{"id":8136,"date":"2017-05-16T20:01:34","date_gmt":"2017-05-16T14:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intelligent-torvalds.74-208-171-134.plesk.page\/?p=8136"},"modified":"2023-06-18T16:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-06-18T21:40:11","slug":"to-make-holy-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/?p=8136","title":{"rendered":"To Make Holy, Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paul wrote the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 NET):<\/p>\n

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work.\u00a0 Be at peace among yourselves. \u00a0And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. \u00a0See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. \u00a0Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks.\u00a0 For this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

At first glance it seems that Paul has written a fairly long list of \u201cworks\u201d for believers to do.\u00a0 But I want to break it down a little bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge (\u03b5\u1f30\u03b4\u1f73\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9, a form of \u03b5\u1f34\u03b4\u03c9<\/a>; to see<\/em>, to notice<\/em>)\u2026<\/td>\n\u2026those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you\u2026because of their work.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2026and to esteem (\u1f21\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9, a form of \u1f21\u03b3\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>) them most highly (\u1f51\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03ba\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>) in love (\u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u1fc3, a form of \u1f00\u03b3\u03ac\u03c0\u03b7<\/a>)\u2026<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is love (\u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u03b7).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

So how hard is it really for me to notice those\u2014who labor for my benefit, preside over me in the Lord and admonish me\u2014because of their work?\u00a0 And then, once I have noticed, to take the love that wells up in me from the Holy Spirit and to esteem<\/em> (or, lead<\/em>) them <\/em>[who labor so diligently on my behalf] most highly in love<\/em>?\u00a0 I see only two things that make this difficult or even impossible: 1) I am not led by the Spirit of God and so I do not have this love for those who benefit me so greatly nor do I have eyes to see them; or, 2) they do not admonish me to live by the Spirit of God yet still expect me to love them in my own strength according to a rule Paul commanded.\u00a0 You will recognize them by their fruit<\/em>,[1]<\/sup><\/a> Jesus said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be at peace (\u03b5\u1f30\u03c1\u03b7\u03bd\u03b5\u1f7b\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f30\u03c1\u03b7\u03bd\u03b5\u03cd\u03c9<\/a>) among yourselves.<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026peace (\u03b5\u1f30\u03c1\u1f75\u03bd\u03b7, a form of \u03b5\u1f30\u03c1\u03ae\u03bd\u03b7<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

So how hard is really to be at peace with others?\u00a0 Again, I see only two things that make this difficult or even impossible: 1) I am not led by the Spirit of God and so I do not have this peace to share with others; or, 2) they do not live by the Spirit of God but try to make peace in some arbitrary way according to a rule Paul commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish (\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>) the undisciplined\u2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Paul used another form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9 earlier, those who<\/em>…admonish <\/em>(\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2) you<\/em>.\u00a0 Admittedly, I don\u2019t see a simple one-to-one correspondence with some aspect of the fruit of the Spirit here. \u00a0But Paul believed that he did this in the power of the Holy Spirit: God wanted to make known to them<\/em>, Paul wrote the Colossians, the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. \u00a0We proclaim him by instructing<\/em> (\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, another form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9) and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ. \u00a0Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me<\/em>.[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

If someone isn\u2019t up to the task of instructing and teaching<\/em> the undisciplined,\u00a0Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting <\/em>(\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, another form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9) one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God<\/em>.[3]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Just be sure those psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs<\/em> proclaim the grace of God and the indwelling Spirit of Christ in you, the hope of glory <\/em>rather than rules commanded by Paul or your church or your own imagination.<\/p>\n

I’ll admit to being a bit gun-shy<\/a> and perhaps even a little unfaithful about too many people attempting to instruct and teach as Paul did.\u00a0 But he wrote Roman believers, I myself am fully convinced<\/em> [in the God of hope<\/em>\u2026by the power of the Holy Spirit<\/a><\/em>] about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct <\/em>(\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd, another form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9) one another<\/em>.[4]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This goodness <\/em>(\u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u03c9\u03c3\u1f7b\u03bd\u03b7\u03c2, a form of \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u03c9\u03c3\u03cd\u03bd\u03b7<\/a>) flowed from the Hoy Spirit: But the fruit of the Spirit is<\/em>\u2026goodness <\/em>(\u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u03c9\u03c3\u1f7b\u03bd\u03b7).<\/p>\n

