3 comments:

  Anonymous

2:53 pm

I think the Greek is much closer to 'actions' than 'results'.

In any case, I don't think it all comes down to results. Fruit does matter, but what about the guys who said, 'Didn't we drive out demons, heal the sick and raise the dead?' And Jesus says, 'Away from me, I never knew you.'?

  Mark Edwards

3:27 pm

Well I prefer how the NLT translators have rendered it, but even action suggests results.
"Being" is very often used as an excuse for achieving nothing.

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

I stand by what I am saying, but actually I was not making that point. The point I was trying to lead to was this, and I debated whether to put this line in,

"So lets go and buy some wine, beer and food, and throw a party, and dont worry about what the relgious folk say, we want to make friends with non Christians and share Gods love with them"

  Anonymous

7:55 pm

I agree with you that being is often used as an excuse for inaction. I think action must flow out of being, but being should inevitably lead to doing! I think that's how it worked for Jesus. (In our case, I think so much 'being' is just being lazy, not spiritual). I also have no problem throwing a party to share God's love with unbelieving friends!

Just get a decent translation, Mark!

;-)

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