Free From Impurities

CitP blog, 10-14-18, Free From Impurities

In another startling revelation for the folks at Christ in the Park, two different Greek words behind the same English word in two different verses give a whole different perspective on just what God says about things in their life from what they had virtually always believed.  Read the handout at the Park this Sunday to see if this helps you also!

Free From Impurities

Philippians 4:8, “Brethren, whatsoever things are…pure…think on these things.”

     The Greek word translated “pure” in this verse is hagnos.  It speaks of being chaste, free from defilements or impurities.  God is telling us that we are to think only of things that are free from the rudiments of the world, the things the world “thinks” contrary to the things of God.

     What is particularly interesting is that this is much different from the Greek word that appears in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”  Here the Greek word katharos, translated “pure,” is a word that means “clean, clear, and in a spiritual sense, clean or pure from the pollution and guilt of sin.”  Think about this, “clean or clear in a spiritual sense from the pollution and guilt of sin in heart.”  This narrows down the word “pure” here to a relation to salvation.  Whereas, “pure” in Philippians 4:8 is narrowed down to thoughts in our mind, what we are thinking about.  Big difference.

     The two differences shown in the previous paragraph show the importance and critical aspect of knowing what Greek word has been translated into an English word (and any other language).  The Greeks were more specific in their vocabulary than other languages typically are.

     Back to us in this day, and our text for the morning…”think on pure (chaste, free from defilements or impurities) things.”  Well, amen.

Over and over we find that IF WE DON’T KNOW THE GREEK behind the English (or whatever language) words, we can MISS GOD and His message to us.  I love it when God opens His heart in the Believers coming to CitP and reveals Himself in a special way to each one.  LIFE, His Life, comes in a marvelous way like they have not experienced before. 

I marvel at the faithfulness of the “regulars” who come Sunday after Sunday.  And I appreciate the faithfulness of Rick and Abby who are a great encouragement to everyone, and will be handling Christ in the Park on a couple of Sundays in the future as Barbara and I connect with family members for some special occasions.  Don’t you just love God’s provision in what He has initiated!

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Christ in the Park ministry

a ministry of

Lee McDowell Christian Ministries

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) christinthepark.blogspot.com 

(Facebook) Christ In The Park

P.O. Box 633244   Nacogdoches, TX 75963              936-559-5696