Revelation 2:9 “I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jew...

2:9 MSG

Parallel Verses

The Message - “I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan’s crowd.
新标点和合本 - 我知道你的患难，你的贫穷（你却是富足的），也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒但一会的人。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 我知道你的患难和贫穷—其实你却是富足的，也知道那自称是犹太人的所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但会堂的人。
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 我知道你的患难和贫穷—其实你却是富足的，也知道那自称是犹太人的所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但会堂的人。
当代译本 - ‘我知道你遭受的苦难和贫穷，其实你是富足的。我也知道那些人对你的毁谤，他们自称是犹太人，其实他们不是，而是撒旦的会众。
圣经新译本 - 我知道你的患难和贫穷，但你却是富足的。我也知道那些自称是犹太人所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但的党徒。
中文标准译本 - 我知道你的患难和贫穷；其实你是富有的。我也知道从那些自称是犹太人而来的毁谤，其实他们不是犹太人，而是属于撒旦会堂的。
现代标点和合本 - 我知道你的患难、你的贫穷，你却是富足的；也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒旦一会的人。
和合本（拼音版） - 我知道你的患难，你的贫穷（你却是富足的），也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒但一会的人。
New International Version - I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New International Reader's Version - ‘I know that you suffer and are poor. But you are rich! Some people say they are Jews but are not. I know that their words are evil. Their worship comes from Satan.
English Standard Version - “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New Living Translation - “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.
Christian Standard Bible - I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New American Standard Bible - ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New King James Version - “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Amplified Bible - ‘I know your suffering and your poverty (but you are rich), and how you are blasphemed and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [they are Jews only by blood, and do not believe and truly honor the God whom they claim to worship].
American Standard Version - I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
King James Version - I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
New English Translation - ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know the slander against you by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
World English Bible - “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
新標點和合本 - 我知道你的患難，你的貧窮（你卻是富足的），也知道那自稱是猶太人所說的毀謗話，其實他們不是猶太人，乃是撒但一會的人。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 我知道你的患難和貧窮－其實你卻是富足的，也知道那自稱是猶太人的所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但會堂的人。
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 我知道你的患難和貧窮—其實你卻是富足的，也知道那自稱是猶太人的所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但會堂的人。
當代譯本 - 『我知道你遭受的苦難和貧窮，其實你是富足的。我也知道那些人對你的毀謗，他們自稱是猶太人，其實他們不是，而是撒旦的會眾。
聖經新譯本 - 我知道你的患難和貧窮，但你卻是富足的。我也知道那些自稱是猶太人所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但的黨徒。
