# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bible Gateway passage: Romans 2:4 - New Living Translation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 16:11 - New King James Version

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Psalm 16:11 NKJV - You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A poem of insight and instruction by King David # 32 David wrote this psalm after he seduced the wife of his most loyal soldier, then had him killed to try to keep her pregnancy a secret. This sin with Bathsheba brought great disgrace to David, yet he found complete forgiveness in God's mercy. The apostle Paul chose the first two verses ofPs. 32to support the important doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. SeeRom. 4:5-8. This was Augustine's favorite psalm. He had it written on the wall near his bed before he died so he could meditate on it.

whose rebellion has been forgiven, # 32:1 The Hebrew word for "forgiven" means "lifted off." Sin's guilt is a burden that must be lifted off our souls. The Septuagint reads "because they have not hidden their sins."

who have confessed their corruption # 32:2 David used three Hebrew words to describe sin in these first two verses: "rebellion," "sins" (failures, falling short), and "corruption" (crookedness, the twisting of right standards). to God!

For he wipes their slates clean

and removes hypocrisy from their hearts.

my dishonesty devastated my inner life,

causing my life to be filled with frustration,

irrepressible anguish, and misery.

My strength was sapped, my inner life dried up

like a spiritual drought within my soul.

refusing to hide them any longer.

I said, "My life-giving God,

I will openly acknowledge my evil actions."

All at once the guilt of my sin washed away

and all my pain disappeared!

All believers should confess their sins to God;

do it every time God has uncovered you

For if you do this, when sudden storms of life overwhelm,

protecting me from these troubles,

surrounding me with songs of gladness!

Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough.

instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life.

I will advise you along the way

and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.

So don't make it difficult; don't be stubborn

when I take you where you've not been before.

Don't make me tug you and pull you along.

Many are the sorrows and frustrations

of those who don't come clean with God.

But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness,

his wraparound love will surround you.

He shows this kindness to everyone who is his.

all you upright ones who want to please him!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ForgivenA poem of insight and instruction by King David # David wrote this psalm after he seduced the wife of his most loyal soldier, then had him ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.

Read full chapter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bible Gateway passage: Hebrews 12:1-3 - New Living Translation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
God's Discipline Proves His Love - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
When You Walk Into the Room (Lyric Video) - Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Jesus Culture Music

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
2 I, Paul, tell you: If you think there is benefit in circumcision and Jewish regulations, then you're acting as though Christ is not enough. 3 I say it again emphatically: If you let yourselves be circumcised you are obliged to fulfill every single one of the commandments and regulations of the law!

4 If you want to be made right with God by fulfilling the obligations of the law, you have cut off more than your flesh -you have cut yourselves off from Christ and have fallen away from the revelation of grace!

5 But we have the true hope that comes from being made right with God, and by the Spirit we wait eagerly for this hope. 6 When you're joined to the Anointed One, circumcision and religious obligations can benefit you nothing. All that matters now is living in the faith that works and expresses itself through love.

10 Deep in my heart I have confidence that the Lord, who lives in you, will bring you back around to the truth. And I'm convinced that those who trouble you, whoever they think they are, will bear the penalty!

13 Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom. But don't view this wonderful freedom as an excuse to set up a base of operations in the natural realm. Constantly love each other and be committed to serve one another.

14 For all the law can be summarized in one grand statement:

15 But if you continue to criticize and come against each other over minor issues, you're acting like wild beasts trying to destroy one another!

The Holy Spirit, Our Victory

Haven't I already warned you that those who use their "freedom" for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Life of FreedomAt last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth # :1 Or "stand strong." and fi...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LifeSong Church | 11AM Live Experience | Pastor RJ Hale

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
To Not Fall Away | LifeSong Church | Marcela Eslao

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Power In The Blood | LifeSong Church | Pastor Jadon Mauch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Psalms 139:5-6 You've gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incompreh | The Passion Translation (TPT) | Download The Bible App Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You've gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on m...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing | New Living Translation (NLT) | Download The Bible App Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to k...

