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Our study today will be essentially a word study, but with a couple of twists. I promise you it won't be dull, so I beg you to stay with me. Specifically, we will look at a Greek word which appears only four times in the New Testament. We will consider the ways this word is translated and used in Scripture.

The first usage we will consider occurred as Paul was writing about a particular religious error of the day. The passage of interest reads, “...not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” (Colossians 2.19 NKJV). The word translated ligaments is our word of interest. It is not a medical word, per se, but its usage is clear in this text. Medically, ligaments are the fibrous bands which join bones together and prevent the joined bones from becoming separated, impaired, or immobilized. In sports, common injuries of the knee sometimes involve a torn or sprained ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). Three other major ligaments help the knee to “stay together” during periods of stress caused by twists, turns, stops, starts, etc. Every joint requires one or more ligaments to bind the bones together; such was Paul's usage of our Greek word in this text.

The next usage we will consider involves a spiritual tragedy. As the Gospel was spreading to regions outside of Jerusalem, certain cities within Samaria heard and responded favorably to forgiveness offered therein. One of the Samaritans who believed the gospel and was baptized was Simon, a former sorcerer in the city (see Acts 8.1-13). If words mean anything at all, Simon was saved from his past sins in as much as he did exactly what Jesus said any living creature needed to do in order to be saved (see Mark 16.16). Yet, in spite of his great beginning, Simon strayed tremendously. Having a past in show business (sorcery), he saw a great opportunity if only he could obtain the miraculous powers that he saw displayed by the apostles from Jerusalem. His lingering desire for notoriety led him to try to purchase the ability to impart these gifts to others by the laying on of his hands (even as he saw the apostles do). It was this step that led Peter to tell Simon, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (Acts 8.20-23). The word translated bound in this passage is the same word translated ligament in Colossians 2.19. Simon was bound by iniquity just as ligaments bind bones together; a true spiritual tragedy!

Two other passages complete the New Testament's usage of this word. First, we will quote these passages, highlighting our word of interest. Then we will make some brief comments about these two texts as they relate to today's study. “...Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4.3). “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Colossians 3.14). Simon was bound by iniquity, but he could have been bound by peace. This is the difference between obedience and rebellion. In a similar way, there is a bond which leads to perfection; that bond is love.

All men are spiritual servants (bound by something)! The question of the hour is this: What bonds hold me? Spiritually we choose our bonds; physically we sometimes are bound against our will. Choosing Jesus means that our bonds will yield the sweet fruit of peace, love, and ultimately, perfection!

Questions:

1. What is a ligament and how is it related to our word of interest today?

2. How can we know that Simon in Acts 8 was a saved person? What type of warning should this story serve to all believers?

3. Are all spiritual bonds undesirable? Why or why not?

4. RESEARCH: How does Paul's statement in Romans 6.16 relate to our statement that “All men are spiritual servants”?

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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