Be sober--nēphō (νήφω)
With nēphō (νήφω), the normal usage in the Greek refers to being free from wine, but figuratively, as it is used in the NT, it refers to being restrained and controlled in not just one’s words, but one’s actions and thoughts as well. The word is translated as “be sober” (4x) and “watch” (2x).
Four of the uses deal in being “sober” or self-controlled so as to distinguish oneself from the lost and to be prepared for Christ’s coming (1 Ths. 5:6, 8; 1 Pt. 1:13) and to be able to fight the devil (1 Pt. 5:8). The other two uses deal with being alert (“watch”) amidst the trials of the ministry (2 Tim. 4:5) and watching since the end “is at hand” (1 Pt. 4:7)
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Caught up--harpazō (ἁρπάζω)
With harpazō (ἁρπάζω), the focus is on someone being pulled or snatched away by force, sometimes violently. The emphasis is on this snatching or taking away coming quickly and suddenly. The word is translated as “caught up” (4x), “by force” (3x), “pluck” (2x), “caught away” (1x), “catcheth away” (1x), “catcheth” (1x), and “pulling” (1x).
The word is used 2x by Paul to describe a personal rapture-like event in which he was “caught up” to heaven (2 Co. 12:2,4) and then again in 1 Ths. 4:17 to describe the coming rapture of all believers. In other uses in the NT, it describes sudden or immediate catching away, such as with Philip in Acts 8:39, another rapture-like event, that comes by force, is sudden, and unexpected. The word carries with it the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and remaining watchful.
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Stand Fast--stēkō (στήκω)
With stēkō (στήκω), the focus is standing firm, of persevering, of persisting in difficulties that come with trying to walk in faith in a sinful world. It also means standing firm in the Lord or in the faith. The word is translated in as “stand fast” 6x and “stand” 2x. All but one of the uses is by Paul (Mk. 11:25).
The root word is used often by Paul to describe standing firm in the faith despite one’s position or standing in the world with an implication of further growth in the faith. This comes from knowing that one is ultimately upheld by the Lord in all matters of faith. Living in this kind of faith brings comfort to others as well, as evidenced in 1 Ths. 3:8.
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Be Bold--parrēsiazomai (παρρησιάζομαι)
With parrēsiazomai (παρρησιάζομαι), the focus is on some variation of speaking freely or boldly in the face of people that are usually antagonistic to the gospel. The word is translated “bold” or “boldly 8x, and 1x as freely. It is used most often in the Book of Acts (7x) and is used almost exclusively to describe Paul and his proclamation of the word of God. This boldness often provoked surprise or persecution. The Bible described this boldness as not a human quality but one that comes from God (1 Ths. 2:2) or Christ (Phm 8). The word also carries with it the idea of speaking in front of audiences that are less than receptive to one’s message.
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Delivered--ryomai (ῥύομαι)
The word ryomai (ῥύομαι) centers around deliverance from a variety of ills: death, the power of darkness, from the wrath to come, from blood-guiltiness, from all afflictions, from eternal punishment, and from temptation. The word is translated deliver/delivered 17x and 1x as Deliverer.
Paul used the word 12x, often in conjunction with the afflictions he faced, but only once with a reference to the deliverance which believers have already experienced (Col. 1:13). Two uses have eschatological meanings (Rom. 11:26; 1 Ths. 1:10).
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Workmanship--poiema (ποίημα)
Have you ever wondered why you are here? Have you ever wondered why you are on this planet? Why do you have the skills, talents, and abilities that you do compared to the person next door—or down the street? What is your purpose in life?
The answer starts with this verse from Ephesians: “For we are [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
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