# data[].attributes.headline
Ephesians 2:2 Used to follow the customs of the world

# data[].attributes.subject
Ephesians 2:2 Used to follow the customs of the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ephesians 2:2 It wasn't that long ago that you lived in the religion, customs, and values of this world, obeying the dark ruler of the earthly realm who fills the atmosphere with his authority, and works diligently | The Passion Translation (TPT) | Download The Bible App Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It wasn't that long ago that you lived in the religion, customs, and values of this world, obeying the dark ruler of the earthly realm who fills the a...

# data[].attributes.body
"He is our Helper, Intercessor, Assistant, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Sustainer."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Ministry of the Spirit

Any discussion on the church would be severely lacking without a close look at the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Without him, the church would never have been founded. Godly leaders would never have been called, believers added, gifts distributed, service rendered, or growth realized.

The Holy Spirit is mentioned some fifty-six times in the book of Acts as filling, helping, guiding, calling, aiding, growing, sanctifying, maturing, organizing, assisting, regenerating, teaching, testifying to, interceding for, reminding, grieving over, and loving believers, who make up the church. Without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, there is no church. But with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the church shines forth beautifully as he makes her his glorious dwelling.

Our Helper

To comfort the hearts of his despondent disciples, who have just learned that Jesus will soon be leaving them, he promises them a "Helper" (John 14:16). Jesus unveils the identity and ministry of this divine Helper in subsequent verses:

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26)

When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. (John 15:26)

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)

The Greek word used here in reference to the Holy Spirit is paraklētos, which means "one called to another's side, specifically to help and aid." It can also denote an intercessor, an assistant, or someone who pleads another's cause before a judge. The word itself reveals the all-encompassing role of the Spirit within the body of Christ. He is our Helper, Intercessor, Assistant, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Sustainer.

What love Jesus has for the church! He doesn't leave her to fend for herself with her own devices, inventions, creativity, or wit. Surprisingly, he says, "It is to your advantage that I go away" (John 16:7). If we listen closely, we can almost hear the disciples bemoan Jesus's words. "What could possibly be good about you leaving us, Jesus?" Peter is so steadfast in his resolve that Jesus will not be leaving that he takes Jesus aside from the others and rebukes him (Matt. 16:21-23).

Yes, the disciples have a daunting and seemingly insurmountable task of walking in Jesus's footsteps and continuing his ministry on earth. The proclamation of the gospel to the nations, the organization of the church, discipling believers, caring for orphans and widows, and all the rest-"You can't leave us, Jesus! How are we to accomplish all of this?" In his love and comforting care of his disciples, he essentially says, "My Father will give you a Helper."

The Holy Spirit is sufficiently enough to equip and empower you to discharge every aspect of the turning-the-world-upside-down ministry to which Jesus has called his church.

The exaltation of Christ to the right hand of the Father at his ascending enthronement and subsequent sending of the Holy Spirit can clearly be seen as advantageous after a quick survey of a few of the numerous ministries he performs within the church:

He counsels (Isa. 11:2)

He imparts wisdom (Isa. 11:2)

He adopts (Rom. 8:15)

He calls to ministry (Acts 13:2-4)

He empowers (Acts 1:8)

He illuminates (1 Cor. 2:10-13)

He produces fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)

He seals (2 Cor. 1:22)

He strengthens (John 14:26)

He helps (John 14:16)

He intercedes (Rom. 8:26)

He provides truth (John 14:17, 26)

He teaches (Luke 12:12)

He testifies (John 15:26)

He guides (Acts 16:16-17)

He grieves (Eph. 4:30)

He convicts (2 Thess. 2:6-7)

He loves (Rom. 5:5; 15:30)¹

Our Beautifier

One characteristic we don't often consider, and perhaps have never considered, as a ministry of the Holy Spirit is that of a beautifier. Each of the above ministries is for the purpose of beautifying the church in order to "present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27).

A chief work of the Spirit is to bring beauty out of chaos.

