Exploring the invitation to Follow Jesus - taking steps to ‘Exercise discernment’ - Part 2
General Introduction
In this series we are building what we will refer to as the ‘One Page New Testament’ - #onepagenewtestament. Our approach is building a pictorial summary of the main messages for disciples of Jesus in a systematically derived, structured form. We aim to keep the descriptive text to a minimum and share with you the different Themes that are being created. We will consider the scriptures on their own merit, Theme by Theme, without introducing much in the way of theology. Within each Theme, we will let the scriptures speak for themselves - hopefully in a way that demonstrates the validity of the analysis.
Introduction to this Faith Article
This article is the nineteenth in a series that is unpacking some of the analysis work currently being undertaken to draw out the main teachings from the New Testament from a personal discipleship perspective. The previous articles can be found in the reference at Note [1] and they focus upon the New Testament’s teaching that corresponds to the challenges of what we have so far called ‘Kingdom Fundamental 1 [KF1]’ - ‘Love God’, and ‘Kingdom Fundamental 2 [KF2]’ - ‘Follow Jesus’.
We have previously introduced that we consider there are four Kingdom Practices under the invitation to Follow Jesus [KF2]:
Submit to Jesus’ Lordship - [KP3] (explored previously in Systematic Discipleship Parts 3 to 9)
Pursue Holiness - [KP4]
Live out kingdom values - [KP5]
Exercise discernment - [KP6].
In the previous article (Systematic Discipleship - Part 18) we were exploring the first part of the Kingdom Practice to ‘Exercise discernment’ - [KP6]. In particular we looked at - Kingdom Actions 22 to 24. In this article we further explore Jesus’ and other New Testament teaching on this subject. These elements are shown in light blue (encouragements) and pink (warnings) in Figure 1.
If readers take away nothing else from these articles than the sense, logic, and directive actions in the Figures - for disciples to put into practice in the strength God gives - we will hopefully have achieved our initial objective.
Figure 1 - Investigating the Kingdom Practice to ‘Exercise discernment’
Kingdom Action 25 - Engage in spiritual warfare (as soldiers of Christ)
There are four Greek words found in Notes [2] and [3] that we have assessed relate to this Topic and they all appear in a single verse:
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers (Strong’s 746), against the authorities (1849), against the world forces (2888) of this darkness (4655), against the spiritual (4152) forces of wickedness (4189) in the heavenly places (LSB) [4].
Kingdom Action 25.1 - Understand NT teaching on the demonic realm
There is only one Greek word of relevance for this Theme and there are two verse instances where this has relevance (note the different translation of the word compared to its appearance in Ephesians 6:12 above):
John 8:44 - You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning (746), not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 John 3:8 - The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning (746). The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
This Theme is further explained in the sub-Themes outlined here and then in the sections below.
Know that Christ created spiritual beings - some of whom rebelled against God - [KA5.1.1]
Recognise that the spirit realm has limited / temporary authority over the world - [KA5.1.2]
Understand how demonic forces behave / operate in the world - [KA5.1.3]
Appreciate that Jesus has full authority over all things - [KA5.1.4]
Observe that Jesus / disciples drove spirits out with a word / command - [KA5.1.5]
Understand that, after the final battle, all evil forces will be thrown into hell - [KA5.1.6].
Kingdom Action 25.1.1 - Know that Christ created spiritual beings - some of whom rebelled against God
There are three specific verses that confirm that Jesus is the creator:
John 1:3 - Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made (LSB).
Colossians 1:16 - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Revelation 4:11 - “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
In addition, there are five Greek words we consider to have a bearing here and there are two verses that illustrate the reasoning for this Theme (one repeated from above):
Colossians 1:15-16 - The Son is the image of the invisible (517) God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible (517), whether thrones (2362) or powers (2963) or rulers (746) or authorities (1849); all things have been created through him and for him.
Kingdom Action 25.1.2 - Recognise that the spirit realm has limited / temporary authority over the world
There are 6 Greek words that support this sub-Theme and we have identified 18 verse instances where they are relevant some of which are shown here:
John 12:31 - Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler (758) of this world will be cast out (LSB).
