Armed With The Mind of Christ

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Armed With The Mind of Christ

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Submission; Self-denial; Self-control / 1 Peter 4:1–2

The key to success in most things is the proper mindset. In martial arts we are taught that the body will do what the mind will allow. As we try to shine as lights in a very dark world, we are faced with many things that would dim our light. An effective Christian has learned to obtain and maintain the right mindset.  

The Apostle Peter has been telling his sojourners that Jesus is our example. This evening we will learn that in order to effectively glorify God in our lifestyle we must arm ourselves with the mind of Christ.

The Mindset of Christ’s Selflessness.

1 Peter 4:1 KJV

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

The words “suffered in the flesh” are in the same construction as the similar phrase “being put to death in the flesh” (3:18). In the latter expression we found that Peter was speaking of the fact that our Lord was put to death with respect to the flesh, thus suffering with respect to the flesh. This suffering was the result of unjust treatment. The same holds true in 4:1 where the Christian who has suffered in the flesh is the Christian who has suffered ill-treatment from the persecuting world of sinners. The fact that he has been persecuted is an indication of another fact, namely, that he has ceased from sin. The world directs its persecution against those who are living lives of obedience to God, thus those who have ceased from sin. The verb is passive. Literally, the Christian “hath got release” from sin. God broke the power of sin in his life when He saved him. Thus our reaction to unjust suffering should be that of a saint, not a sinner, since we have in salvation been released from sin’s compelling power.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110–111.

_______________

Philippians 2:5–8 KJV

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

__________

A.W. Tozer nailed the nail on the head, saying, “In every Christians heart there is a cross and a throne and the Christian is on the throne till he puts himself on the cross; if he refuses the cross he remains on the throne. Perhaps this is at the bottom of the backsliding and worldliness among believers today. We want to be saved but insist Christ do all the dying.”

Arm Yourself With Christ’s Sinlessness.

1 Peter 4:1 KJV

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Galatians 5:16–18 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

 Finally, the point is that once the Christian grasps this insight he will realize from the example of Christ in 3:18–22 that he must live for God now (which means a suffering in the flesh and thus a battling of sin), for that will lead to a parallel victory (a state of having ceased from sin).1

1 Peter H. Davids, The First Epistle of Peter, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990), 149.

Romans 6:6–7 KJV

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

A wife came to the conclusion that carbonated drinks were having negative physical effects on her family and herself and so decided that they should give them up. But how would she convince her three-year-old daughter, who liked them so much, that it was necessary to stop drinking them?

As the wife was telling her husband of her decision, the little girl piped up to ask, “Mommy, we don’t like pop any more?” Mommy said “That’s right!”—and that was all it took.

Oh, for such a readiness to give up something when we learn that God does not want us to do it1

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 335–336.

Arm Yourself With Christ’s Surrender.

1 Peter 4:2 KJV

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

As a result Christians who have adopted Christ’s mind-set have counted themselves dead to sin. They live the rest of their lives not for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God (cf. 2:15; 3:17; 4:19).1

1 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 852.

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In this verse, the apostle tells his readers why God breaks the power of the sinful nature at the moment the Christian is saved. It is in order that he should no longer live the rest of his earthly life in the sphere of the cravings (lusts) of men, but live in the sphere of the will of God. The word “lust” in Greek speaks of any strong craving, here, an evil craving.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 111.

_________________

On the other hand, since the flesh is weak and fallen, it is the mode of existence in which the evil impulse in human beings operates. Believers thus have a choice: (1) they can live their remaining time “for human desires,” or (2) they can live it “for the will of God.” The use of “desire” for this generalized “I want” within (“If it feels good, do it”) has already been noted by us earlier in 1 Peter (1:14; 2:11). What is unusual is his use of “human” to mean the same thing as “fleshly” (2:11) or “heathen” (4:3 = “will of the nations”). In other words, “human” means “unredeemed humanity.” Thus there is a clear choice between taking the path of least resistance to their natural desires and their committing themselves to follow God’s will, even if it entails suffering.1

1 Peter H. Davids, The First Epistle of Peter, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990), 150.

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Andrew Murray put it this way, “Many Christians fear and flee and seek deliverance from all that would humble them. At times they may pray for humility but in their heart of hearts they pray even more to be kept from the things that would bring them to that place.”

