Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHAPTER

1) "There is therefore now no condemnation," (ouden ara nun katakrima) "There is then no condemnation, now and hereafter;" The "in Christ" believer, redeemed, justified, saved now has and will have no more condemnation to hell, forever. It is this basic truth on which believers are called to serve the Lord, in gratitude, thru his church, John 3:18; John 5:24; Romans 4:7-8; Romans 6:23.

2) "To them which are in Christ Jesus," (tois en christou lesou) "To those who are in Christ Jesus;" 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21. To be "in Christ" is to be saved, redeemed, justified, and complete, lacking nothing to keep one from hell’s judgment, Colossians 2:9-10; John 10:27-29. An unsaved person enters Jesus Christ by repentance toward God and faith (trust) in Jesus Christ, John 3:19; Acts 20:21; Acts 10:43; Romans 15:7; Romans 15:11; Romans 15:22.

3) "Who walk not after the flesh," (not in most ancient manuscripts), an interpretation of the verse. There is a condemnation of the conscience, a future judgment of rewards, a judgment seat of Christ, before which all the saved are to appear, but this future judgment is not the one, or the kind, about which Paul wrote, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

4) "But after the spirit," (not in most ancient manuscripts). The condemnation discussed from Romans 3:20 to Romans 7:25 has been forever, eternally removed from power over the justified believer. And the believer thereafter and hereafter has the liberating, emancipating Holy Spirit power by which his life is to be safely and successfully guided, Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 5:13; Galatians 5:23. He is called to walk, as a pattern of conduct, no longer after the order of the old flesh nature, but after the new Holy Spirit nature of eternal life, Ephesians 5:15-20; Galatians 5:16.

1) "For the law of the Spirit of life," (ho gar nomos tou pneumatos tes zoes) "Because the law (divine principle) of the spirit of life;" the dynamic, empowering principle of the spirit, that imparts spiritual life in the new birth, and sustains this eternal life, John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 6:3; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:11. Nineteen times the Holy Spirit is used in this chapter, and but once before, in the Book of Romans, in Romans 5:5.

2) "In Christ Jesus hath made me free," (en Christo lesou eleutherosen se) "In Christ Jesus set thee free," or freed thee. The eternal Holy Spirit principle that existed in Jesus Christ, enables him to give eternal life to believers, John 10:27-29; John 17:3; 1 John 5:13. This same Holy Spirit who brought Jesus from the dead has been given to every believer and is the basis of his sure hope in the resurrection, 1 John 4:13; Romans 8:11.

3) "From the law of sin and death," (apo tou nomou tes hamartias kai tou thanatou) "From the law of sin and death;- the ruling principle in every man’s first nature, flesh nature, is a death principle and death power. But thru faith in the blood of Christ one is set free, liberated, emancipated by the power or ruling and controlling principle of or in the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:12; Romans 5:14; Romans 5:17; James 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; Romans 6:23; John 3:3; John 3:5; John 3:7; John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 6:3; John 8:36; John 4:15; Christ came, by the spirit, to give this liberty from condemnation, Luke 4:18; children of God have this liberty, Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:17; they are to stand fast in it, and use it honorably, Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13.

1) "For what the law could not do," (to gar adunaton tou nomou) "Because the thing it was impossible for the law to do;" it could condemn the wrong and guide to truth and Christ, but it could not impart holiness, save, or justify from condemnation, Galatians 3:19-25; Acts 13:39.

2) "In that it was weak through the flesh," (en ho esthenei dia tes sarkos) "In which it was weak through the flesh;" it ruled or gave standard guidance to the flesh, in pointing to the redeemer - but the flesh was weak, depraved, deranged unable to meet the moral and ethical standards of holiness prescribed in the law, so that no man kept it. It was the flesh that was weak - not the law. Romans 3:20; Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Hebrews 7:18-19.

3) "God sending his own son," (ho theos ton heautou huion pemphas) "God (of himself), his own choice or volition, sending his own Son;" John 3:16-17; Galatians 4:4-5. He sent his Son to redeem them who were under the law, Romans 5:12-19.

4) "In the likeness of sinful flesh," (en homoimati sarkos hamartias) "in likeness of flesh, of sin-kind;" This is one of time and eternity’s greatest mysteries; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 4:15.

5) "And for sin," (kai peri hamartias) "and concerning sin," and what it had done to the "cosmos", created universe, including man, John 3:16; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

6) "Condemned sin in the flesh," (katekrinen ten hamartian en to sarki) "Condemned sin in the flesh," by what he said, and what he did, and by his death on the cross, when he bare our sins in his own body (flesh) on the tree, Luke 23:4; 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 7:26; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24.

1) "That the righteousness of the law," (hina to dikaioma tou nomou) "In order that the righteousness of the law;" that the righteousness required in the law ordi­nances, the uprightness of conduct and character set forth in the law and enjoined by it, Romans 3:19; Romans 7:12; Romans 7:14.

2) "Might be fulfilled in us," (plerothe en hemon) "May (or might) be fulfilled in us," the principles of righteousness and holiness enjoined in the law are to be fulfilled in our obedient living, sanctification of body and life to Christ, to which we are called, Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 3:1-3.

3) "Who walk not after the flesh," (toe’s me kata sarka peripatousin) "in those walking not according to the flesh," after the pattern of flesh lusts, which are to be put off, kept under subjection by the power of the Spirit of Christ in us, Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 4:31-32.

4) "But after the Spirit," (alla kata pneuma) "But according to the Spirit” conducting us, as the spirit leads or guides us, as free-born, liberated, emancipated children of God, John 8:32; John 8:36; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13; Galatians 5:25.

1) "For they that are after the flesh," (hoi gar kata sarka) "Because those who are according to the flesh," the unsaved, the unregenerated, those remaining in the state or condition of their natural birth, depraved, carnal, and by nature "children of wrath", Ephesians 2:1-2; Psalms 51:5; Psalms 58:3; James 1:15.

2) "Do mind the things of the flesh," (ontes to tes sarkos pronousin) "They being in this state, mind the things of the flesh," that which, and those things which, are in harmony with the flesh desires, lusts, and cravings, Romans 3:9-19; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:19-21.

