As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

Strong’s Number G3640 matches the Greek ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos), which occurs 5 times in 5 verses in the Greek concordance.

We will look at the the last of the four instances that Jesus (and only Jesus) used this Greek word in this post.

Matthew 16:5-12

To the point, Jesus speaks to the disciples, and us about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  But what is that teaching?

The Pharisee’s and Sadducee’s Doctrine/Teaching

The passage clearly combines the Pharisees teaching with the Sadduccess teaching.  But they were worlds apart on various teachings.  I found this description informative (check here for more info.)

Religiously, the Sadducee were more conservative in one doctrinal area: they insisted on a literal interpretation of the text of Scripture; the Pharisees, on the other hand, gave oral tradition equal authority to the written Word of God. If the Sadducee couldn’t find a command in the Tanakh, they dismissed it as manmade.

I have always considered the Sadducee to be comparable to liberal elitists, and the Pharisees likened to the tradition laden believers within the church.  Both of these groups promoted a teaching that Jesus warned us of.

Dang it if I can’t find anything clear in this particular passage, but may I suggest a common thread of both these groups?

Both the Pharisee and Sadducee had these common traits

1. They were both religious.
2. They were both political.

1. Religion

Jesus came to create religion.  Why is He knocking it?

Nope.

That is wrong thinking Carl.  Jesus did not come to create a religion.  (Dang it if it wasn’t religion that killed the Messiah.)  Jesus never used the word religion when He preached. He condemned both the Pharisees and Sadducees in thier religious practices (which of itself doesn’t condemn all religion). I can’t find any of the apostles referring to religion (in a positive way) except in the book of James, which definitely does not describe the religion touted by the groups we are speaking about.

2.Politics

So, how does your Christian life relate to the turmoil of the political landscape in your land?  Do you get caught up in the promises, the hopes that politicians freely provide.  Do you see that political power is a positive influence in your nation?

The Pharisee and Sadducee parties were heavily involved in acquiring and maintaining  influence upon the people through the political process.  Political power is the ability to exert external pressure to make citizens/subject to conform, to fit into a certain mold, to control a population.

I am convinced that Christianity and political power cannot exist together.  Religion and politics can exist, since they both seek to influence souls externally.  Not so with Christianity.  Christianity is completely different – The Spirit of God is internal, living and powerful, convincing and convicting each believer to follow God.

Christianity is to be the voice calling corruption to the carpet, not to be in bed with the earthly power.

Somehow, I feel Jesus may have been alluding to this unholy partnership.  Whether this passage speaks of this topic, I will leave with the reader.

Back to the Littleness of Faith

No matter, the littleness of faith spoken of by the Messiah can be directly connected with the manner in which we hear His words.  As a technically trained professional, I struggle daily to communicate literally, clearly and without contradiction, in order to have my message understood.  Vagueness and metaphors are not my cup of tea. (Ooops)

Not so with the Lord.  He often spoke in parables, likening earthly things with heavenly things, communicating on a different level.  He sometimes came down to our level, but He didn’t stay there.  He is calling us to have ears to hear His message, not to change the intent of the message to conform to our culture and training.  This is a mighty challenge!

The Word is powerful, but it is powerful the message it supplies.  We need to hear not only the words but the intent behind them.

Let us not have littleness of faith in our understanding of the Word of God.

Please leave a comment to continue this discussion and come visit next time to continue our look at faith.

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

Strong’s Number G3640 matches the Greek ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos), which occurs 5 times in 5 verses in the Greek concordance.

We will look at three of the four instances that Jesus (and only Jesus) used this Greek word in the following post.

In our last post, Jesus rebuked the disciples for littleness of faith. They were poverty stricken of faith.  I noted that they had been given much teaching, personal interaction and many miracles to base thier faith on.  In this passage, the disciples had spent an additional few weeks (possibly more) since the previous rebuke, and received additional teaching and miraculous experiences

In this passage, the disciples are in a boat again, and it is in the middle of a storm, but it is Peter that “risks it all”

You gotta give it to Peter for his willingness to step out.  He saw the example of Jesus on the water, realized that as a disciple, he was to mimic the Master.  He verified the identity of the Master (Lord if it is you…) and asked for the empowerment (command me to come…).  Both of these prayers are commendable.  As believers, we are to verify the voice we are following, since there are many out there seeking our attention.  Secondly, we need to have the command of God to base our actions upon.  Both Peter did!