Colossians 1:13 - Who rescued us from the authority (1849) of darkness (4655), and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love (LSB)
Colossians 2:15 - And having disarmed the powers (746) and authorities (1849), he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 - The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power (1411) through signs and wonders that serve the lie.
James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil (1228), and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil (1228) prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Revelation 12:9 - The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan (4567), who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Kingdom Action 25.1.3 - Understand how demonic forces behave / operate in the world
We have identified 18 Greek words that illustrate this sub-Theme. Some example scriptures include the following:
Matthew 12:45 - Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits (4151) more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
Luke 11:24 - “When an impure (169) spirit (4151) comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’”
Luke 13:16 - Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan (4567) has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
Acts 16:16 - Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit (4151) of divination (4436) met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling (NKJV).
Romans 8:38 - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers (1411).
James 3:14-15 - But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down (2718) from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic (1141).
1 John 3:9-10 - No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil (1228) are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
1 John 4:3 - but every spirit (4151) that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Revelation 16:14 - They are demonic spirits (1140) that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
Kingdom Action 25.1.4 - Appreciate that Jesus has full authority over all things
There are several scriptures that support this Theme clearly including:
Matthew 10:1 - Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Luke 4:36 - All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”
1 Corinthians 15:23-28 - But each in turn: Christ, the first-fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Ephesians 1:18-23 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion (2963), and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Colossians 2:9-10 - For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:15 - And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
In addition, there are 10 Greek words (some already outlined above) which relate to this sub-Theme:
Luke 11:20 - But if I drive out demons (1140) by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
John 17:2 - For you granted him authority (1849) over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning (746) and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
1 Peter 3:22 - who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities (1849) and powers (1411) in submission to him.
Revelation 1:5 - and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler (758) of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
Revelation 12:10 - Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses (2723) them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
We have identified some 60 verse instances for these Greek words that are applicable to this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 25.1.5 - Observe that Jesus / disciples drove spirits out with a word / command
We have identified 11 Greek words that relate to Jesus, and His delegated power to the disciples, to drive out evil. Examples are presented here:
Matthew 8:16 - When evening came, many who were demon-possessed (1139) were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits (4151) with a word and healed all the sick.
Matthew 10:8 - Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons (1140). Freely you have received; freely give.
Mark 1:25-27 - “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out (1831) of him!” The impure (169) spirit (4151) shook the man violently and came out (1831) of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure (169) spirits (4151) and they obey him.”
Mark 1:39 - So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out (1544) demons (1140).
Mark 9:25 - When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked (2008) the impure (169) spirit (4151). “You deaf and mute spirit (4151),” he said, “I command (2004) you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
Luke 8:29 - For Jesus had commanded (3853) the impure (169) spirit (4151) to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon (1140) into solitary places.
Acts 16:18 - She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit (4151), “In the name of Jesus Christ I command (3853) you to come out (1831) of her!” At that moment the spirit left (1831) her.
We consider there to be more than 90 verse instances where these words are used and are related to this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 25.1.6 - Understand that after the final battle, all evil forces will be thrown into hell
There are three specific texts that highlight the outcome at the end of time:
Revelation 19:20 - But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Revelation 20:1-3 - And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
Revelation 20:10 - And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
References [2] and [3] helped identify some 11 Greek words that fit with this sub-Theme. Example scriptures include:
Matthew 25:41 - Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil (1228) and his angels.
Romans 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan (4567) under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Revelation 12:7 - Then war (4171) broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought (4170) against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought (4170) back.
Revelation 14:18-19 - Then another angel, the one who has authority (1849) over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung (906) his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw (906) them into the great wine press of the wrath of God (LSB).
Revelation 17:14 - They will wage war (4170) against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Revelation 19:1 - After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power (1411) belong to our God,
Revelation 19:19 - Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies (4753) gathered together to wage war (4171) against the rider on the horse and his army (4753).
Revelation 20:6 - Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no authority (1849), but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years (LSB).