3) "But they that are after the spirit," (oi de kata pneuma) "But those existing or being according to or in harmony with (the) Spirit;" those who are saved, who have been begotten of God, born of his spirit, 1 Peter 1:22-23; John 6:63; 1 John 4:13; Romans 5:5.

4) "The things of the Spirit," (ta tou pneumatos) "They mind or concern themselves with things of the Spirit;" There is a carnal conflict of the flesh against the Spirit to control the conduct of every child of God, Galatians 5:17-18; Galatians 5:22-25. The "things" of the spirit refers to the fruit of the Spirit of God in the obedient child of God.

1) "For to be carnally minded is death," (to gar phronema tes sarkos thanatos) "For the mind of the flesh is death;" Death is used in the sense of barren, unfruitful, or unproductive of righteousness in Christian service. The sanctified, justified brethren of the church at Corinth were chided for their carnality, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Romans 7:14.

2) "But to be spiritually minded is life and peace," (to de pronema tou pneumatos zoe kai eirene) "But the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;" to yield and be led by the Spirit tends to a life of peace, avoiding the chastening of God, 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 5:18-20; Galatians 6:1; Galatians 5:22-25.

1) "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God," (dioti to pronema tes sarkos echtra eis theon) "Wherefore the fleshly mind is enmity against God;" is in obstinate rebellion against God; it can never be tamed, but in the believer it can be held in subjection or restraint thru prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, James 4:4-8.

2) "For it is not subject to the law of God," (to gar nomo tou theou ouch hupotassetai) "For it is not (exists not) subject (in subjection) to the law of God;" it is in rebellion, like an untamed, wild horse. The carnal mind will not be bridled to serve the law of God. It is lustful, arrogant, selfish and will remain such in every man till death, James 1:15.

3) "Neither indeed can be," (oude gar dunatai) "Nor indeed "is it able to be;" as the leopard cannot change his spots or the Ethiopian his skin, so the carnal mind, the fleshly mind, the mind of enmity and rebellion against God, cannot be changed. It is appointed to death and will end there for every believer, Jeremiah 13:23; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. He that is in the believer, (the Holy Spirit) is greater than he that is in the World and the flesh, 1 John 4:4.

The believer is to think on high and holy things, by the mind of the Spirit, by which he can keep the body and carnal will under subjection, though he can never conquer it in this life, Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

1) "So then they that are in the flesh," (hoi de en sarkiontes) "Those existing in the flesh," in the flesh nature, those unsaved, unrenewed, in the unregenerate state of natural birth as accountable persons, Jew or Gentile are "by nature children of wrath," and "children of the devil," Ephesians 2:1-2; John 8:44.

2) "Cannot please God," (theo aersai ou dunatai) "are not able to please God," cannot walk with God, or exist in harmony with God. This is why men cannot enter heaven unless they are born again, regenerated, or made partakers of His divine nature, Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 21:27. The unsaved are quarantined from entering heaven because of their depraved sinful state, until after, or unless they are born again. John 3:3; John 3:5; Luke 13:3; Luke 13:5.

1) "But ye are not in the flesh," (humeis de ouk este en sarki) "But you all are not in (the) flesh," In the domain, domination, or jurisdiction of the old flesh nature, for he that is in the believer "is greater than he that is in the world," 1 John 4:4.

2) "But in the Spirit," (alla en pneumati) "But in (the) Spirit," in the domain of leadership and jurisdiction of the Holy Spirit, as individuals and as a church, 1 John 4:13; Romans 5:5.

3) "If so be the Spirit of God dwells in you," (eiper pneuma theou oikei en humin) "Since the Spirit of God dwells in your all;" both as individuals and the church which he indwells and empowers, John 16:7-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30-32.

4) "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ," (ei de tis pneuma Christou ouk echei) "But if anyone has, holds, or possesses not the Spirit of Christ," when one is, born again, or born of the Spirit, he is made a partaker of God’s divine nature, John 3:6-7; John 6:63; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 4:13.

5) "He is none of his," (houtos ouk estin autou) "This one (this kind of one) is not of him;" One without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is unsaved and a child of the devil, does not belong to Christ, (except by right of creation) as all men do, Ezekiel 18:4; Malachi 2:10. But through the carnal, fleshly, inherent, enmity of the old nature against God, one is void of the Holy Spirit, does not have any preparation to enter heaven or belong to Christ; Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18.

1) "And if Christ be in you," (ei de Christos en humin) "But if Christ (exists, abides) in you;" by the Holy Spirit birth, John 6:56; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 3:16-17. Christ in the believer is "the hope of glory," Colossians 1:27.

2) "The body is dead because of sin” (to men soma nekron dia hamartian) "the body on the one hand is dead because of, or through sin;" as good as dead, to which death all are predestined, Ecclesiastes 9:5; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56.

3) "But the Spirit is life," (to de pneuma zoe) "But on the other hand the Spirit is life;" The Spirit of life eternal is in every believer, Romans 8:2; Romans 8:6; 1 Peter 1:4; John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6. He has the Spirit nature who has been born of God, 1 John 5:1.

4) "Because of righteousness," (dia dikaiosunen) "Through or because of righteousness;" the righteousness of God, through Christ, is imputed or imparted to every believer, 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 4:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

1) "But if the Spirit of him," (ei de to pneuma tou) "But if the Spirit of the one," the Holy Spirit, (dwells or indwells the believer), and he does, 1 John 4:13; Romans 5:5.

2) "That raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you," (egeirantos ton lesoun ek nekron) "Having raised Jesus out of the dead," (aikei en humin) "dwells in you;"’ "The Holy Spirit of God (the triune), even the Father, Acts 2:24; Acts 10:40; Acts 13:37; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

3) "He that raised up Christ from the dead," (ho egeiras ek nekron christon lesoun) "The one who raised Christ Jesus out of dead corpses," God the Father, through the Holy Spirit; who "brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus," Hebrews 13:20.

4) "Shall also quicken your mortal bodies," (zoopoiesei kai ta thneta somata humon) "Will also quicken (make to live) your mortal bodies," impart life to your mortal bodies, so that they shall "put on immortality," 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Romans 6:4-5; Romans 8:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18.