He jumped out of the boat and kept his eyes on Jesus.  Is this foolhardy?  Yes!  The lake was deep, full of danger, and cloaked in darkness.  When the surrounding exterior conditions became Peters focus, he began to sink into them.

How common for me to start out with my eyes on the Lord, anticipating no resistance or failure since He is so kind and good.  When I start to fall, slip or go under, my first response is to consider Him to have failed me.

This is rebellion.

I need to hear the Lord’s rebuke, the status of my faith.  Reality checks are critical if we are to walk in truth.  My commitment to obey requires accountability and Jesus is faithful in supplying this, if we will listen.  If we listen.

Peter listened.  Did he experience shame, loss of stature among the brethren, increased doubts?  Maybe.

Did he eventually become a man of God?  Definitely.

Note that upon sinking, Peter cried out to the Lord.  Immediately Jesus rescued him.  No longer did Peter walk on the water, looking to Jesus.  Jesus physically held on to him, but spoke of his littleness of faith.

In the midst of this obedience, Peter saw the tumult of his surroundings and doubted.  Peter doubted and did not pass this test.  But he stayed in the “game” and the Lord continued to challenge him, working with him in Israel for decades after, establishing the mother church and leading many to know Him.

How about you?  The last “test” you were provided?

How did you do?

• Did you verify who was leading you?
• Did you request power to get through it
• Did you keep your eyes off your circumstances and on the Lord?

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith. This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site. The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

Strong’s Number G3640 matches the Greek ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos), which occurs 5 times in 5 verses in the Greek concordance.

We will look at the second of the four instances that Jesus (and only Jesus) used this Greek word in the following posts.

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

Strong’s Number G3640 matches the Greek ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos), which occurs 5 times in 5 verses in the Greek concordance.

We will look at the first of four instances that Jesus (and only Jesus) used this Greek word in the following post. (Matthew 6:30 is parallel passage in Luke 12:28)

Worry over Grub and Garb

Worry worry worry.

A concern over food and clothing just doesn’t connect with me, residing in the USA and having much more than I need.  The disciples didn’t have it so good.  They had food for the day, thier daily bread. They may have had one set of apparel, and when it became worn, purchasing new wear would constitute a significant burden on thier resources. An inner garment and an outer garment, a belt and some sandals.  Food and clothing was a justified concern.

Does Jesus simply say not to worry.  No – He elevates our standing before God via  directing our attention to a bird and a little flower.  Amazing.  Let’s consider the lily.

The Lily

We find Jesus talking to His disciples, speaking of the toil (growing exhausted) and spinning of a simple lily compared with the splendor of Solomon, (Israels wealthiest King).

This alone is instructive for us as believers, since we surely estimate King Solomon’s splendor (clothing/appearance) to be greater than that of a humble lily.  But the Master states that thinking to be wrong thinking.

Solomon spent his days toiling to create a splendor he enjoyed.  The lily does not toil, and is simply a splendor. (By the way, in the Lord’s estimation the greater splendor.)

Solomon had splendor that was external.  The lily’s splendor comes from within.

As believers, Jesus tells us the Father will “much more clothe” us.  He has greater concern for us than the lily, yet the lily had great splendor.  He compares the lily of the field (which has a temporary existence) with believers (non-temporary existence) who have so little faith.

Is Jesus simply speaking of the literal clothing on our back?  The Word states He supply’s our every need, so the clothing on my back is provided by the Father.

He is addressing the topic of worry.  Worry over the clothes on our back and the food we eat.  He reminds us numerous times that we are of much more worth than a sparrow or a lily.

My greatest downfall in my walk with the Father is worry.  A mind numbing, paralyzing worry.  I have so little faith.

My worry comes from one source.  I have my eyes fixed on the wrong object.  Solomon’s splendor was visual, pride elevating, of this world.  The lily simply exhibited the life God supplied.  The lily didn’t toil for something beyond its reach, or seek to add to its current splendor, or even compare its splendor with a dandelion.

This is against my nature! I continually set goals to gauge my progress, compare myself with others and seek more out of life instead of simply enjoying the life supplied by the Father.

My perspective is completely upside down.  Oh – I can justify my worry, calling it careful planning, walking in wisdom, careful stewardship.  How shallow and of no impact.

How accurate when Jesus called me out, that one with little faith.  Father forgive me and teach me to keep my eyes on you.

Please leave a comment and come visit next time to continue our look at faith.