Humility results in a life of dying to self which produces radical obedience and reckless abandon.

Jesus was humble and “obedient unto death…”

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:58 AM September 16, 2020.

Don’t Be A Dim Bulb

Sunday Evening Sermons

Don’t Be A Dim Bulb

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Testimony; Murmuring; Complaining / Philippians 2:14–15

 Last week something happened during Becky’s housecleaning that radially changed the appearance of our hallway. She had noticed that the light fixture had become quite dusty and all the bulbs were not working. After cleaning a substantial amount of dust from the glass and replacing a couple of bulbs, the hall was very bright. By removing the dust and dysfunctional bulbs, the light operated as it was supposed to and made a huge difference in what the hallway looked like.

Tonight we are going to talk about the dust of complaining and grumbling. The Bible tells us that when we murmur we are not blameless and harmless. We are not the bright lights that we need to be in a very dark world. As we examine our own lives, let us together resolve not to be a dim bulb.

Clean up the Dust

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 

Murmur

?The word “murmurings” is the translation of a Greek word which means, “to mutter, to murmur.” It was used of the cooing of doves. It is an onomatopoetic word, that is, a word whose sound resembles its meaning. It is spelled, gongusmon (?????????). It refers, not to a loud outspoken dissatisfaction, but to that undertone murmuring which one sometimes hears in the lobbies of our present day churches where certain cliques are “having it out,” so to speak, among themselves. The word refers to the act of murmuring against men, not God. The use of this word shows that the divisions among the Philippians had not yet risen to the point of loud dissension. The word was used of those who confer secretly, of those who discontentedly complain. The word is found in a secular document reporting an interview between Marcus Aurelius and a rebel. A veteran present interposes with the remark, “Lord, while you are sitting in judgment, the Romans are murmuring.”

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Php 2:14). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

????????? means “complaint” or “displeasure” expressed in murmuring, secret talk, or whisperings about someone (perhaps about leaders)—a kind of grumbling action that promotes ill will instead of harmony and goodwill (cf. Acts 6:1; 1 Pet 4:9;

Hawthorne, G. F. (2004). Vol. 43: Philippians. Word Biblical Commentary (143). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

1 Corinthians 10:10 KJV

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Jude 15–16 KJV

to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

Dispute – debate/ suspicion/ doubt

?The word “disputings” is the translation of a Greek word that carries the ideas of discussion or debate, with the underthought of suspicion or doubt. The murmurings led to disputes.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Php 2:14). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

The World Is Dark Enough.

?The Philippians lived in a crooked and depraved generation (2:15). Again it seems that Paul had the unbelieving Israelites in mind. Moses had used similar words to describe Israel who had gone astray (cf. Deut. 32:5). Peter used the same terminology (“corrupt generation,” Acts 2:40) that Christ did (“perverse generation,” Matt. 17:17).

?The world today, like theirs, is unscrupulous and perverted. Most people have turned their backs on God and truth. In this kind of world God’s people are to “shine like stars” (Phil. 2:15; cf. Matt. 5:14–16). They are to be children of God without fault.

Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), . Vol. 2: The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (656). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

?“Crooked” in the Greek has the idea of “crooked, perverse, wicked,” in the sense of turning away from the truth. “Perverse” has the idea of “distorted, having a twist.” It is a stronger word than “crooked.” “Shine” refers to the fact of appearing, not the act of shining. The word for “lights” is the translation of the Greek word used of the heavenly bodies such as the stars. How appropriate to speak of the saints as luminaries, since they are heavenly people.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Php 2:14). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Church conflicts happen for pretty unusual reasons. In the 1890s there was a small Baptist church in Mayfield County, Kentucky. The church had just two deacons, and those two men seemed to be constantly arguing and bickering with each other. On a particular Sunday, one deacon put up a small wooden peg in the back wall so the pastor could hang up his hat. When the other deacon discovered the peg, he was outraged. “How dare someone put a peg in the wall without first consulting me!” The people in the church took sides and the congregation eventually split. Over a hundred years later, residents of Mayfield County still refer to the two churches as Peg Baptist and Anti-Peg Baptist.

