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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| Greek (Western) |
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 In Western thought we believe in a persona called satan (usually capitalized which I have always refused to do) who rules the demons (often regarded as fallen angels) who largely cause us to sin.
This concept of 2 opposing empires of good and evil first arose in Persia but also fits comfortably into the Greek concept of good and evil gods, or gods with good and bad sides to their nature.
The end result of this is that we blame a lot of our sin upon the devil. In other words, we conveniently disclaim responsibility for our actions, saying our actions are of the devil, and so excusing sin in our life.
Our translation of Scripture reflects this understanding. As we have mentioned, the word 'satan' is capitalized and the persona treated as a spiritual being in charge of the horde of demons (perhaps fallen angels) that disrupt our lives. Yet the Hebrew understanding of the word 'satan' is.....
.....an opposing force to the Words of YHVH with all of the following meanings: divide, set at odds with, accuse, slander, reject, deceive, oppose, be adversarial. (hethathasanear.com/Warfare-2.html)
Not once in the original Hebrew language is satan identified as having a persona or form, spiritual or physical.
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 In Hebrew thought, evil comes from within the individual. It is regarded as personal opposition to the Words of God (at heart, 'selfness' through human 'selfishness'.)
The force of evil is found in our human self-determination which is in opposition to the godly foundation of self-denial.
This is beautifully expressed in a practical way by Jesus.....
John 14:23-4
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 When I was a boy (some time ago now!) we used to pray the Lord's Prayer in church every Sunday. At that time it was recited out of the King James Version.....
Matthew 6:13a
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 In this instance, the literal translation (of much of) the King James expresses the Hebrew view of evil as a force, rather than as a person, as most later translations record it. E.g. NIV - deliver us from the evil one
Paul, when explaining his ongoing tendency to sin, does not blame his sin on a person of satan or demons, but on the old selfish nature still lurking within him - but of course, one which he was gradually overcoming with the help of the Holy Spirit.
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| SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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I fully understand that the Hebrew view contradicts virtually all our understanding and teaching!
I just ask that we both don't reject out of hand what has been said here but absorb the vital spiritual principle it contains.
The key element is not the theological argument but the necessity for us to take responsibility for our own lives and the sin in our lives. God is 'selfless'. We are by nature 'selfish'. Replacing our 'selfishness' with God's 'selflessness' is what walking with Jesus is all about.
Are we prepared to make the 'self-sacrifice' required?
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... we start summarizing what we have learned.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 Let us get rid of the 'blame game', of blaming something or someone else when we do wrong. For sin comes from within!
May we contemplate this as we move forward in our walk with Jesus.
Medical Clinic in India
Pictured is a village medical clinic in India, run by a German trained Eye Surgeon, Dr Kumar. He provides this free of charge to the poor in the villages. A wonderful work showing God's love. The man in the striped shirt with the camera hiding his face, is Asher Peri, our ministy's Indian Representative and very good friend.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
1156. The foundation of sin is "self interest", that of righteousness,
"God interest".
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Eagles Fly High!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php
Eagles Fly High! (Pastors, Teachers and Students): http://www.wwj.org.nz/eaglepts.php
God Facts (A mine of information): http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php
Facts for Fun: http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php
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And again..... 
James put it this way..... 
Paul explained the same principle as.....