Handling the Word of God

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom
'Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
.. and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,
.. in them that are saved,
.... and in them that perish:
...... To the one we are the savour of death unto death;
........ and to the other the savour of life unto life.
And who is sufficient for these things?
..
For we are not as many,
....
which corrupt the word of God:
...... but as of sincerity,
........ but as of God,
.......... in the sight of God speak we in Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

Hello there,

I have been trying to find verse 17 (above in red) for some time, for I had read it some time ago and been arrested by the meaning of one of the words, which stayed in my mind: but the content of the verse itself, even the word concerned I had forgotten. Now, today, it came to my mind again, and I found it by looking up 'the word' in the concordance

* The word which I had looked up, the meaning of which had so arrested my attention, was the word, 'corrupt'.
The strong's No. is G2585, and the Greek word so translated is, 'kapeleuo', from kapelos (a huckster); meaning to retail, that is, (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively) It is translated 'corrupt'
It is only used once in Scripture, here in 2 Corinthians 2:17.

* Paul says that, unlike many. he and his fellow-workers did not corrupt (water-down or adulterate) the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, spoke they 'in Christ.'
This encapsulates in a nut-shell how the Word of God should be handled doesn't it? Sincerely, 'as of God', 'in the sight of God'. Not watering it down, or adulterating it in any way.

* It is possible to handle the Word of God deceitfully, as we are told in 2 Corinthians 4:2, and also the Word of God can be made ineffectual through tradition (Matthew 7:13): so how necessary it is to keep in mind the words of 2 Corinthians 2:17, and ensure that we keep before our minds the fact that the Word of God, is just that - His Word: and the way we use it is open to His sight.

In Christ Jesus
Chris



 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Not me

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,727
6,101
113
57
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
'Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
.. and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,
.. in them that are saved,
.... and in them that perish:
...... To the one we are the savour of death unto death;
........ and to the other the savour of life unto life.
And who is sufficient for these things?
..
For we are not as many,
....
which corrupt the word of God:
...... but as of sincerity,
........ but as of God,
.......... in the sight of God speak we in Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

Hello there,

I have been trying to find verse 17 (above in red) for some time, for I had read it some time ago and been arrested by the meaning of one of the words, which stayed in my mind: but the content of the verse itself, even the word concerned I had forgotten. Now, today, it came to my mind again, and I found it by looking up 'the word' in the concordance

* The word which I had looked up, the meaning of which had so arrested my attention, was the word, 'corrupt'. [The strong's No. is G2585,and the Greek word so translated is, 'kapeleuo', from kapelos (a huckster);meaning to retail, that is, (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively)] It is translated 'corrupt' and is only used once: here in 2 Corinthians 2:17.

* Paul says that, unlike many. he and his fellow-workers did not corrupt (water-down or adulterate) the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, spoke they 'in Christ.'
This encapsulates in a nut-shell how the Word of God should be handled doesn't it? Sincerely, 'as of God', 'in the sight of God'. Not watering it down, or adulterating it in any way.

* It is possible to handle the Word of God deceitfully, as we are told in 2 Corinthians 4:2, and also the Word of God can be made ineffectual through tradition (Matthew 7:13): so how necessary it is to keep in mind the words of 2 Corinthians 2:17, and ensure that we keep before our minds the fact that the Word of God, is just that - His Word: and the way we use it is open to His sight.

In Christ Jesus
Chris


Exodus 20:7 KJV
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
 
  • Like
Reactions: complete

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom

@Waiting on him
The way to use commentaries is kind of summed up in: 'Prove all things; hold fast that which is good' (1 Thessalonians 5.21).
Hello @farouk,

I agree: and believe that the same thing applies to concordance and dictionary definitions, and any work of man regarding the Word of God; for it is by comparing Scripture with Scripture, and observing the way that the Holy Spirit uses words, terms and phrases, within their contexts, that the true meaning of any word or phrase can be truly understood, in the way that the Holy Spirit, the author of God's Word intended.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Not me

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom
Hello again,

Reading the first chapter of Galatians, while sat in the shade of the garden this morning, I was in awe of the words I was reading. The first thing that caused me to halt and take notice, was in the very first verse, where Paul immediately presents himself to his listeners as one who has been given the authority of an Apostle, 'not of men,' 'neither by man,' 'but by Jesus Christ,' 'and God the Father,' ('Who raised Him from the dead'). Those last words showing the mighty resurrection power of the One Who had called and chosen Him for that office. He really nailed his colours to the mast didn't he? Rather like one going forth to battle against an enemy. Which is what the content of the letter to the Galatians proves to be the case.