Shine Brightly

Philippians 2:15 KJV

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Blameless

?Blameless (amemptoi, v. 15) means “above reproach.” This does not mean sinless perfection. The corporate testimony of the church is in view. All believers are called on to live out the salvation God has worked in them—to progress in their spiritual maturity. The people were to live so that those outside of Christ could not rightfully point an accusing finger at them. 

Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), . Vol. 2: The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (656). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Harmless

?“Harmless” in the Greek text has the idea of “unmixed, unadulterated.” It was used of wine without water, and metal without alloy. It means “guileless.”

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Php 2:14). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

And harmless.—Christ’s own counsel. “Be harmless as doves.” Lit. the word means unmixed, unadulterated, and figuratively, artless. Of sophistries and the deep things of Satan he would rather they were in happy ignorance (Matt. 10:16; Rom. 16:19)

Barlow, G. (1892). Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians. The Preacher’s Complete Homiletic Commentary (322). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.

As Sons of God

Matthew 5:16 KJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Without Rebuke

 Without rebuke.—Vulgate, “immaculatum.” The word is originally a sacrifiical term. It describes the victim in which the keen inquisitorial eye of the official inspector has found no fault. So (1 Pet. 1:19) of the Lamb of God, in the whiteness of spotless innocency. 

Barlow, G. (1892). Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians. The Preacher’s Complete Homiletic Commentary (322). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FACE SHINE?

A Hindu trader in India once asked a missionary, “What do you put on your face to make it shine?” With surprise the man of God answered, “I don’t put anything on it!” His questioner began to lose patience and said emphatically, “Yes, you do! All of you who believe in Jesus seem to have it. I’ve seen it in the towns of Agra and Surat, and even in the city of Bombay.”

Suddenly the Christian understood, and his face glowed even more as he said, “Now I know what you mean, and I will tell you the secret. It’s not something we put on from the outside but something that comes from within. It’s the reflection of the light of Christ in our hearts.”

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:10 PM September 13, 2020.

Sneaky Snake

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Sneaky Snake

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Deceit; Apostasy / 2 Corinthians 11:1–4

 The story has been told of a woman who had acquired wealth and social prominence and decided to have a book written about her genealogy. The well-known author she engaged for the assignment discovered that one of her grandfathers was a murderer who had been electrocuted in Sing Sing. When he said this would have to be included in the book, the woman pleaded that he find a way of saying it that would hide the truth.

When the book appeared, the incident read as follows: “One of her grandfathers occupied the chair of applied electricity in one of America’s best-known institutions. He was very much attached to his position and literally died in the harness.”3161

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 100.

Have you ever been duped? You thought that you fully understood what you were getting into only to find that you did not have all the information, or that the information was misrepresented to you?

It has been said that “The Devil is in the details”. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that “deception is in the details.”

In our passage this morning we read Pastor Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth. He draws an allegory between the Church at Corinth and a virgin espoused to her husband. She is promised to him and is to remain pure. He is afraid that like Eve was deceived by the serpent, even so the church could be led away from her purity and defiled before becoming married to Christ. The impurity was not sinful action, but wrong doctrine.

Today, many Christians are vulnerable to this kind of deception. They hear words like Christ, Spirit and Gospel and assume that folks using these terms are teaching the same things that they were taught while in fact are being deceived. Satan is still at work. If he is not successful in seduction, he is very effective when he weaves his web of deception. This morning we are going to learn of the ways and dangers of Satan, the Sneaky Snake.

Pure Doctrine is Under Attack.

2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Corruption Begins in the Mind.

The serpent enticed her by his cunning (panourgia, “trickery”

2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Corruption Continues When it is Tolerated.

2 Corinthians 11:4 KJV
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Deceivers Look Like Preachers.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 KJV
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Corruption Happens When You Move From Singular Truth

Your thoughts will be led astray: the verb led astray has a root meaning of “ruin,” “corrupt,” or “spoil.” In some languages a word such as “spoil” rather than “lead astray” may tie in better with the following words sincere and pure. As the next verse indicates, the implicit agent of the verb be led astray is “someone who preaches a different gospel from the one that Paul preaches1

1 Roger L. Omanson and John Ellington, A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1993), 193.

Beware of Another Jesus.

King James Version Chapter 11
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,

Proverbs 4:27 KJV
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.

• A Jesus who hates sinners as well as sin.

John 1:14 KJV
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 8:4–11 KJV
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

• A Jesus who would not be seen with sinners.

