5. Bear much fruit, glorifies the Father.
Considering the glory of God, and how God being glorified is related to how an individual; think, suppose, be of the opinion (1392) of God. It is all the more intriguing that the fruit of the believer can glorify God also, which is completely sensical as we will see.
John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified (1392), that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
The eighth verse is the reason that we come to this passage. But prior to the eighth verse groundwork has been laid that is too important to ignore.
Verse 1: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
The vine represents Jesus. It is from the vine that the branches draw their nutrients; and without the vine the branches have no life. The branches appear to represent the individual believers, and the Father is the husbandman that through the Spirit cares for the vineyard.
It might seem counterintuitive, but this illustration is comparable to the local New Testament assembly. The local assembly is the body of Christ. Christ Jesus is the head of that body, and the individual believers are represented as parts of the body; and without the head there is no intelligent life in the body.
Verse 2: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Bearing fruit is important in this discussion. And the fruit of a servant of God is to manifest forth the characteristics of God, heavenly or spiritual things. The Love of God seems to be the greatest of the characteristics, or at least one of the greatest.
Fruit and more fruit are the important thing in this verse. God has intended for His people to be a fruitful people in heavenly/Spiritual things, i.e. the things of God.
But there is an unfortunate negative note that is being sound; not bearing fruit. One has to wonder how could the believers, that are walking in the blessing of Christ Jesus, not bear fruit? In this verse it is a simple matter of fact, ‘Every branch in me that is bearing not fruit He takes away ...’, this verse would not be written if fruit were unnecessary.
Those branches that do not bear fruit are taken from the vine, those branches that do bear fruit are pruned, that is, they are trimmed of the unnecessary growth that they might put their energy into bearing more fruit. Which is the husbandman proving and improving His people.
In the example of the church as the body of Christ, when the members of that assembly withdraw themselves from the assembly, they will Spiritually wither and die. It is amazing, but that strong arm that does all of the heavy lifting has no life apart from the body and apart from the head of that body; just as the branch has no life apart from the vine.
Most christians would never know they withered because they had no strength in the beginning.
Verse 3: Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Clean (2513 (adj)) in verse 3 and purged in verse 2 (2508 (v)) are different forms of the same word. You are already purged through the word that has been spoken to you.
Why do the churches no longer teach the word of God? Is it because it seems to get in the way of evangelizing? Because it is the word of Jesus and God that purges the thing of the earth from the people of God. This is the reason to hear the word; to read the word, and then to hear it and read it again.
NAB John 15:3 You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Verse 4: Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me.
Abide = 3306 = to remain. First use of abide is imperative which means it is a command, the next two uses are subjunctive which is the mood of possibility and potentiality.
The word remain is a major part of this discussion. But, remain where? The people of God are to remain in the vine, the vine is Christ Jesus; therefore, the people of God are to remain in Christ Jesus. And by extension, to remain a part of the church, which is a local, visible, body; a body that can be seen, and visited, the body of Christ.
Remain in me, and I in you. Are these two related? Why yes, they are. If the branch is no longer part of the vine is the vine still part of the branch? Nope, the vine is life, in this case wonderful, spiritual, eternal, life; and the branch apart from the vine withers, showing the absence of the source of life. Wonderful, spiritual, eternal, life.
Interestingly this is a different thought than being taken from the vine by the husbandman. Abide in me, or, remain in me, suggests that a person is making a choice. Choice is the exercise of freewill, if all is predetermined then a person never had a part in the vine, and by extension never had an opportunity no matter their heart desire.
Strange as it might seem, the people of God, historically and presently, make the choice to separate themselves from God/Jesus Christ (the vine). Throughout the bible the reasons for this action are numerous, but the root cause can be reduced to a few things; their first love is no longer their first love, and they have allowed other things to take the place of the first love.
When the first love moves to second place it is no longer the first love. So, a person can still love the Father and the Son, and still be out of favor with God.
When you are not in the place that God wants you to be, you are standing on dangerous ground.
Verse 5: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
You see the repetition from the first verse; clearly, we need to hear this again. So, look back and read the first verse and the comments associated with it, they are brief. Then go to verse four, read it and the comments associated with it since it is the first mention of the word ‘abide’ in this passage.
How important are these simple truths that they are repeated for our benefit, that we might learn, that we might examine our lives, and that we might repent and change our lives? It is interesting to note that these are things that are not considered important to the majority of those that call themselves Christians today.
Why do the disciples, and the believers today need to hear this again? Because during the time the disciples spent with Jesus they did not always hear what He was saying.
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Matt. 16:6-11 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. 8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
The disciples liked to figure out what Jesus was trying to say, look at the definition of the word reasoned. In the process the disciples were missing important truths that Jesus was trying teach. The reasoning of mankind interferes with faith, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the vine and the disciples are the branches, that is, the saved are the branches. If the branch remains in the vine (how many walk away?), and the vine remains in the branch, there will be much fruit. Apart from the vine the branches cannot, and do not bear fruit. Please do not confuse the fruit of the flesh with the fruit that glorifies God. The fruit that glorifies God is allowing Jesus to work His will through us.
Verse 6: If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
... abide not in me ... amazing
More of this stuff that so many believe cannot happen. Is our Savior lying to His disciples? Can this actually happen? Could it be that Jesus misunderstands heavenly things but mankind does understand them? No, Jesus knows exactly what He is saying.
Maybe the misunderstanding is the fault of the hearer, maybe the hearer is hearing something that the passage does not say! The hearer listens with the ears of the flesh, and then processes the thought through the mind of the flesh; forgetting how little is known of the spiritual realm and of the things of God, i.e. not trusting in God.
The problem seems to be the word ‘fire’, and the tendency to think that the word ‘fire’ always mean hell, and/or the lake of fire. The use of ‘fire’ in the scriptures is not always referring to a literal fire, many times it is referring to trials or to judgement. The Wrath of God study was a wonderful journey that illustrates this point, and the associated break away study. Exodus 15:7 the armies of Egypt are consumed as stubble, in a passage that is describing them drowning in water.
Verse 7: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
For some reason the author has just noticed that this verse is a conditional clause. Two conditions are given for this promise to be realized. First, abide in Christ, which speaks of faithful service, and, do not forget the body of Christ. Secondly, the words of Christ abide in us – which is more important than ever as whole Christian denominations move away from the words of Christ and the scriptures as a whole. Teaching the doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-7).
So, abide in Christ and let Christs words abide in you. Then you can ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. An incredible promise from God which illustrates an ideal relationship with God.
The ideal relationship with Christ Jesus empowers His people, with real spiritual power according to the will of God.
1 Jn. 5:11-15 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
It is amazing to consider the promises of the Father and the Son. The people of God can be confident, their prayers are not wasted; and they can pray in confidence, knowing that what they ask will be heard of the Father, if the thing asked is according to the will of the Father. This is nothing less than power being placed into the hands of the people of God, as Jesus taught ...
Matt. 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Just remember to ask in faith, knowing (believing) that your prayers are heard.
...John 15:7 states, ‘... ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you’.
This reminded the author of the discussion from, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Where the following was stated; Ask yourselves what do you have in mind? What are your intentions regarding the Father and the Son? Are you serious about this marriage (Matthew 25:1-13), and its associated obligations? Are you prepared to give up your life as an individual in order to make this relationship work?
Freewill is an important and interesting aspect of mankind’s relationship with God; and is seen in the ability to ask what we will. The question for the moment is, if you could ask for anything and receive it, what do you have in mind? What are your intentions regarding the Father and the Son? Would you ask for something that brings honor to, and glorifies the Father and the Son? Or would the beneficiary be self, is the will of mankind to only satisfy self?
The people of God ought to be wondering what this ideal relationship with God is and pursuing it.
Verse 8: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Reading this from end to beginning it says, So shall ye be my disciples, in order that you bear much fruit, which glorifies the Father.
Being a disciple is conditional.
It is amazing to consider. The faithful people of God can glorify God. Glorified is the verb form, an action, glorified means 1392 to think, suppose, be of the opinion. In whose eyes and heart then is God glorified? It is in the eyes of all of the creation, spiritual and physical, heavenly and earthly, that will see that God is glorious; by the faithful obedience of His people.
The faithful obedience of the people of God should not be down played. In Romans 1:8 the faith of the assembly at Rome is spoken of throughout the whole world. This is an incredible statement that is not speaking solely of the physical world. World = kosmos refers to all that God has created, earthly things and heavenly things; and earthly and heavenly beings. C.f. 1 Peter 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:8-10.
