Live The Abundant Life

• Jun. 7, 2006 - Word Study - Devotion(s)

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STOP: If you haven't read the June 6 entry called Defining... jump down to read it first!
Having asked, I thought I should share my results with you (you can see a further definition in Graceful Journey's comment under June 6's entry). So this is what "Devotion" means, and where it came from. Does it change the way you think about your quiet time?
I knew the secular meaning of the term, and that's what made me begin to wonder in the first place. It means:
2 a : the act of devoting b : the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal (as to an idea or person)
Interestingly the first meaning of the word is religious:
1 a : religious fervor : PIETY b : an act of prayer or private worship -- usually used in plural c : a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate worship of a congregation
Hmmm... To be honest it's the etymology of the word that really gives me pause. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary has it's source in devovere which means "dedicate by a vow". In fact, the entire word has heavy connotations of vows and allegiance. I wonder if the term came from monks and nuns taking vows to serve God and then "devoting" their time to worship (another word that seriously could use some defining).

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• Feb. 21, 2006 - Word Study - Stand

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This has been a fascinating study for me. The N.T. terms used in the verses which imply "standing in the face of adversity" or "for your faith" are histemi and steko. They are rich words.
Steko is normally translated "Stand firm" or "Stand fast" depending on what version you are reading and it has very little variation of meaning. It means to be stationary, to persevere or persist, to keep one's standing. It's image is one of strength and resistence without a doubt.
The most commonly used term though is histemi and this word had a lot lof variations of meaning and implications. It talks about, not just the standing itself, but the making to stand. To fix, establish, to bid to stand or to place. I loved two of the implied meanings. One was to stand by in the presence of others, in the midst (what a great picture). The other I loved is, to continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, stand ready and prepared. This is the term used in the Ephesian's armour passage. Can't you just see Paul asking us to hold our place in the midst of Satan's attacks, to stand ready, to stand unharmed. Wow, that's great!
My Strong's says that this word can also be translated: abide, continue, covenant, hold up, and present (among others). Somehow I think God is telling us to do so much more than we've ever imagined.

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• Nov. 18, 2005 - Word Study - Meeting Together

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The Greek for the expression we translate as Meeting Together is actually one word; it is episunagoge. It means "the gathering together in one place". The understanding that now goes with it is the meeting together of Christians.
Interestingly, this word is only used twice in the whole New Testament.
Once in Hebrews 10:25 where the author is talking about Christians meeting together regularly.
The other is 2 Thessalonians 2:1 and Paul uses it to refer to the time when Christ returns and all Christians are gathered together with him.
The word implies getting together with other Christians to encourage and strengthen each other, beyond this there is no further information on what this "meeting together" looks like or should entail (although one definition said the religious conotation was to meet together to worship).

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• Nov. 14, 2005 - Word Study - Hypocrite

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The Greek word for Hypocrite is hupokrites and means:
1. One who answers
2. An actor, stage player.
3. A dissembler, pretender, hypocrite.

In English the word means "a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion" and comes directly from this Greek word for Actor!

When Jesus used this term he was talking to the Pharisees and other "religious" sects who saw faith as being about laws and works and couldn't recognize their own God come in the flesh.

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My musings, experiences, studies, and writings on God and the Bible. And if you have them, even my answers to your questions. Want to know how to live the Abundant Life? It's right there in His Word! If you'd like information on my Coaching, Speaking, or Teaching services feel free to email me. If you have any questions, or specific bible information you'd like me to answer feel free to post in comments or email me. I look forward to hearing from you!

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All English language dictionary definitions are taken from Mirriam Webster Dictionary.

I use E-Sword and the Blue Letter Bible to do word studies and other Bible research.

In addition to my regular blog posts you'll find shorter entries listed under my Categories. I hope they bless you.

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