"S" is for Sparkling, strong, and…
Judging by the distinct line of dinginess on the page edges of the devotional that I’m currently studying from (Sparkling Gems from The Greek), I should finish the book in the latter part of June.
Sparkling Gems, a book recommended by my friend/co-worker “Larry” has been… a gem.
Through a daily devotional format, Sparkling Gems explains the meanings of specific words and or phrases from the New Testament, by giving definitions and explanations of what these words and phrases mean in Greek (Koine).
Through Koine, Greek is also traced the origin of Christianity, as the Apostles used it to preach in Greece and the Greek-speaking world. It is also known as the Alexandrian dialect, Post-Classical Greek or even New Testament Greek (after its most famous work of literature). Courtesy of Wikipedia
This evening’s study time was over Ephesians 6:10, which is an exhortation to the believer in Christ. The key word that Rick Renner focuses on in the devotional is the word “strong”.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Renner explains that the Greek word for “strong” is ENDUNAMAO, a compound of the Greek words EN & DUNAMIS.
- EN means in
- DUNAMIS means explosive strength, ability or power
From the devotional, Renner further explains that the word ENDUNAMAO (strong) represents in thought/context: “an explosive power that is being deposited into some type of container, vessel or other form of receptacle” The container or vessel, being us!
Since ENDUNAMAO conveys the action of being a power that is explosive, as well as the power being deposited; it makes sense then, that what Paul was writing about was more than simply adjusting our attitudes and perceptions of the Lord. Two verses later, In Ephesians 6:12, Paul tells us that our struggles are not of the temporal (natural) realm, but rather of spiritual matters.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
From what I gather, the message from Ephesians 6:10, is that:
- we are specially designed by God, to be enable to receive His empowerment
- God is the Giver (He does so because it is by His will. He can not be manipulated into “blessing” us)
- Supernatural power is required to successfully combat attacks by the enemy (fleshly temptations)I’m convinced that when God delivers His power into us, it is for holy, spiritual gain and strengthening, not so convinced as for per$onal pro$perity.
Grace and peace be with you.
C.A. Stallworth