Others Disagree With You
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:1
a [Judge not, that ye be not judged] Do not find fault with anyone except yourself or you will expose your own criminal tendencies and disposition.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:2
a [For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged] Main reason not to do this (Galatians 6:7-8).
Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Galatians 6:7
a[mocked] Greek: mukterizomai (GSN-3456), to turn up the nose at. Only here
(cp. Luke 16:14; Luke 23:35).
b[for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap ...] The 2nd and last New
Testament prophecy in Galatians (Galatians 5:7-9). This is an unfailing and
unchangeable law (Genesis 1:11-12,21,24-25,29).
Galatians 6:8
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Galatians 6:8
a [For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting] Just as surely as everything in nature reproduces after its kind, harvests being as sure as the sowings, so every man will reap what he sows and be responsible for his own destiny (Galatians 6:7-8). It is folly to talk about reaping eternal life when one sows to the flesh (Galatians 6:8; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Romans 1:29-32). It is equal folly to talk about being lost if one sows to the Spirit.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4
a[mote] Greek: karphos (GSN-2595), a twig, straw, chaff, or any particle of dust
(Matthew 7:3; Luke 6:41).
b[beam] Greek: dokos (GSN-1385), a wooden beam (Matthew 7:3; Luke 6:41). Why
concentrate upon the splinter in your brother’s eye, if you are blind to the log in your
own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:5
a [hypocrite] See also Luke 13:15; Job 20:4-5; Job 27:8; Proverbs 11:9.
Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:9
a[dissimulation] Greek: anupokritos (GSN-505), undisguised, a real thing (2 Cor.
6:6; 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5; James 3:17; 1 Peter 1:22).
b[Abhor that which is evil] Hate, detest, and loathe all evil.
c[cleave to that which is good] Be cemented or glued to the good.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:10
a [affectioned one to another with brotherly love] Love with brotherly affection.
b [honour preferring one another] Be forward to honor others.
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Romans 12:11
a [slothful in business] Never be lazy, slothful, and careless.
b [fervent in spirit] Maintain zeal to the boiling point.
c [serving the Lord] Put your life into service for God whether or not you receive personal gain and applause.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 12:12
a [Rejoicing in hope] Let your hope be a joy to you.
b [patient in tribulation] Show patience in all your troubles.
c [continuing instant in prayer] Live in fervent prayer to God.
Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 12:13
a [Distributing to the necessity of saints] Contribute to needy saints.
b [given to hospitality] Make a practice of hospitality.
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Romans 12:14
a [Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not] Bless your habitual persecutors.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15
a [Rejoice with them that do rejoice] Take a lively interest in blessings and prosperity of others without grudging.
b [weep with them that weep] Show genuine compassion for others.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Romans 12:16
a [Be of the same mind one toward another] Live in harmony and of one accord.
b [Mind not high things] Do not be unlawfully ambitious to be rich and powerful. Do not shun the poor, courting great men.
c [condescend to men of low estate] Associate with humble and godly people going through life with as little show and parade as possible.
d [Be not wise in your own conceits] Do not be conceited and vain.
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17
a [Recompense to no man evil for evil] Never pay back evil for evil to any man.
b [Provide things honest in the sight of all men] Do not live beyond your means.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18
a [If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men] As far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:19
a [Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves] Let others inflict vengeance.
b [but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord] Give room for the civil laws to be enforced and officers to do their duty. If they are unfaithful and oppressive, let the righteous judge take care of them.
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Romans 12:20
a [Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head] In view of the fact that God was good to you when you were His enemy (Romans 5:7-8), you should likewise treat your enemies with goodness. You will thus make them feel a burning sense of shame. Quoted from Proverbs 25:21-22.
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
a [Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good] Never let evil get the better of you; get the better of evil by doing good.
Seven Duties to Enemies:
1. To love them (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27).
2. To bless them (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28).
3. To do good to them (Matthew 5:44).
4. To pray for them (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28).
5. To lend to them (Luke 6:34-36).
6. To be kind to them (Luke 6:35-36).
7. To be merciful to them (Luke 6:36).
Seven Examples of Loving Enemies:
1. God (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35; Romans 5:8)
2. Abraham (Genesis 20:14-18)
3. David (1 Samuel 24:17; Psalm 35:12-14)
4. Elisha (2 Kings 6:22-23)
5. Jesus (Luke 23:34)
6. Stephen (Acts 7:60)
7. Paul (Romans 9:3; Romans 10:1)
Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Romans 14:1
a[weak] Greek: astheneo (GSN-770), weak or strengthless in faith. See note, §Phil.
2:26. Welcome such into your fellowship, but let all controversies concerning
doubtful practices be avoided.
Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Romans 14:2
a [one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs] One believeth ... another believeth:
Eight Great Sources of Controversy:
1. What to eat and drink (Romans 14:2-6,14-23; Col. 2:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:1-6)
2. With whom to eat (Acts 11:3; 1 Cor. 5:9-12; 2 Thes. 3:7-13; Jude 1:12)
3. Where to eat (1 Cor. 8:4-13; 1 Cor. 10:15-23; 1 Cor. 11:17-22)
4. Where to buy meat (1 Cor. 10:25)
5. What day to keep as the sabbath (Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:9-11; Col. 2:14-17)
6. Whether to be circumcised or not (Acts 15:1-24; Romans 4:11; 1 Cor. 7:19)
7. Whether to keep the law of Moses or not (note, §Acts 15:1)
8. What to wear and what customs to observe (1 Cor. 11:4-16; 1 Tim. 2:9-11; 1 Peter 3:3-4)
Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Romans 14:3
a [Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him] Twenty duties of Christians in view of nonessential scruples among believers:
1. Fellowship with each other in spite of personal differences of opinion (Romans 14:1).
2. Do not despise each other (Romans 14:3).
3. Do not judge each other (Romans 14:3-13).
4. Recognize that each man is God’s servant and personally responsible to God for what he allows himself to do, aside from what is forbidden to all (Romans 14:4).
5. Recognize that no man will fall who concientiously follows God and the light he has received (Romans 14:4; 1 John 1:7).
6. Judge no man as to the sabbath he keeps (Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:9-11; Col. 2:14-17).
7. Judge none about allowable eats and drinks (Romans 14:2-6,13-23; Col. 2:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 1 Cor. 8:8-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
8. Let all live in peace, for the Lord, and for each other (Romans 14:8-9,13-23; 1 Cor. 8:8-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31; 1 Peter 5:1-9).
9. Do not set each other at nought (Romans 14:3-4,10; Galatians 5:14-15; Ephes. 4:31-32).
10. Recognize that each man shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matthew 12:37; Matthew 16:27).
11. Do not cause anyone to stumble (Romans 14:13).
12. Recognize that there is no animal classed as unclean for food in the New Testament (Romans 14:14; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31; Col. 2:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:1-6).
13. Demonstrate love by giving up those things that destroy others (Romans 14:15; 1 Cor. 8:8-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
14. Do not bring reproach upon Christ by your Christian liberty (Romans 14:16-18; 1 Cor. 8:8-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
15. Follow the things that make peace and edify others instead of making a hobby of meats, drinks, sabbaths, circumcision, law keeping, rituals, dress, styles, ornaments, customs, and outward religion-things, which in themselves do not destroy the work of God, and concerning which all people will never perfectly agree (Romans 14:19-20; 1 Cor. 8:4-13; 1 Cor. 10:13-31).
16. Do not use any of the nonessentials to stumble, offend, or make any man weak either by argument or practice (Romans 14:21; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
17. Practice your faith before God and do not parade it before others (Romans 14:22; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:31).
18. Do not condemn yourself over anything not specifically forbidden in Scripture by plain command. Do not permit your conscience to be swayed by wrong religious background or constant religious turmoil over doubtful things (Romans 14:22).
19. Do not do anything that is doubtful. If you are not clear on a matter, proceed no further (Romans 14:23; 1 Cor. 8:7).
20. Bear the weaknesses of others. Tolerate their peculiar and sometimes ridiculous scruples until they become strong (Romans 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:4
a [Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?] Question 84. Next, §Romans 14:10.
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Romans 14:5
a [One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike] No particular sabbath is commanded in the New Testament The law of Moses has been abolished, including the Jewish sabbath (see note b, §Acts 15:24).
Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
b [Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law] Many commentators seem to have missed the full and simple truth about the law being abolished. They emphasize that it was not the moral law that was abolished, but the ceremonial law. The truth is, the entire law was abolished and only nine of the ten commandments were reinstated in the new covenant.
Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Romans 14:9
a [Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living] Another proof that Christ died and arose physically (1 Cor. 15:1-23).
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Romans 14:10
a [But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?] Questions 85-86. Next, §Romans 14:22.
b [for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ ...] The 3rd New Testament prophecy in Romans (Romans 14:10-12, unfulfilled). Next, §Romans 16:20. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where all the saints will be judged after the rapture for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad (Romans 14:10-12; Romans 2:12-16; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Galatians 6:8; Ephes. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2 Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; Rev. 22:12).
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Romans 14:11
a [As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God] Quoted from Isaiah 45:23 (cp. Phil. 2:10).
Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:15
a [Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died] This proves that a brother can be destroyed by another Christian. If not, this is all very needless language.
Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17
a [For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost] The kingdom of God does not consist of meat, drink, and outward religion. It consists of three things here:
1. Righteousness (Romans 3:21-31; Romans 4:1-25; Romans 8:4)
2. Peace (Romans 2:10; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:6; Romans 10:15)
3. Joy (Romans 5:11; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:8)
Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Romans 14:18
a [For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men] Any man who has righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit has three other great blessings:
1. He is a servant of Christ.
2. He is acceptable with God.
3. He is approved by people.
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:19
a [Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another] In order to have the blessings of Romans 14:17-18 we must follow whatever brings them about. All bickering over meats, drinks, sabbaths, and nonessential things must be stopped and that which edifies others must be taught.
Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Romans 14:20
a [For meat destroy not the work of God] What could be clearer than this—that meat itself does not destroy God’s work? See Col. 2:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 1 Cor. 8:8-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31. It is the bickering over meats and doubtful things which destroys the soul and liberty in using them may also cause an ignorant man to apostatize (Romans 14:13-15,20-21; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
b [All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence] All edible things are pure and lawful, but they become sinful to the man who eats with offense and with a defiled conscience. When erroneous, the conscience should be instructed, won over by proper knowledge and truth and not forced to do something contrary to its own knowledge and feelings regarding doubtful things (1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31; 1 John 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4-10; 2 Peter 3:18).
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Romans 14:21
a[It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy
brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak] It is better to deny self to
personal pleasures than to cause brethren to apostatize (Matthew 18:6-10; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-31).
b[eat flesh] All meat is now permitted to be eaten (Romans 14:2,14-17; Col. 2:14-17; 1
Tim. 4:1-6).
c[wine] The word "wine" is used of all kinds of drinks—even the grape juice when it is
still in the cluster (Isaiah 65:8). Hence, it does not always refer to intoxicating drinks.
They should be left alone in view of the law against drunkenness (1 Cor. 6:9-11;
Galatians 5:19-21; etc.).
d[nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth] Not only doubtful things that are
mentioned, but any thing not listed which causes another to apostatize and be lost must be laid aside.
e[stumbleth] Greek: proskopto (GSN-4350), to strike the foot against; to err from
the truth (James 5:19-20). Beat upon (until the thing is destroyed, Matthew 7:27); dash against (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:11); stumble (John 11:9-10; Romans 9:32; Romans 14:21; 1 Peter 2:8).
f[offended] Greek: skandalizo (GSN-4624), to offend. It is used generally in the
New Testament of total apostasy from Christ (Matthew 5:29-30; Matthew 11:6;
Matthew 13:21,57; Matthew 15:12; Matthew 17:27; Matthew 18:6-9; Matthew 24:10;
Matthew 26:31-33; Mark 4:17; Mark 6:3; Mark 9:42-47; Mark 14:27-29; Luke 7:23;
Luke 17:2; John 6:61; John 16:1; Romans 14:21; 1 Cor. 8:13; 2 Cor. 11:29).
g[weak] Greek: astheneo (GSN-770), weak; strengthless; without power to
distinguish sufficiently between right and wrong, good and evil, or lawful and
unlawful. See note, §Phil. 2:26.
Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Romans 14:22
a [Hast thou faith?] Question 87. The last question in Romans. The word faith here means the full persuasion that one is right, lawful, and sanctioned by God in this act.
b [Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth] See pt. 18 of the note on §Romans 14:3.
18. Do not condemn yourself over anything not specifically forbidden in Scripture by plain command. Do not permit your conscience to be swayed by wrong religious background or constant religious turmoil over doubtful things (Romans 14:22).
Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 14:23
a [for whatsoever is not of faith is sin] Any thing done to violate the faith-principle by which one is saved, and by which he lives (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38), is sin. One must know beyond all doubt or hesitation in his mind that what he allows is in perfect accord with the Word of God before he acts.
Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:1
a [We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves] The strong and enlightened ones must tolerate and bear with the weaker and less enlightened brethren until they, too, become strong in faith and knowledge (Romans 15:1-3).
Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Romans 15:3
a [reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me] The 14th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Romans 15:3; Psalm 69:9). Next, §Romans 15:9.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
a [For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope] This refers to the whole Old Testament Scriptures (1 Cor. 10:1-11; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:15-16; John 5:39; Luke 24:44; etc.).
Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Romans 15:5
a [Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus] It is only by accepting and agreeing with what is written that people can be like-minded (Romans 15:4-7). If saints would learn to leave off all doubtful disputations (Romans 14:1), become unified on the point of not judging each other regarding things not written and agree on the things that are written, there would be perfect unity in doctrine. Then Romans 15:4-7 would be literally fulfilled.
Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
a [as Christ also received us to the glory of God] Christians are to receive each other in spite of their faults and scruples, as Christ has received them.