呂振中譯本 - 我知道你的苦難和窮困；其實你是富足的。我知道那說自己是猶太人、其實不是、乃是撒但集團的人、毁謗的話。
中文標準譯本 - 我知道你的患難和貧窮；其實你是富有的。我也知道從那些自稱是猶太人而來的毀謗，其實他們不是猶太人，而是屬於撒旦會堂的。
現代標點和合本 - 我知道你的患難、你的貧窮，你卻是富足的；也知道那自稱是猶太人所說的毀謗話，其實他們不是猶太人，乃是撒旦一會的人。
文理和合譯本 - 我知爾患難貧乏、而實富有、且知自謂猶太人者之謗讟、然非猶太人、乃撒但之黨、
文理委辦譯本 - 我知爾所為、亦知爾艱辛、雖貧乏而實富厚、撒但之黨、自謂猶太人、而實非也、我知其妄言、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 我知爾之作為、爾之患難、爾之窮乏、而實富有、自稱為猶太人、實非猶太人、乃屬撒但會者、其謗言我亦知之、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 爾之憂患、爾之窮乏、吾所知也。雖然、爾實貧而富者也！彼自名為義塞人而非義塞人、實屬沙殫之黨羽者、謗爾誣爾、吾亦知之。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Conozco tus sufrimientos y tu pobreza. ¡Sin embargo, eres rico! Sé cómo te calumnian los que dicen ser judíos, pero que, en realidad, no son más que una sinagoga de Satanás.
현대인의 성경 - 나는 너의 고난과 가난을 알고 있다. 그러나 사실 너는 부요한 자이다. 자칭 유대인이라는 사람들에게서 네가 모욕을 당한 것도 나는 다 알고 있다. 그러나 그들은 유대인이 아니라 사탄의 집단이다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - Je connais ta détresse et ta pauvreté – et pourtant tu es riche. Je sais les calomnies de ceux qui se disent juifs mais qui ne le sont pas : c’est une synagogue de Satan.
リビングバイブル - 「わたしは、主のためにあなたが、どんなにひどい苦しみと貧しさに耐えてきたかを知っています。〔しかし、実際は天に宝を得ているのです。〕さらに、自分こそユダヤ人（神に選ばれた者）だと主張する人々から、白い眼で見られ、非難されてきたことも知っています。しかし、あの人たちは悪魔の仲間であって、真のユダヤ人ではありません。
Nestle Aland 28 - οἶδά σου τὴν θλῖψιν καὶ τὴν πτωχείαν, ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ, καὶ τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτοὺς καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν ἀλλὰ συναγωγὴ τοῦ σατανᾶ.
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - οἶδά σου τὴν θλῖψιν καὶ τὴν πτωχείαν (ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ), καὶ τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, ἀλλὰ συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ.
Nova Versão Internacional - “Conheço as suas aflições e a sua pobreza; mas você é rico! Conheço a blasfêmia dos que se dizem judeus mas não são, sendo antes sinagoga de Satanás.
Hoffnung für alle - Ich kenne die Verfolgung, die du ertragen musst, und ich weiß, in welcher Armut du lebst; doch in Wirklichkeit bist du reich. Mir ist auch nicht entgangen, wie bösartig euch die Leute verleumden, die sich als Juden ausgeben, in Wirklichkeit aber Gehilfen des Satans sind.
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Ta biết nỗi gian khổ, sự nghèo thiếu của con—nhưng thật ra con giàu có. Ta cũng nghe lời vu cáo của những người mạo danh người Do Thái, con cái Đức Chúa Trời, mà thật ra là hội viên của Sa-tan.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เรารู้ถึงการทนทุกข์และความยากไร้ของเจ้า กระนั้นเจ้าก็มั่งมี! เรารู้ถึงคำให้ร้ายของบรรดาผู้ที่อ้างว่าตนเป็นยิวและไม่ได้เป็น แต่เป็นธรรมศาลาของซาตาน
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ‘เรารู้เรื่องความยากลำบากและความยากจนของเจ้า แต่ว่าเจ้าก็มั่งมี เรารู้ถึงการใส่ร้ายของพวกที่อ้างว่าตนเป็นชาวยิวทั้งที่ไม่ได้เป็น แต่กลับเป็นศาลาที่ประชุมของซาตาน