* He greeted his hearers from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, for He was just their mouthpiece. About the Lord Jesus Christ he says, 'Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (or age), according to the will of God and our Father: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.' Father and son united in one redemptive purpose. Praise God!

* Then in verse 6 engagement with the enemy begins, with the words, 'I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ,' -'unto another gospel: which is not another; yet there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ'. What a thrust of the 'sword' this is, isn't it? Straight to the truth of the matter. There were some who sought to pervert the gospel of Christ: to remove the Galatian believers from God the Father Who had called them into the grace of Christ. What a word for us today! Then Paul continues to thrust in the sword:-

'But though we,
.. or an angel from heaven,
.... preach any other gospel unto you
...... than that which we have preached unto you,
........ let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again,
.. If any man preach any other gospel unto you
.... than that ye have received,
...... let him be accursed.'

(Galatians 1:8-9)

Praise God! - For the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Not me

Not me

Well-Known Member
May 8, 2019
1,721
1,964
113
67
California, Ca.
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
'Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
.. and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,
.. in them that are saved,
.... and in them that perish:
...... To the one we are the savour of death unto death;
........ and to the other the savour of life unto life.
And who is sufficient for these things?
..
For we are not as many,
....
which corrupt the word of God:
...... but as of sincerity,
........ but as of God,
.......... in the sight of God speak we in Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

Hello there,

I have been trying to find verse 17 (above in red) for some time, for I had read it some time ago and been arrested by the meaning of one of the words, which stayed in my mind: but the content of the verse itself, even the word concerned I had forgotten. Now, today, it came to my mind again, and I found it by looking up 'the word' in the concordance

* The word which I had looked up, the meaning of which had so arrested my attention, was the word, 'corrupt'.

It is only used once in Scripture, here in 2 Corinthians 2:17.

* Paul says that, unlike many. he and his fellow-workers did not corrupt (water-down or adulterate) the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, spoke they 'in Christ.'
This encapsulates in a nut-shell how the Word of God should be handled doesn't it? Sincerely, 'as of God', 'in the sight of God'. Not watering it down, or adulterating it in any way.

* It is possible to handle the Word of God deceitfully, as we are told in 2 Corinthians 4:2, and also the Word of God can be made ineffectual through tradition (Matthew 7:13): so how necessary it is to keep in mind the words of 2 Corinthians 2:17, and ensure that we keep before our minds the fact that the Word of God, is just that - His Word: and the way we use it is open to His sight.

In Christ Jesus
Chris



^^^^^ me likes! ^^^^^

Great thoughts and read, I love the ending about being “His word”..

A fellow servant of His, Not me
 
  • Like
Reactions: complete

Not me

Well-Known Member
May 8, 2019
1,721
1,964
113
67
California, Ca.
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hello again,

Reading the first chapter of Galatians, while sat in the shade of the garden this morning, I was in awe of the words I was reading. The first thing that caused me to halt and take notice, was in the very first verse, where Paul immediately presents himself to his listeners as one who has been given the authority of an Apostle, 'not of men,' 'neither by man,' 'but by Jesus Christ,' 'and God the Father,' ('Who raised Him from the dead'). Those last words showing the mighty resurrection power of the One Who had called and chosen Him for that office. He really nailed his colours to the mast didn't he? Rather like one going forth to battle against an enemy. Which is what the content of the letter to the Galatians proves to be the case.

* He greeted his hearers from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, for He was just their mouthpiece. About the Lord Jesus Christ he says, 'Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (or age), according to the will of God and our Father: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.' Father and son united in one redemptive purpose. Praise God!