5) "By His Spirit that dwelleth in you," (dia -tou ensikountos autou pneumatos en humin) "Through or because of his spirit that indwells you," at this moment, and to the resurrection of the dead body – Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30.

1) "Therefore, brethren," (ara oun, adelphoi) "So then brethren," - In the light of this, brethren.

2) "We are debtors," (opheiletai esmen) "We are (exist as) debtors," have obligations - are under constraining obligations.

3) "Not to the flesh," (ou te sarki) "Not to or toward the flesh;" we owe the flesh, the old nature, our enemy nothing; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

4) "To live after the flesh," (tou kata sarka zen) "To live (of) according to the (nature of) flesh;" or after the pattern of the fleshly, carnal nature, 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:3-9.

1) "For if ye live after the flesh," (ei gar kata sarka zete) "For if you all live according to the flesh," the desires, passions, and lusts of the old nature; Romans 12:1-2.

2) "Ye shall die," (mellete apothneskein) "ye are all about to die," you are open to the chastening of God’s hand of judgment, even to death, and living after the order of the flesh; you shall be barren, unbearing, unfruitful, or unproductive in holiness of life and service, 2 Peter 1:4-11.

3) "But if ye through the Spirit" (ei de pneumati) "but if by (the means, agency, or instrument) of the Spirit;" you live and walk by the indwelling Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-26.

4) "Do mortify the deeds of the body - (tas prakseis tou somatos thanatoute) "you all put to death make unfruitful, barren) the practices of the flesh body," and its desires of carnal kind; Colossians 3:1-5.

5) "Ye shall live," (Zesesthe) "you all will live," live unto God, the purpose for which you were created in Christ Jesus "unto good works," Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:22-23.

LED BY THE SPIRIT

1) "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God," (hosoi gar pneumati theou agontai) "For (because) -as many as are led by (the) Spirit of God," led by the spirit into obedient service to God, and into a practical godly life - as children follow a guide and soldiers a general so children of God and members of our Lord’s church should follow their Master and General, Luke 9:23; Galatians 5:18; John 14:15; John 15:14; John 20:21.

2) "They are the sons of God," (houtoi huioi eisin theou) "These are (presently exist as) sons of God;" Their walk in the Spirit does not make them children of God, but it demonstrates who they are, that they belong to Christ, Mark 9:41; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 John 3:1-3; The Holy Spirit woos and convicts the lost to salvation, then leads the obedient child of God into baptism, church membership, and a daily walk of service and worship that honors God, John 6:44; John 16:8-11; Ephesians 4:1-5; Ephesians 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6.

1) "For ye have not received," (ou gar elabete) "For you all received not;" when you were redeemed - you did not receive the kind of Spirit that causes fear and torments, but the Spirit of liberty, freedom, and hope, Romans 8:2; Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 4:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:7.

2) "The spirit of bondage again to fear," (pneuma douleias palin eis phobon) "a spirit of slavery again to or toward fear;" The voice of God, that thundered his law on Sinai, caused the hearers to tremble and those under its bondage thereafter to fear, Hebrews 2:15; Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:18-19; Deuteronomy 5:5; Deuteronomy 5:23-27; Hebrews 12:19; Hebrews 12:21; the Spirit of Christ casts out fear, 1 John 4:18.

3) "But ye have received the Spirit of adoption," (alla elabete pneuma huiothesias) "But ye received a spirit of (an heir-setting) adoption;" The Holy Spirit (when followed by believers) leads to baptism and church membership where, in position of service, they become heirs of God and joint-heirs of Christ, Romans 8:17-18; Romans 8:23; Romans 9:4; Ephesians 1:5.

4) "Whereby e cry, Abba Father," (en ho krazomen abba ho pater) "in which we cry out, Abba Father," a Syriac-Chaldee term of affection meaning "Father" or -my Father," the same term used by Christ in Gethsemane, Mark 14:36. Paul included himself in the "we" who cry "Father, Father!" In the Spirit - not of regeneration, but of adoption, or an heir setting, heir reigning Gentile rights obtained by children of God thru the church, Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; Galatians 4:6.

1) "The Spirit itself," (auto to pneuma) "The Spirit himself (itself);" the indwelling Spirit in the believer, 1 John 4:13; John 16:8-11; Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5.

2) "Beareth witness with our spirit," (summarteurei to Pneumati hemon) "witnesses in harmony with our spirit," or tells our spirit, bears testimony by the fruit of peace and joy that he brings to our spirits, our consciousness of will and affection for God and holiness, Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 5:5.

3) "That we are the children of God," (hoti esmen Tekna theou) "that we are (now exist as) children of God," not merely candidates for childhood to him, 1 John 5:10; 1 John 5:13. One does not have to wait till he dies to become a child of God or to know that he is a child of God, John 1:11-12; 1 John 3:1-2; 1 John 3:10; Galatians 3:26.

1) "And if children, then heirs," (ei de tekna) "and if children," (kai kleronomoi) "also heirs," heirs as well. Paul included himself in the "we" children and heirs of God, or individuals of the church who had acquired heir-setting rights of or with Christ, as surely as natural Israel was promised such, Acts 26:18; Galatians 4:7.

2) "Heirs of God," (kleronomoi men theou) "On one hand heirs of God;" to have an heir-setting earthly inheritance of God’s origin and provision, Luke 22:28-30; 2 Timothy 2:10-12.

3) "And joint-heirs with Christ," (sugkleronomoi de Christou) "on the other hand joint heirs of Christ;" In the upper room after instituting the Lord’s supper our Lord promised the apostles that they should set on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, in the kingdom age, and it appears that members of our Lord’s church will reign with him, as heirs also, Luke 19:17; Luke 19:19.

4) "If so be that we suffer with him," (eiper sumpaschomen) "Since we suffer in close affinity with him;" 2 Timothy 2:11-12; He loved the church and gave himself for it, Ephesians 5:25; Acts 20:28; and in his Sermon on the Mount, inaugurating his church, he pronounced blessings on them for suffering, for him, Matthew 5:11-12; John 15:20-21.