Like a bride waking up on her wedding day and spending hours perfecting her beauty, every aspect of the Spirit's ministry to, in, and through the church is to make her holier and consequently more beautiful. Here we benefit again from the wisdom and insight of Jonathan Edwards, who believed sanctification-the inward transformation of our affections to make us more like Jesus-is beautification. That is, being made holy is being made beautiful. In his sermon "God's Excellencies," Edwards preached:

Holiness is the very beauty and loveliness of Jehovah himself. 'Tis the excellency of his excellencies, the beauty of his beauties, the perfection of his infinite perfections, and the glory of his attributes. What an honor, then, must it be to a creature who is infinitely below God, and less than he, to be beautified and adorned with this beauty, with that beauty which is the highest beauty of God himself, even holiness. ²

This is the incomparable work of the Holy Spirit in the lives and hearts of every redeemed believer, to make us beautiful by making us like Christ. Edwards says we should be amazed that God would make any of his creatures holy, even the unfallen angels, but how much more glorious is it for God to "sanctify sinners-loathsome and abominable creatures-and make them like to himself." ³

This beautification process begins as we are brought into an intimate relationship with the one who is supremely beautiful and lovely. In John 16:14, Jesus emphasizes that the ministry of the Spirit is not to draw attention to himself but to glorify Christ, "for he will take what is mine and declare it to you." In all his conforming and transforming work in the life of individual believers and the life of the church, the Holy Spirit perpetually points to Jesus.

Glancing at Jesus doesn't make sinners beautiful. Being a mere spectator of a local church doesn't make sinners beautiful. Living on the edge of gospel-centered ministry doesn't make sinners beautiful. The beauty for which we are saved is accomplished only through an intense, heartfelt stare at Jesus. We all know what it's like to receive a glaring stare from a parent when we've disobeyed. Words aren't necessary for a reprimand; the stare alone communicates the required level of conformity. Edwards says we need such a sight of the divine beauty of Christ that our hearts and wills bow before his loveliness. Naturally, as long as our redeemed souls are encased in sinful flesh, we oppose the Spirit's work of beautifying holiness. But "one glimpse of the moral and spiritual glory of God, and supreme amiableness of Jesus Christ, shining into the heart, overcomes and abolishes this opposition, and inclines the soul to Christ." ⁴ When the Spirit causes the beauty of Christ to dawn in our hearts, all opposition to holiness flees, our eyes firmly rivet to his flawless loveliness, and we are made beautiful.

A chief work of the Spirit is to bring beauty out of chaos. In creation, the Spirit brought harmony out of formlessness and void (Gen. 1:2). In redemption, the Spirit brings life out of death and sin (John 3:5-6, 8). In sanctification, the Spirit brings beauty out of fallen flesh and wayward hearts (Rom. 8:9-11). The church becomes an instrument of Christ's beaming radiance in the world through the individual expressions of the work of grace by the Spirit in the lives of believers.

Notes:

1. For further investigation into the personhood of the Holy Spirit, see Biblical Doctrine, ed. John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017), 334-35.

2. Jonathan Edwards, Sermons and Discourses, 1720-1723, ed. Wilson H. Kimnach, vol. 10 of The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1992), 430.

3. Edwards, Sermons and Discourses, 1720-1723, 430.

4. Jonathan Edwards, Sermons and Discourses, 1743-1758, ed. Wilson H. Kimnach, vol. 25 of The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2006), 635.

This article is adapted from Why Should We Love the Local Church? by Dustin Benge.

Related Articles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Holy Spirit, Our Helper and Beautifier

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Without the Holy Spirit, the church would never have been founded. Godly leaders would never have been called, believers added, gifts distributed, service rendered, or growth realized.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hebrews 10:19-23 And now we are brothers and sisters in God's family because of the blood of Jesus, and he welcomes us to come into the most holy sanctuary in the heavenly realm-boldly and without hesitation. For he h | The Passion Translation (TPT) | Download The Bible App Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
And now we are brothers and sisters in God's family because of the blood of Jesus, and he welcomes us to come into the most holy sanctuary in the heav...

# data[].attributes.headline
Ephesians  3:16-17  Unlimited riches of glory and favor

# data[].attributes.subject
Ephesians  3:16-17  Unlimited riches of glory and favor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
5 There has never been a generation that has been given the detailed understanding of this glorious and divine mystery until now. He kept it a secret until this generation. God is revealing it only now to his sacred apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. 6 Here's the secret: The gospel of grace has made you, non-Jewish believers, into coheirs of his promise through your union with him. And you have now become members of his body-one with the Anointed One!

13 My dear friends, I pray that you will remain strong and not be discouraged or ashamed by all that I suffer on your behalf, for it is for your glory.

