specific point of time when he rejected his royal status based on
application of Divine viewpoint.
4. to be called: lego in a present passive infinitive
indicates a condition of being affirmed and confirmed as possessing a certain
virtue or rank.
5. The son of Pharaoh's daughter: indicates heir to the
throne since there was no legal male heir to Pharaoh.
Verse 25
1. choosing rather: aireomai as an aorist middle participle
indicates a point of time value decision; a decision of preference.
a. But this decision is not based on emotion or human
logic, but on trust in God's Messianic revelation to the people of Israel.
b. rather: mallon, simply indicates a priority concept.
Moses placed greater worth on spiritual value than on material value.
c. The decision was made before the confrontation with
the Egyptian foreman.
d. It is in fact, the basis for his investigation of his
people's situation in the first place. He had already chosen identification with
them.
2. To endure ill treatment: sugkakocheomai (only here)
means to share in the harm (kakos) or suffering that
is done to someone.
3. with the people of God: laos + theos
a. This phrase recognizes the spiritual status of the
people that superseded their physical status and experience.
b. And Moses knew this.
c. He obviously became a believer sometime before the
decision was made (probably through the influence of his mother).
d. And although he had not been a believer long, and had
only a thimble full of truth in his soul, as it were, he still made the
right choice when tested with the issue of separation.
1. That is, separate from evil and associate with God's
plan and God's people.
2. The first test for the new believer is the issue of
separation from what will undermine and compromise his faith.
4. Than to enjoy: Echo as a present active infinitive
means to have or possess.
5. The passing pleasure: enjoyment is
apolausis, the same
word we saw at 1 Tim. 6:17. But in this case it is not the enjoyment of
bona fide details of life, but the sinful practices of abusing and misusing
details.
a. The word, passing, is proskairos, and means temporary
with emphasis on the idea of non fulfillment.
b. The pleasure (enjoyment) of material things is based
only on the satisfaction of the physical senses.
c. And unless there is contentment in the soul through
recognition of spiritual value, the satisfaction of the senses will be
totally unfulfilling and frustrating.
d. The "fun" is limited to the moment of participation
which is only a distraction from the true discontent in the soul.
e. When the "fun" is over, there is nothing
left but the misery and hunger of a spiritually naked soul.
f. And then it must repeat and/or search for bigger and
better thrills and highs. (frantic or violent search for happiness).
g. This is what Moses rejected. And there is no indication
that he ever regretted his decision or re-embraced the philosophy of pleasure
in any form. (SENSUALITY, aselgeia)
6. of sin: hamartia teaches us that the abundance of activities
within the Egyptian empire that seek happiness and fulfillment in life, did so independently from God.
7. The temporary nature of the pleasure of sin also refers
to the fact that this pursuit is limited to the span
of human existence in time.
8. The period of time that one might devote to the pursuit
of pleasure in this life, is nothing to be compared
to the eternity of the after-life.
Verse 26
1. Considering: hegeomai, as an aorist middle participle,
means to reach a conclusion based on consideration of all the facts.
The translation of the aorist participle, HAVING concluded,
indicates that the evaluation of facts and issues preceded the decision.
This of course is the way it should be done. Too often, a decision is made
based on the emotional high of the moment or the physical pleasure that
is experienced, rather than on an objective consideration of the facts
involved.
2. The reproach: oneidismos refers to criticism, insult,
persecution.
3. Of Christ: of The Messiah, ie, associated with the
Messiah.
4. So Moses was claiming trust in and association with
the Messianic promise as represented in the Abrahamic covenant and preserved
in the teachings of the people of Israel.
5. To be greater wealth: megas ploutos - more valuable
and having a greater potential for TRUE happiness and fulfillment.
6. than the treasures of Egypt.
a. wealth:
b. rank: pharaoh
c. prestige: honor and worship from the people
d. power: absolute rule over the greatest kingdom of the time.
7. For: gar, explains the viewpoint that enabled him to
choose.
8. he was looking: apoblepo, as an imperfect active indicative,
refers to the continuous action of focusing attention on something, or
looking at life from the perspective of something.
9. The reward: misthapodosia, literally means the payment
of wages, but it refers to the APPLIED consequences of making the right
decision. See also at Hebrews 10:35, where the REWARD is the quality of
life that results from confidence in the character and plan of God. The
word is also used of negative consequences at Hebrews 2:2.
a. application of the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians
6:6-9).
b. He knew about the natural consequences of evil and
both the natural and applied benefits of following Truth.
c. Both from a temporal as well as an eternal perspective.