5) "That we may be also glorified together," (hina kai sundoksasth omen) "in order that we also may be glorified, in close association with him;" in the marriage of the bride to the groom, 2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Revelation 19:5 Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23.

1) "For I reckon," (logizomai gar) "For I reckon, calculate, or conclude," based on the revelation of the Spirit of God to him, Acts 26:18, and with an eye to the future.

2) "That the sufferings of this present time," (hoti ta pathemata tou nun kairou) "That the sufferings of the present and continuing era or period," experienced and to be experienced by believers, especially members of his church, Matthew 5:11-12; John 15:20; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:11-12.

3) "Are not worthy to be compared with the glory," (ouk aksia pros ten mellousan doksan) "are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory or glory certain to come," 2 Corinthians 11:1-2, the glory to be revealed in him in the first resurrection, rapture of the saints, and to be glorified in and thru all saints, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:10.

4) "Which shall be revealed in us," (apokaluphthenai eis hemas) "which shall be revealed or disclosed in us," the church us, Ephesians 3:21; when he comes to be joined to his bride, Revelation 19:5-9.

1) "For the earnest expectation of the creature," (he gar apokarapokia tes ktiseos) "for the anxious watching of the creation;" Here the earth in its accursed state is personified or described as groaning and moaning; 1) the waves of the sea, howling of the wind, and groans of beasts in a minor key, awaiting earth’s redemption from the curse, Genesis 3:17; John 3:16.

2) "Waiteth for the manifestation," (ten apokaupsin apekdechetai) "is eagerly expecting the revelation," of the glory of Christ in the resurrection, Philippians 1:20. This is a persistent expectation of true believers, a longing desire; 2 Peter 3:13-16. There is to be a time of renovation of the earth and restitution of all things, one glorious day, Acts 3:21.

3) "Of the sons of God," (ton huion tou theou) "of the sons (heirs) of God;" of adoption in the resurrection of glorified bodies like our Lord, 1 John 3:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 John 3:1-3. Earth’s future redemption or restitution is closely associated with that resurrection event of the children of God, 1 Corinthians 15:22-28.

1) "For the creature was made subject to vanity," (te gar mataioteti he ktisis hupetage) "For the creation was subjected to vanity, void, or emptiness;" as a consequence of sin - first of Satan in his fall, and second, in the fall of Adam, Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:14; Romans 5:17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:8-9.

2) "Not willingly," (ouch hekousa) "not out of a will of its own;" the inanimate earth had no volition, will, or power of choice, such as man has. Not of its will, but by divine sentence, the earth was subjected to decay, misery, death, and vanity, Genesis 3:17; Isaiah 24:5-6; 2 Peter 3:7.

3) "But by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope," (alla dia ton hupotaksanta eph’ elpida) "But because or through the one subjecting (it) in hope," the devil himself who sought to gain dominion of it from man, thru sin - the Prince of the power of the air, Ephesians 2:2; and Prince of this world order, John 12:31; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:8-9. But the hope of Satan is an insecure hope -there is an hour of defeat for him; there awaits a sure victory for our Lord, his church, his universe, and all his children, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 20:10.

1) "Because the creature itself," (dioti aute he ktisis) "Because the creation itself," the earth and all the created universe - all is an object of God’s love and purpose in redemption - not man alone; He loved and gave himself for perishing man and the world (kosmos), John 3:16.

2) "Also shall be delivered," (Kai eleutherothesetai) "Shall also be unshackled, liberated, delivered, or set free;" shall be emancipated from the power of ruin, death, decay, and deterioration it is now under, with its magnetic north pole off balance, Revelation 21:4; Hebrews 2:13-15.

3) "From the bondage of corruption," (apo tes douleias tes phthoras) "From the slavery of corruption;" from the power of decay, decomposition, and pollution, and from all sorrow, tears, pain, and death. When man is redeemed in body, in the resurrection, he will be in a new earth compatible to his new body, Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13.

4) "Into the glorious liberty," (eis ten eleutherian tes dokses) "Into the freedom or liberation of the glory," the liberty to be manifested in perfection of sons of God; This golden era glory of the world is described, Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 21:1-5.

5) "Of the children of God," (ton teknon tou theou) "of the children of God," the redeemed sons of God, in the resurrection and time of restitution, Acts 3:21; Matthew 17:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Romans 8:23.

CONFIDENT EXPECTATION

Confident expectation of a perfect kingdom of God. I know the obstacles, but I know as well the power behind! I do not see success as yet, but I know that it is coming. So I do not see the cathedral as yet, when I go into the confused quarry-yard and see there the half-wrought stones, the clumsy blocks that are by and by to be decorated capitals. But when at last they are finished in form and brought together, the mighty building rises in the air, an ever enduring psalm in rock. I do not see the picture yet, when I look upon the palette with its blotches, and stains and lumps of color. By and by, when the skillful brush of the painter has distributed those colors, I see the radiant beauty of the Madonna, the pathos of the Magdalene; I see the beauty of the landscape spread out upon the canvas, with meadow and hill and winding stream, and the splendors of the sunset crowning the whole. I do not see yet the perfect kingdom of God upon earth, but I see the colors which are to blend in it. I see the already half-chiseled rock out of which it shall be wrought; and I am not going to despond now, when so much already has been accomplished.

-R. S. Storrs

1) "For we know" (oidamen gar) "For we recognize, perceive, or know;" from the revelation of God that is "true from the beginning," Psalms 119:160; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2) "That the whole creation groaneth," (hoti pasa he ktisis sustenazei) "that all the created universe groans in unison (together)," not merely the moaning of the sea waves, the moaning of the wind in a minor key, or the sound of all living creatures as they cry and groan in a minor key, but all testimony of the sin cursed earth testifies of sin, as well as of the glory of God, Psalms 19:1-6; Romans 1:20.

3) "And travaileth in pain together," (kai sunodinei) "and travails together," in unison, in oneness of an whole; the curse pain exists because of sin, the sin of Satan and the sin of one man, Adam, Romans 5:12; Romans 5:14; Romans 5:17; Luke 10:18. Satan is the one who subjected it in hope, but to sin, pain, groans, death and decay, Romans 8:20.