Cross Reference

Revelation 7:14 - Then he told me, “These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.”
Romans 5:3 - There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 2:17 - If you’re brought up Jewish, don’t assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you’re an insider to God’s revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God’s revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I’m quite serious. While preaching “Don’t steal!” are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, “It’s because of you Jews that the outsiders frown on God,” shows it’s an old problem that isn’t going to go away.
Luke 12:21 - “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Matthew 4:10 - Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”
Revelation 3:18 - “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.
Revelation 2:2 - “I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
Romans 9:6 - Don’t suppose for a moment, though, that God’s Word has malfunctioned in some way or other. The problem goes back a long way. From the outset, not all Israelites of the flesh were Israelites of the spirit. It wasn’t Abraham’s sperm that gave identity here, but God’s promise. Remember how it was put: “Your family will be defined by Isaac”? That means that Israelite identity was never racially determined by sexual transmission, but it was God-determined by promise. Remember that promise, “When I come back next year at this time, Sarah will have a son”?
James 2:5 - Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens! Isn’t it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind? Aren’t they the ones who scorn the new name—“Christian”—used in your baptisms?
Revelation 3:9 - “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved.

Parallel Verses

Cross Reference

The Message - “I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan’s crowd.
新标点和合本 - 我知道你的患难，你的贫穷（你却是富足的），也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒但一会的人。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 我知道你的患难和贫穷—其实你却是富足的，也知道那自称是犹太人的所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但会堂的人。
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 我知道你的患难和贫穷—其实你却是富足的，也知道那自称是犹太人的所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但会堂的人。
当代译本 - ‘我知道你遭受的苦难和贫穷，其实你是富足的。我也知道那些人对你的毁谤，他们自称是犹太人，其实他们不是，而是撒旦的会众。
圣经新译本 - 我知道你的患难和贫穷，但你却是富足的。我也知道那些自称是犹太人所说毁谤的话，其实他们不是犹太人，而是撒但的党徒。
中文标准译本 - 我知道你的患难和贫穷；其实你是富有的。我也知道从那些自称是犹太人而来的毁谤，其实他们不是犹太人，而是属于撒旦会堂的。
现代标点和合本 - 我知道你的患难、你的贫穷，你却是富足的；也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒旦一会的人。
和合本（拼音版） - 我知道你的患难，你的贫穷（你却是富足的），也知道那自称是犹太人所说的毁谤话，其实他们不是犹太人，乃是撒但一会的人。
New International Version - I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New International Reader's Version - ‘I know that you suffer and are poor. But you are rich! Some people say they are Jews but are not. I know that their words are evil. Their worship comes from Satan.
English Standard Version - “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New Living Translation - “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.
Christian Standard Bible - I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New American Standard Bible - ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
New King James Version - “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Amplified Bible - ‘I know your suffering and your poverty (but you are rich), and how you are blasphemed and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [they are Jews only by blood, and do not believe and truly honor the God whom they claim to worship].
American Standard Version - I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
King James Version - I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
New English Translation - ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know the slander against you by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
World English Bible - “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
新標點和合本 - 我知道你的患難，你的貧窮（你卻是富足的），也知道那自稱是猶太人所說的毀謗話，其實他們不是猶太人，乃是撒但一會的人。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 我知道你的患難和貧窮－其實你卻是富足的，也知道那自稱是猶太人的所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但會堂的人。
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 我知道你的患難和貧窮—其實你卻是富足的，也知道那自稱是猶太人的所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但會堂的人。
當代譯本 - 『我知道你遭受的苦難和貧窮，其實你是富足的。我也知道那些人對你的毀謗，他們自稱是猶太人，其實他們不是，而是撒旦的會眾。
聖經新譯本 - 我知道你的患難和貧窮，但你卻是富足的。我也知道那些自稱是猶太人所說毀謗的話，其實他們不是猶太人，而是撒但的黨徒。
呂振中譯本 - 我知道你的苦難和窮困；其實你是富足的。我知道那說自己是猶太人、其實不是、乃是撒但集團的人、毁謗的話。
中文標準譯本 - 我知道你的患難和貧窮；其實你是富有的。我也知道從那些自稱是猶太人而來的毀謗，其實他們不是猶太人，而是屬於撒旦會堂的。
現代標點和合本 - 我知道你的患難、你的貧窮，你卻是富足的；也知道那自稱是猶太人所說的毀謗話，其實他們不是猶太人，乃是撒旦一會的人。
