IN THE SIGHT OF GOD
Now this phrase is definitly used in
scripture. It can be scripturally used. However when we use it in this context
concerning the subject of divorce and remarriage, there is no scripture that
uses this term in this way. But as we have shown on the other words, just
because it is not shown does not necessarily mean that it does not apply. This
phrase is used in many ways and most certainly can be used in the context of
this study.
The break down of this phrase contains two
parts.
1. the sight
2. of God
The hebrew words for this statement
are:
5869. 'ayin, ah'-yin; prob. a prim. word; an eye (lit. or fig.); by anal. a
fountain (as the eye of the landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, +
before, + think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, + displease,
eye ([-brow], [-d], -sight), face, + favour, fountain, furrow [from the marg.],
X him, + humble, knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open (-ly), + (not) please,
presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, + think, X us, well, X
you (-rselves).
430. 'elohiym, el-o-heem'; plur. of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but spec.
used (in the plur. thus, esp. with the art.) of the supreme God; occasionally
applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a
superlative:--angels, X exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), X (very) great,
judges, X mighty.
We can take two words that have multiple applications. We can also combine
words that have multiple applications and get a closer understanding of the
sentence structure. One word complements the other. Therefore when we look at
sight, which can be in anyones eyes or presence, and combine it with God, we
get the understanding of the phrase, "in the eyes (sight) of
God".
The Greek word is:
1799. enopion, en-o'-pee-on; neut. of a comp. of G1722 and a der. of G3700; in
the face of (lit. or fig.):--before, in the presence (sight) of, to.
When we combine this word to "Theos (greek for God)" we get these
phrases.
1. before God
2. before the eyes of God
3. before the sight of God
4. in the presense of God
5. in the sight (or eyes) of God.
We know that God is omni-present. He is
everywhere. Everything we do is done in His presense. He sees everything, and
He knows everything. There is not a thing hidden from His sight. Because He
sees all, we must understand that everthing that we do, is done in the presense
and sight of God.
An understood principle in these verses is
the idea that being in the sight of God, means that we are trying to gain His
approval. Therefore, we want to be right in the sight of God. Let's look and
see how this is used.
Luke 16:15 (KJV)
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God
knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination
in the sight of God.
Acts 4:19 (KJV)
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge
ye.
(Very appropiate concerning this subject)
Acts 8:21 (KJV)
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right
in the sight of God.
Acts 10:31 (KJV)
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance
in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV)
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but
as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Another Greek word is:
2714. katenopion, kat-en-o'-pee-on; from G2596 and G1799; directly in front
of:--before (the presence of), in the sight of.
2 Corinthians 7:12 (KJV)
Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done
the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for
you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
Galatians 3:11 (KJV)
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it
is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Here we have still another Greek word
translated:
3844. para, par-ah'; a prim. prep.; prop. near, i.e. (with gen.) from beside
(lit. or fig.), (with dat.) at (or in) the vicinity of (obj. or subj.), (with
acc.) to the proximity with (local [espec. beyond or opposed to] or causal [on
account of]):--above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend,
from, + give [such things as they], + that [she] had, X his, in, more than,
nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side . . . by, in the sight of, than, [there-]
fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application.
We are near to God. We should know that to be near to God is to be in a right
relationship with Him. We know that this can only happen if there is no guilt
or stain, spot or blemish on our behalf. We must conduct ourselves in a right
fashion as if we are being judged. Knowing that our behavior and thoughts will
judge us, we must behave properly to our respective relationships. When man
says something different than what God has spoken, he has introduced false
doctrine. God is the God of truth. He is truth and His words are truth. If we
make an improper application of the word of God, then we do not have the truth.
Only those with the truth will be found innocent in the sight of God.
1 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour;
1 Timothy 6:13 (KJV)
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all
things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good
confession;
1 Peter 3:4 (KJV)
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of
God of great price.
Go to the next sectionLiving In Adultery
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