God is glorified when the people of God allow God to work through them. This is what abiding in the vine is, surrendering our will to the will of God so that God can use us (bear fruit) for His honor and glory. Being a part of the vine makes us subject to the will of the vine, unless you do not remain in the vine.
Phil. 1:1-11 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Do you see it? Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. The word of God is beautiful. John 15:8 is speaking of bearing much fruit, the question then becomes, what is the fruit that the people of God bear? John 15:9-11 adds love to the mix, but is there more to fruits that we could be considering?
Maybe there is more to be found in the context of the reading in Philippians.
Phil. 1:18-30 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Fascinating read through the first chapter of Philippians, and the twenty seventh verse is no exception.
‘Only let your citizenship in a manner worthy of the good tidings of Christ, ...’ this is great. Is this referring to the fruit of righteousness mentioned in the eleventh verse? Ask yourself, where would the fruit of righteousness be manifest? But the verse continues, ...
‘... I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel’. Is this referring to the fruit of righteousness? Does our life tell a story that others hear of? Are we standing fast in one spirit? And note the one mind striving together for the faith of the good tidings. Huh ...
If the people of God are not gathering together then they cannot be doing the things that are written in this verse. Remember that this letter is written to the church in Philippi, a local church. Together the members of that assembly are standing firm in one spirit, united with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
This letter is not written to individuals, it is written to a group, or body of believers, who assemble together for the purpose of doing the will of God. This group of believers is the continuation of the first church that Jesus started, and empowered.
There is so much more to ‘... bearing fruits ...’ because fruit is, and is more than, the list found in Galatians 5:22-26.
... John 15 ... Continued.
Verse 9-11: As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
First love was mentioned in the comments on verse four, and with good cause. Our relationship with the Father and the Son is based on love; a love that is evident if the Father and the Son rule in our hearts. It has also been said that the people of God could still love God and be out of favor with God, having left our first love. Because we are to place no other gods, or things, before God; God is not pleased when He is in second place. God is only pleased when He is first in our hearts and lives.
Follow this reading and you will see that love equals obedience/submission, doing what God has asked to be done.
Jn. 13:31-38 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. 37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
These words were spoken by Jesus prior to John 15:8, on the same night. Jesus has issued a new command, that ye love one another as Jesus has loved you. In John 15:8 Jesus explains/expands that new command, ‘As my Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love’. Consistent with the teachings of this chapter, abide in the vine, abide in Christ; the people of God are to continue in the love of the Father and the Son, thereby abiding in the vine.
- An example of our discussion? Acts 4:5-22 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
- Fruit is? This is the point, ... well sort of. The heading for this discussion is; Bear much fruit, glorifies the Father; and this is part of the discussion about; Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. We also just read, fruits of righteousness. Fruit is?
This is an example of what just discussed. The branch bears fruit that glorifies the Father. Peter and John have allowed God to work a miracle through them (bear fruit), they claim no credit for the miracle that has happened. The reaction to this miracle is recorded in verse 21 above (Acts 3:13 Father glorified His Son), all glorified God for that which was done.
1 Pet. 2:9-16 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Verse 11: A warning for the people of God. Peter is speaking (I beseech you) to the people of God, who are strangers and pilgrims in this wicked world, hold yourself off from carnal desires which make a military campaign against life (5590 psuche, breath).
This verse paints an illuminating picture of the spiritual battle being fought.
* The people of God do not belong in this world; it is not their native soil. c.f. John 15:17-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
* Yielding to carnal desires is a choice (abstain), and serving God is a choice. As Joshua said to the children of Israel; choose you this day whom ye will serve (Joshua 24:15).
* The spiritual battle being fought against the people of God is not just one engagement or skirmish, ‘war’ is speaking of a military campaign (4754). Do not be over confident, Satan has long term plans against the souls of the people of God, so the battle being fought is fought over a lifetime, as such Satan chips away slowly until he wears a person down (hit and run tactics).
* At risk is ‘soul’, which is 5590 psuche, life, breath. Satan knows exactly what is within his reach.
Verse 12: Having your manner of life beautiful (570) among the unbelievers (gentiles), that, whereas they speak evil against you as evil doers, they may by your beautiful (570) works (ergon), which they shall behold, glorify God on the day of visitation.
