Just Say “No”

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,   Titus 2:11-12  NASB Deny ungodliness – arnéomai is the Greek verb of refusal.  “‘To say no’ in answer to a question; ‘to refuse’ in relation to a claim or…

Common Humanity

They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.  Psalm 14:3 NASB Not even one – Psalm 14:3.  The corruption of men.  If you thought that things changed after the Messiah, well, you’d be wrong.  In Paul’s last letter he cites the same Davidic idea.  “as it…

Are You Devout?

But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 2 Timothy 2:16 NASB Ungodliness – The Greek word asebeia is translated as “ungodliness.” It comes from the root sebomai which means “reverence” or “worship.” It is found most often in the Greek world as eusebeia, a word that refers to general…

Paul’s Law

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  Philippians 4:8  NASB Right – What is “right”?  You will probably ask for clarification before…

Undercover Adam

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her way secretly. Matthew 1:19 To Disgrace – We don’t have much trouble identifying the Hebraic pattern in the gospel of John.  “In the beginning was the Word” is deliberately arranged to parallel “In the beginning God” from…