6. Example of Zaccheus: Luke 19:1-10
Verse 1 - In Jericho
Verse 2 - He was rich: plousios
a. This is based on his profession, which is chief tax
gatherer. architelwnes
b. He was the head of the tax district of Jericho and
vicinity.
c. There were only 2 other districts. Caesarea and Capernaum.
d. So it is clear that he made alot of money.
1. The Roman government would sell to tax farmers the
privilege to levy taxes on imports, exports and any merchandise that was
just transported through the region.
2. These farmers would sub-let the collection responsibility
to chief publicans.
3. And they in turn would hire publicans to do the actual
physical collecting.
4. The farmer levied taxes that would provide him with
a profit.
5. The chief publicans, likewise would charge the collectors
such an amount that would bring in profit.
6. And then the collectors (publicans) would collect from
the people, whatever they could; whatever they thought the owner of the
goods taxed would tolerate, and thus make for themselves a profit.
7. And the variety of taxes is simply
mind-boggling.
"There was a tax on all imports, and exports; on
all that was bought and sold; bridge money, road money, harbor dues, town
dues, etc;" Taxes were invented for anything and everything.
". . .axles, wheels, pack animals, pedestrians, roads, highways, on
admission to markets, bridges., carriers, ships and quays; on crossing
rivers on dams on licenses." Even modern research has not been able
to identify all the words for taxes that appear in the writings of the
day.
(For Details See: Edersheim on
Roman Taxation)
Verses 3-4
Zaccheus had positive volition to the person and message of Jesus, although
he had never met or seen him. Based on verse 9, Zac
was probably not a believer until he met Jesus and heard his message.
Verses 5-6
Jesus makes personal contact and gives specific information concerning
both salvation and Christian living.
Verse 7
Records the grumbling of the religious crowd which was a constant reality
concerning whatever Jesus did.
Verse 8
Zac responds positive to both categories of teaching.
a. He talks about the 2nd category, Jesus talks about
the 1st.
b. Half of my possessions:
1. This is reasonable, proper and accepted by Jesus.
2. The believer is never required to sell all he has.
3. The man in Luke 18:22 is an exception because he is
an unbeliever controlled by rich-mindedness.
4. For him, Jesus uses his rich-mindedness as an illustration
of his negative volition to truth in both categories.
5. Zac is not rich-minded and would be willing to give
up all if necessary. But it is not necessary and he understands grace.
c. I will give: didomi This is a present active indicative
used as a future to indicate the intent of a soul that has learned some
truth.
d. To the poor: meeting material needs as a grace lesson
to illustrate spiritual truth. (details later)
e. And if I have defrauded: 1st class condition. recognizes
the evil of past practices as would be natural for any tax man.
f. I will give back four times: His intent to make amends.
1. Principle of Leviticus 6:1-5 with Exodus 22:4, 7, 9
(double restitution)
2. Zac applies what he knows of the Mosaic teaching based
on what he has just learned from Jesus.
3. And because his humility toward his past sins is very
intense, though sudden, he intends to go beyond the requirement and pay
4 times what is due.
Verse 9
And Jesus said
a. today: semeron, indicates the time of Zac's salvation
b. Salvation has come: ginomai, as an aorist middle indicative
refers to what has just BECOME that had not happened before. Jesus makes
this comment to confirm what the intent of Zac indicates.
It indicates a recognition and acceptance of grace in both spiritual and
moral affairs. Zac is saved, not BECAUSE of his intent
to make restitution, but because he trusts in Jesus as the Messiah/Savior.
Nor is Zac's intent a required response from someone who has just become
saved.
c. To this household: There is no guarantee that Zac's
family will respond as he did, but his conversion will certainly provide
a positive influence upon them all.
d. Because: kathoti, indicates a reason not a cause.
e. He too is a son of Abraham.
1. This is the reason Zac was visited and taught by Jesus.
2. He and his family are among the lost sheep of the house
of Israel.
3. So Zac thus becomes an illustration of Christ's overall
mission to the nation.
Verse 10
a. For: gar, explains the previous comment.
b. The Son of Man: title for Messiah
c. Has come: The aorist active indicative of erchomai
views Christ's arrival and presence on the earth as one period of time,
during which He will fulfill the Father's mission for Him.
d. to seek: zeteo in an aorist active infinitive sees
that the purpose during that TIME of ministry is to communicate truth.
e. and to save: sodzo (aorist active infinitive) focuses
on the real goal, and the end result of seeking.
f. The lost: This is a perfect active participle from
the verb, apollumi, which means to destroy, perish, or be lost) Therefore,
it describes someone who is in a condition (perfect tense) of being spiritually
lost and outside of relationship with God, and under the indictment of
spiritual destruction.
1. See 1 Corinthians 1:18, where we have the present active
participle to indicate those who are in the status of perishing because
they have not trusted in Christ.
2. And at John 3:18, the one who has not trusted in Christ,
"has been judged already," and will perish (v. 16, apollumi).
3. This reminds the listeners of the parables of the lost
in Luke 15:1-32 (3 parables - sheep, coin, son)
4. It applies to the nation of Israel specifically even
though Gentiles are also lost.
5. But it is the nation of Israel which has a Divine commission
that they have neglected, and Christ's first point of focus is on exposing
their failure and offering them salvation. Matthew 15:24; 10:6 Romans 1:16;
Acts 3:26
g. Jesus constantly uses the tax-collectors and harlots
to illustrate that the religious crowd of Israel is really no different.
John 3 with Matthew 21:31-44 and 23:29-39
7. Example of the widow: Luke 21:1-4
Verse 1
1. The setting: the treasury in the court of the women
which contained 13 baskets for donations to various needs.
2. The rich-minded: plousios
a. casting in surplus details: verse 4a,
perisseuo, pres.
act. part.
b. They don't really miss what they give.
Verse 2 The poor widow: penichros although
Mark 12:42 uses the word, ptochos.
1. 2 lepta - the smallest coins of the realm.
2. They equal 1/128 of a days wages, which is 1
denarius.
a. 2 lepta = 1 quadrant
b. 4 Q = 1 assasion
c. 16 AS = 1 Denarius
d. Therefore, 2 x 4 = 8 and 8 x 16 = 128
3. Use $1.28 as a days wages and she gave 1 cent.
Use $128.00 and she gave 1 dollar.
4. But the amount itself is not the issue. It is the attitude
she has, and the fact that her amount just happens to be all she has.
Verse 4b
1. She gave from her deficiency: husterema
2. all she had:
a. The 2 lepta could have been used for her necessity
details.
b. But she found an opportunity to reflect back to the
Lord, the blessings of her spiritual life abundance.
c. And God would meet her necessity needs in his perfect
timing and wisdom (Matthew 6:33).
3. If she had given more, but still all, the same principle
would exist.
4. in verse 3, she gave more than anybody because she
gave all.
5. This simply reflects her wealth humility and understanding
of Divine provision.
6. The principle of Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom)
is not new teaching, just amplified from the Old Testament by Jesus. Psalm
147:7-11
8. Example of Barnabas and Anannias. Acts 4:36 - 5:10
A. Acts 4:36-37 - Barnabas owned a tract of land which
he sold for a donation to the material needs of the church.
1. This was not all his wealth.
2. Nor was it required activity for him.
3. It was done through wealth humility.
4. And there was no desire for personal attention, honor
or consideration.
B. Acts 5:1-10 - Ananias and his wife Saphira, on the
other hand, were rich-minded.
1. They thought to use their money to buy honor, attention
and consideration from the people.
2. So, the deception is the claim that the amount given
was the full price for the land.
3. Now, as in the case of Barnabas:
a. It was not a required activity to sell your land.
b. And when you did sell it, you were not required to
give the entire proceeds, if any, to the church.
c. But they wanted the same attention that Barnabas got,
so claimed to have performed the same deed.
4. Verse 4, they had control of their property and the
proceeds.
It is the lie from the rich-minded soul that destroyed them.
9. So being rich is not incompatible with the Christian
way of life.
A. Zaccheus, Luke 19:8 - half
B. Joseph of Arimathea, Matthew 27:57
C. Principle of Acts 5:4
D. Principle of 1 Timothy 6:15
E. Principle of Psalm 62:10
F. Principle of 1 Corinthians 7:31
G. Jesus' instruction to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22 is a special
circumstance because he was rich-minded and that attitude was hindering
him from responding to Truth.
