beloved57
Well-known member
Jn 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
When we naturally think of evil deeds what comes to mind ? Things like immorality , drunkenness, adultery, using drugs, prostitution and so forth, and yes these things are evil deeds that Gods wrath will come upon Eph 5:3-6
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
However, what men naturally dont consider to be evil deeds, but they are, and is what our text in Jn 3:19 is mostly concerned with, is that sincere heart felt religion, good moral character, being an honest upright citizen, being the ideal husband, and father or wife and mother, when taken into any degree to cause one to be accepted of God, its evil deeds. The word evil ponēros means:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
When we naturally think of evil deeds what comes to mind ? Things like immorality , drunkenness, adultery, using drugs, prostitution and so forth, and yes these things are evil deeds that Gods wrath will come upon Eph 5:3-6
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
However, what men naturally dont consider to be evil deeds, but they are, and is what our text in Jn 3:19 is mostly concerned with, is that sincere heart felt religion, good moral character, being an honest upright citizen, being the ideal husband, and father or wife and mother, when taken into any degree to cause one to be accepted of God, its evil deeds. The word evil ponēros means:
- full of labours, annoyances, hardships
- pressed and harassed by labours
- bringing toils, annoyances, perils; of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble
- pressed and harassed by labours
- bad, of a bad nature or condition
- in a physical sense: diseased or blind
- in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad
No doubt some who were probably of good high character, but didnt teach the correct Doctrine of Christ, John writes not to bid them godspeed unless you become partaker of their evil deeds 2 Jn 1:10-11
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds
The evil deeds here is not having the true doctrine of Christ !
Men by nature we dont consider these things evil deeds on the same level as immorality and the baser sins of the flesh.
The Pharisee never in a thousand years would have considered these things evil deeds before God Lk 18:12
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
The only thing that can bring him to see that these things are evil before God would be a special spiritual work of God in him Jn 3:20
Jn 3:20-21
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
- in a physical sense: diseased or blind