Going above and beyond

[Van]

Mathew 5:44 (NASB)
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

The Greek word here translated as "for" is hyper (hooper) G5228, and when used locationally refers to being above or beyond, but when used to show causation refers to something being for the benefit of something. In the above verse, contextually if you love your enemies, you are not going to pray for the destruction of those who persecute you. No, you are going to pray for their benefit. Thus a better translation would be "pray for the benefit of those who persecute you.

 

[Van]

Mark 14:24 (NASB)
And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many.

Again, the blood of the covenant was poured out for the benefit of many.

 

[Van]

John 10:11 (NASB)
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Again, Christ laid down His life for the benefit of the sheep.

 

[Van]

Romans 5:8 (NASB)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Again, Christ died for the benefit of us.

 

[Salty]

May I assume that this is one verse that Westboro Baptist has taken out of their version???

So as not to hijack - I started a new thread:

 

[Van]

Even though born anew believes do not sin in the eyes of God as all our sins, past, present and future, have been forgiven and remembered no more forever, we still do and think things that would have stored up wrath were we not born anew. Part of our job of striving to make Christ Lord of our life is to recognize our misbehavior and avoid it in the future. We are not to fall short so that grace may abound!!

Some poor habits, like drinking, gluttony, gambling, drugs and carousing can become compulsive.

Christ went above and beyond for our benefit, are we willing to go above and beyond for the benefit of Christ's ministry?