Committed Contradictions: Part 2

as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:10 NASB

Poor/rich – The first set of antonyms in Paul’s list made us reconsider our emotional well-being.[1] The second set forces us to rethink our life goals. We start with some Greek distinctions.

Paul uses the Greek terms ptochoi and ploutizontes. Ptochoi is a particular kind of poor. This is a word that describes the beggar. It is not the word for the typical poor, the day laborer who survives without credit, without salary, without a bank account, but nevertheless, is part of the working class. No, Paul uses the same word we find in the first Beatitude, ptochoi, the completely destitute, the man in the ditch begging for alms. But Paul uses this term in the same way that his Master used the term. This is a man who knows he is spiritually bankrupt, completely dependent on God’s graciousness. This is a man who cannot afford pride.[2] Paul is not describing a vow of poverty. He is describing the character of humility.

If this is the case, then what does the opposing term mean? Ploutizontes is the present, active, plural participle of ploutizo. That means whatever it is about, it’s happening now for all. When Paul says we are beggars yet we make many rich, he is asserting something that would have been unthinkable in the first century Greco-Roman world. Why? Because in Greek thought, wealth makes people happy and noble. It is honorable to be wealthy since that shows the favor of the gods, the diligence of one’s work and the character of the man. To be poor can only mean that the gods are against you, that you are not worthy of wealth and that you have an ignoble character. Then along comes Paul, asserting that the beggars after God bring filling benefit to others. Beggars bring life to the full? You must be kidding! Paul might think that way, but no self-respecting Greek would. Perhaps we are more Greek than we thought.

Do you wish God would provide you with wealth? Secretly, maybe, since it isn’t socially acceptable to speak about this in religious circles (unless you’re part of the prosperity gospel). Do you think that God’s favor is exhibited in the same way that Zeus operated? If you’re rich, God loves you. If you’re poor, you haven’t tithed enough. Right? Please don’t pretend that this is only about spiritual benefit. Be honest. Do you buy Lotto tickets? I wonder if most of us don’t think that poverty is okay for missionaries (like Paul) but for the rest of us, God will supply an abundant life. But notice Paul’s point. Our humility produces something of inestimable value for others, not us. We are in the business of neighbor benefits. We pray with loud cries and tears so that others might discover God’s devotion to them. Right?

Topical Index: poor, rich, ptochoi, ploutizontes, 2 Corinthians 6:10

[1] See Today’s Word, September 21, 2017

[2] If you want to understand the full impact of ptochoi, read The Lucky Life, available on my web site.

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Alfredo

Ok. So Paul is writing as a pure evangelist would write.

He is clear that getting to know and live under God’s reign is the most precious treasure a man can have. And Yeshua HaMashiach is the one who has come and has shown us the way toward that treasure.

So when he sees the world we live in now, he sees terrible things happening to others and to him, and he chooses not to avoid bad things, but to endure his path by rejoicing on what God is doing, which is the most important sign of someone who trusts God, someone who lives by faith and trust (emunah). He knows that God has been working on a perfect solution ever since Adam and Eve went the wrong way, and all of did as well, when we turned our backs to God.

Then, he goes on, explaining that being humble, desperatly seeking for other’s salvation, the way of a beggar keeps asking for coins from people passing by, is the next thing we should be doing… because we already have found Mashiach, now we want others to find Yeshua as well, so that all would benefit of God’s kingdom, which is ahead waiting for us to return to.

Skip, am I getting this right?

Lesli Moser

“desperately seeking for other’s salvation”

So we are back to evangelism? How can this be if I am still struggling with the text myself and have backed down from my previous upbringing and “teachings” that were false, having changed paradigms long ago…. this seems like the opposite as I cannot engage in conversation something I am not entirely grasping myself…. am I making sense? Maybe I should just put it all down…..it’s so heavy these days….

Lesli Moser

Skip! I’m moved…. so very moved….because that, my dear Brother, is exactly where I am! B”H

George Leo Kraemer

“live under God’s reign is the most precious treasure a man can have”

In more than 50 years of self-employment I learned the merit of ethics early. When I was looking for a name for my first company I asked my father, Leo George Kraemer, for suggestions. His reply was immediate. Put your name on the company and shout about it if you have nothing to hide from, so I did, just as he had done twice with his two companies. His logic was, build a business on the strength of your quality, reliability and integrity and you will get the results you deserve. He was right and I never buy Lotto tickets although people tell me I should because they think I’m lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. I was born with the right name.

Mark@ideastudios.com

One can’t go to the well to fill up their bucket unless they realize their bucket is empty.

Brett Weiner B.B.( brother Brett)

2nd Timothy 4:5,6 tree of life version. You however keep a clear mind in all things withstanding hardship, do the work proclaiming the good news, and fulfill your service.6 for I am already being poured out like a drink-offering, and the time of my departure has come . 7 I have fought the good fight and I have finished the course I have kept the faith. This says a lot, enduring hardship, having a clear mind in all things wow. Talk about being balanced. withstanding hardship, and keeping a clear mind on all things. My goodness some of us have a long way to go. But being involved with a community of like-minded faith, praying for each other. And so on helps fight the fight of faith. Reaching and encouraging those who are less fortunate. Even in the faith.

Laurita Hayes

Brett, you have hit on some big keys.

I have agonized for “just one more” all by myself for decades now. HARD to make a significant shift in the lives of others..
However, been meditating on the difference a community – a little Body – can make. The demonstration of HOW love works is the most saving grace the world can experience. People want what they can see works, but love happens between more than one. We need to pull together before the world will start believing us!

Rich Pease

GOD’S WEALTH
Let’s first see what it’s not.
Yeshua said: “The flesh counts for nothing.”
He started that same sentence with: “The Spirit gives life.” Jn 6:63
So wealth, in God’s parlance, is “life”.
His Word says if we are rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share,
we will take hold of the life that is truly life. So, as we keep His commands and
walk in His ways . . . “the Lord will grant you abundant prosperity.” Deut 28:11
And that prosperity IS? “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the
knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
And HOW is that prosperity attained? “if my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways… 2 Chron 7:14
And then, what do we DO with that kingdom prosperity?
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more.”
THE KINGDOM ECONOMY

Mark@ideastudios.com

Just watched Hacksaw Ridge. A modern parable about this text…”Just one more God, one more”. Mel Gibson does it agin…

Da\'vid Hankins

Mark, That is to be OUR cry, “Just one more God, Just one more”

Leslee

The documentary “The Conscientious Objector” was our first presentation of this amazing feat. Woven from interviews with Doss and survivor testimony of men who shamed and scorned Doss, who saved their lives.