TCH MINI-STUDY 49
 
PREACH THE WORD
 
The apostle Paul wrote Timothy, his dearly beloved son in Christ, I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
 
What is this word that Paul is instructing Timothy to preach? Many believe it refers to the bible. In verse 2, the word word is translated from the Greek word logos, which means something said, doctrine, preaching, tidings, utterance, or, specifically, the Divine Expression, that is, Christ. Logos is also a specific reference to the gospel of Christ and the Kingdom of God. As Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word [Greek, logos] of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:12-13). Paul also referred to the word [Greek, logos] being the gospel in his letter to the Colossian church: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word [Greek, logos] of the truth of the gospel (Colossians 1:5).
 
In verse 1 of our subject verses, Paul clearly identifies Christ as the word [logos] when he refers to the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, and then immediately instructs Timothy to Preach the word [the logos, Christ and the gospel message].
 
In verse 4 of our subject veres above, Paul writes that those who do not endure sound doctrine shall turn away their ears from the truth. What is this truth that Paul is referring to here and that those who will not endure sound doctrine shall turn away from? Again, Paul answered this question in his letters to the Ephesian and Colossian churches. The truth that Paul refers to in Ephesians 1:13 is the gospel of your salvation, not the bible or scriptures.
 
So, why did Paul instruct Timothy to preach the word or message of the gospel? For, as Paul wrote, the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine [which is the gospel]; but after their own lusts shall they [some in the church; see 2 Timothy 2:20] heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth [of the gospel], and shall be turned unto fables.
 
The great apostle Paul wanted Timothy to exhort the church to focus on Christ and the truth of the gospel, and not on fables and false doctrines.
 
Three Greek words can not only help us understand the sciriptures in general, but can help us as well to understand when the scriptures are referring to Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the scriptures [bible, or "word" as many call it]: logos, rhema, and graphe when they are referred to in the scriptures.
 
LOGOS: CHRIST
 
The first word [Greek, logos] can, in context, refer to Christ. John wrote,In the beginning was the Word [logos, Christ or the gospel], and the Word [logos, Christ or the gospel] was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life; and the life [in Him] was the light of men (John 1:1-4). In these verses, the word [logos] is clearly identified as Jesus Christ., not the bible or scriptures.
 
LOGOS: THE GOSPEL
 
In context, the word [logos] can also refer to the gospel, or good news, of the God's salvation, as determined by the context. Paul wrote the Ephesian believers, That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted,, after that ye heard the word [logos] of truth, the gospel [Greek, euaggelion, a good message, announce good news, good tidings] of your salvation [Greek, soteria, rescue, physical or moral safety, deliverance, health, saving]: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:12-13).Paul also wrote the church in Colossae, We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word [logos] of the truth of the gospel [Greek, euaggelion, a good message, announce good news, good tidings]; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:3-6). In these verses, the word [logos] clearly refers to the gospel or good news of salvation and the Kingdom.
 
Paul wrote Timothy these words: Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word [logos, the gospel message: earlier in this verse Paul referred to the gospel] of God is not bound [restraiined, stopped]. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [to understand correctly] the word [logos, the message of the gospel] of truth (2 Timothy 2:8-15). Paul referred [in verse 8] to the trouble he had suffered, but also explained that, despite his own suffering, the gospel was not bound and had continued to be spread. Paul instructed Timothy to rightly divide, or understand correctly, that the preaching of the gospel would always result in suffering and trouble, as it had with Paul, and that Timothy was to not be ashamed of any suffering he would encounter for the sake of the gospel.
 
Christ explained the parable of the sower to His disciples. He said, Now the parable is this: The seed [scattering of seed, object to be sown] is the word [Greek, logos, Christ and the gospel message of the Kingdom] of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:11-15). The seed clearly refers to the gospel message of the Kingdom, and not the bible, or word. When Christ sows the gospel into the good ground, or the honest and good heart, that heart hears the gospel message, keeps and cherishes it, and, with patience, brings forth fruit. In context of these verses, the seed is the gospel message, not the bible. Peter wrote to the strangers scattered abroad,As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk [strength, nourishment] of the word [Greek logikos, from the Greek, logos, the Divine Expression, Christ], that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). The word Peter refers to here is Jesus Christ, not the bible. It is through Christ that the believer in Christ is strengthened and nourished, not the bible. Paul instructed church in Ephesus that they henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even [specifically] Christ: From whom the whole body [the church] fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body [the church] unto the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:14-16). Peter similarly instructed to fellow believers, Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:17-18). Again, according to Peter, it is not the “word,” or bible, which nourishes and strengthens the believer in Christ, but the logos, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Christ angrily told some Jewish pharisees and scribes, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban [ a consecrated girt, present or offering], that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word [Greek, logos, Christ and the gospel, not the bible] of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye (Mark 7:9-13). Christ knew that, because of their traditions, the Jewish leaders and community had not only rejected Christ, but had invalidated and disannuled the word of truth, the gospel within their own lives.
 