Luke 7:34 KJV
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

• A Jesus who does not call out and expose legalism and religious pride.

Luke 12:1 KJV
In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

• A Jesus who does not seek and save that which is lost.

Luke 19:10 KJV
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Beware of Another Spirit.

King James Version Chapter 11
or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received

Acts 1:5–8 KJV
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

• Another spirit working confusion not conversion.

1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

• A spirit causing fear or control.

Romans 8:15 KJV
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Beware of Another Gospel.

King James Version Chapter 11
or another gospel, which ye have not accepted,

Galatians 1:6–9 KJV
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; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

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.

• Grace not Works for Salvation.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 11:6 KJV
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

• Grace not Works for Favor with God.

Romans 5:2 KJV
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 John 4:16–19 KJV
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us.

In 1982, seven residents of the Greater Chicago area made an assumption that proved fatal. They all took a dose of Extra Strength Tylenol® that had been laced with potassium cyanide. What they thought was medicine proved to be poison. This crime, still being investigated as of this very week (February 2009), is still unsolved, in spite of the fact that one man went to prison for sending an extortion letter to Johnson & Johnson and is presumed to be the guilty party by many.

Imagine the horror of taking what you thought was beneficial and discovering, too late, that it was killing you!

Satan is subtil! Just because someone uses a King James Bible, or uses the same terms we use does not mean he is teaching the same thing. Jesus will always be a friend of sinners. He will always rebuke self righteous legalists. The Holy Spirit will always empower believers for soul winning without distracting them with a cacophony of chaos. The Gospel will always be by grace through faith. There will never be any work rite or ritual that we can perform in order to merit God’s love. If you start to believe differently, perhaps you are being influenced by the sneaky snake.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 6:49 PM September 10, 2020.

Jesus: The Way To God.

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Jesus: The Way to God

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Salvation; Will of God; Preaching; Intercession / 1 Peter 3:18–22

Do you know just how much you are loved? Jesus loves you so much that He provided several ways to reach you and bring you to God. He paid the price for your sin. He reaches out for you through His Word and preaching. He gives you a clean slate by wiping out the old man and making you a new creature. He is constantly praying and interceding for you now. All of this was done in such a way that we could choose to accept Him or choose to reject Him. Jesus is the Door… the only way to God is through Him. If you accept His provisions, the door is open, if not the door to God is closed.

As Peter finishes chapter 3 by encouraging the suffering believers that they are following in the steps of the Savior because He suffered for them, Peter tells us about the different things Jesus did and is doing to bring us to God.  

This passage is one of the most difficult and complicated passages in the Bible. After much study and prayer, I believe we can navigate the deep truths of this text together.

The key is verse 18 to see that all that Jesus did was designed to bring us to God.

1 Peter 3:18 KJV

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

 Christ Brings Us To God Through His Payment

Romans 5:6–8 KJV

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Christ Brings Us To God Through Preaching.

1 Peter 3:19–20 KJV

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

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3:19–20. Through whom … He … preached to the spirits in prison has been subject to many interpretations. Some believe Peter here referred to the descent of Christ’s Spirit into hades between His death and resurrection to offer people who lived before the Flood a second chance for salvation. However, this interpretation has no scriptural support.

Others have said this passage refers to Christ’s descent into hell after His crucifixion to proclaim His victory to the imprisoned fallen angels referred to in 2 Peter 2:4–5, equating them with “the sons of God” Moses wrote about (Gen. 6:1–2). Though much commends this view as a possible interpretation, the context seems more likely to be referring to humans rather than angels.

-Bible Knowledge Commentary

_______________________

The “spirits” (pneumasin, a term usually applied to supernatural beings but also used at least once to refer to human “spirits”; cf. Heb. 12:23) are described in 1 Peter 3:20 as those who were disobedient when God waited patiently for Noah to finish building the ark.

Hebrews 12:23 KJV

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

They had rebelled against the message of God during the 120 years the ark was being built. God declared He would not tolerate people’s wickedness forever, but would extend His patience for only 120 more years (Gen. 6:3). Since the entire human race except Noah (Gen. 6:5–9) was evil, God determined to “wipe mankind … from the face of the earth.” The “spirits” referred to in 1 Peter 3:20 are probably the souls of the evil human race that existed in the days of Noah. Those “spirits” are now “in prison” awaiting the final judgment of God at the end of the Age.