Paul Prays for Love to Overflow

17 Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

18-19 Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences-the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding-this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!

20 Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.

21 Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ-and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Divine MysteryBeloved friends, because of my love for Jesus Christ, I am now his prisoner for the sake of all of you who are not Jews, so that you...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
New International Version
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. New Living Translation
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. English Standard Version
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Berean Standard Bible
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Berean Literal Bible
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who in view of the joy lying before Him endured the cross, having despised its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. King James Bible
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. New King James Version
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. New American Standard Bible
looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NASB 1995
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NASB 1977
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Legacy Standard Bible
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Amplified Bible
[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Christian Standard Bible
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Holman Christian Standard Bible
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. American Standard Version
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And let us gaze at Yeshua, him who is The Author and The Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was his, endured the cross and ignored the shame, and he sits upon the right side of the throne of God. Contemporary English Version
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! Douay-Rheims Bible
Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who having joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God. English Revised Version
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. GOD'S WORD® Translation
We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. Good News Translation
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. International Standard Version
fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Literal Standard Version
looking to the Author and Perfecter of the faith-Jesus, who, for the joy set before Him, endured a cross, having despised shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God; Majority Standard Bible
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. New American Bible
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. NET Bible
keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. New Revised Standard Version
looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. New Heart English Bible
looking to Jesus, the founder and completer of the faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Webster's Bible Translation
Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Weymouth New Testament
simply fixing our gaze upon Jesus, our Prince Leader in the faith, who will also award us the prize. He, for the sake of the joy which lay before Him, patiently endured the cross, looking with contempt upon its shame, and afterwards seated Himself-- where He still sits--at the right hand of the throne of God. World English Bible
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Young's Literal Translation
looking to the author and perfecter of faith -- Jesus, who, over-against the joy set before him -- did endure a cross, shame having despised, on the right hand also of the throne of God did sit down; Additional Translations ...

The Call to Endurance
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.... Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 110:1
The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." Mark 16:19
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Acts 3:15
You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact. 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross. Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Looking.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Isaiah 8:17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

the author.

Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Luke 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

finisher.

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

for.

Hebrews 2:7-9 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: ...

Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope...

endured.

Hebrews 10:5-12 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: ...

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 20:18,19,20,28 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, ...
Afterwards Author Award Cross Despising Endured Faith Fixing Gaze Hand Jesus Joy Leader Prince Prize Right Sake Sat Seated Shame Simply Throne

Afterwards Author Award Cross Despising Endured Faith Fixing Gaze Hand Jesus Joy Leader Prince Prize Right Sake Sat Seated Shame Simply Throne

1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.

(2) Looking unto Jesus.--As in Hebrews 2:9, the description precedes the mention of the name, "Looking unto the Author and Perfecter of (our) faith, Jesus." The first word is very similar to that of Hebrews 11:26; the runner looks away from all other objects and fixes his gaze on One. Jesus is not directly spoken of as the Judge ( 2Timothy 4:8); but, as the next words show, He has Himself reached the goal, and His presence marks the point at which the race will close. As the last verse spoke of our "patient endurance," this speaks of our faith, and of this Jesus is the Author and the Perfecter. The former word has occurred before, in Hebrews 2:10; and here, as there, origination is the principal thought. There the idea of leading the way was also present; but here "Author" stands in contrast with "Perfecter," and the example of our Lord is the subject of the clause which follows. Because it is He who begins and brings to perfection our faith, we must run the race with our eye fixed upon Him: in Him is the beginning, in Him the completion of the promises ( 2Corinthians 1:20); and in the steady and trustful dependence upon Him which this figure describes consists our faith.

Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.--The literal meaning is very forcible, endured a cross, despising shame; the shame of such a death being set over against the joy that lay before Him. Here again we have the thought of Hebrews 2:9 ( Philippians 2:9-10); the joy of His accomplished purpose ( Isaiah 53:11; Matthew 25:21; Luke 10:21-22) and the glory with which He was crowned ( John 17:1; 1Peter 1:11) being the reward for His "obedience even unto death." The whole form of the expression (comp. especially Hebrews 6:18, "the hope set before us") shows that Jesus is presented to us as an example not of endurance only, but also of faith ( Hebrews 2:12). On the last words of the verse see Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12-13; there is here a slight change in the Greek, which requires the rendering, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. . . .