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider the term Elpis, ἐλπίς

Romans 5

One of the most hope laden passages in the New Testament is found in Romans 5.  Based upon the believer finding peace with God, hope is born.  Not some nebulous hope that someday things will turn out.  No – Paul gets specific.  This hope refers to the glory of God.

The first time (verse 2) hope is referred to, I believe is the hope that is received upon your initial salvation experience.  That hope which the believer experiences, which the Lord supplies, immediately upon finding peace with God through the Lord Jesus.  That hope is the eager expectation of seeing God glorified in our lives, to bring Him honor and love, and in the midst of that hope, rejoicing in the middle of it!

Now the second time hope is referred to in this passage (verse 4) is the hope that becomes our hope – that is, the hope that each believer acquires through experience.  My hope, like all believers, is in the Lord Jesus and His resurrection from the dead.

But my hope, unlike any other believer, is a result of the working of the Lord Jesus personally in my life, bringing endurance and character into my life. My experience with the Master is unlike any other believer, and this is the beauty of the body of Christ.  But that is a topic for later.

We must remember that the goal of the Christian life is to become like the One who died for us.  And that requires suffering.  And I don’t like that at all.  But on a personal note, every time my wife and I have went through a period of suffering, the Lord has been faithful, supporting us through it, helping us to hang on, and providing relief when He considers it best. (Usually much later than I would consider it best – But He knows best!)

Let’s read the passage in review

Can we think about hope just a bit more?  Hope in the English language is sometimes used to refer to as a last resort.  Something like you might say when a person is in the hospital, ” We can only hope now.”

I’m not convinced that is the connotation in the Scripture.  This hope is a confident hope, a hope that is a “first” response, not a last resort. I believe the glory of God is not something that may happen, but that we look forward to since He has already won the victory.  The hope of the glory of God is not somewhat possible.  The glory of God is inevitable.  If you are a believer, rejoice in that.

Romans 8

Isn’t it obvious that hope carries with it an expectation, a confidence, an anticipation of some pleasurable experience.  No one in thier right mind hopes for a tragedy.  Hope is always associated with positive life experiences.

Note that hope is associated with the future. Nothing in the present, physical existence can be regulated to the concept of hope.  It is upon our faith in the risen Messiah that we can have confident hope that great things will occur.

1 Corinthians 13:13

What is the difference between faith and hope in this verse?  If I understand it, faith is associated with a person, with the Person of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures.  Hope is built on that faith, but it is associated with future happenings and experiences.

Faith is a present tense thought – Hope is always in the future.  The two concepts are two sides of a single coin.  (Somewhat like faith and repentance)

Faith in the person of Jesus, and the gracious message He brought through His life and death,  gives us an earnest expectation of good and holy things in the future.

2 Corinthians 3:12

Boldness is the direct result of hope, of a specific hope that we can find in the resurrection of the Messiah.  Wonder if Paul is going to refer the the resurrection in this passage??

Philippians 1:20

I spoke earlier of hope having expectation associated with it and Paul is reiterating the same thought here.  Occasionally, I will express the same thought differently to get a point across. Paul is doing the same here.  Or he may be trying to emphasize the thought of expectation.  Yes – since again hope is connected directly with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus in the next verse

Acts 23:6

Acts 23:6

Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

Paul – you must stop connecting hope with the resurrection.  It seems to be a habit of yours!

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider Apistos, ἄπιστος

Apistos

I used to read the KJV religiously, and in that translation, the term “unbeliever” was translated “infidel”.  This always bothered me since it is such a loaded term.

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider Apistos, ἄπιστος

Apistos

This verse states that it takes faith to limit God.  What?

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith. This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site. The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider Apistos, ἄπιστος

Apistos

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my earlier post, I was in discussion with my Sunday School teacher and we verred into the topic of faith.  This topic addresses the first Greek word in our table below

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider Apistos, ἄπιστος

Apistos

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

As mentioned in my introduction to faith post, I was in Sunday School class a while back and had the opportunity to discuss Christian maturity with the teacher, and as you may have guessed, we wandered off into the subject of faith.

Faith

He had told me there are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “faith” in our English Bible, and I let him know I thought otherwise.

So I came home and did a quick study, using Blue Letter Bible web site.  The following table gives a summary of the New Testament Greek words used when describing our English word “faith”.

This post will consider Apistos, ἄπιστος

Apistos

Faithless

The first time I find this word is in Matthew 17

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.