Genesis 6:3 KJV

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Genesis 6:5–9 KJV

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

The problem remains as to when Christ preached to these “spirits.” Peter’s explanation of the resurrection of Christ (3:18) “by the Spirit” brought to mind that the preincarnate Christ was actually in Noah, ministering through him, by means of the Holy Spirit. Peter (1:11) referred to the “Spirit of Christ” in the Old Testament prophets. Later he described Noah as “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). The Spirit of Christ preached through Noah to the ungodly humans who, at the time of Peter’s writing, were “spirits in prison” awaiting final judgment.

1 Peter 1:11 KJV

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

2 Peter 2:5 KJV

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

This interpretation seems to fit the general theme of this section (1 Peter 3:13–22)—keeping a good conscience in unjust persecution. Noah is presented as an example of one who committed himself to a course of action for the sake of a clear conscience before God, though it meant enduring harsh ridicule. Noah did not fear men but obeyed God and proclaimed His message. Noah’s reward for keeping a clear conscience in unjust suffering was the salvation of himself and his family, who were saved through water, V 2, p 852 being brought safely through the Flood.1

1 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 851–852.

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It would then be implied here, that though the instrumentality of Noah was employed, yet that it was done not by the Holy Spirit, but by him who afterwards became incarnate. On the supposition, therefore, that this whole passage refers to his preaching to the antediluvians in the time of Noah, and not to the ‘spirits’ after they were confined in prison, this is language which the apostle would have properly and probably used. If that supposition meets the full force of the language, then no argument can be based on it in proof that he went to preach to them after their death, and while his body was lying in the grave.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: James to Jude, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 177.

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When did Christ preach to the spirits in prison? “When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” In Christ’s day, the spirits of those men to whom Noah had preached were in prison, for they had rejected the message of Noah. They had gone into sheol. They were waiting for judgment; they were lost. But Christ did not go down and preach to them after He died on the cross. He preached through Noah “when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” For 120 years Noah had preached the Word of God. He saved his family but no one else. It was the Spirit of Christ who spoke through Noah in Noah’s day. In Christ’s day, those who rejected Noah’s message were in prison. The thought is that Christ’s death meant nothing to them just as it means nothing to a great many people today who, as a result, will also come into judgment.1

1 J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter), electronic ed., vol. 54 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 76–77.

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Christ Brings Us To God Through Purging

1 Peter 3:20–21 KJV

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Romans 6:3–5 KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Galatians 3:27 KJV

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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And this (ho, relative pronoun—“water” is the understood antecedent) water symbolizes baptism (baptisma). Baptism represents a complete break with one’s past life. As the Flood wiped away the old sinful world, so baptism pictures one’s break from his old sinful life and his entrance into new life in Christ. Peter now applied to his readers the principle he set forth in verses 13–17 and illustrated in verses 18–20. He exhorted them to have the courage to commit themselves to a course of action by taking a public stand for Christ through baptism. The act of public baptism would “save” them from the temptation to sacrifice their good consciences in order to avoid persecution. For a first-century Christian, baptism meant he was following through on his commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences.

Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience. Peter clearly taught that baptism was not merely a ceremonial act of physical purification, but (alla, making a strong contrast) the pledge (eper?t?ma, also trans. “appeal”; cf. nasb) of a good conscience (syneid?se?s; cf. v. 16) toward God. Baptism is the symbol of what has already occurred in the heart and life of one who has trusted Christ as Savior (cf. Rom. 6:3–5; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). To make the source of salvation perfectly clear Peter added, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Peter 1:3).1

1 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 852.

Christ Brings Us To God Through Intercessory Prayer

1 Peter 3:22 KJV

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

The first statement is that Jesus “is at the right hand of God.” The root of this statement is in Ps. 110:1, which the early church interpreted christologically. The wording itself is found in Rom. 8:34, and the sense occurs in Acts 2:34; 5:31; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:11; 12:2. The meaning of the statement is clear: Jesus now reigns, for he sits in the place of power.

