Watch Out...That Lion Roars! But Does He Bite?

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: γρήγορευω  (gregoreuo)

PRONUNCIATION:  gray-gore-YOO-oh

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #:  1127

MEANING: to be watchful; to be on the alert; to remain awake;

ENGLISH WORDS DERIVED FROM: Gregory

BACKGROUND OF WORD (ETYMOLOGY):

This word was a military term used primarily to denote the watchful attitude of one who is on the lookout to make certain no enemy or aggressor can successfully gain entry into his life or place of residence.

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV, NASB AND/OR ESV:  watch; vigilant; alert

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 24

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

1 Peter 5:8 -

 "Be sober-minded; be watchful (γρήγορευω). Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

    

Has the devil ever tried to use your past against you? Maybe he's told you, “You're in this mess because of your own actions! Don't even try to ask God to help you because you got into this mess by yourself, and now you're going to have to get out of it by yourself! God won't help you, because you're reaping exactly what you've sown!”

If you've ever heard these kinds of accusations from the devil, then 1 Peter 5:8 is just for you! It says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The word “vigilant” comes from the Greek word ‎gregoreo‎, which means to be on your guard, to be watchful, or to be attentive. This word primarily denotes the watchful attitude of one who is on the lookout to make certain no enemy or aggressor can successfully gain entry into his life or place of residence.

This tells us that we must be on high alert against an enemy who is seeking to gain access to our lives. The Greek tense for the word “vigilant” means to be continually, perpetually vigilant. That means this is not a one-time act of vigilance, but the attitude of a person who is unwavering in his commitment. This person has resolved that he will never let up in his pledge to be watchful, wide awake, and on the lookout to make sure some sinister force doesn't successfully sneak up to attack and overtake him.

The fact that Peter uses the word ‎gregoreo ‎lets us know that the devil can be pretty sneaky in the way he attacks. Therefore, we must be constantly observant to keep the devil out of our affairs.

Peter goes on to say, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary....” That word “adversary” is from the Greek word ‎antidikos‎. This word was used in New Testament times for a lawyer who argued in a court of law. This was the picture of a prosecutor who brought offenders to court, argued vehemently against them, and then sent them off to prison. Now Peter uses this word to depict the way the devil may try to overtake us!

Peter is telling us that when the devil strikes, he often acts like a lawyer who tries to bring us down by prosecuting us with the facts of our past sins and mistakes. The enemy drags up facts from the past and reminds us of our former failures; then he vigorously tries to convince us that we deserve to be in the mess we are in. If the devil is successful in his prosecution, he will persuade us to believe that we are unrighteous and unworthy and that we deserve as just punishment whatever difficulties he is throwing our way.

It is unfortunate that many believers assist the devil in his efforts to prosecute them by being irresponsible or negligent in key areas of their lives. For instance, many people have money problems because they have spent too much money or used their credit cards way beyond the limit of what they could afford. Others get sick in the wintertime because they go outside without proper clothing. Marriages get into trouble because the spouses never spend time together or do anything to nurture their relationships. Christians like to blame the devil for everything that happens, but the truth is, people usually help out the enemy a little along the way!

Praise God, when we sin and do wrong, His grace is there to forgive and to restore us! But the devil is also there. The enemy remembers every innocent mistake made along the way, and like a prosecutor or “adversary” (the Greek word ‎antidikos‎), he comes to accuse you. Like a lawyer, he argues his points in your mind, saying:

·         You're in this mess because of your own dumb mistakes!

·         You're reaping what you sowed, and there's no way for you to get out of this mess!

·         You're paying for your past!

·         Your kids are a mess because you failed as a parent!

·         You're going to go bankrupt because you spent too much money on worthless things!

·         You've destroyed all your friendships because you weren't a faithful friend!

Sometimes the devil is accurate in what he tells you. It may be true that you created this mess! You really may have messed up your friendships by not being a faithful friend. You may have spent too much money, and the financial trouble you're in now may very well be your own fault! All the devil's accusations may be true. Believe me, he isn't going to make up some absurd fantasy that won't affect you. The devil is going to try to use facts and arguments that make sense to you so you'll agree with him!

But you must never forget what David told us: The Lord is the One who redeems our lives from destruction (Psalms 103:4). He is a restoring, delivering, redeeming God! He wants to snatch you out of the power of darkness and get you over into His realm of life and light where past sin won't continue to exert its influences upon you (Colossians 1:13)! You just need to genuinely repent of past mistakes, get your heart right with God, and then tell the devil to flee!

If you keep dwelling on the accusations that the enemy is speaking against you in your mind, you'll find yourself in trouble pretty quickly. Peter goes on to tell you why this is so: “...The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Have you ever heard lions when they are hungry? They roar so loudly that the sound is nearly deafening. Peter says that this is what it's like when the devil starts attacking your mind. Your mind is so filled with the roars of the enemy's accusations that you can't hear anything else but those lies. He tells you over and over, “You're going to fail...fail...fail...fail...FAIL!!!” Even when people try to tell you the truth, it's hard to hear what they're saying because those lies are roaring so loudly in your mind and ears!

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

If you keep giving ear to the devil's accusations, he will keep you all torn up inside and in a constant state of turmoil. In fact, Peter says he will “devour” you. The word “devour” is the Greek word ‎pinœ‎, which means to drink, to lick, or to slurp up, as a lion might lick the blood of his prey off the ground. The devil wants to turn you into a mess of liquid emotions and then lick you up until there's nothing left of your life. That's what he wants to do with you — but you don't have to let him do it!

When you put all these words together, 1 Peter 5:8 could be interpreted:

“You must be constantly alert and on your guard! The devil, like an accusing lawyer, will try to charge you with all kinds of arguments and accusations. You need to know that he is like a lion on the prowl — constantly walking around, roaring with a deafening sound, earnestly seeking the kind of person he can completely consume and slurp up!”

You don't have to fall victim to the devil's attacks! Peter tells us, “Whom resist stedfast in the faith...” (1 Peter 5:9). If you'll resist the devil, you can run him clear out of your mind and your life. He doesn't know how to deal with those who stand up to him, so he runs in fear when a believer challenges him! And if you feel too weak to resist the devil by yourself, I would advise you to find people who know how to pray and let them help you!

Has the devil been harassing you about anything in particular? Are you tired of this constant harassment? If so, it's time for you to stand up, throw back your shoulders, and command him to leave in Jesus' name! Then determine to stay alert and watchful, constantly on your guard. You can be sure that the enemy will try to come back to accuse you again — but next time, you'll be ready for him!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Lord, I am asking You to help me take authority over the accusations that the devil has been speaking in my mind. He's been telling me all the reasons that I shouldn't have any hope and that I deserve to be in this mess. But Your grace is greater than any mistake I've made or sin I've committed in the past! I know that You have forgiven me and redeemed me from any mess I've created by my own actions. I thank You now for Your forgiveness and mercy, and today I lay claim to the power of restoration! Devil, right now I command you to leave me in Jesus' name! I refuse to listen to your accusations any longer! I pray this in Jesus' name! Amen

How to Be a Team Player

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: άγρυπνία  (agrupnia)

PRONUNCIATION:  a-groop-NEE-ah

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 70

MEANING: sleeplessness; keeping awak

ENGLISH WORDS DERIVED FROM: hypnotize

BACKGROUND OF WORD (ETYMOLOGY): the root word is where we get our word for "hypnotize" or "to put to sleep"; here it is with the negative pre-fix thus meaning sleepless

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV, NASB AND/OR ESV:  watchings; sleepless nights

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 2

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:  

2 Corinthians 11:27 - "I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights (άγρυπνία), in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

    

The phrase we are going to look at today is absolutely amazing to me. It reveals that the apostle Paul did not have a “movie star” mentality, thinking that he was too high and mighty to do a menial task. Even though he was a great apostle and was mightily anointed, he was also a real team member who was willing to pitch in and do what everyone else was required to do. If there was no one else to do a menial, mundane task, Paul would jump in to do whatever needed to be done.

The phrase “in watchings often” in 2 Corinthians 11:27 reveals this phenomenal attitude in this great man of God. Today we will look at this phrase to discover the “team player” mentality that the apostle Paul possessed. I believe that you will be blessed to learn about Paul's attitude to work as a fellow team member. But even more importantly, I believe that God's Spirit will also speak to you about being a team player, no matter what position you hold in the organization where you work or at your church.

“In Watchings Often” - The word “watchings” is the Greek word ‎agrupnia‎. It is most likely a reference to the long nights Paul lay awake to defend himself and his team against bandits and robbers who waited to attack them in roadside ditches and caves. The word “often” is the Greek word ‎pollakis‎, which means many times, often, or frequently.

It was very common for a traveling group to take turns at “watching” during the night. If no one stayed awake and alert, plundering robbers would come and steal all the belongings of the traveling company while they slept. There were many highway robbers who lurked in the dark, waiting for travelers to pass their way so they could beat, rob, and plunder them.

This phrase “in watchings often” reinforces the fact that traveling was extremely dangerous back then, especially at night. And because Paul uses the word ‎pollakis ‎(“often”), we know there were times when he took a turn guarding the camp at night. In fact, Paul tells us that his turn to guard the camp happened “often” as his team traveled from place to place.

I think this little phrase “watchings often” gives us great insight into the willingness of the apostle Paul to act as a team player. Like everyone else on his team, he took his turn watching the camp while others slept. This may not sound like a spiritual part of ministry, but it was a necessary part of his job if he was going to get where he needed to go in order to preach the Gospel.

During the course of Paul's ministry, he had to do many tasks that seemed unspiritual and unconnected to ministry. These tasks were often mundane, boring, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, these obligations had to be fulfilled, for without them, the true spiritual ministry could have never occurred.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

When God has called you to do something important, you must be willing to do whatever is required to complete that task. This may mean that if there is no one else to do the job, you will have to sweep the floor, lick and seal envelopes, take out the trash, or answer the telephone. When someone else is raised up to do these smaller tasks, you will be freed to concentrate more fully on your larger vision. But until then, you must have a willing heart to do whatever is required to keep things functioning well on the road to fulfilling your assignment.

The fact that Paul sat “in watchings often” emphatically tells us that he was willing to do anything required to preach the Gospel message God had entrusted to him. So follow Paul's example. Don't be so high and mighty that you can't do a mundane, boring, time-consuming, or undesirable act along the way. It may not be something you relish doing. But if you don't do it, you might fail to achieve the real dream God has placed on your heart.

Make yourself valuable to your organization or church by demonstrating a willingness to do whatever is needed. And don't wait until someone has to ask you to do a job. If you see a need that no one else is meeting, show initiative by doing that job yourself. Demonstrate that you are willing to be a real team player.

Remember, whatever you sow is what you will reap. So if you willingly give of yourself as a faithful team player in this present season, the day will come when you'll reap the team players you need to help you in fulfilling the vision God has given you!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

    

Lord, help me to have the attitude of a team player! I want to be of benefit to my organization or place of employment and my church. I ask You to help me recognize opportunities where I can serve; then help me serve in these positions with all my heart. Help me to have the initiative to pitch in and become a helper to the rest of the team rather than to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else work. I never want to think I'm so high and mighty that I can't do a menial, mundane task. Holy Spirit, help me to have the attitude of Jesus and to be willing to stoop low and do whatever is necessary in order to get the job done. I pray this in Jesus' name! Amen.

The Holy & Inspired Writings of God

TITLE:  The Holy & Inspired Writings of God

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: γραφή  (graphe)

PRONUNCIATION:  graf-AY

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 1124

MEANING: writing; the Holy Scriptures

ENGLISH WORDS DERIVED FROM: graph; graphite

BACKGROUND OF WORD (ETYMOLOGY): while in ancient times this word meant "writings", in the New Testament, every single time this particular Greek word is used it is always in reference to the Holy Scriptures; the Bible became known as "the writings"

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV, NASB AND/OR ESV:  writings; Scriptures

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 51

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture (γραφή) is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

When Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 to young Timothy, "All Scripture (γραφή) is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness", at the time the completed “Scriptures” were basically the Old Testament and the Gospels.  Paul was still writing his letters.  But today we have the whole of Scriptures, the writing of God, which consists of 39 Old Testament books and 27 in the New Testament for a total of 66 books.  God’s writings are inspired, which means literally “God-breathed” (a word we will look at another day).  God’s Word was and is provided to use for our benefit.  Yet most of us put more credit in other “writings”.  The only true “writing” that should be our primary focus is the Word of God, these 66 books. 

Before we examine the sanctifying power of Scripture, this crucial statement by Paul must be considered. Some scholars suggest that All Scripture is inspired should be translated, "All Scripture inspired by God is . . ," which would leave open the possibility that some Scripture is not inspired by Him. But that rendering would make the Bible worthless as a reliable guide to divine truth, because we would then have no way to determine which part of it is inspired by God and which is not. Men would be left to their own finite and sinful devices and understanding to discover what part of the Bible may be true and which may not, what part is God's Word and what part is human conjecture. Paul's thought is that the Scripture that gives salvation must therefore be inspired by God. The words of men could never transform the inner person (Psalms 19:7).

In addition to the many other specific biblical references to the inspiration and authority of Scripture — some of which are mentioned below — it is important to note that similar Greek constructions in other parts of the New Testament (see, e.g., Romans 7:12; 2 Corinthians 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:3; 4:4; Hebrews 4:1-7) argue strongly from a grammatical perspective that all Scripture is inspired is the proper translation. Scripture is the revelation conveyed, inspiration is the means of that conveyance. In the words originally revealed and recorded, all Scripture is God's inerrant Word.

   

It is of utmost importance to understand that it is Scripture that is inspired by God, not the men divinely chosen to record it. When speaking or writing apart from God's revelation, their thoughts, wisdom, and understanding were human and fallible. They were not inspired in the sense that we commonly use that term of people with extraordinary artistic, literary, or musical genius. Nor were they inspired in the sense of being personal repositories of divine truth which they could dispense at will. Many human authors of Scripture penned other documents, but none of those writings exist today, and, even if discovered, they would not carry the weight of Scripture. We know, for instance, that Paul wrote at least two other letters to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 2:4), but no copies of those letters have ever been found. The letters doubtless were godly, spiritually insightful, and blessed of the Lord, but they were not Scripture.

Many men who wrote Scripture, such as Moses and Paul, were highly trained in human knowledge and wisdom, but that learning was not the source of the divine truth they recorded. David was a highly gifted poet, and that gift doubtless is reflected in the beauty of his psalms, but it was not the source of the divine truths revealed in those psalms.

Scripture first of all and above all is from God and about God, His self-revelation to fallen mankind. From Genesis through Revelation, God reveals His truth, His character, His attributes, and His divine plan for the redemption of man, whom He made in His own image. He even foretells the eventual redemption of the rest of His creation, which "also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God" and which "groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now" (Romans 8:21-22).

The Bible is not a collection of the wisdom and insights of men, even of godly men. It is God's truth, His own Word in His own words. The psalmist declared, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalms 119:89). God's Word is divinely revealed to men on earth and divinely authenticated in heaven. Peter declares unequivocally, "Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Those God-given, humanly recorded words became God's written Word, inerrant and authoritative as originally given. ‎Propheteia ‎("prophecy")is not used here in the sense of prediction but in its basic and broader meaning of speaking forth, of proclaiming a message. It carries the same inclusive idea as "the oracles of God," with which ancient Israel had the marvelous privilege of being entrusted (Romans 3:2). "Interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20b) translates ‎epilusis‎, which refers to something that is released, sent out, or sent forth. In this verse the Greek noun is a genitive of source, indicating origin. In other words, no message of Scripture was originated and sent forth by men's own wisdom and will. Rather, the godly men through whom Scripture was revealed and recorded were divinely instructed and carried along by the Holy Spirit.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

Are you spending time every day reading God’s Word?  What about studying it?  How much time do you commit weekly to diligently studying the word of God?  One of my desires is to entice you through these word studies to get a greater understanding of God’s Word.   But this is just part of studying.  Would you make a commitment to God to be more diligent in studying God’s Word?  Commit today to set aside one day this week to spend one hour studying the Word of God and begin to build on that. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Thank you Father for your holy and inerrant Bible.  Thank you for how you have preserved it through the years for me not only to read, but also to study.  Help me to be more faithful in reading your word and studying it on a regular basis.  Cause your Scriptures to come alive for me in a real and genuine way.  I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Is That Your Stomach Grumbling or Your Mouth?

TITLE: Is That Your Stomach Grumbling or Your Mouth?

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: γογγυσμος  (goggusmos)

PRONUNCIATION:  gong-goos-MOS

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 1112

MEANING: murmur; grumble

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV AND/OR ESV:  murmur; grumble

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 8

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

1 Peter 4:9 - "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (γογγυσμος)." ESV

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Hospitality is something that we all know we need to express.  The reality is that while it is a command, we need to learn to do so with a willing and gracious heart.  But obviously that is not always the reality.  Peter had to caution his readers in 1 Peter 4:9, "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (γογγυσμος)."    We are to show this hospitality “without grumbling”, that is, without complaining of the hardship of doing it; of the time, and expense, and trouble required in doing it. The idea of grudging, in the common sense of that word-that is, of doing it unwillingly, or regretting the expense, and considering it as ill-bestowed, or as not producing an equivalent of any kind—is not exactly the idea here. It is that we are to do it without murmuring or complaining. It greatly enhances the value of hospitality, that it be done on our part with entire cheerfulness. One of the duties involved in it is to make a guest happy; and this can be done in no other way than by showing him that he is welcome.

    

Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended throughout the Scriptures. Moses included it in the Law (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Jesus enjoyed hospitality when He was on earth, and so did the Apostles in their ministry (Acts 28:7; Philemon 22). Human hospitality is a reflection of God's hospitality to us (Luke 14:16ff). Christian leaders in particular should be "given to hospitality" (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).

Abraham was hospitable to three strangers, and discovered that he had entertained the Lord and two angels (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2). We help to promote the truth when we open our homes to God's servants (3 John 5-8). In fact, when we share with others, we share with Christ (Matthew 25:35,43). We should not open our homes to others just so that others will invite us over (Luke 14:12-14). We should do it to glorify the Lord.

 Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host: The home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant; the host must appear relaxed and good-natured. Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guests' needs, such as a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or just acceptance. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It can even happen while the host and the guest are doing chores together. Don't hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

There are so many people that we need to and can show hospitality towards.  One such key group are new move-ins into a community.  Another group that needs to be show hospitality are first-time visitors to a church.  Can you identify a family that needs to be shown hospitality?  Make a commitment today to contact someone this week to invite over to your house or out for a meal.  And remember to do so without grumbling. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

I am grateful Father for those who have shown hospitality towards me in the past.  I pray that you cause me to show greater hospitality towards others.  Help me to do so with a willing and joyous attitude and spirit and to not do so grudgingly.  Send someone my way this week that I can extend Christian hospitality towards.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.   

Knowing the Sweet Smell of God's Knowledge

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: γνώσις (gnosis)

PRONUNCIATION:  GNOW-sis

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 1108

MEANING: knowledge

ENGLISH WORDS DERIVED FROM: gnostic

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV AND/OR ESV:  knowledge

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 29

VERSES IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

2 Corinthians 2:14

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge (γνώσις) of Him everywhere."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: 

What exactly IS “knowledge”?  Folks would differ in defining, but the reality in to “have knowledge” means “to know something”…yes, it is that simple.  But, just “knowing” something is not enough.  Paul talks about the “fragrance of the knowledge of Him”, with the “Him” being Christ. 

The sweet aroma of the Triumph arose from the incense-filled censers carried by the priests in the parade and from the garlands of flowers that were thrown into the streets. The fragrance speaks of influence; Paul's point is that God, in wonderful condescending grace and mercy, manifests through believers the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place. He uses human preachers to give off the sweet aroma of the gospel, to influence people with the saving knowledge of Christ. To the Romans Paul wrote, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things'!" (Romans 10:14-15).

It is not that believers deserve such a high privilege of being influences for the eternal gospel. Paul was keenly aware of his unworthiness for such service to God. In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he wrote, "For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." To the Ephesians he added, "I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:7-8). As previously noted, he expressed to Timothy his wonder that Christ chose him, a persecutor of the church, to preach the gospel.

   

In the Triumph, the emperor seated on his great throne at the capitol smelled the fragrant aroma of the incense when it reached him at the end of the parade. Paul likens the preacher's ministry to a fragrance of Christ to God. Although a preacher proclaims the gospel to men, it is in reality God who is his audience. His faithful gospel ministry causes the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ to be manifest to people, but the fragrance of that gospel ministry ascends to the very throne of God.

Pleasing God was the consuming passion of Paul's heart. Later in this epistle he wrote, "Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him" (5:9). In Galatians 1:10 he asked pointedly, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." He admonished the Ephesians to try "to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10) and the Colossians to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects" (Colossians 1:10). Paul declared to the Thessalonians, "Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4) and exhorted them, "Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more" (1 Thessalonians 4:1). What matters is not the preacher's popularity or the size of his church. It is that he pleases God by his faithful proclamation of the gospel.

While it always pleased God, the fragrance of Christ from Paul's preaching had a twofold effect on the people who heard it. To those who are being saved, the fragrance of apostolic preaching was an aroma from life to life. These are the elect and redeemed people of God, who are headed for full and final glorification. On the other hand, the same message was to those who are perishing—those unbelieving sinners destined for eternal damnation—an aroma from death to death. In the Roman Triumph, both the victors, who were to be honored, and the vanquished, who were to be executed, smelled the aroma from the priests' censers. To the former, it symbolized their victory; to the latter, their impending deaths.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

What victories are you experiencing today?  Are you smelling the fragrance of His knowledge through constant victories?  Thanks God today for those victories of the past and ask Him for strength to have yet more victories in the future. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

Father, to have your knowledge would be so awesome, yet I realize that is impossible.  But I am grateful today that I can at least know you personally.  And with that knowledge Father is the knowledge of your victory on my behalf.  I thank you Father that despite my failure, you have already won the victory for me.  I thank you that through Christ I can be victorious.  Please help today to remember that your strength is sufficient for me.  Cause me each and every moment today to call on you for you to show yourself real and mighty.  Thank you that I can indeed enjoy triumph and victory this side of glory.  May your grace sustain me this day.  In Jesus’ victorious name.  Amen.