4) "Until now," (achri tou nun) "until now and hereafter," for an unknown time of duration, till the time of restitution, until up to the time, that time "shall be no more," Revelation 10:6; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

1) "And not only they," (ou monon de) "and not only so," "they" - all things of the earth do groan, travail, die in pain together under earth’s curse, Genesis 3:17-19.

2) "But ourselves also," (alla kai autoi) "but also (we) ourselves; “exist under the curse of the ground, the curse of sorrow, the curse of thorns and thistles, and the curse of sweat of the face to eat bread till we return to the dust in death, Genesis 3:17-19; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Hebrews 9:27; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:14; Romans 5:17.

3) "Which have the firstfruits of the Spirit," (ten aparchen tou pneumatos echontes) "who have, hold, or possess the first fruits of the Spirit;" the fruits of the Spirit one may have in this present body are enumerated, Galatians 5:22-25; and our Lord has bid us bear fruit in him, more fruit, and much fruit, John 15:2; John 15:5; Titus 3:14; 2 Peter 1:4-9.

4) "Even we ourselves groan within ourselves," (hemeis kai autoi en heautois stenazomen) "we also ourselves groan in ourselves," from sin, infirmities, sicknesses, pain, sorrow, disappointments, 2 Corinthians 5:2-4.

5) "Waiting for the adoption," (huiothesian apekdechomensi) "eagerly expecting (the) adoption, the heir-setting;" through the power of liberation of the Spirit, Ephesians 1:14; Philippians 3:20-21; the adoption is the future heir-setting of children of God in a new body, Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5.

6) "To wit the redemption of our body," (ten apolutrosin tou somatos hemon) "the redemption of our body," Romans 8:11; this occurs in the first resurrection, at the coming of the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. This is final redemption to the glory of God, a redemption of the body from the power and presence of sin, Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 1:6; Luke 20:36.

1) "For we are saved by hope," (te gar elpidi esothemen) "for by hope we are saved or delivered;" we are saved or delivered "by or in" hope; day by day in hope of future liberation from this body of sin; because we now have eternal life, we go on overcoming the world, Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; Romans 12:1-2.

2) "But hope that is seen is not hope," (elpis de blepomene ouk estin elpis) "But hope while it is being seen is (exists not) as hope;" hope in the "we" believers and "we" of the church, is now seen in love’s service of brethren, one for another, John 13:34-35. But this, hope is not merely hope, but it is divine knowledge, and revelation, anchored to that one within the vale, 1 John 3:14; Hebrews 6:17-19.

3) "For what a man seeth," (ho gar blepei tio) "For what anyone sees; "in hope we now see, understand, comprehend with assurance, our future adoption thru the power of the Holy Spirit into our new body home, 2 Corinthians 5:1.

4) "Why cloth he yet hope for?" (ti kai elpizei), "Why does he also or even hope for it?" You see, hope and love, the two spiritual gifts that follow the acceptance and exercise of the first, the gift of faith, bring the believer an hope and love that result in a knowledge or assurance of those future resurrection and adoption promises, so that hope exists as more than hope, even as assurance, Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2:

a) We know we have passed from death to life, 1 John 3:14.

b) We know we have eternal life – 1 John 5:13.

c) We know we have a building of God, 2 Corinthians 5:1.

This is hope, yea, more than hope: Anchored to Christ, Hebrews 6:19.

1) "But if we hope for that we see not," (ei de ho ou blepomen elpizomen) "But if we hope for what we do not (now) see;" and we do - which hope is based on faith, faith in God, in God’s Word, in his son, and victory over death, hell, and the grave, fully realized at his appearing, Hebrews 11:1; 1 Corinthians 15:56-58.

2) "Then do we with patience wait for it," (di’ hupomones apekdechometha) "Through patience we eagerly expect it;" through self control, endurance, and perseverance, and eager expectancy, as a mother waits for a son’s return from the war, we await the hour of our adoption and inheritance or heir-setting reign with Christ; La 3:26; John 14:6; Hebrews 10:34-37; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 6:11-12; Isaiah 25:8-9; Philippians 3:20-21.

TIGHTENED CORDS

Failure will hurt but not hinder us. Disillusion will pain but not dishearten us. Sorrows will set the music ringing and quicken our tagging pace. We need hope for living far more than for dying. Dying is easy work compared with living. Dying is a moment’s transition; living, a transaction of years. It is the length of the rope that puts the sag in it. Hope tightens the cords and tunes up the heart-strings. Work well, then; suffer patiently, rejoicing in hope. God knows all, and yet is the God of Hope. And when we have hoped to the end here, He will give us something to look forward to, for all eternity. For "hope abideth."

-Babock

HOPE SEES A STAR

Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities.

We strive in vain to look beyond the heights.

We cry aloud-and the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry.

From the voiceless lips of the unreplying dead there comes no word.

But in the night of death Hope sees a star, and listening Love can hear the rustling of a wing.

He who sleeps here, when dying, mistaking the approach of death for the return of health, whispered with his latest breath, "I am better now."

Let us believe, in spite of doubts and fears, that these dear words are true of all the countless dead.

-Robert G. Ingersoll, Agnostic, at his brother’s grave, June 2, 1879

1 ) "Likewise the Spirit also," (hosautos de kai to pneuma) "and similarly the Spirit also;" not only does hope help us (the gift of hope aid us) but also the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit sustains us in this hope.

2) "Helpeth our infirmities," (sunantilambanetai te astheneia hemon) "Shares voluntarily in our weaknesses." He helps in, not removes, our infirmities, our weaknesses thru ignorance, as he did Cornelius, Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4; Acts 10:30-31.

3) "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought," (to gar ti proseuksometha katho dei ouk oidamen) "Because we do not understand, for what we should pray, just as we should," often lacking wisdom, James 1:5; It is at this point that our Intercessor, Jesus Christ, also intercedes, Hebrews 7:25. Hannah is a good example, 1 Samuel 1:13-18.

4) "But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us," (alla auto to pneuma huperentugchanei) "But the Spirit himself (itself) implores, appeals, or makes supplication on our behalf," to God, the Father, in the name of Jesus, Colossians 3:17. In heaviness of groaning and prayers, in the Spirit, the infirmities of the needy come before God who responds. Exodus 2:24; Acts 6:5; Acts 7:34.

