Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "devout". There are three different Greek words translated "devout" in the New Testament. We find one of them here:
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. KJV
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. KJV
These are the Greek word "eulabes". Strong's Concordance says: taking well (carefully), i.e. circumspect. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: taking hold well, carefully and surely, cautious, reverencing God, pious, religious. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God. "In that mingled fear and love which, combined, constitute the piety of man toward God, the Old Testament placed its emphasis on the fear, the New places it on the love. This is basically an attitude toward God with the emphasis on our love for Him based on gratitude for all that He has done for us! Another is found in these two verses:
Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. KJV
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; KJV
These are both the Greek word "eusebes". Strong's Concordance says: well-reverent, pious. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: dutiful. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: sacred awe, reverence exhibited especially in actions. The Theological Dictionary says: refers to conduct relative to self, others and God. It is not just outward worship, nor a mere concept of God, nor a virtue, nor an ideal. It covers everyday conduct in honoring God as Creator and Redeemer. This one refers to the actions that come from the attitude! If we truly appreciate HIM for Who He is and for all He's done, then there will be corresponding actions for all to see! The third one is found in these two verses:
Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. KJV
Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. KJV
These are both the Greek word "sebomai". Strong's Concordance says: to revere, i.e. to adore. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to worship. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to feel awe. The Theological Dictionary says: Six times in Acts the 'sebomenoi' are God-fearers. The term denotes worship of the one true God and indicates that the Gentiles thus styled do not merely honor God but actively worship Him. This is referring to not just everyday actions, but to the active worship life of believers, where worship is not just an attitude or emotion, but is expressed outwardly where it is seen and noticed! These three words overlap each other in many lives! And they should! When our lives reflect Who HE is to us, then people will be drawen to Him by our example. And that IS why we are here, operating in all of the different areas that life, and the lives of our children and grandchildren, take us! This word and all of it's meanings is best represented in Hillsong's "Children Of The Light":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
