Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "master". We'll be looking at 6 different Greek words. The first is found in Luke 13:25:

25 When once the Master of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door [again and again], saying, Lord, open to us! He will answer you, I do not know where [what household — certainly not Mine] you come from. AMP

This is the Greek word "oikodespotes". Strong's Concordance says: the head of the family. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: master of the a house. So YOU are an oikodespotes! As the master, or head, of your family, you are responsible to God for protecting and providing for you family. From the joy that is obvious in your family, YOU are doing a great job of it! The next is found in John 13:13:

13 You call Me the Teacher (Master) and the Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is what I am. AMP

This is the Greek word "didaskalos". Strong's Concordance says: an instructor. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: used of one who is fitted to teach. As the head, or master, of your family, you are also called upon to teach your family the Word of God. These two verses are instructions for parents about their children. Ephesians 6:4 and Proverbs 22:6:

4 Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. AMP

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. KJV

Your children will have other "teachers' throughout their lives, but none who will care as much for their well-being as you and Kristine! The next "master" is found in Matthew 23:8:

8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. KJV

This is the Greek word "kathegetes". Strong's Concordance says: a guide, teacher.  In this verse Jesus is saying that God alone is this type of "master" or teacher. This is also shown in 1 John 2:27:

27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. AMP

We are blessed to have so many good Bible teachers available to us, but the only One Who can actually teach us what this Word means to us individually is the TEACHER Himself, by the Holy Spirit Who lives IN us! The next "master" is found in Mark 11:21:

21 And Peter remembered and said to Him, Master, look! The fig tree which You doomed has withered away! AMP

This is the Greek word "rhabbi". Strong's Concordance says: My master, as an official title of honor. According to Matthew 23:8, this should also be reserved for Jesus!  The next is found in Luke 9:33 where Peter addressed Jesus after the transfiguration:

33 And it occurred as the men were parting from Him that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is delightful and good that we are here; and let us construct three booths or huts — one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah! not noticing or knowing what he was saying. AMP

This is the Greek word "epistates". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says:  a superintendent or overseer. The Theological Dictionary says: can denote a herdsman, a taskmaster, an overseer, a leader. This is more of a position of authority and responsibility. Peter did not yet understand what Jesus was here for, but He DID recognize that no person he had ever encountered did the things that Jesus had done!  The last one is found in Ephesians 6:9:

9 You masters, act on the same [principle] toward them and give up threatening and using violent and abusive words, knowing that He Who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons (no partiality) with Him. AMP

This is the Greek word "kurios". Strong's Concordance says: supreme in authority, i.e. controller. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has the power of deciding; master, lord. The Theological Dictionary says: combines the two elements of power and authority. A true realization of the unity of the two arises only in encounter with God, who creates us with absolute power but is also the absolute authority before which it is freedom rather than bondage to bow. There is only ONE Who is qualified to be THIS Master! When we acknowledge HIM as our own Lord and Master, then we are in position to be lifted and find favor and be successful! 1 Peter 5:6 calls this being humble! As you continue to submit to your Master and Commander, Jesus, He will cause YOU to be the very best master and teacher that you could possibly be! This will cause you to have success and victory in every area of your life! Here is an older song from Hillsong Chapel Called "This Is Our God":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!