5) "With groanings that cannot be uttered," (storogrnois alaletois) "with unutterable groanings," in the Spirit; as our Lord groaned in the Spirit while burdened in sorrow, so may and do we, his children, John 11:33; John 11:38. These unutterable Spirit-directed groanings in our times of weakness and sorrow are received of God and we are helped, Hebrews 4:15-16.

1) "And he that searcheth the hearts," (ho de ereunon tas kardias) "moreover he who is searching the heart," or scanning the heart; the Holy Spirit searches or scans all things, 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10.

2) "Knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit," (oiden ti to phronema tou pneumatos) "knows or perceives (comprehends) what is the mind of the Spirit," the "mind of the Spirit," refers to the aim, yearning, or desire of inarticulate groanings of the soul of the believer; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Proverbs 20:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

3) "Because he maketh intercession," (hoti kata theon entugchanei) "Because he intercedes according to the provision of God," according to God’s will, on behalf of God’s chiIdren, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Psalms 51:11-12.

4) "For the saints according to the will of God," (huper hagion) "on behalf of saints," the holy ones, especially his church saints, to whom he pledged his everlasting presence, (kata theon) "According to or based on the provision and will of God;- Both Christ and the Holy Spirit make intercession for those who belong to God, especially the Saints or the church, 1 John 2:1-2; Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21-22; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:25.

1) "And we know that," (oidamen de hoti) "and we know, perceive, or realize that" based on the Word of God, testamentary evidence of the law, the prophets, and the Psalms, and the history of his people, Joseph, Job and David; Psalms 119:160; Psalms 19:1-6.

2) "All things work together - (panta sunergei) "all things (kind of things) work in harmony," agreement, together, not separately, - nature, providence, grace, the Holy Spirit who seals to the day of redemption and restitution, Ephesians 1:5; Acts 3:21.

3) "For good to them that love God," (eis agathon tois agaposin ton theon) "To these who love God;" Joseph’s hardships worked for good, Genesis 45:5; Genesis 50:20, to spiritual, eternal good; even what seems evil is overruled for good.

4) "To them who are called;" (tois kletois ousin), to those having been called; all who are now saved, especially the called to obedient church service, Luke 9:23; Matthew 18-20; Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:15; John 15:16.

5) "According to his purpose," (kata prothesin) "according to, or in harmony with, (his eternal) purpose;" 1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 9:15; Ephesians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:9. The calling is unto the eternal call to an heirsetting with Christ to the glory of God, Ephesians 3:5-11; Ephesians 3:21. Not separately but together all things worked for good, in spite of evil that befell: Noah, Joseph, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Naomi, Ruth, David, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and John on Patmos.

1) "For whom he did foreknow," (hoti ous proegno) "Because whom he foreknew;" The predestination of God is based on his purpose and foreknowledge - he foreknew humanity, before creation, and purposed to provide for the redemption and glorification of every human being, in conformity to the image of Christ, in a final heir-setting beyond death, 1 Peter 1:20-21; Ephesians 1:4-5; Ephesians 1:11-14.

2) "He also did predestinate," (kai proorisen) "He also fore or preordained;" He pre-fixed the destiny of every believer in Christ, to be one of eternal life, in nature and kind, John 10:27-28; 1 John 5:13; The predestination of every believer was unto adoption (heirsetting) of children of God, by and in Jesus Christ, not merely to salvation from hell. One born in sin enters Christ by faith or belief, Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26.

3) "To be conformed to the image of his Son," (sumorpheus tes eikonos tou huiou autou) "to be conformed to, or be patterned after, the order or image of his son;" in conduct, behavior, and attitude to do always those things pleasing in his sight, 1 John 3:22; to "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

4) "That he might be the firstborn," (eis to einai auton prototokon) "That he might be his firstborn or prototype;" The leader, head, or chief, as the firstborn under the patriarchs in Israel held priorities, Colossians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5-6; Hebrews 2:10-13, "to bring many sons to glory."

5) "Among many brethren" (en pollois adelphois) "In the midst of, or among many brethren;" as the central figure dwelling in the midst of, as head of and bridegroom of the bride, the church, and King and Judge over all Israel and the earth, Ephesians 1:17-23; Revelation 1:13; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 19:7-9; Luke 1:32-33.

1) "Moreover whom he did predestinate," (hous de proorisen) "But (those) whom he fore or preordained," men, not angels, whose salvation he preset - (provision for -deliverance) for all the world "in Christ," in sending Christ to give himself a ransom for all men, not for angels, 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9; to gather together all things in Christ, Ephesians 1:9-10.

2) "Them he also called," (toutous ekalesen) "These he called, called to salvation, called to obedient worship and service; Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 45:22; Isaiah 55:6-7; Matthew 4:16-19; Matthew 11:28; Romans 9:24; as he who called us is holy, so are we to be holy in al I behavior, 1 Peter 1:15; Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 4:4.

3) "And whom he called," (kai hous ekalesen) "and (those) whom he called;" in purpose, in revelation, thru the law, the church, the Son, and the redeemed, saying "Whosoever will let him come and take" Revelation 22:17.

4) "Them he also justified," (toutous kai edikaiosen) "these he justified;" or acquitted "in him," in Christ, in his foreknown purpose, predestination, and age-long call, with outstretched hands; yet, individuals must receive his call, in Christ, to receive its benefits, Proverbs 1:23-29; Isaiah 65:1-2; Romans 10:21. Abram did, Romans 4:4-5.

5) "And whom he justified," (hous de edikaiosen) "Moreover whom he justified;" acquitted or set free from personal condemnation and eternal death "in Christ," Romans 4:16; Romans 5:1.

6) "Them he also glorified," (toutous edoksasen) "These he glorified;"

God glorified in his purpose-provision, in Christ, Isaiah 53:5-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21, In Christ and through the church -thru which they are to give glory to him today, Ephesians 3:21.

1) "What shall we then say to these things?" (ti oun eroumen pros tauta) "What therefore shall we say, applicable to these matters?" In wonder or refutation, what can we say? Shall we judge God? Or may we comprehend the Sovereignty of his purpose, and will, and revelation, and works? Isaiah 55:8-9.

2) "If God be for us," (ei ho theos huper hemon) "If God be (exists) on our behalf," takes the initiative in salvation and preservation on our behalf;" and he has, and does continually, calling us, delivering us, justifying us, and working the image of his Son out in us, to his glory in Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20.

3) "Who can be against us?" (tis kath’ hemon) "who can stand (successfully) against us?" For we "belong to Christ," Mark 9:41; and Christ belongs to God, 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; "who is above all, through all, and in you all," as saints, redeemed ones who serve him in Christ and in his church, 1 Corinthians 8:6. God is greater than all, none can successfully withstand him or oppose him, Exodus 18:11; John 10:29; John 14:28; 1 John 3:20.

SOLDIERS OF CHRIST

Believers are soldiers; all soldiers, by their profession, are engaged to fight if called upon; but who shall be called to sustain the hottest service, and be most frequently exposed upon the field of battle, depends upon the will of the general or king. Some of our soldiers are not upon hard service, while others are stationed round the palace, see the king’s face daily, and have no dangers or hardships to encounter. These, however, are as liable to a call as the others; but if not called upon, they may enjoy, with thankfulness, the more easy post assigned them. Thus the "Captain of our salvation" allots to His soldiers such stations as He thinks proper. He has a right to employ whom He will, and where He will. Some are comparatively at ease; they are not exposed to the fiercest onsets, but live near His presence; others are to appearance pressed above measure, beyond strength, so that they despair even of life; yet, they are supported, and in the end made ,’more than conquerors" through Him who hath loved them.

-J. Newton

1) "He that spared not his own Son," (hos de tou idiou huiou ouk epheisato) "who indeed spared not his own Son;" withheld him not, but gave him, sent him, and laid our iniquities upon him, John 3:16-17; John 20:21; Galatians 4:4-5; Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

2) "But delivered him up for us all," (alla huper hemon panton paredoken auton) "But delivered him up on behalf of all of us;" to die on the cross, as the "lamb of God that taketh away," bears away the sins of the world, John 1:29; as Abraham delivered up Isaac, Genesis 22:12; Isaiah 53:5-6; Isaiah 53:11.

3) "How shall he not with him also," (pos ouchi kai sun auto) "How shall he not in close affinity with him;” thru his death for us, and for the church, 2 Corinthians 5:14-19; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25.

4) "Freely give us all things?" (ta panta hemin charisetai) "Freely also give (dole out to us) all things?" an inheritance - share, joint-heir of all things, 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:17-18 - including all things that now pertain to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3.

1) "Who shall lay any thing to the charge," (tis egkalesei kata eklekton theou), "Who will bring a charge against the chosen ones of God?" Who will bring or hurl an accusation against the elect (the called out) of God? To confront them to eternal harm one would first have to confront Jesus Christ and God, for "ye are hid with Christ in God," Colossians 3:3.

2) "Of God’s elect?" (eklekton theou) "Chosen ones, the redeemed of the trinitarian God?" those "in Christ," who is in God? Would any dare, or succeed? John 17:21; John 17:23. Satan attempts to lay accusations against the saints, before God, but Christ our judge, advocate, and intercessor sits or stands "in the gap," 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 12:9-10; God is our shield, Genesis 15:1.

3) "It is God that justifieth," (theos ho dikaion) "God (is, exists as) the one justifying." Or Shall God who justifies bring or hurl an accusation against his elect? Romans 3:24-26. He is both just and the justifier of those who 1 ) believe, 2) have this hope that makes not ashamed, and 3) in whose heart God’s love (gift of love), third of the spiritual gifts, is shed abroad. Romans 5:1; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:28. All things work "together," in affinity, for good to those who love God, the called according to his purpose.

1) "Who is he that condemneth” (tis ho katakrinon) "Who (is) the one condemning?" This series of successive challenging questions extends Romans 8:33-35, indicating that there is none able to bring a damning, condemning, severing charge against God’s elect "in Christ," to sever them from him as believers, or as a church, John 5:24; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:1.

2) "It is Christ that died," (Christos lesous ho apothanon) "Christ Jesus is the one who died;" to redeem from "all iniquity" and "purify unto himself a peculiar people," to redeem as individuals and to purge or purify unto himself the peculiar people, the church, Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ephesians 5:31; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:5-9.

3) "Yea rather, that is risen again," (mallon de sgertheis) "What is more he has been raised and is risen;" demonstrating his power over death, thru the Holy Father, and the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:11; he holds, on the believers behalf, the keys (power or jurisdiction over) death, the grave, and hell, Hebrews 2:14-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:18.

4) "Who is even at the right hand of God," (hos estin en deksia tou theou) "who is at (also) at the right hand of God;" for the defense and intercession, of believers while they live, and to welcome them home, when they depart this life, Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9; Philippians 1:23.

5) "Who also maketh intercession for us," (hos kai entugchanei huper hemon) "Who also supplicates or intercedes (even now) on our behalf," Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 10:11-13.

1) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (tis hemas chorisei apo tes agapes tou Christou); "who shall separate (set us apart) from the love of Christ?" As true children of God cannot be condemned to eternal death any more, neither can they be severed from union with Christ, or ever perish. John 5:24; John 10:27-28; John 15:1; 1 John 5:13.

2) "Shall tribulation," (thlipsis) "shall affliction?" The answer is, it shall not, based on the pledge and integrity of Jesus Christ, John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 4:19; Revelation 7:14-17.

3) "Or distress," (e stenochoria) "or shall distress?" emotional burdens; stress - the true metal or character of God’s children should be manifest greatest in such experiences, 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 12:10.

4) "Or persecution," (e diogmos) "or persecution?" Is the servant greater than his Lord? Did persecution cause Jesus to turn back on God? No! Neither should it cause any believer to quit, Matthew 5:11-12; John 15:20.

5) "Or famine," (e limos) "or famine?" People of God are not to quit loving God, and God does not quit loving them, when he sends national, regional, or world judgment of famine nature, because of sin; as he did in Egypt in Joseph’s day, and in Judah in Naomi’s day, they loved God still.