Verse 2. - Looking unto the Author and Finisher of our faith (rather, the Leader, or Captain, as in Hebrews 2:10, and Perfecter of the faith, or of faith - faith's Captain and Completer), Jesus; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The idea is not, as implied in the A.V. and understood by Chrysostom and other ancients, that Jesus first inspires and then brings to its complete result the individual Christian's faith ("quod caepit in nobis consummabit"), but (as implied in the word ἀρχηγὸς, and suiting the context better) that he is the Leader of the whole army of faith, whose standard we are to follow, and whoso own completed victory is the enabling cause as well as the earnest of our own. It is no valid objection to this view that he could not have been a Leader in this sense to the faithful ones before his coming, referred to in the last chapter; for, as has been before observed (see on "the reproach of Christ," Hebrews 11:26), he is regarded as the Head and Leader, in all ages, of the faithful; and in virtue of his future warfare for mankind the saints of old endured and triumphed: - and certainly Christians, to whom the exhortation is addressed, may look to him in an obvious sense as their Captain to be followed. Nor, again, is there difficulty - apart from that of the whole mystery of the Incarnation - in his being presented to us as himself an example of triumphant faith. For he is elsewhere spoken of as having so "emptied himself" of his Divine glory as to have become like unto us in all things, sin except; and thus to have been sustained during his human life by faith in the unseen, as we are. His addresses to the Father (see especially John 17.) are strikingly significant in this regard. The expression, "for the joy," etc. (ἀντὶ τῆς προκειμένης αὐτῷ χαρᾶς), does not mean, as some take it, "instead of the joy which he might have had on earth" (such e.g. as was offered to him by the tempter), but, as is evident from the word προκειμένης, "as set against, i.e. for the sake of, future joy" (cf. ἀντὶ βρώσεως μιᾶς, ver. 16). Such looking forward to joy with the Father and the redeemed after triumph is expressed in the great intercessory prayer-above referred to ( John 17:5, 13, 22, 23, 24, 26). It may be here observed that anticipation of reward hereafter is among legitimate human motives to a good life. It may be said, indeed, that the highest virtue consists in doing what is right simply because it is right - in fulfilling God's will, whatever may come of it to ourselves; but the hope of a final happy issue comes properly, and indeed inevitably, in as an inspiring and sustaining motive. Aspiration after Happiness is a God-given instinct of humanity, necessary for keeping up the life of virtue. There may be some so in love with virtue as to be capable of persevering in lifelong self-denial, though without any faith in a life to come. But human nature in general certainly requires this further incentive, and Christian faith supplies it. Nor are those who thus work with a view to future joy to be accused of selfish motives, as though they balanced only a greater against a smaller gain. To the true Christian the grand inspiring principle is still the love of God and of his neighbor, and of goodness for its own sake, though the hope of an eternal reward supports and cheers him mightily. Nor, again, is the joy looked forward to a selfish joy. It is the joy of sharing in the triumph of eternal righteousness in company with all the redeemed, whose salvation, no less than his own, he desires and strives for. And, further, with regard to his own individual joy, what is it but the joy of attaining the end of his being, the perfection God meant him for, and to which it is his duty to aspire? Hence Christ would not have been a perfect Example to man had he not been represented as looking forward to "the joy that was set before him." Parallel Commentaries ...

Let us fix our eyes Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
ἀφορῶντες (aphorōntes)
To look away from (something else) to, see distinctly. From apo and horao; to consider attentively.
Strong's 872:

on Preposition
εἰς (eis)
A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.
Strong's 1519:

Jesus, Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
Strong's 2424:

the Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
τὸν (ton)
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Strong's 3588:

pioneer Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
ἀρχηγὸν (archēgon)
Originator, author, founder, prince, leader. From arche and ago; a chief leader.
Strong's 747:

and Conjunction
καὶ (kai)
And, even, also, namely.
Strong's 2532:

perfecter Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
τελειωτὴν (teleiōtēn)
A perfecter, completer, finisher. From teleioo; a completer, i.e. Consummater.
Strong's 5051:

of [our] Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
τῆς (tēs)
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Strong's 3588:

faith, Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
Strong's 4102:

who Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
ὃς (hos)
Who, which, what, that.
Strong's 3739:

for Preposition
ἀντὶ (anti)
A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.
Strong's 473:

the Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
τῆς (tēs)
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Strong's 3588:

joy Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
χαρᾶς (charas)
Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.
Strong's 5479:

set before Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular
προκειμένης (prokeimenēs)
From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth.
Strong's 4295:

Him Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
αὐτῷ (autō)
He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Strong's 846:

endured Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
ὑπέμεινεν (hypemeinen)
From hupo and meno; to stay under, i.e. Remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. Bear, have fortitude, persevere.
Strong's 5278:

[the] cross, Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
σταυρὸν (stauron)
A cross.
Strong's 4716:

scorning Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
καταφρονήσας (kataphronēsas)
To despise, scorn, and show it by active insult, disregard. From kata and phroneo; to think against, i.e. Disesteem.
Strong's 2706:

[its] shame, Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
αἰσχύνης (aischynēs)
Shame, shamefacedness, shameful deeds. From aischunomai; shame or disgrace.
Strong's 152:

and Conjunction
τε (te)
And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.
Strong's 5037:

sat down Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
κεκάθικεν (kekathiken)
Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.
Strong's 2523:

at Preposition
ἐν (en)
In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
Strong's 1722:

[the] right hand Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
δεξιᾷ (dexia)
On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.
Strong's 1188:

of the Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
τοῦ (tou)
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Strong's 3588:

throne Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
θρόνου (thronou)
From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.
Strong's 2362:

of God. Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Θεοῦ (Theou)
A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

Strong's 2316:
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Hebrews 12:2 NLT
Hebrews 12:2 ESV
Hebrews 12:2 NASB
Hebrews 12:2 KJV Hebrews 12:2 BibleApps.com
Hebrews 12:2 Biblia Paralela
Hebrews 12:2 Chinese Bible
Hebrews 12:2 French Bible
Hebrews 12:2 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus the author and perfecter (Heb. He. Hb)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
New International Version
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. New Living Translation
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. English Standard Version
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Berean Standard Bible
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Berean Literal Bible
Be sober-minded; watch. Your adversary the devil prowls about as a roaring lion seeking whom to devour, King James Bible
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: New King James Version
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. New American Standard Bible
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. NASB 1995
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. NASB 1977
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Legacy Standard Bible
Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Amplified Bible
Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. Christian Standard Bible
Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. American Standard Version
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Be alert, be reflective, because your enemy Satan roars like a lion and is walking and seeking whom he may devour. Contemporary English Version
Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. Douay-Rheims Bible
Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. English Revised Version
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: GOD'S WORD® Translation
Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Good News Translation
Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. International Standard Version
Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Literal Standard Version
Be sober, vigilant, because your opponent the Devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may swallow up, Majority Standard Bible
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. New American Bible
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. NET Bible
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. New Revised Standard Version
Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. New Heart English Bible
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Webster's Bible Translation
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Weymouth New Testament
Curb every passion, and be on the alert. Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour. World English Bible
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Young's Literal Translation
Be sober, vigilant, because your opponent the devil, as a roaring lion, doth walk about, seeking whom he may swallow up, Additional Translations ...

Cast Your Cares on Him
...7Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 9Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.... Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Job 1:7
"Where have you come from?" said the LORD to Satan. "From roaming through the earth," he replied, "and walking back and forth in it." Proverbs 28:15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. Matthew 24:42
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. Mark 4:15
Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

sober.

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Matthew 24:48-50 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; ...

your.

Esther 7:6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

the devil.

Matthew 4:1,11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil...

Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

as.

Judges 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.

Psalm 104:21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

Proverbs 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

walketh.

Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

devour.
Accuser Adversary Alert Curb Devil Devour Enemy Evil Food Goes Great Lion Mouth Open Passion Prowls Roaring Search Seeking Self-Controlled Serious Sober Spirit Vigilant Walketh Walks Watch Watchful

Accuser Adversary Alert Curb Devil Devour Enemy Evil Food Goes Great Lion Mouth Open Passion Prowls Roaring Search Seeking Self-Controlled Serious Sober Spirit Vigilant Walketh Walks Watch Watchful

1. He exhorts the elders to feed their flocks;
5.
the younger to obey; 8.
9. and all to be sober, watchful, and constant in the faith; and to resist the cruel adversary the devil.