The second statement, “having gone into heaven,” is implied in the first, and it indicates the ascension that followed the resurrection of Jesus. The words also occur in Acts 1:10 in association with other ways of describing the ascension. Peter probably cites the ascension for two reasons: (1) it was traditional to mention it alongside the resurrection (3:18) and the session at God’s right hand, and (2) in ascending Christ passed triumphantly through the sphere of the principalities and powers over which he now reigns.

Thus the third statement declares Christ’s present reign over “angels and authorities and powers.” This is also derived from Ps. 110:1, along with Ps. 8:6, for if Jesus is now seated in the place of power, his enemies must be under his feet.

Romans 8:34 KJV

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 5:47 PM September 8, 2020.

The Power of Prophecy

Sunday Morning Sermons

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Bible; Preaching; Reasoning; Witness of the Spirit / 1 Corinthians 14:23–25

Ron Freeman and several other preaching students were permitted to visit Brother G. E. Steward, a masterful preacher of the gospel, who was holding a gospel meeting in Houston, TX, in the summer of 1972. We were permitted to bring lessons at that meeting.

He was following Brother Keeble’s manner of training preacher, in many of his gospel meetings. Keeble would come up behind the younger preachers, and deliver the lesson for that evening; building on what they had presented.

Brother G. E. Steward, did the same thing, the night we visited and preached in Houston. After the meeting was over, he talked to all of us young preachers. His main comment on our presentations was: “Not enough scriptures.”

He stressed, “I heard a lot of your words; but, not enough words from the Scripture.” He continued: “Fill your sermons and preaching with the word of God. The power of our preaching is in the Word.”

Peter wrote: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speaks, 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, 1 Peter 4:10-11; Hebrews 4:12.

The early church at Corinth struggled with noise level in church. They did not so much contend with volume as they did with a muddled and confused message. Many believers wanted to speaking tongues so badly, they misunderstood that the purpose of tongues was to communicate the gospel in a language the preacher did not understand but that the hearer did understand so that they could get saved. 1 Corinthians 14 was a treatise on the misunderstanding and misuse of this Pentecostal miracle.

While most of us do not struggle with the misunderstanding of Biblical tongues, we too become noisy and muddled in our message. Often preference, politics, and personal prejudice make up a cacophonous background din so loud, the pure word of the gospel cannot be clearly heard or understood by those who so desperately need to hear it. 

The Apostle creates a clear distinction between the noise of our puffed up proclamations and the power of the word of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 KJV

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

All Believers Can Prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:24

But if all prophesy…

Prophesy is the bold declaration of God’s revealed word.

Ezekiel 33:7–9 KJV

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

“Thus Saith The Lord” 415 times in scriptures.

Direct Revelation has ended.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 KJV

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Revelation 22:18–19 KJV

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

We have all the direct revelation we need in scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Prophecy in this dispensation is the bold declaration and application of God’s perfect Word. In Church, not just the preacher, or the prophet, but all can prophesy.

Unbelievers and Unlearned Will Be Convicted.

…he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest;

Convinced – convicted/ called to account

First, the unbeliever is “convicted by all, is called to account by all.” These two verbs together imply the deep probing work of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives, exposing their sins and thus calling them to account before the living God. Lying behind the word “convicted” is the OT view that one is exposed before God through the prophetic word; inherent in such “exposure” is the call to repentance,631 the summons to have one’s exposed sins confessed and forgiven by a merciful God.1

1 Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., Revised Edition., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014), 760.

The word here rendered convinced (?????????) is rendered reprove in John 16:8, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,” &c. Its proper meaning is to convict, to show one to be wrong; and then to rebuke, reprove, admonish, &c. Here it means, evidently, that the man would be convicted, or convinced of his error and of his sin; he would see that his former opinions and practice had been wrong; he would see and acknowledge the force and truth of the Christian sentiments which should be uttered, and would acknowledge the error of his former opinions and life. The following verse shows that the apostle means something more than a mere convincing of the understanding, or a mere conviction that his opinions had been erroneous. He evidently refers to what is now known also as conviction for sin; that is, a deep sense of the depravity of the heart, of the errors and follies of the past life, accompanied with mental anxiety, distress, and alarm. The force of truth, and the appeals which should be made, and the observation of the happy effects of religion, would convince him that he was a sinner, and show him also his need of a Saviour.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 270.

Judged / examined – producing deep self condemnation.

The second word appeared previously in this letter to describe the Corinthians’ “examination” of Paul and his apostleship (4:3–4; 9:3); it is also used in an earlier argument (2:14–15) to describe the proper sphere of activity of the “Spiritual person,” meaning something like “discern.” Perhaps there is an intended deflection by the use of this word here. Instead of “examining” Paul on their grounds/understanding of Spirit activity, they should seek to prophesy in the assembly so that the proper “examining” might take place, that of the Spirit in the heart of the unbeliever, bringing such a person to a place of repentance.1

1 Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., Revised Edition., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014), 760.

1 Corinthians 2:14–15 KJV

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Exposed – hidden things of the heart revealed, producing conviction.

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest. Made manifest to himself in a surprising and remarkable manner. He shall be led to see the real designs and motives of his heart. His conscience would be awakened; he would recall his former course of life; he would see that it was evil; and the present state of his heart would be made known to himself. It is possible that he would suppose that the speaker was aiming directly at him, and revealing his feelings to others; for such an effect is often produced. The convicted sinner often supposes that the preacher particularly intends him, and wonders that he has such an acquaintance with his feelings and his life; and often supposes that he is designing to disclose his feelings to the congregation. It is possible that Paul here may mean that the prophets, by inspiration, would be able to reveal some secret facts in regard to the stranger; or to state the ill design which he might have had in coming into the assembly; or to state some things in regard to him which could be known only to himself; as was the case with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1, seq.); but perhaps it is better to understand this in a more general sense, as describing the proper and more common effect of truth, when it is applied by a man’s own conscience. Such effects are often witnessed now; and such effects show the truth of religion; its adaptedness to men; the omniscience and the power of God; the design of the conscience, and its use in the conversion of sinners.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 270–271.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Unbelievers and Unlearned Will Be Converted.

…and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Fall down/ humble himself.

James 4:7 KJV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:10 KJV

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

And so falling down on his face. The usual posture of worship or reverence in eastern countries. It was performed by sinking on the knees and hands, and then placing the face on the ground. This might be done publicly; or the apostle may mean to say that it would lead him to do it in private.

He will worship God. He will be converted, and become a Christian.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 271.

Worship God – a Transfer of Trust.

Hebrews 6:1 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Converted persons drop all their prejudices against the people of God, and speak honourably of them. “He will report that God is in you of a truth.” Profane people treat them with contempt and scorn. But no sooner does a man come to himself, and see things as they are, than he forms a very different opinion of godly persons. He sees that they are the excellent of the earth, the children of God, and heirs of eternal glory. (G. Burder.)1

1 Joseph S. Exell, The Biblical Illustrator: I. Corinthians, vol. 2 (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Company, n.d.), 363.

And report that God, &c. Will become your friend, and an advocate for the Christian religion. An enemy will be turned to a friend. Doubtless this was often done. It is now often done. Paul’s argument is, that they should so conduct their public devotions as that they should be adapted to produce this result.1

1 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 271.

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The preacher stood on the street corner preaching to anyone who would listen. A man approached him who looked like he had lived on the street forever. “Can I help you” asked the preacher. “I think you can” said the bum. “Would you like me to tell you about Jesus?” “No.” “Would you like me to pray for you?” “No.” “If you don’t want me to tell you about Jesus, and you don’t want me to pray with you, how can I help you?” “You can give me your Bible.” “Why would you want my Bible if you have no interest in knowing more about Jesus?” “I noticed that the pages of your Bible are very thin; I can use the pages to wrap a cigarette (or a joint).” Wisdom came suddenly to the preacher, who said, “I’ll give you the Bible, if you will agree to read a page (of the Bible) before you smoke it.” The bum agreed, took his new Bible, and left. The preacher thought he had seen the last of the bum, but he could get another Bible. Several months passed, and the preacher was on the street corner once again. A man came up to him dressed in a three piece suit. “You don’t know me, do you?” said the man. “No. I’ve never seen you in my life.” “Yes you have. I’m the man you gave a Bible to (about four months ago).” The preacher couldn’t believe his eyes and ears. “What happened? Tell me what happened.” “Well, I smoked Matthew, and then I smoked Mark, and then I smoked Luke–and then John smoked me.”

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To Prophesy in this dispensation is to boldly declare God’s Word, and we all can and should do it. When someone comes within our sphere of influence, they all should hear the word of God.