6) "Or nakedness," (e gumnotes) "or nakedness;- it may bring shame to men, but it does not mean that God does not love men, even in their helplessness. He clothed Adam and Eve in his love for them, Genesis 3; James 2:15.

7) "Or peril," (e kundunos) "or peril;" ordinary dangers that seriously jeopardize men’s lives in the sea, in the air, and on the earth; Paul met perils of storms, thugs and bandits, etc. 2 Corinthians 11:26, but such did not sever him from the love of God in Christ.

8) "Or sword," (e machaira); "or sword?" Shall the sword used judicially against a believer or even used in war sever or separate him from (from the benefits of) the love of God? The answer is nay, Hebrews 11:37.

1) "As it is written," (kathos gegraptai hoti) "Just as it has been written;" history attests that God’s people have faced these tests, endured them, and in divine providence he sustains them, in life and in death, to ultimate victory, Hebrews 11:32-40; 1 Corinthians 10:13.

2) "For thy sake we are killed," (hoti eneken sou thanatoumetha) "That for your (individual) sake we are being put to death;" many of God’s prophets of old were killed for his sake, Matthew 23:31; Matthew 23:37; Acts 7:52; Romans 11:3; Acts 7:59-60. They killed John the Baptist, Stephen, and James, Matthew 14:10.

3) "All the day long," (holen ten hemeran) "The whole day long;" undergoing suffering, near equal to death, all day long, 1 Corinthians 15:30-31; 2 Corinthians 4:11.

4) "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter," (elo-gisthemen hos probata sphages) "we were considered (reckoned or calculated) as sheep of slaughter kind;- by which we enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, in which experience, the love of Christ and the gift of love is most real, 2 Corinthians 1:5; Colossians 1:24; Galatians 6:14.

1) "Nay, in all these things," (all f en toutois pasin) "But in all these matters," all these kind of experiences, physical, emotional, and spiritual that one can be heir to in the flesh - even rising above the depressions and pains and hurts of all these kind of things.

2) "We are more than conquerors," (hupernikomen) "We exist as over (more than) conquerors;" 1 Corinthians 15:57; God gives us the victory over death in Jesus Christ and causes us progressively to triumph in Christian service, 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 7:9-10; Revelation 7:14-17.

3) "Through him that loved us," (dia tou agapesantos hemas) "Through the one who loved us;" as individuals and as a church, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 5:25. He is our Savior, Pattern, and Leader, Revelation 12:11; Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25-27. His love secures His help, and our fidelity, as we return his love, to Him and our brethren, as individuals, and in the church, John 13:34-35.

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

More than conquerors through Him who

loved us,

Read the promise oer and oer:

Not almost or very nearly,

But conquerors and more.

When the world to sin would lure me

Is there victory for me?

Can I stand against the pressure

And a conquerer truly be?

When the tempter like an angel

Garbs himself in robes of light,

Can I recognize his cunning

Be a victor in the fight?

And when passions rise within me

Anger, jealousy and pride,

Can I still be more than conqueror

When by these I’m sorely tried?

By myself I’m weak and helpless,

And /`// fall in sore defeat,

As upon life’s rugged highway

With temptation /shall meet

But with CHRIST, oh blest assurance!

More than conqueror I shall be,

As I yield HIM full possession

And He lives and reigns in me.

-Lillian M. Weeks

1) "For I am persuaded that," (pepeismai gar hoti) "Because I have been persuaded, convinced that;- here Paul returns to "things" of life’s experiences that will not be able to sever (separate) the believer from his salvation and the faith, hope, and love of its three continuing possessions, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

a) "Neither death," (oute thanatos) "not death at all, in any form, at anytime, can separate or sever, Philippians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

b) "Nor life," (oute zoe) "not life at all," with all its joys and sorrows, good and bad experiences, can sever or separate from God and our attachment to Him in Christ, John 5:24; John 16:29.

c) "Nor angels," (oute angeloi) "not angels at all" The good ones are our helpers, Hebrews 1:14; Psalms 34:7. The bad ones cannot overcome us, to sever from God, Philippians 1:6.

d) "Nor principalities," (oute archai) "not at all rulers," they may imprison, persecute, and punish in this life only, not beyond, Matthew 10:28.

e) "Nor powers," (oute dunameis) "not even dynamic powers;" angels, principalities, and powers embody the realm of Satan’s princedom, but Paul was convinced neither, nor all together could sever one from the union of love of God in Christ, who died to redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:11; Titus 2:14.

f) "Nor things present," (oute enosteta) "not present things at all," not even any of the existing things.

g) "Nor things to come," (oute mellonta) "not anything to come;" Future things and experiences, Paul was persuaded, would not be able to separate or sever any child of God, or his church, from his loving care and protection! What care! What protection! Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:20.

1) "Nor height," (oute hupsoma) "not heights at all;" nothing in the expanse above the earth can sever or separate the redeemed, called, predestined one from union with God in Christ and his love – Psalms 139:7-8.

2) "Nor depth” (oute bathos) "not even any depth;” or creature in the depth of the sea or subterranean part of the earth shall separate or sever one of God’s own from him, Psalms 139:8-9; God was with and delivered Jonah from the whale’s belly, Daniel from the Lion’s den, and the three Hebrew children from the fire - shall he not hold out? Hebrews 13:5.

3) "Nor any other creature," (oute tis ktisis hetera) "nor any other kind of creature;" or product or created thing of the universe, that can be thought of or conjured up by doubting, skeptical minds.

4) "Shall be able to separate us," (dunesetai hemas chorisai) "will be powerful enough to separate us, to sever, or set us apart from," alienate us, as individuals, and as the church and bride of Christ, - John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25-27.

5) "From the love of God," (apo tes agapes tou theou) "From the high and holy affections of God;" who manifest his love in Christ, John 13:1; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 7:25.

6) "Which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," (tes en Christo lesou to kurio hemon) "Which exists in Christ Jesus our Lord;" without end or cessation of continuity. In Paul’s persuasion, based on the promises, integrity, and fidelity of Jesus Christ, let us go on in love and service, Romans 8:38; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 1:6.