(8) Be sober, be vigilant.--Single words in the Greek, and in the tense which bespeaks immediate attention. The best text omits the following "because." These are the sudden cries of warning of a shepherd who spies the lion prowling round the flock in the darkness, while the guardians of the flock lie drowsy and secure.

As a roaring lion.--The epithet is not only added to lend terror to the description, but the roaring implies hunger and determination.

Walketh about.--Comp. Job 1:7; Job 2:2. St. Peter, however, is not calling attention to the fact that Satan is always prowling about, but he warns the sleeping shepherds that he is especially doing so now. This season of persecution was just his time for picking off one here and another there.

Seeking whom he may devour.--Perhaps still more expressive to say, "seeking which he may devour." Satan is eyeing all the Christians in turn to see which he has the best chance of, not merely stalking forth vaguely to look for prey.

Verse 8. - Be sober, be vigilant (comp. 1 Thessalonians 5:6). For the first word, νήψατε, see note on 1 Peter 4:7. The second γρηγόρησατε, is the word so often and so emphatically used by our Lord ( Mark 13:35, 37; Matthew 26:40, 41, etc.). The imperatives are aorist, as in 1 Peter 4:7; and, as there, either imply that the exhortation was needed by the readers, or are used to express vividly the necessity of instant attention. Because your adversary the devil. The conjunction "because" is omitted in the best manuscripts. The asyndeten, as in the last clause, increases the emphasis. The word rendered "adversary" ἀντίδικος means properly an opponent in a lawsuit, as in Matthew 5:25; but it is also used generally for "adversary," and so is a translation of the Hebrew word Satan. The word διάβολος, devil, means "slanderer," "false accuser." As a roaring lion. He is called a serpent to denote his subtlety, a lion to express his fierceness and strength. The word rendered "roaring" ὠρυόμενος is used especially of the cries of wild beasts when ravenous with hunger (see Psalm 104:21; and comp. Psalm 22:13, 21). Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (comp. Job 1:7; Job 2:2). The words express the restless energy of the wicked one. He cannot touch those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation; but he walketh about, looking eagerly after any lost sheep that may have wandered from the fold. He roars in the craving of his heart for prey, like a hungry lion, seeking whom he may devour, or (for the reading here is somewhat uncertain) to devour some one, or simply to devour. The Greek word means literally "to drink down;" it implies utter destruction. It is the word in 1 Corinthians 15:54, "Death is swallowed up κατεπόθη in victory." Satan now seeks whom he may destroy: "The Lord will destroy him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil" ( Hebrews 2:14). Parallel Commentaries ...

Be sober-minded Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Νήψατε (Nēpsate)
(lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect. Of uncertain affinity: to abstain from wine, i.e. be discreet.
Strong's 3525:

[and] alert. Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
γρηγορήσατε (grēgorēsate)
(a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.
Strong's 1127:

Your Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
Strong's 4771:

adversary Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
ἀντίδικος (antidikos)
An opponent (at law), an adversary. From anti and dike; an opponent; specially, Satan.
Strong's 476:

the Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
ὁ (ho)
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Strong's 3588:

devil Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
διάβολος (diabolos)
From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.
Strong's 1228:

prowls around Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
περιπατεῖ (peripatei)
From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.
Strong's 4043:

like Adverb
ὡς (hōs)
Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.
Strong's 5613:

a roaring Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
ὠρυόμενος (ōryomenos)
To roar, howl, as a beast. Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to 'roar'.
Strong's 5612:

lion, Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
λέων (leōn)
A lion. A primary word; a 'lion'.
Strong's 3023:

seeking Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
ζητῶν (zētōn)
To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.
Strong's 2212:

[someone] Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
τινα (tina)
Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.
Strong's 5101:

to devour. Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
καταπιεῖν (katapiein)
To drink down, swallow, devour, destroy, consume. From kata and pino; to drink down, i.e. Gulp entire.