Lives will be reached and changed not by slick advertising but by God’s Word. Conviction and conversion comes as all, not just the preachers and teachers, proclaim boldly and clearly the truth of God’s Word. This is the Power of Prophecy.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 3:36 PM September 5, 2020.

Brain Friendly Diet

Sunday Evening Sermons

Brain Friendly Diet

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Philippians 4:8

 Roger Bannister was an Olympian. Every four years we have the games. Four minutes was the fastest record to ever run the mile. Ever since statisticians kept records, they knew that no one would could ever beat that record. But Roger Bannister didn’t listen to them–he went out and broke it and made sports history. Hundreds of years of record keeping–poof! But here is the most interesting part. After Roger broke the record, within ten years 336 runners broke that record also. What happened?

Simple. The barrier was in the athlete’s minds. They had believed what the experts said. They were convinced no on could break the record.

The point: You will never go beyond the barriers in your own mind. If you think you can’t, you won’t and never will try. If you are defeated in your mind, you’ve already lost the battle.

We learned this morning that we can be kept in perfect peace if your mind is focused on God. But… how do we achieve that kind of mental discipline? According to our text this evening, much can be accomplished if we simply put our brains on a diet and only allow good things to be consumed by our minds.

Whatever Is True

Proverbs 22:21 KJV

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Ephesians 4:15 KJV

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephesians 4:25 KJV

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Whatever Is Honest/ Noble

Whatever is noble. Although this word most often has a “sacred” sense (“revered” or “majestic”), here it probably denotes “honorable,” “noble,” or “worthy of respect.” It occurs in Prov 8:6 also in conjunction with “truth” and “righteousness,” as characteristic of what Wisdom has to say. Thus, whatever is “worthy of respect,” wherever it may come from, is also worth giving consideration to.1

1 Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995), 417.

Proverbs 8:6 KJV

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things.

“Honest” is the translation of a word which was used in classical Greek in the sense of “venerable, inviting reverence, worthy of reverence.” The word exhorts here to a due appreciation of such things as produce a noble seriousness

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Php 4:8). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Whatever Is Just/ Right

The word “just” is from the Greek word meaning both “just” and also “righteous,” here, “righteous” in a comprehensive sense

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Php 4:8). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Whatever is right. As with “truth,” what is “right” is always defined by God and his character. Thus, even though this is one of the cardinal virtues of Greek antiquity, in Paul it carries the further sense of “righteousness,” so that it is not defined by merely human understanding of what is “right” or “just,” but by God and his relationship with his people.1

1 Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995), 417–418.

Micah 6:8 KJV

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the LORD require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?

Whatever Is Pure

Whatever is pure. This word originated in the cultus, where what had been sanctified for the temple was considered “pure”; along with the related word “holy,” it soon took on moral implications.

Pure (hagna) refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity

Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 664). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Proverbs 15:26 KJV

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: But the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Whatever Is Lovely

Lovely (prosphil?, occurring only here in the NT) speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict.

Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 664). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Colossians 4:6 KJV

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Whatever is of Good Report.

The words “good report” in the Greek text are literally “fair speaking,” thus “winning, attractive.” The word “if” refers to a fulfilled condition. 

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Php 4:8). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Whatever is admirable. Although not quite a synonym of the preceding word, it belongs to the same general category of “virtues.” Not a virtue in the moral sense, it represents the kind of conduct that is worth considering because it is well spoken of by people in general.1

1 Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995), 418.

Virtue

Virtue (????? [aret?]). Old word, possibly from ?????? [aresk?], to please, used very often in a variety of senses by the ancients for any mental excellence or moral quality or physical power.

2 Peter 1:3 KJV

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

The word “virtue” in the Greek text was used in classical Greek for any mental excellence, moral quality, or physical power. Paul studiously avoids it. Only here does he use it. It seems that the apostle includes it in order that he may not omit any possible ground of appeal

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Php 4:8). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Praise

The word praise (Mft Knox “merit”; NEB “admirable”) is used in 1:11 in reference to the praise of God. As a rule Paul thinks only of what God will praise, but in this context he is obviously speaking of the kind of conduct that wins the praise of men (Brc “wins men’s praise”).

Proverbs 11:30 KJV

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:12 AM August 21, 2020.