10. See Topic: GIVING
11. See detailed study of Matthew
6:19-34
12. Summary: Philippians 4:11-13
Verse 11
1. Not that I speak: lego as a present active indicative.
The emphasis is not on verbalizing, but on the expression of his mental attitude whether it be verbal or written. In verse
10, Paul expresses that he is glad that these believers have renewed their
concern for his physical needs, because there is an actual physical need
that is a factor. However, Paul is not concerned or worried about the physical
need itself because he is focused on the plan and character of God regardless
of the quality of physical comfort that he is experiencing.
2. from want: husteresis refers to a deficiency of something.
In this case it is applied to necessity details (food and shelter).
A. The emphasis is on the disposition of his soul that
recognizes whether their is deficiency in material things or not, there
is an abundance of supply to the soul.
B. 2 Cor. 4:16, though the outer man is decaying, the
inner man is being renewed daily. This refers to the presence of inner
strength and confidence; peace and joy because of trust in God's character.
3. for: gar introduces an explanation. For the oriented
believer, there is never any real deficiency. Contentment offsets physical
discomfort because spiritual comfort has a more vital impact on the soul.
4. I have learned: manthano means to learn through the
process of data gathering. That truth, then applied to various circumstances
will vindicate the truth as effectual in meeting the real needs of the
soul.
5. In whatever circumstances I am: all inclusive; any
and every situation that he has encountered or will encounter.
6. to be: This is a present infinitive of
eimi, which
indicates here the status of his mental attitude.
7. content: autarkes is an adjective that means self-sufficient.
A. But the oriented believer knows that their is no real
sufficiency in self, but our sufficiency is of God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
B. Therefore, the word does not mean reliance upon self,
but to be content with whatever self has at any given point of time.
C. The issue here is material things, not a contentment
with one's spiritual status.
Verse 12
1. I know: oida, as a perfect active indicative refers
to knowledge in the soul based on the manthano process. The knowledge in
view is capacity to be content no matter what the situation.
2. to be humbled: tapeinoo, refers to having a minimum
of necessity details (present passive infinitive).
3. and to have abundance: perisseuo refers to having surplus
details. (present active infinitive)
4. In every and in all: pas (singular) + pas (plural)
5. I have learned the secret: mueo (only occurs here)
is a perfect passive indicative to indicate completed progress in reaching
a particular knowledge goal.
A. The word was used for completion of the initiation
rites into the Greek mystery cults.
B. And indeed, it is a secret!
C. The power source for contentment is only available
to those who can let go of human viewpoint and embrace in genuine humility
the standards of Divine truth. Only those who can truly recognize and embrace
the divine value system as the most important thing in life will be able
to enjoy true contentment and happiness, no matter what kind of circumstances
they encounter.
6. Of being filled: chortadzo emphasizes having more than
enough for each meal (present passive infinitive).
7. And of going hungry: peinao emphasizes not having enough
for each meal (present active infinitive).
8. of having abundance: perisseuo indicates having surplus
details. present active infinitive
9. and suffering need: hustereo (of being deficient, present
passive infinitive) emphasizes having a minimum supply of details.
10. So, based on a specialized knowledge of Divine truth,
the believer is able to be totally oriented to any and every situation
in life, and be perfectly relaxed and content.
Verse 13 The secret of total contentment - Occupation with the character and plan of God
1. I can do: ischuo means to have strength. In the present
active indicative, Paul is saying that he continually has strength FOR
- that is, to accomplish something.
2. all things: pas is used to indicate any and every situation
in life.
3. by means of: en + the instrumental case indicates the
means or the source by which something is accomplished.
4. the one who gives me power: This is a present active
participle of endunamoo and refers to Christ who provides not only the
indwelling Holy Spirit, but the viewpoint resources by which Paul is able
to orient to every situation and then make the right decisions in every
situation.
A. The power is not a DIRECT ability or empowerment the
God zaps us with, but rather the ability that is built within us when we
keep our focus on the character and plan of God. This is a SOUL empowerment
based on the energizing ability of God's word when it is learned and believed.
B. It is an ability made available by God through His
written word. 2 Peter 1:3-4
C. Philippians 4:8-9, standards and examples of Truth
D. Philippians 1:8-9, in full knowledge and discernment
E. Philippians 2:12-16, God works in the believer THROUGH
the word.
F. Ephesians 4:20-21 (as you have been taught in Him)
with 5:15-17 (be understanding what the will of the Lord is).
G. John 8:32 - You shall know the truth and the truth
shall make you free.
Romans 15:13 - BY believing refers to believing the WORD, not the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 w/ Philippians 2:13, the word of God which energizes
itself in you who believe.
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