Paul wrote about how to admonish one another: if anyone does not obey<\/em> (\u1f51\u03c0\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f7b\u03b5\u03b9, a form of \u1f51\u03c0\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u03cd\u03c9<\/a>) our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed. \u00a0Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish<\/em> (\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9) him as a brother<\/em>.[5]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Even from among your own group men will arise, teaching perversions of the truth to draw the disciples away after them. \u00a0Therefore be alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning<\/em> (\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd, another form of \u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9) each one of you with tears. \u00a0And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace.\u00a0 This message is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified <\/em>(\u1f21\u03b3\u03b9\u03b1\u03c3\u03bc\u1f73\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2, another form of \u1f01\u03b3\u03b9\u03ac\u03b6\u03c9).[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026comfort (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5, a form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>) the discouraged (\u1f40\u03bb\u03b9\u03b3\u03bf\u03c8\u1f7b\u03c7\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2, a form of \u1f40\u03bb\u03b9\u03b3\u03cc\u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u03bf\u03c2<\/a>)\u2026<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026kindness (\u03c7\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03c4\u1f79\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This comfort <\/em>was consolation in John\u2019s Gospel narrative: many of the Jewish people of the region had come to Martha and Mary to console <\/em>(\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u1f75\u03c3\u03c9\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, another form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) them over the loss of their brother<\/em>.[7]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 And people who were with Mary in the house consoling<\/em> (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03bf\u1f7b\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, another form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) her<\/em>\u2026followed her<\/em>[8]<\/sup><\/a> to her brother\u2019s tomb.\u00a0 As you know<\/em>, Paul wrote the Thessalonians, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging <\/em>(\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03bf\u1f7b\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, another form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03c5\u03b8\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory<\/em>.[9]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The Greek word \u1f40\u03bb\u03b9\u03b3\u03bf\u03c8\u1f7b\u03c7\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2, translated discouraged <\/em>was only used this once.\u00a0 It is a compound of \u1f40\u03bb\u03af\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2<\/a> (puny<\/em>) and \u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u03ae<\/a> (breath<\/em>, spirit<\/em>).\u00a0 The kindness of the Holy Spirit flows from the wealth of his kindness<\/em> (\u03c7\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03c4\u1f79\u03c4\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2, a form of \u03c7\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2), forbearance, and patience<\/em>\u2026God\u2019s kindness<\/em> (\u03c7\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd, a form \u03c7\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2<\/a>) leads you to repentance<\/em>.[10]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026help (\u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u1f73\u03c7\u03b5\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5, a form of \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>) the weak (\u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1ff6\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c2<\/a>)\u2026<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is love (\u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u03b7).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The help <\/em>(\u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u1f73\u03c7\u03b5\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5, a form of \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) we are to be to the weak was translated he will be devoted<\/em> (\u1f00\u03bd\u03b8\u1f73\u03be\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, another form of \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) in Matthew 6:24 (NET)<\/a> and Luke 16:13 (NET)<\/a>.\u00a0 An elder<\/a> must hold firmly<\/em> (\u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c7\u1f79\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd, another form of \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03ad\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation<\/em> (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd, a form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>) in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it<\/em>.[11]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Any and all of us in the flesh qualify as the weak<\/em> (\u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1ff6\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c2): The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak<\/em> (\u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03c2).[12]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 For while we were still<\/a> helpless<\/em> (\u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1ff6\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c2), at the right time Christ died for the ungodly<\/em> (\u1f00\u03c3\u03b5\u03b2\u1ff6\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03c3\u03b5\u03b2\u03ae\u03c2<\/a>) [Table<\/a>]. \u00a0(For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person perhaps someone might possibly dare to die.) \u00a0But God demonstrates his own love <\/em>(\u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u03b7\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03b3\u03ac\u03c0\u03b7) for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us<\/em>.[13]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 And apart from his love (\u1f00\u03b3\u03ac\u03c0\u03b7) flowing through us from his Holy Spirit we will continue to be the weak<\/em>, those who live according to the flesh<\/em> rather than those who live according to Spirit<\/em> (Romans 8:5-14 NET).<\/p>\n

For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. \u00a0For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. \u00a0Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. \u00a0You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. \u00a0Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him. \u00a0But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. \u00a0Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you.<\/p>\n