Conversation = manner of life; and this is important for the people of God to realize. The manner of life, how the life is lived, is under observation. Now, before some get offended, note who is observing, and being influenced by the manner of life of the people of God. The unbelievers (gentiles) are observing, according to Romans1:5-6 all nations are influenced by the faith of the people of God. Are our lives beautiful in the eyes of the unbelievers?
Note what the unbelievers see of the manner of life; beautiful (good) works, this is what they behold. The things done and the words spoken are easy to see, this is why the verse says ‘having your manner of life beautiful’; this again shows a conscious decision making process.
Jesus taught, ...
Matt. 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Light = beautiful works (good works). And light = life (John 1:1-4). The life that the people of God live is seen by mankind (men); and the life of the people of God causes mankind to glorify God, just as 1 Peter 2:12 says, glorify God on the day of visitation. Makes a person wonder when the day of inspection is (visitation).
This is great stuff. There is a day coming when the unbelievers will look back at the manner of life of the people of God and will glorify God for what they have seen. On this day the unbelievers will understand that the lives lived by the people of God were lived for God, by a people that have denied their nature and allowed God to live through them, lives that point to and show the greatness of God, thereby showing the glory of God.
This should not be unexpected. Looked at broadly, there are many things that bring glory to God. Looked at narrowly, at the root cause, it is faithfulness, which moves mankind to do the will of God from a willing heart, that brings glory to God.
Why are unbelievers not glorifying God now? The unbelievers are not glorifying God now because they do not see, or understand the glory of God.
To think, suppose, be of the opinion (1392); there is day coming when the minds of unbelievers will be changed.
Conversation = 391 anastrophe {an-as-trof-ay'} Meaning: 1) manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment Origin: from 390; TDNT - 7:715,1093; n f Usage: AV - conversation 13; 13.
Honest = 570 kalos {kal-os'} Meaning: 1) beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable 1a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent 1b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends 1b1) genuine, approved 1b2) precious 1b3) joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be 1b4) praiseworthy, noble 1c) beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy 1c1) morally good, noble 1d) honourable, conferring honour 1e) affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming Origin: of uncertain affinity; TDNT - 3:536,402; adj Usage: AV - good 83, better 7, honest 5, meet 2, goodly 2, misc 3; 102
It is important to note; that the life lived by the people of God should show forth the presence of God, by the doing of things that are spiritual and heavenly.
1 Pet. 4:8-19 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
This is an impressive passage about the people of God. Take note of what is written, and consider if these things are part of the fruit that glorifies God (John 15:8), and/or the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11).
Verse 8-11: We have a list of gifts (5486, charisma). Charity, which is agape (love). Hospitality, which is 5382, (hospitable, generous unto guests), without murmuring (1112). Speak, and minister (1247, to be a servant). Minister was mentioned in the 10th verse in the setting of ministering the many faceted gifts of grace.
These are fruits, correct? Love is found in Galatians 5 as a fruit of the Spirit, but none of the others are. These are also called gifts.
Verse 11, ... that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
... that God in all things maybe glorified ..., this is the important thing for the people of God; glorifying God. ... through Jesus Christ, ... it was the reason that Jesus lived the life He did to glorify the Father; and remembering this discussion, remember that it is the doing of the will of God that glorifies God.
Verse 12: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Do not think the burning is strange that is testing you, as though a stranger is walking near you (verse 12; a matfinition). But be glad according to what ye have come into fellowship with of Christs sufferings, in order that by His glory laid bare, be glad rejoice exceedingly (verse 13).
This verse, and its placement in the text is interesting to consider. The eleventh verse has just discussed God the Father being glorified in all things, through Jesus Christ. Then we go to the twelfth verse that speaks the people of God going through a fiery trial (3986), or proving, the same word discussed in the section, ‘And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’.
It would seem that the people of God being tried is not an abnormality. God will allow trial for the purpose of proving His children, the only problem with the testing is the unknown factor that is involved in any experiment, which in this case is the flesh of mankind (the Lord’s Prayer suggests that prayer can limit or eliminate trials).