Strong's 2666:
1 Peter 5:8 NIV
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
1 Peter 5:8 NASB
1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1 Peter 5:8 BibleApps.com
1 Peter 5:8 Biblia Paralela
1 Peter 5:8 Chinese Bible
1 Peter 5:8 French Bible
1 Peter 5:8 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober and self-controlled (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Prophesy Your Promise (Acoustic Video)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Jesus Heals Mary Magdalene S1 Ep3 The Chosen “Golden Scene”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching With The Chosen: Christ heals a woman with an issue of blood, Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Woman At The Well - Olivia Lane (From “The Chosen”)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Holy Forever - Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mack Brock - I Am Loved (Official Lyric Video)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Blood - Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson, feat. Mitch Wong

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are currently in the month of Elul on the Hebrew Calendar. My favorite thing about this month is that it is known as the month the king is in the field. In the Bible, the king would leave his palace during the month of Elul and set up camp in the field and everyone was welcome to approach him.

Most of the year the king lived in a palace protected by guards and iron gates. To have an audience with the king, you had to be summoned. Should you approach without being summoned, you would die (Esther 4:11)... unless he extended the golden scepter to you and spared your life. After the summons, there was palace protocol to learn before you could approach a king. You had to dress correctly, speak correctly, and have proper mannerisms, your presentation had to be flawless. Once you got to the capital, you were ushered to the palace through the many intimidating gates, corridors and antechambers that lead to the throne room. Even the Queen of Sheba passed out when she came before King Solomon!

BUT.... once a year in the month of Elul, the king would come into the field.

He would leave his palace and go out among his people. He would set up his royal tent in the field near a town and all who wanted to see him were welcome.
The announcement was made, The King is In the Field.
They were all welcome to come just as they were... no dress code, no protocol, no intimidation. The king receives them all with a smiling face and a radiant countenance, desiring to hear their concerns. The peasant behind his plow has access to the king in a manner unavailable to the highest ranking minister in the royal court when the king is in the palace.

Let's look at a couple of Biblical examples of kings in the field. 2 Chronicles 19 is about king Jehoshaphat going into the field. Verse 4 says "The king went into the field to turn the people's hearts back to the Lord - So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers." restoration. When he went out among the people he saw things God didn't like.... injustice, bribery, and oppression. So, he established judges to end oppression and bring justice. - God wants his people to experience His character. He wants to manifest His Justice, His righteousness and His love - this wasn't being seen among the people.

Another king who went out into the field is Melchizadek in Genesis 14. Melchizadek gave Abram bread and wine and blessed him saying: "Blessed is Abram by God and Blessed is God who delivered your enemies into your hand." When Abram was weary from battle, king Melchizadek came into the field to strengthen and refresh him. He blessed Abram.

Of course, the greatest King who left His throne to come into the field was Jesus. He lived in our field in a tent of mortal flesh. He was God made accessible, smiling and radiant. He came to manifest God's goodness, love and righteousness... to heal and deliver ALL. He came to draw us into a relationship with the Father. That's what it looks like when the king is in the field.

He is the King of kings. Revelation 1:6 says He made us kings and priests. We are in the field. What should that look like? We should be walking among the people, receiving them with a smiling face, listening to their concerns and like Jehoshopat reconciling them back to God by manifesting His righteousness and love towards them.....
So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God. ~ 2 Cor 5:20
Like Melchizadek, strengthening and refreshing them...letting them know they have been blessed by God. Offering them the bread and the wine... offering them Jesus and what He did for them through the Cross.

And like our King Jesus showing forth the nature of our Father... His goodness, love, righteousness. His ability to heal and deliver ALL. Drawing them into a relationship with a Good Daddy. Not just in the month of Elul but all the time.

Published by

robinsmit author

Robin Smit and her husband Steve divide their time between their farmhouse in Northern California and beach living in San Clemente, CA. Robin has a Master's in both Theology and Biblical Studies. She is a grace based Christian author who has a passion for the Hebrew and Greek languages. And she is the author of three books: IT IS FINISHED, AWAKENED, and I AM HEALED. View all posts by robinsmit author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hebrew month of Elul...... the King is in the field

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are currently in the month of Elul on the Hebrew Calendar. My favorite thing about this month is that it is known as the month the king is in the field. In the Bible, the king would leave ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

# data[].attributes.body
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[e] so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21

# data[].attributes.headline
Psalms 27 Dwell in the house of the Lord

# data[].attributes.subject
Psalms 27 Dwell in the house of the Lord

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 27 - New Living Translation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Psalm 27 - A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.