Things

If you received a penny for every time an English teacher or parent corrected: a paper, news article, magazine, book, or speech for the use of the word "thing" we all would be financially secure.  Vivid thoughts of our parents and various elders correcting the grammar of a politician or news broadcasters, as if they could be heard through the television, are plentiful in the recess of our memories.  The correction wasn't really intended for the person on the television, nor to declare their discernment of proper and improper grammar, but for us to hear and assure we hear their voices every time it drops from the mind and rolls off the tongue.  Comments to not-so-subtly have us

choose a better word than "thing" or "things".  It was an attempt to incept a thought in our minds when it came to not using the word.  It was a word that seemed to be covered with filth and ought to be ripped out of not only our vocabulary, but out of old Webster's dictionary itself.  Although, this may be oddly too familiar and seemly true, it is only partial and a bit exaggerated on my part.  At the same time, I find it strangely rewarding for not using the word except for direct reference thus far.  "Things" has a strange effect on the minds of those who have it stored and accessible in their vocabulary.   The words' meaning is naturally assumed to be possessed by those who use it.  Especially, those that exercise its use like a broken record.  Yet, when called on the spot to define it, drawing a blank fits the description (at least for some).

Heretofore, when it comes to God's Word, its anything but embarrassed, timid, or shy with its usage of the word "things".  In fact, out of 521 verses "thing" is used 549 times and out of a whopping 1,024 verses "things" is used 1,162 times.  If,"...it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word the proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)", then this word becomes quite important to live by, 1,711 times over.  The primary sense of "thing" is that which comes, falls or happens.  "Thing" is an event or action; that which happens or falls out, or that which is done, told or proposed.  Therefore, "things" can be spoken in past, present, and future tenses.  In other words, it can be used in an array of contexts.  We should therefore expect to see it frequently in our reading and study of scripture.  We also should know that the word is referencing an event or events; also, it will reference the product of, a, or many actions.  The reader of our Apostle Paul's epistles cannot get 16 verses before they encounter the word.

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)"

Here Paul mentions "the invisible things of Him" without immediately mentioning what they are.  It is a word designed to make the reader think about what they already know; to have you think what the word in this context consists of.  One thing to keep in mind when handling contextually this word it is usually in the previous or following verses where it is told what event or result, of any given action, is being spoken of.  For instance, these "invisible things of Him" are detailed in the next verse, "even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". 

The thing I am concerned with (pun intended) is the words usage in Romans 8 and exactly what those "things" are.  Notice Romans 8:5,

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."

The "things" here are not mentioned in this verse and were already set forth.  There was some "things" the Spirit did for us that we came to know in Romans 6.  We were planted together in the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection, providing us to be dead indeed unto sin and alive  unto God.  This we were to "reckon" in Romans 6:11 and now are to mind in Romans 8:5.  Although, this foundational issue of God sanctifying us is grand, as well as, necessary, it is a means for a whole host of other "things".  It goes without saying, that those "things" we will "mind" as well.  In other words, when you come across the "things" of Romans 8:5 they are hearkening to something previous that we learned that the Spirit did (past tense) and are told to presently mind those "things"; yet if this is the whole ministry of the Spirit, as grand and spectacular as it is, it is quite limited.  Rest assured, this (Romans 1:1-8:5) isn't all the Spirit can do for us.  It is in Romans 8:14-15 that we learn the Spirit leads, thus implying there is much more.  Everything up to this point was just the beginning.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

It shouldn't go unmentioned that the Spirit leading us is "the Spirit of adoption" and if the reader is aware of the grand prospect that adoption holds, lets just say the same response of "crying, Abba, Father" will be had.  Nevertheless, having been adopted by our Father and the prospect of being led by the Spirit of adoption there are a whole host of "things" ahead that we are to mind.  These "things" are not only in Romans 9-11, but begin in earnest in Romans 12:1ff.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Those specific "things" begin to be given by the Spirit and we are to follow after by having our minds renewed in them.  They will begin to transform us and conform us into the image of Christ.

Such a grand "thing" ought not to be corrected by our modern day grammarians.  We should not correct this word, at least not for its use in God's Word, for literally contained therein is found the eternal purpose of God that adoption grants us.

Look Up,
Pastor Josh Strelecki