There are in the order of 50 verse instances where Greek words around this final battle and its outcome have relevance to this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 25.2 - Discern (under God’s protection) when evil is present / at work
We have identified 8 Greek words that encourage us to discern where evil exists. Verse instances include:
Matthew 16:3 - And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern (1252) the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? (LSB)
Luke 12:56 - Hypocrites! You can discern (1381) the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern (1381) this time? (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 2:14-15 - But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (4151) of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually (4153) discerned (350). But he who is spiritual (4152) judges (350) all things, yet he himself is rightly judged (350) by no one.
1 Corinthians 12:10 - to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing (1253) between spirits (4151), to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish (1253) good from evil.
1 John 4:1 - Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test (1381) the spirits (4151) to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
We consider there to be 11 verse instances where these Greek words support this Theme.
Kingdom Action 25.3 - Pray (& fast?) / use scripture against that evil - wherever it is detected / seen
There are only four Greek words that have relevance here and we need to be careful as there are concerns around the origins of some of the verses (which is why some are omitted or footnoted within some Bible translations). Those of potential concern are shown with [square brackets]:
[Matthew 17:21] - “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer (4335) and fasting (3521) (NKJV).”
Mark 9:28-29 - After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer (4335) (NIV - note that NKJV adds “and fasting (3521)”).
[Mark 16:17] - And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons (1140); they will speak in new tongues.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges (2924) the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
In addition, we should perhaps note the provision within the following verse:
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Kingdom Action 26 - Shun the practise of sorcery / magic / witchcraft
Reviewing sources [2] and [3] there are 7 Greek words that can be associated with sorcery and witchcraft. Some examples are highlighted here:
Acts 8:9 - Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery (3096) in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great.
Acts 13:6 - When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician (3097), a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus (NASB)
Acts 19:19 - A number who had practiced (4238) sorcery (4021) brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
Galatians 3:1 - You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched (940) you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
Galatians 5:20 - idolatry and witchcraft (5331); hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.
Revelation 9:21 - Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts (5331), their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers (5333), idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (NASB).
In total there are 11 verse instances that support this Theme where these words appear.
Summary
In this nineteenth Faith Article, we have explored some of the Greek words and idioms (presented in Louw and Nida’s [2] and Mounce’s [3] reference materials), that we grouped under the heading of ‘Exercise discernment’ - [KP6]. We have set out verses that relate to the need to ‘Engage in spiritual warfare (as soldiers of Christ)’ - [KA25] and to ‘Shun the practise of sorcery / magic / witchcraft’ - [KA26].
In the next article we will begin to address the third Kingdom Fundamental ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ - [KF3].
Just as with many English words, Greek words can have more than one meaning and consequently when translated into Biblical texts can be used to convey several different sentiments. Which is used is dependent upon the context.
Ultimately, this analysis and these groupings are subjective, as will be the inclusion (or exclusion) of many verses within each Theme and sub-Theme. We should note that some verses have a much stronger relevance to the derived Themes than others.
During this analysis, the aim has been to restrict the number of Themes that can be associated with any specific Greek word to eight or less - as any more implies poor analysis technique and the wrong heading choice / naming process.
Any thoughts on this Article, the process being undertaken, and related constructive feedback are welcome.
Notes:
[1] - All previous Faith Articles focusing on the One Page New Testament can be found at this page: www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/blog/
[2] - “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, based upon Semantic Domains” Volumes 1 and 2 - Louw and Nida - Published by and © United Bible Societies - 1988
[3] - “Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” - © William D Mounce, 2006 - Published by Zondervan
[4] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
The Bible references presented are illustrative rather than aiming to be ‘proof texts’. They are examples only as there are, generally, many more we could look at. Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version to get a more rounded view, and look at the wider context for each verse too. When Greek words are translated, Bible scholars do not always use the same English word every time it appears in the Greek. This is why it is useful to look at more than one Bible version.
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Reading the articles will take only a little time to study - more if we look up the Bible references - and probably a lifetime to work out in practice. Hopefully they will help make each of us ‘Become more like Jesus’!
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