PHRASEOLOGY
There is a phrase I have encountered in the Scriptures lately that grabs my attention every time I read it. In the search engine on Crosswalk.com the phrase appears 500 times in the Bible. I guess I would run across it sooner or later, eh? (haha). This phrase is comprised of only two words but what usually follows them is the take-away of the verse. The phrase is "so that...".
This phrase is a descriptive phrase. For instance, consider Matthew 8:24...
"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat."
We know from reading the verse that the storm that came upon the lake was a "furious" one, but the qualifier for the situation being described was - it was so "furious" that "waves swept over the boat". Again, the key to this verse comes after the "so that". In fact, it is the next sentence - "But Jesus was sleeping." And from there you can start a sermon/teaching.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion," (2 Corinthians 9:11)
In the first verse God pours into us comfort so we can pour out comfort to others in their time of need. In the second verse, God is our Great Provider, graciously enabling us to "abound in every good work". Finally, in the third verse, Paul prophetically speaks over the believers of the church in Corinth and sets up a standard that should be still followed today - from your overabundance, in EVERY AREA (not just monetary) bless others less fortunate.
This phrase is a descriptive phrase. For instance, consider Matthew 8:24...
"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat."
We know from reading the verse that the storm that came upon the lake was a "furious" one, but the qualifier for the situation being described was - it was so "furious" that "waves swept over the boat". Again, the key to this verse comes after the "so that". In fact, it is the next sentence - "But Jesus was sleeping." And from there you can start a sermon/teaching.
This phrase leads you to the right perspective and call to action. My reading through the Bible has landed me in 2 Corinthians lately. Here are some verses that provide perspective then call us to move on that perspective!
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion," (2 Corinthians 9:11)
In the first verse God pours into us comfort so we can pour out comfort to others in their time of need. In the second verse, God is our Great Provider, graciously enabling us to "abound in every good work". Finally, in the third verse, Paul prophetically speaks over the believers of the church in Corinth and sets up a standard that should be still followed today - from your overabundance, in EVERY AREA (not just monetary) bless others less fortunate.
Verses like these and a phrase like "so that" alludes to a Holy Cycle and requires that we begin by listening to God. It is hard to listen to God when all you hear is the noise around you. Put another way, it is hard to pour into an already full vessel. In order to be a comfort to others, a good worker, and generous at every opportunity - we first must empty ourselves. After we are empty God can then fill us with His comfort, His standards of good work, and His timing for the next opportunity. However, in order for us to empty ourselves so He can pour into us and then us to others - believers must have Personal Time, alone, one-on-one, with Father God. It is not only good to have this time for equipping your mind and soul, but the Personal Time is great for your own relationship with God So That you may continue to mature in Christ.
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