文理和合譯本 - 我知爾患難貧乏、而實富有、且知自謂猶太人者之謗讟、然非猶太人、乃撒但之黨、
文理委辦譯本 - 我知爾所為、亦知爾艱辛、雖貧乏而實富厚、撒但之黨、自謂猶太人、而實非也、我知其妄言、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 我知爾之作為、爾之患難、爾之窮乏、而實富有、自稱為猶太人、實非猶太人、乃屬撒但會者、其謗言我亦知之、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 爾之憂患、爾之窮乏、吾所知也。雖然、爾實貧而富者也！彼自名為義塞人而非義塞人、實屬沙殫之黨羽者、謗爾誣爾、吾亦知之。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Conozco tus sufrimientos y tu pobreza. ¡Sin embargo, eres rico! Sé cómo te calumnian los que dicen ser judíos, pero que, en realidad, no son más que una sinagoga de Satanás.
현대인의 성경 - 나는 너의 고난과 가난을 알고 있다. 그러나 사실 너는 부요한 자이다. 자칭 유대인이라는 사람들에게서 네가 모욕을 당한 것도 나는 다 알고 있다. 그러나 그들은 유대인이 아니라 사탄의 집단이다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Я знаю твои страдания и твою бедность, впрочем, ты богат! Я знаю, как тебя чернят те, кто называет себя иудеями, но которые на самом деле не что иное, как собрание сатанинское.
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - Je connais ta détresse et ta pauvreté – et pourtant tu es riche. Je sais les calomnies de ceux qui se disent juifs mais qui ne le sont pas : c’est une synagogue de Satan.
リビングバイブル - 「わたしは、主のためにあなたが、どんなにひどい苦しみと貧しさに耐えてきたかを知っています。〔しかし、実際は天に宝を得ているのです。〕さらに、自分こそユダヤ人（神に選ばれた者）だと主張する人々から、白い眼で見られ、非難されてきたことも知っています。しかし、あの人たちは悪魔の仲間であって、真のユダヤ人ではありません。
Nestle Aland 28 - οἶδά σου τὴν θλῖψιν καὶ τὴν πτωχείαν, ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ, καὶ τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτοὺς καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν ἀλλὰ συναγωγὴ τοῦ σατανᾶ.
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - οἶδά σου τὴν θλῖψιν καὶ τὴν πτωχείαν (ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ), καὶ τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, ἀλλὰ συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ.
Nova Versão Internacional - “Conheço as suas aflições e a sua pobreza; mas você é rico! Conheço a blasfêmia dos que se dizem judeus mas não são, sendo antes sinagoga de Satanás.
Hoffnung für alle - Ich kenne die Verfolgung, die du ertragen musst, und ich weiß, in welcher Armut du lebst; doch in Wirklichkeit bist du reich. Mir ist auch nicht entgangen, wie bösartig euch die Leute verleumden, die sich als Juden ausgeben, in Wirklichkeit aber Gehilfen des Satans sind.
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Ta biết nỗi gian khổ, sự nghèo thiếu của con—nhưng thật ra con giàu có. Ta cũng nghe lời vu cáo của những người mạo danh người Do Thái, con cái Đức Chúa Trời, mà thật ra là hội viên của Sa-tan.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เรารู้ถึงการทนทุกข์และความยากไร้ของเจ้า กระนั้นเจ้าก็มั่งมี! เรารู้ถึงคำให้ร้ายของบรรดาผู้ที่อ้างว่าตนเป็นยิวและไม่ได้เป็น แต่เป็นธรรมศาลาของซาตาน
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ‘เรารู้เรื่องความยากลำบากและความยากจนของเจ้า แต่ว่าเจ้าก็มั่งมี เรารู้ถึงการใส่ร้ายของพวกที่อ้างว่าตนเป็นชาวยิวทั้งที่ไม่ได้เป็น แต่กลับเป็นศาลาที่ประชุมของซาตาน

Revelation 7:14 - Then he told me, “These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.”
Romans 5:3 - There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 2:17 - If you’re brought up Jewish, don’t assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you’re an insider to God’s revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God’s revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I’m quite serious. While preaching “Don’t steal!” are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, “It’s because of you Jews that the outsiders frown on God,” shows it’s an old problem that isn’t going to go away.
Luke 12:21 - “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Matthew 4:10 - Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”
Revelation 3:18 - “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.
Revelation 2:2 - “I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
Romans 9:6 - Don’t suppose for a moment, though, that God’s Word has malfunctioned in some way or other. The problem goes back a long way. From the outset, not all Israelites of the flesh were Israelites of the spirit. It wasn’t Abraham’s sperm that gave identity here, but God’s promise. Remember how it was put: “Your family will be defined by Isaac”? That means that Israelite identity was never racially determined by sexual transmission, but it was God-determined by promise. Remember that promise, “When I come back next year at this time, Sarah will have a son”?
James 2:5 - Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens! Isn’t it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind? Aren’t they the ones who scorn the new name—“Christian”—used in your baptisms?
Revelation 3:9 - “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved.