"Sin which doth so easily beset us"

[me again]

I was listening to the bible on CD and these words jumped out at me from Hebrews 12:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=12&verse=1&version=9&context=verse):Sin which doth so easily beset us.Sin easily besets us? :rant: :mmph:

Here it is in several different bible versions: Sin which so easily entangles us (NASB)
.
Sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us (AMP)
.
Sin that just won't let go (CEV)
.
Sin which clings so closely (ESV)
.
Source of comparisons (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb%2012:1;&version=9;49;45;46;47;) (scroll down to compare)How do you interpret this and what does this mean to you? :smart:

[Tom]

Sin seperates the lost from God.


Sin makes the saved weak.
It brings the chastisement of the Father and makes "our row hard to hoe" so to speak.

[me again]

Sin seperates the lost from God.


Sin makes the saved weak.
It brings the chastisement of the Father and makes "our row hard to hoe" so to speak.Ahhhhh yes, so true, so true. :boohoo:

Later in the same chapter, the Apostle Paul complained that he was given a "thorn in the flesh" to keep his pride down (or words to that effect). I can't imagine what the thorn was, except that it must have been a physical ailment that bothered him. :noidea: In Paul's case, I guess it was the sin of pride -- and so he was chastised by the Father with the thorn from Satan?

I know that the bible says that in the end, it will all be worth it -- and we're supposed to run this mortal race with endurance because it is better than the fire that purifies gold -- but mannnnnn sometimes it seems sooooo hard. :BangHead:

[Zaph]

I've heard Bible scholars "guess" that Paul's thorn might have been poor eyesight. Which might make sense since he was knocked to the ground by light from the Lord.

This verse about Paul's thorn in his side shoots down the "health and wealth" gospel that is so popular these days.

[John Oscar]

I've heard Bible scholars "guess" that Paul's thorn might have been poor eyesight. Which might make sense since he was knocked to the ground by light from the Lord.

They get that from the following verse from Galations-

Gal 4:13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Blessings

[me again]

I've heard Bible scholars "guess" that Paul's thorn might have been poor eyesight. Which might make sense since he was knocked to the ground by light from the Lord.

This verse about Paul's thorn in his side shoots down the "health and wealth" gospel that is so popular these days.Yes, I've been thinking about that a lot lately, espicially now that I'm listening to that part of the bible (on CD) night after night. It sounds like Paul was afflicted with this physical ailment to humble him, so if it could happen to Paul, then could it happen to us? The answer appears to be "yes." :cry: In Paul's case, the sin that brought about his physical ailment was "pride," but I reckon that pride isn't the only sin that could bring chastisement (from the father) upon us. :cry:

[me again]

They get that from the following verse from Galations-

Gal 4:13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.Very Very interesting. :smart:

When Paul asked the Lord (three times) if He would remove the thorn-from-the-devil, the Lord denied His request and told Paul "My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Subsequently, Paul said he would count it all joy to relish in these kinds of afflictions. Should we do the same? :eek: Yes!!!!

I also find it interesting that that Lord's strength is made perfect in our mortal weakness -- and not necessarily in our physical strength, our good looks, our wealth or our pride. That's a sermon unto itself!!!!!!!!! :eek: When we are weak, then He is strong. I guess that when we are weak, we are forced to trust and rely on Him, as opposed to relying on ourself -- and that is faith.

[Zaph]

but I reckon that pride isn't the only sin that could bring chastisement (from the father) upon us. :cry:

I would say that any sin could bring this. He doesn't always protect us from the natural consequences of our choices even though we are forgiven. In the case of Job it appears that He allows things to happen even if you're "perfect and upright".


Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

[Zaph]

John, that was fascinating. I had not noticed that before. I've also heard "guesses" that he was not very good looking either. Is there another passage that I've over looked that supports this also? :)

[me again]

As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.John, that was fascinating. I had not noticed that before. I've also heard "guesses" that he was not very good looking either. Is there another passage that I've over looked that supports this also? :)I too have heard many people speculate that Paul had a lazy eye -- and now we know where that speculation comes from. Thanks John.

[John Oscar]

In Philiipians, Paul said that he was perfect in legalistic rightousness. The thing I've noticed about people that think they are holy through what they do or do not do, is that they compare themselves to others to obtain this idea of holiness.

When Paul was struck blind by the Lord, he had no where to look but inward. I imagine he didn't like what he saw, and it broke him and softened his heart to Aninias' message.

In a way, it would make sense for God to allow/use that same principle or method throughout Paul's life to reenforce the lesson he learned when he got saved...

Just some thoughts...