Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
I read all your posts, thank you for continuing they are helpful, seems there have not been many discussions lately. In your part 29 every one of us shall give an account of himself and you gave a very good description of the fire we also see in 1 Corinthians 3, I had a dream about that once.
I understand many believe the white throne judgment is only for the lost and the Bema seat judgment of Christ is for all that is saved. My understanding we see those in the first resurrection and Revelation 20:4 judgment is given to those who will reign with Christ in the millennium.
There will be 1000 years and there will be those who accept Jesus and those who will not as we see when Satan is released from the bottomless pit, he goes out to deceive again and we see when they go up to and surround the camp of the saints their number is as the sands of the sea. People will die during these 1000 years.
Jesus's reign is to be until all enemies are destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 and we see that the last enemy is death, death along with the grave is cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:14 and in 20:15. My understanding the second and last resurrection, those who were not in the first resurrection will be judged in the white throne judgment and whosoever was not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, then the new heaven and the new earth.
In part 30, well done; I see these precious stones and what they are building that may be almost finished, Revelation 21:9-27 and I believe this new city is made up of each believer's stone.
Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I'm happy to hear that the things I am sharing are helpful. I do wish that the person who asked me to do this was still here. My whole intent was to point out some variations/differences that I have found between the Greek text and our English translations. This is what I was asked to do by a user on this forum. As long as you and a few others are still following along, I will continue to press on through the book of Revelation (Lord willing).
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Like you, I also miss the discussions. I know we have a different understanding between the Great White Throne Judgment and the Bema Seat Judgment. I think we may have discussed that one before.
I agree about the 1,000-year reign where some will be saved, and others will still continue to reject Christ. It amazes me how anyone can live in such a perfect world during that time period and at the end still choose to reject Christ.
I do find it interesting that you believe the new city is made up of each believer's stone. I've never heard that before. I have no opinion on that one way or another, but I do find it thought provoking.
Again, thank you so much for your message my brother. I do hope and pray that the Lord will continue to give each of us that hunger and desire for His word in order that we might come to know Christ more and more each day and that His perfect will for our lives be carried out.
I hope all is going well for you and your family. I still read all the posts and my prayers are still for this site and those on it. I miss the discussions and the brothers and sisters that use to post here.
Yes Ronald, I, too, miss and wonder about those who with us here but have not been here in awhile. I pray for them and would be blessed to hear from them all again. Yet, I trust that they are walking in God's will and way as He keeps them from falling as He does for us, too.
As to discussions. I have been so very blessed by the discussions on this site. I have learned so much from others and mostly from going back into Scriptures to refresh my learning about topics. I hope that the discussions on varied topics will pick up soon. I am preparing to post the next segment of what I posted last month on God's will and man's will. It will be about God's holiness, righteousness and purity as it relates to His actions towards sin and sinners. I am nearly done composing it in a Word doc so I can review, revise, and add to it with future topics related to the idea I have that stems from a posting between Chris and I a while back. I pray that I will write well and accurately as a reflection pf what the Scriptures teach. I value your prayers on this, if you would be so kind.
We are doing well. Still waiting to get started on the stair railings very soon. Should hear from Eric about upcoming time frame.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
It says let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that? First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So, you can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. As I have shared before, HUPOCRISIS, the Greek word for hypocrisy is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script.
A person in a religious circle can be a hypocrite. They learn how to answer according to the script. They just learn all the terminologies, and how to say praise the Lord, and how are you doing, but there's been no transformation. There's been no change, no sign of life!
So, if we put this all together, there are only three words here. The love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy. Love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. Love doesn't act. In fact, I have come to learn to not like the term act when you are talking to another Christian. "Well, you're not acting like a Christian."
You don't want to tell people that because then they are going to try and act like one. We're not supposed to act like Christians. We're supposed to be Christians. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
All of these things in the rest of the chapter are connected with the statement "Love is without hypocrisy." The first thing about corruption, it says Abhor that which is evil; and cleave to that which is good. Agape love, the love of God, abhors, detests evil. And the word cleave is the word for glue. Glue yourself to that which is good. How many of us have hated corruption and evil, we can't stand it, and glue ourselves to that which is good?
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
The word edify comes from a Greek word (OIKODOMES) that is actually a construction term that means to build a house. Some people use the phrase "Building one another up," but they use it in a sense of emotionally, or psychologically building people up. But it has to do with construction.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, it says that the foundation that is laid is Jesus Christ. He says to take heed how you build, either wood, hay and stubble, or gold, silver, and precious stones. Which is it? Take heed that the material that you are building upon that foundation. That's edification. That's development. Building a house!
Another reference is given to us at the end of Ephesians Chapter 2. Paul says that we are all, both Jew and Gentile, we are being built up unto a spiritual house, to house the Lord.
Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 2 talked about "We're living stones being developed unto a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chief conerstone." So, with that metaphorical picture, we realize that whatever each of us has to go through, our "stone" so to speak, is being shaped to fit in with the other stones in this building.
Romans 14:10 - But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
I have shared this in the past, but I thought I would mention again that this little phrase "judgment seat" is the word BEMA. It is the Bema seat, not the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation Chapter 20. Every believer will go through a judgment. No believer will stand at the Great White Thone Judgment.
But every believer will pass through the fire. That's not hell. That's our own little judgment and the foundation that we all have is Christ. Some are going to build upon that foundation with wood, hay, and stubble. And others with gold, silver, and precious stones. And as we pass through the fire, whatever burns is not of Christ, and it's gone. And after the fire, whatever is left, that's our reward!
Romans 14:15 - But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you are no longer walking according to love. That's the literal translation. Do not destroy with your meat, the person for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The word good (AGATHOS) has to do with the good of Christ, Spiritual good. But the evil spoken of is the word BLASPHEMEISTHO, (Blasphemy). Even if I can find scripture that backs me up to say I can do what I'm doing and it's not wrong, if I offend a brother or sister that doesn't understand, I am responsible for that.
I read all your posts, thank you for continuing they are helpful, seems there have not been many discussions lately. In your part 29 every one of us shall give an account of himself and you gave a very good description of the fire we also see in 1 Corinthians 3, I had a dream about that once.
I understand many believe the white throne judgment is only for the lost and the Bema seat judgment of Christ is for all that is saved. My understanding we see those in the first resurrection and Revelation 20:4 judgment is given to those who will reign with Christ in the millennium.
There will be 1000 years and there will be those who accept Jesus and those who will not as we see when Satan is released from the bottomless pit, he goes out to deceive again and we see when they go up to and surround the camp of the saints their number is as the sands of the sea. People will die during these 1000 years.
Jesus's reign is to be until all enemies are destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 and we see that the last enemy is death, death along with the grave is cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:14 and in 20:15. My understanding the second and last resurrection, those who were not in the first resurrection will be judged in the white throne judgment and whosoever was not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, then the new heaven and the new earth.
In part 30, well done; I see these precious stones and what they are building that may be almost finished, Revelation 21:9-27 and I believe this new city is made up of each believer's stone.
Thanks again brother
God bless,
RLW
Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I'm happy to hear that the things I am sharing are helpful. I do wish that the person who asked me to do this was still here. My whole intent was to point out some variations/differences that I have found between the Greek text and our English translations. This is what I was asked to do by a user on this forum. As long as you and a few others are still following along, I will continue to press on through the book of Revelation (Lord willing).
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Like you, I also miss the discussions. I know we have a different understanding between the Great White Throne Judgment and the Bema Seat Judgment. I think we may have discussed that one before.
I agree about the 1,000-year reign where some will be saved, and others will still continue to reject Christ. It amazes me how anyone can live in such a perfect world during that time period and at the end still choose to reject Christ.
I do find it interesting that you believe the new city is made up of each believer's stone. I've never heard that before. I have no opinion on that one way or another, but I do find it thought provoking.