* Then in verse 6 engagement with the enemy begins, with the words, 'I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ,' -'unto another gospel: which is not another; yet there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ'. What a thrust of the 'sword' this is, isn't it? Straight to the truth of the matter. There were some who sought to pervert the gospel of Christ: to remove the Galatian believers from God the Father Who had called them into the grace of Christ. What a word for us today! Then Paul continues to thrust in the sword:-

'But though we,
.. or an angel from heaven,
.... preach any other gospel unto you
...... than that which we have preached unto you,
........ let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again,
.. If any man preach any other gospel unto you
.... than that ye have received,
...... let him be accursed.'

(Galatians 1:8-9)

Praise God! - For the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

In Christ Jesus
Chris

It is a blessed thing. We can read a scripture a 100 times and the 101 time, God opens up something to us that causes us to see something in such a deeper light..

Than too, knowing that there is always a deeper light.. Oh the blessings of the deeper..

To the deeper, Not me
 
  • Like
Reactions: complete

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom
Dear @Not me,

Thank you so much for blessing me with your thoughts regarding these things.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
our Lord, and Head.
Chris
 
  • Like
Reactions: Not me

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom
'I marvel that ye are so soon removed
from Him that called you
into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel:

(Galatians 1:6)

Hi @Not me,

Another thought that came to me strongly while reading Galatians 1:6 was the fact that it was from God the Father that the Galatian believers were being removed: for it was He that called them into the grace of Christ. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father (Galatians 1:4) 'in Him'. It is that glorious relationship that the enemy of our souls seeks to sever.

Praise God! - That He will not succeed - (Romans 8:35, Romans 8:38-39)

Within the love of Christ,
our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris
 
Last edited:

Not me

Well-Known Member
May 8, 2019
1,721
1,964
113
67
California, Ca.
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
'I marvel that ye are so soon removed
from Him that called you
into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel:

(Galatians 1:6)

Hi @Not me,

Another thought that came to me strongly while reading Galatians 1:6 was the fact that it was from God the Father that the Galatian believers were being removed: for it was He that called them into the grace of Christ. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father (Galatians 1:4) 'in Him'. It is that glorious relationship that the enemy of our souls seeks to sever.

Praise God! - That He will not succeed - (Romans 8:35, 38-39)

Within the love of Christ,
our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris

I see such a heart after God in your posts and yes it is that relationship we have with Him that is our all....But I have to bring it forward, I’m not sure it was God that removed the Galatians? Different translations seem all, the ones I checked, agree that it was they themselves that were the movers?

Galatians 1:6 (NKJV)
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

But you/we need to see all truths inwardly, so to Him do we go for light..

A fellow seeker after light, Not me
 

complete

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2017
3,293
3,239
113
76
UK
Faith
Christian
Country
United Kingdom
I see such a heart after God in your posts and yes it is that relationship we have with Him that is our all....But I have to bring it forward, I’m not sure it was God that removed the Galatians? Different translations seem all, the ones I checked, agree that it was they themselves that were the movers?

Galatians 1:6 (NKJV)
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

But you/we need to see all truths inwardly, so to Him do we go for light..

A fellow seeker after light, Not me
Hi @Not me,

I am pleased to say that you have mistaken my meaning, for I did not say that it was God that had removed the Galatians from Him. No! For the words of Galatians 1:6 tell us, that they were removed from Him (the Father) that called them into the grace of Christ by those who sought to pervert the gospel of Christ.

'I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him (the Father) that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.'

(Galatians 1:6)

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
  • Like
Reactions: Not me

Not me

Well-Known Member
May 8, 2019
1,721
1,964
113
67
California, Ca.
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hi @Not me,

I am pleased to say that you have mistaken my meaning, for I did not say that it was God that had removed the Galatians from Him. No! For the words of Galatians 1:6 tell us, that they were removed from Him (the Father) that called them into the grace of Christ by those who sought to pervert the gospel of Christ.

'I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him (the Father) that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.'

(Galatians 1:6)

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

My mistake, which is a blessing..

Be blessed as we learn and grow closer to Him, Not me
 
  • Like
Reactions: complete