2 Cor. 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Cor. 5:11
a[terror] Greek: phobos (GSN-5401). Translated fear 39 times and terror (2 Cor.
5:11; Romans 13:3; 1 Peter 3:14). In view of this we persuade people to turn to God.
We do not preach ourselves neither are we "beside ourselves" as some say. If we are it is for God, and if we are sober it is for your good.
2 Cor. 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
2 Cor. 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
2 Cor. 5:13
a[sober] Greek: sophroneo (GSN-4993), be of sound mind (2 Cor. 5:13; Mark 5:15;
Luke 8:35; Romans 12:3; Titus 2:6; 1 Peter 4:7).
2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2 Cor. 5:14
a[constraineth] Greek: sunecho (GSN-4912). Also translated "press" (Acts 18:5)
and "throng" (Luke 8:45). Here it means to urge people to accept the gospel.
b[that if one died for all, then were all dead] He concludes that since Christ died for
all, then all were dead and all should live unto Him who died and rose again for them
(2 Cor. 5:14-15).
2 Cor. 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Cor. 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2 Cor. 5:16
a [Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more] We trust no man’s flesh. We do not even recognize Christ after the flesh.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor. 5:17
a[Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature] Therefore, in view of the
fact that we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any
man to profess relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.
b[in Christ, he is a new creature]
Ten Personal Gospel Blessings
1.It brings one into Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). See doctrine of interpenetration (Luke 22:3).
2.One is a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).
3.Old things are passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). The Greek word for "old" is archaios
(GSN-744), ancient, original, old. Such things are no more in one.
4.All things are new (2 Cor. 5:17). The life is just the opposite of the old life.
5.All things are of God (2 Cor. 5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in
his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Romans 6:14-23; Romans 8:1-13;
Galatians 5:16-26).
6.One is reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18; Romans 5:10; Ephes. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21).
7.He has part in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20; 2 Cor. 1:18-24).
8.He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19; Mark 16:15-20).
9.He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (2 Cor. 5:20; Proverbs 13:17).
10.He is the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21; Romans 3:21-31; Romans 8:4).
c[old things are passed away]
Two Old Things that Pass Away
1.The spirit, nature, and power of sin the old man, which is nothing more nor less than
the spirit, nature, and power of the devil working in men of disobedience (John 8:44;
Ephes. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 5:18). This is what the Bible calls:
(1)The old man (Romans 6:6; Ephes. 4:22; Col. 3:9)
(2)Sin (John 1:29; John 8:34; Romans 6:4-8:2)
(3)The body of sin (Romans 6:6)
(4)The power of Satan (Acts 26:18)
(5)The body of this death (Romans 7:24)
(6)The lusts of the flesh (Ephes. 2:3)
(7)The lust of the eyes (1 John 2:15-17)
(8)The pride of life (1 John 2:15-17)
(9)The works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19)
(10)The world (1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4)
(11)Vile affections (Romans 1:26,29)
(12)The lusts of the mind (Ephes. 2:3)
(13)The lusts of sin (Romans 6:11-12)
(14)The motions of sins (Romans 7:5)
(15)The law of sin and death (Romans 7:7-8:2)
(16)The carnal mind (Romans 8:1-13)
(17)The god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)
(18)Spiritual wickedness in high places ... rulers of darkness (Ephes. 6:12)
(19)The lusts of your father (John 8:44)
(20)Sin that dwelleth in me (Romans 7:17)
(21)The course of this world (Ephes. 2:2)
(22)The body of the sins of the flesh (Col. 2:11; Galatians 5:24; Romans 8)
2.Outward sin or transgression of the law (1 John 3:4; Romans 4:15; James 1:13-15).
The outward acts are listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Cor. 6:9-11;
Galatians 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10)
Both outward and inward sin must pass away or one cannot claim to be in Christ. The
theory that only outward transgressions are forgiven and one is still under control of the
old man (the devil) is one of the most erroneous doctrines in Christendom (2 Cor. 5:17-
18; Ephes. 4:24; 1 John 5:18; Romans 6:6-23; Romans 8:1-13). See notes, §1 Thes. 4:3; 2 Thes. 2:13.
2 Cor. 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Cor. 5:19
a [To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation] I.e., that is to say:
1. God was in Christ, reconciling people to Himself.
2. God does not impute sin to those who have confessed and are reconciled to Him (Romans 4:7-8).
3. God has committed to the reconciled the word of reconciliation.
4. God has made the reconciled ambassadors for Christ to reconcile others (2 Cor. 5:20; Romans 5:10).
5. God made Christ a sin-offering, that man might become righteous (2 Cor. 5:21).
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Cor. 5:21
a [sin for us] Sin-offering (Ephes. 5:2; cp. Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 6:25; Numbers 8:8; Psalm 40:6).