So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh (for if you live according to the flesh, you will die), but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. \u00a0For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2026be patient (\u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>) toward all.<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026patience (\u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1, a form of \u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03af\u03b1<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
See that no one pays back (\u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u1ff7, a form of \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u03af\u03b4\u03c9\u03bc\u03b9<\/a>) evil (\u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u1f78\u03bd, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2<\/a>) for evil (\u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1fe6, another form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2) to anyone\u2026<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026faithfulness (\u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Surely, that we will be patient toward all<\/em> with the patience <\/em>that comes from the Holy Spirit requires no additional explanation from me.\u00a0 As for faith <\/em>or faithfulness <\/em>restraining us from paying back evil for evil<\/em>: The Greek word translated evil <\/em>was \u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2, intrinsically <\/em>evil, not \u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2<\/a>.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mean to imply that if someone gives me a complicated list of rules<\/a> to obey to make myself righteous that I am then free to do unto him as he has done unto me because Paul didn\u2019t use \u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 here.\u00a0 I mean that when someone does \u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2, real intrinsic evil, to me I am inclined even as a Christian, perhaps especially as a Christian, to think all bets are off.<\/p>\n

But Jesus said, the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father<\/em>, and then<\/em> he will reward <\/em>(\u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u1f7d\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9, another form of \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u03af\u03b4\u03c9\u03bc\u03b9) each person according to what he has done<\/em>.[14]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The Greek words \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u1f7d\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9, translated he will reward<\/em> and \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u1ff7, translated pays back<\/em>, are both forms of \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u03af\u03b4\u03c9\u03bc\u03b9.\u00a0 Jesus\u2019 faithfulness flowing into me through his Holy Spirit can restrain my fists and my tongue, soothe my anger, in time cause me to forgive and pray mercy for the one who wronged me.\u00a0 My faith will accomplish none of this.\u00a0 For through the Spirit, by faith <\/em>(\u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2, another form of \u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2), we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. \u00a0For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight \u2013 the only thing that matters is faith<\/em> (\u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2) working through love<\/em> (\u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u03b7\u03c2, another form of \u1f00\u03b3\u1f71\u03c0\u03b7).[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This is a good place to remind myself that I\u2019m doing something very arbitrary in this essay, dividing the fruit of the Spirit into constituent parts.\u00a0 It is one, indivisible.\u00a0 In crisis moments that \u201cwater cannon<\/a>\u201d eroding away my ungodliness becomes fully that fountain of water springing up to eternal life<\/a> <\/em>, making me buoyant, lifting me above and beyond myself, flooding me with God\u2019s own love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control<\/em>.[16]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Clearly, I might have written about \u1f10\u03b3\u03ba\u03c1\u1f71\u03c4\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1<\/a> here.\u00a0 The main reason I did not is that pesky self <\/em>in the NET translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2026but always pursue what is good (\u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u1f78\u03bd, a form of \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u03cc\u03c2<\/a>) for one another and for all.<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026goodness (\u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u03c9\u03c3\u1f7b\u03bd\u03b7<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Always rejoice (\u03c7\u03b1\u1f77\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03c7\u03b1\u03af\u03c1\u03c9<\/a>)\u2026<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026joy (\u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70<\/a>).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Our pursuit of what is good<\/em> is both directed and energized by God\u2019s goodness <\/em>flowing from his Holy Spirit.\u00a0 I\u2019ve written elsewhere about relying on his joy<\/em>.[17]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026constantly pray (\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u1f7b\u03c7\u03b5\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5, a form of \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03cd\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>)\u2026<\/td>\nIn the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray (\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03c5\u03be\u1f7d\u03bc\u03b5\u03b8\u03b1, another form of \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03cd\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9), but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. \u00a0And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God\u2019s will.[18]<\/sup><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prayer is intimately bound up with being led by the Spirit.\u00a0 I would like to accentuate that we do not know how we should pray <\/em>because the Spirit helps us in our weakness<\/em> as opposed to our arrogance.\u00a0 The Greek words translated how we should <\/em>were \u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u1f78 \u03b4\u03b5\u1fd6, according to necessity<\/em>.\u00a0 From that time on Jesus began to show his disciples that he must<\/em> (\u03b4\u03b5\u1fd6<\/a>) go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised<\/em>.[19]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Let me chase that immediately with a somewhat out of context but completely applicable verse: For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to<\/em> (\u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u1f78, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03cc<\/a>) whatever one has, not according to<\/em> (\u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u1f78, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03cc) what he does not have<\/em>.[20]<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup>Don’t be scared off by insufficient knowledge. \u00a0I feel like a single guy telling married couples how they must <\/em>have sex. \u00a0This must <\/em>is important enough even to do badly\u2014and often.<\/p>\n