The next several verses are going to expand on this theme, through it all the people of God will remain faithful, going through trials that glorify God. If you have not experienced trials, they can be very distressing events that at times makes a person wonder if God is still walking at their side, in times of trial it is as if a stranger is walking near. It is in trials like this that the people of God have come to the sufferings of Jesus Christ, ... see verse 13.
Trial = 3986 peirasmos {pi-ras-mos'} Meaning: 1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving 1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal. 4:14) 1b) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy 1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances 1b2) an internal temptation to sin 1b2a) of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand 1b3) of the condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and holiness 1b4) adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness 1c) temptation (i.e. trial) of God by men 1c1) rebellion against God, by which his power and justice are, as it were, put to the proof and challenged to show themselves Origin: from 3985; TDNT - 6:23,822; n m Usage: AV - temptation 19, temptations 1, try 1; 21
Verse 13: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Picking up the previous discussion in verse 12, It is in trials like this that the people of God have come to the sufferings of Jesus Christ, to be partakers in those sufferings (Romans 8:17).
Partakers = 2841 koinoneo {koy-no-neh'-o} Meaning: 1) to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner 2) to enter into fellowship, join one's self to an associate, make one's self a sharer or partner Origin: from 2844; TDNT - 3:797,447; v Usage: AV - be partaker 5, communicate 2, distribute 1; 8 5719 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Indicative (See 5791) Count - 3019
Partakers, now, in His sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, … Verse 11 stated, that the Father may in all things be glorified through Jesus Christ. Remember that when Jesus is glorified the Father is glorified.
Jn. 13:31-32 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
Being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, which leads to His glory being revealed, and the Father being glorified; that we may be glad also with exceeding joy. What do the people of God have to rejoice in? Quit thinking of self and this moment in time, lift your eyes and look far down the path of time and what do you see? Long after the earth, the sun, and the stars are gone, what is left? God the Father, the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and the faithful people of God will still be very much alive. The resurrection of Jesus shows this to be true.
The glory of Christ is revealed in His resurrection, that He overcame the grave through the power of God.
Verse 13-19: Wow, note the many references to glory/fy/ied. And note the theme that starts in the 13th verse which is the reason for the many uses of the word glory/fy/ied.
Verse 14: If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
As far as the author knows, the Spirit of glory is the Spirit of God; these are not two separate things.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed (marikos) are you; for the spirit of glory and God rests on you; on their part He is evil spoken of (name of Christ), but on your part He is glorified.
If the spirit of glory is the Spirit of God; then this is a beautiful truth to be revealed late in this study. There is something that works on mankind, in mankind, and through mankind; that something is our Father, through His Spirit. This was first noticed in the Faith = Righteousness study, and has been present in a few other studies without comment. The Spirit of God is trying to open the spiritual eyes and understanding of mankind where they think, suppose, to be of the opinion, that God is glorious. And the people of God, of all people on the earth, should know that God is glorious.
Is the Spirit of God taken for granted? Do people assume the presence of the Spirit of God when it is not present? 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells the members of the body of Christ to examine themselves regarding faith. Could we also examine ourselves with regard to the Spirit of God? And if we did examine ourselves with regard to the Spirit of God, what might we look for as a evidence of the Spirit of God? There are many things that could be evidence of the Spirit of God, it behooves us to confine our thoughts to this passage, how about the things found in verses 8-11. How about love as evidence that the Spirit of God dwells in us?
1 Jn. 4:6-9 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
How about hospitality as evidence that the Spirit of God dwells in us? How about speak (as the oracle of God), or minister (serve) as evidence that the Spirit of God dwells in us?
Verse 16: Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
In verse 16 any person suffering as a Christian (5546 a follower of Christ) has nothing to be ashamed of, instead glorify God for this reason. Remember that stranger walking near you (verse 12)? It is according to the will of God, for the purpose of proving His people, so they know who they are (God already knows).
Suffer as a Christian, ... let him glorify God in this aspect of his service to God. Still an incredible statement. We might expect a person that is suffering to be depressed and unhappy; but the Christian knows that these sufferings come because of Christ Jesus, part of being a partaker in His sufferings. Therefore, the Christian can see God’s purpose at work and glorify Him; to think, suppose, to be of the opinion.
The joy of the people of God, is the glory of God. And the reward for submission to the will of God is to share in the glory of Jesus Christ and God the Father.