RHEMA: THE HOLY SPIRIT
 
Secondly, the English word word [Greek, rhema] can also refer to the speaking, movement, working, and operation of the Holy Spirit, depending upon the context of the verses. The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, Through faith we understand that the worlds [Greek, aion, age, course, creation, beginning of, world beginning] were framed [Greek, katartizo, to complete thoroughly, fit, mend, make perfect, prepare] by the word [Greek, rhema, utterance, speak, say by pouring forth (of the Holy Spirit)] of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3). People often think, in error, that the bible [or word, as it is called] perfectly created the worlds. If we think about it sensibly, we know that it was not the word of God, or bible, that God the Father used to create the creation, but the speaking, movement, and operation of God's powerful, explosive Holy Spirit.
 
Paul wrote the church in Rome, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word [Greek, rhema, utterance, speak, say by pouring forth (of the Holy Spirit)] of God (Romans 10:13-17). Verses 13-17 are most often misinterpreted to mean that faith is the result of hearing the preaching of the word [or bible].As Paul is teaching here, salvation is the result of calling upon the Lord, calling upon the Lord is the result of believing, believing is the result of hearing, hearing is the result of preaching, and preachers preach because they are sent by the word [rhema, that is, the supernatural, explosive movement, operation, and working of the Holy Spirit] of God. Reversing this concept, we can say that the Holy Spirit sends preachers to preach, preaching results in hearing, hearing results in believing, believing results in calling upon the Lord, and calling upon the Lord results in salvation. It is not the word [bible, or scriptures, as we will see in the next section] that sends preachers to preach resulting in faith and salvation, but the working of the Holy Spirit [the rhema] within the hearts and lives of men who are called and sent by God to preach.
 
The scriptures verify that it is the Holy Spirit that sends men to preach. The apostles Barnabus and Saul were sent forth by the Holy Spirit: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus (Acts 13:2-4).
 
The prophet Isaiah even prophesied that Christ would sent. Isaiah wrote, The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings [the good news, the gospel] unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to then that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified (Isaiah 61:1-3). Christ announced the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy by these words.
 
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me [and called and sent me] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).
 
In the book of John we read, For he [Christ] whom God hath sent speaketh the words [Greek, rhema, utterance, speaking, movement, and working of the Holy Spirit] of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [limited amount] unto him [Christ] (John 3:34). Christ was not only sent by God the Father via the Holy Spirit, but was given the Holy Spirit without limitation.
 
Ezekiel referred to his own calling and sending by the Holy Spirit: the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them (Ezekiel 2:2-5).
 
The apostle Paul wrote the church of believers in Thessalonica, We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word [Greek, logos, Christ and the gospel] in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
 
Peter wrote the strangers throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, the apostle(1 Peter 1:1), Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power [Greak, dunamis, the supernatural, explosive power of the Holy Spirit] of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:3-12). Peter teaches here that the gospel was preached because of the supernatural, miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit.here is a calling, sending, or preaching by God, we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is involved, not the bible [or word as many call it].
 
GRAPHE: THE SCRIPTURES
 
The third, and final, word that is important to understand in the new testament is the English word scripture. The English word scripture is translated from the Greek word graphe, which means a document, holy Writ, to describe, or refers to that which is written.
 
Christ spoke to the Jewish chief priests, scribes, and elders using a parable, specifically the parable of the tenants: A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. Andhave ye not read this scripture [Greek, graphe, a document, holy Writ, to describe, written]; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner (Mark 12:1-10).
 
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THE CHRISTIAN  HERALD
                    A Judeo-Christian Bible Study
 
“But now hath he [Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. or if that first had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah”
(Hebrews 8:6-8).
 
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [soft, fine, a boy kept for homosexual practices], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [sodomite], Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God"
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11).


 
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit”
(1 Peter 3:18).


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