Something that has helped me with both prayer and Bible study is a line from James: Understand this<\/a>, my dear brothers and sisters!\u00a0 Let every<\/a> person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger<\/em>.[21]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 But again, that may be personal for me.\u00a0 I have a sharp tongue and a quick temper. \u00a0Shutting up and listening in prayer brought me face to face so to speak with the virtually bottomless insanity of my own mind.\u00a0 But I won\u2019t get into that here.\u00a0 Pray with the Holy Spirit rather than on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026in everything give thanks (\u03b5\u1f50\u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>).<\/td>\nBut the fruit of the Spirit is\u2026faithfulness (\u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

I returned again to faith.\u00a0 It seems like a good place to end.\u00a0 If I, for instance, hear everything Paul has written above as rules I must obey to prove that I am a Christian, I am weary, frightened and not very grateful.\u00a0 For this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus<\/em>, Paul concluded this list.\u00a0 By faith I can hear this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus<\/em> as this is what his Holy Spirit is doing in and through you moment by moment.\u00a0 And suddenly I’m not so weary, much less frightened and filled with gratitude.\u00a0 Paul continued writing about the Spirit, if we have ears to hear it (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NET).<\/p>\n

Do not extinguish the Spirit. \u00a0Do not treat prophecies with contempt. \u00a0But examine all things; hold fast to what is good (\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u1f78\u03bd, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03cc\u03c2<\/a>)<\/em>. \u00a0Stay away from every form of evil (\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03bf\u1fe6, a form of \u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2)<\/em>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And sometime I would do well to go through these in detail.\u00a0 But this essay has gone long and I need to get to the point.\u00a0 Paul concluded his remarks with the assurance that all of this is God\u2019s work and not our own (1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 NET):<\/p>\n

Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy (\u1f01\u03b3\u03b9\u1f71\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9, a form of \u1f01\u03b3\u03b9\u03ac\u03b6\u03c9<\/a>; KJV, <\/em>sanctify you wholly)<\/em> and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. \u00a0He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
To Make Holy, Part 2<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
Back to Atonement, Part 7<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
Back to Atonement, Part 9<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/a>[1]<\/sup> Mathew 7:16a (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[2]<\/sup> Colossians 1:27-29 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[3]<\/sup> Colossians 3:16 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[4]<\/sup> Romans 15:14 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[5]<\/sup> 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[6]<\/sup> Acts 20:30-32 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[7]<\/sup> John 11:19 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[8]<\/sup> John 11:31 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[9]<\/sup> 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[10]<\/sup> Romans 2:4 (NET)<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>[11]<\/sup> Titus 1:9 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[12]<\/sup> Matthew 26:41b, Mark 14:38b<\/p>\n

<\/a>[13]<\/sup> Romans 5:6-8 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[14]<\/sup> Matthew 16:27 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[15]<\/sup> Galatians 5:5, 6 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[16]<\/sup> Galatians 5:22, 23 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[17]<\/sup> Romans, Part 60<\/a><\/em>; Paul in Corinth<\/a><\/em>; Romans, Part 52<\/a><\/em>; Romans, Part 53<\/a><\/em>; My Reasons and My Reason, Part 6<\/a><\/em>; Romans, Part 68<\/a><\/em>; Romans, Part 70<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>[18]<\/sup> Romans 8:26, 27 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[19]<\/sup> Matthew 16:21 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[20]<\/sup> 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[21]<\/sup> James 1:19 (NET)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Paul wrote the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 NET): Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them most highly … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3833,3834],"tags":[3839,3842,3835,3849,3794,3848,3618,3838,3836,3837,415,3847,3534,3840,3841,3845,1184,872,3844,3786,834,686,1513,3846,3843],"class_list":["post-8136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-section-four","category-to-make-holy","tag-1-corinthians-414","tag-1-thessalonians-211-12","tag-1-thessalonians-512-18","tag-1-thessalonians-519-22","tag-1-thessalonians-523-24","tag-2-corinthians-812","tag-2-thessalonians-314-15","tag-acts-2030-32","tag-colossians-127-29","tag-colossians-316","tag-galatians-522-23","tag-galatians-55-6","tag-james-119","tag-john-1119","tag-john-1131","tag-mark-1438","tag-matthew-1621","tag-matthew-1627","tag-matthew-2641","tag-romans-1514","tag-romans-24","tag-romans-56-8","tag-romans-826-27","tag-romans-85-14","tag-titus-19"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8136"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21288,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8136\/revisions\/21288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}