Again, thank you so much for your message my brother. I do hope and pray that the Lord will continue to give each of us that hunger and desire for His word in order that we might come to know Christ more and more each day and that His perfect will for our lives be carried out.
Blessings in Christ!
God bless,
RLW
How are you?
It's good to see you check in from time to time!
It haven't been many questions or discussions on the site lately.
I have been studying and enjoying Brother Jesse's material in the Greek.
Again, It's good to hear from you!
Blessings.
I am doing well for an old man; I am also glad Jesse is continuing. Hope your travel has been smooth.
Thanks, brother and God bless,
RLW
Hello again. I have been praying for you and hoping that you post on here since you haven't posted much. Welcome back. I am so glad to hear from you.
I hope all is going well for you and your family. I still read all the posts and my prayers are still for this site and those on it. I miss the discussions and the brothers and sisters that use to post here.
In love God bless,
RLW
As to discussions. I have been so very blessed by the discussions on this site. I have learned so much from others and mostly from going back into Scriptures to refresh my learning about topics. I hope that the discussions on varied topics will pick up soon. I am preparing to post the next segment of what I posted last month on God's will and man's will. It will be about God's holiness, righteousness and purity as it relates to His actions towards sin and sinners. I am nearly done composing it in a Word doc so I can review, revise, and add to it with future topics related to the idea I have that stems from a posting between Chris and I a while back. I pray that I will write well and accurately as a reflection pf what the Scriptures teach. I value your prayers on this, if you would be so kind.
We are doing well. Still waiting to get started on the stair railings very soon. Should hear from Eric about upcoming time frame.
Romans 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The word provision in Greek means to think and plan ahead of time. Wow, does that strike home? My whole life, that's all I've done. My flesh says, "Man, you had me working for many years, all year long 8 to 5? We haven't had any time off. I think you need to travel around the world. That's what I think we need to do."
And I'm thinking that sounds great. But is it plans to follow the Lord? Is it plans to present my body as a living sacrifice to Christ? Or am I making provision for the flesh? And by following that, is it taking me away from the things of Christ? Very urgent, very serious message!
Romans 14:1 - Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, and that's a command to receive the one who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Now we are to receive him, but not to doubtful disputations.
Doubtful is the word judgment in the Greek text. And the word disputation, DIALOGISMOS, where we get our word dialog from, is translated opinion.
Receive him, but not judging of opinions. In essence, we're focusing on believers not being able to see eye to eye on opinions. These are called non-essentials, non-essential issues, not pertaining to what the scriptures say, and not pertaining to moral issues. These things are addressed in God's word.
But we are to receive one another even though opinions might differ. We're not talking about beliefs. We're talking about opinions. The weaker brother or sister, they will have some opinions about what's right and wrong.
Romans 14:2 - For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: and another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. Lachana is the Greek word and it means vegetable. So, the word herb is the word vegetable.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The term "affectioned" is a term for family love. Have an affection for your brothers and sisters in Christ as family, as PHILADELPHIA, brotherly love. And you show it by honoring them by preferring others ahead of yourself.
Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Praising in hope, patient in tribulation; and continuation in prayer, continuing to rejoice in the hope in Christ. The word patient is HUPOMENO. It means to remain under in difficult circumstances. And continuing, that is, not leaving off in prayer.
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; The word distributing is the word Koinonia for fellowship. It means to identify, be at one with the needs of the saints, especially given to hospitality.
In those days, it was a bad place for Christians to stay at the Inn, the local motels, which were nothing but brothels. And so, as the Christians were passing through, they would seek out Christian fellowship and Christians would take them into their homes and give them a place to stay for a day or two or a night or two. So, be at common, be at one with the needs of the body of Christ, with the saints.
Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
The word bless EULOGEO is where we get our word eulogy from. Speak well of them. Speak well back to them. Don't get caught up. If they want to speak some way to you, let them. Don't get caught up in the destructive process. You bless and curse not. The word curse doesn't mean to swear. It means to wish destruction on somebody. Don't wish them the worst. Eulogize them.
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