Category Archives: Arguments

Arguing, Arguments, Bible, Complaining, Harmony, Scripture

STOP YOUR WHIINING!

PHILIPPIANS 2:14

“Do all things without complaining or arguments;”

Oh me, oh my! This verse hits home, doesn’t it. How many times have you complained about something in the past month? For me, it’s traffic. For the life of me I will never understand why people can’t just drive and let people merge without slamming on their brakes. It drives me crazy! Look, there I go! Complaining!

Paul would not have written this to the Philippians if they had not needed to hear it. I don’t care how spiritual you are, we are all prone to complain or argue at some point. Paul says, “Do all things…” The Greek word for “all” means (Are you ready? Can you handle this?) ALL. It means the whole picture, each and every piece which make up the whole. In other words, EVERYTHING!!

APPLICATION

I really don’t think we need to spend any more time on the word “all.” I think you understand that. But what about those other two words in this verse – “complaining” and “arguments”? Let’s look at them, beginning with “complaining.” That’s the Greek word goggusmos, which can be translated as murmuring, grumbling or muttering. The word is only used three other times in the New Testament (John 7:12; Acts 6:1 and 1 Peter 4:9). In the 1 Peter verse, it reads, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

The other word Paul uses is dialogismos, which means futile thinking or reasoning. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Here, the term is associated with disputes and arguments that can arise from selfish ambition or vain conceit, contrasting with the humility and unity that should characterize the Christian community.” How are you doing with that one?

I really like the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse. “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],” You see, that is what we are doing when we complain, grumble, argue, whine, etc. We are questioning God’s providence. We are questioning God’s sovereignty. Trust Him (Are you listening to yourself, Carl?). We can all make some changes on these today, can’t we?

Father, allow me to trust You in all things and not complain or argue.

Standard
Arguments, Bible, Deception, Scripture

PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS

COLOSSIANS 2:4

“I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.”

Some people have the ability to tell you anything and make you believe it, don’t they? We have just come out of a highly contentious political season here in the U.S. The “gift of gab” is something almost every politician has, and they use it to try to get you on their side. It doesn’t matter if what they are selling is something you need. They just want to convince you they are right, and the other person is wrong.

The Greek word translated as “persuasive speech” is pithanologia and is only used here in the New Testament. It “refers to speech that is crafted to be persuasive or convincing, often with the implication of being misleading or deceptive. It is used to describe arguments that may sound reasonable or plausible but are ultimately intended to lead one away from the truth.” (Strong’s Lexicon).

APPLICATION

How do we guard ourselves against this? James addresses this same issue in James 1:22 when he writes, “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourself; do what it says.” The key is knowing and living the Word of God. If we do that, we will recognize these deceptive words being thrown our way. We will recognize the lies and half-truths when they told to us.

You see, Paul knew the Colossian believers would be attacked by those in their environment who thought differently. You can just add this Jesus to our other gods we worship. What is so special about your faith compared to the centuries of our beliefs. Persuasive argument users doesn’t have to get you to actually join them. If they can just get you doubting what you believe, they have won.

Psalm 119 has 176 verses. Almost every verse mentions God’s Word (laws, statutes, commandments, etc). Verse 11 says this, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” If you and I do that, we can prepare our ears to recognize these “persuasive arguments” that Paul warns us about. Get in the Word!

Father, guard my ears by filling my heart with Your Word.

Standard