All Things

They say that the original language that the New Testament was written in was the perfect language to use for all time to get the clear meaning across to the readers.  God is so perfect in everything He does.  For Jesus to come in to this world at the perfect time when the Greek language was being used so that His story would be told accurately is a wonderful thought.  It is always great to see how God is so in control of everything.  You can learn a lot of important things by going back to the Greek.  For instance, take a look at Philippians 4:12-13.

¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

There are so many of us that can quote Philippians 4:13 from memory.  It is one of those verses that encourages us when we are about to take on something beyond our normal means.  In the Greek language the most important words are first in the sentence.  In this particular verse the first words are “all things”.  In other words “All things I can do.”  What an encouragement to know that I can do all things.  Not some, but all.  If Christ gives us an assignment, there is no doubt that we can do it.  Let’s say that He wants you to tell your neighbor about Him.  You have never witnessed before.  You have never attended a training class on how to share the gospel, etc.  Well, now you know there is no doubt that you will have the ability to share the gospel with your neighbor.  This verse also contains the words “Him who strengthens me”.  The reason we can do all things is due to the fact that Christ strengthens me.  What a great encouragement this verse is.  Memorize it.  Take it to heart and apply it to all that Christ calls you to do.

Keep On Keeping On

It’s interesting to read different translations of the Bible.  Reading different translations can help you gain different perspectives or insights in to a verse.  However, you have to be careful there are translations that are inaccurate.  To really get an accurate translation and deeper insight in to the Word it is always better to go back to the Greek or Hebrew and do a word study.  Some translations are accurate, but they may only get across a concept or basic meaning.  Other translations may pull out more of the correct tense and definition of the words.  For example, take a look at the verse we looked at yesterday, Matthew 7: 7-8.

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV 2011)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (New King James)

⁷ “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV 1984)

 ⁷ “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

 All four versions are basically ok, but two, NIV 2011 and New King James, give us the concept and two, NIV 1984 and Holman, give us the original intended tense.  The original Greek wording and tense deepens the instruction being taught in this verse.  We aren’t just to ask, we are to keep asking.  We aren’t just to seek/search, we are to keep seeking/searching.  We aren’t just to knock once, we are to keep knocking.  As the old saying goes, we are to “Keep on keeping on”.  Be persistent.  Be like the persistent widow in the parable in Luke 18: 1-8.