QRR-This one's for you ;-)

[tsth]

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

What do you think it means by, they are pressing into it?

Luke 16:16 uses the word "presseth" KJV

Matthew 11:12 uses "force"

They are the same word meaning.  But what does the Scripture mean.  I would also pay particular attention to the context verses surrounding them.

This is one portion of Scripture I have been onto for a couple of years, and have not quite gotten the surity of meaning in terms of "knowing".  Just wondered if you might have studied them before.  I have an inkling, but not enough to comment too much.  

In His Love,

Suzanne

[God's rebel child]

who's QRR?

[tsth]

QuaestorRexRegis

I'm lazy, don't want to type it all out, but look what ya made me do  :butbut:  

Now I'm gonna have to rest, I'm tired  

In His Love,

Suzanne

[God's rebel child]

Well, QRR...where are ya?  (see-I'm lazy tonight, too!)  

[Guest Warrior FC]

tsth....just copy and paste!

I know to that takes more time than putting QRR!

[QuaestorRexRegis]

Good question - a lot of groundwork involved, but I hate loooong answers (I can add to it later)...

1.) the audience is the Pharisees (in front of a multitude) who were ridiculing Jesus' teachings.

2.) Jesus as Messiah, the culmination of the prophets - spoken by Moses - Acts 3:22, is explaining the message of John the Baptist and Himself; i.e. the Law of God.

3.) the kingdom of God as depicted through the Law was being unjustly through "violence"/"force" used by the Pharisees who were making demands upon the people as though they were speaking for God.

Comment: Unfortunately, there are those "minister" who wish to use that passage as the way to be saved or receive from God - knock the doors down; tear off the hem of his garment; cajole Christ until you get your answer.  That is divination, and not what faith is about.

How'd I do?

[tsth]

How'd I do?

Seemingly fine.  But I'm afraid my vote doesn't count in this one.  As I don't have the answers.  I can only tell you how I understood it.

If you look all around Luke 16:16, Jesus is speaking of those who are trying to "force" their entry into heaven.  Although they have other things that are important to them, (although not openly, it is money that He is speaking of that is highly valued among men)  He then proceeds to speak of adultery, losing commitment for the original bride and having love for another.  He is in essence teaching that you cannot force your way into heaven, when your heart has not been faithful.  And I believe He also is showing the intentions of the heart should coincide with the 10 Commandments.

(p.s. - for what it's worth, I believe there is something very crucial about the 10 Commandments, that we are taking for granted, "polite way of saying 'ignoring'")

In His Love,

Suzanne

[QuaestorRexRegis]

Philippians 2:6 speaks to this - Depending on your version the word 'grasped' or 'robbery' is that Jesus was not stealing His position of equality with God for it was His.  We, as humbled servants of His, do Him injustice to "demand" our rights as Christians.

When I have to prove my citizenship to God, then I am not covered by His Son's blood.

There is no violence in that equation.

In the same way, we fulfill the Law through our connection with Him for eternity, but we still need to buffet our bodies, et. al., through continual observance and circumspectual attitudes toward the performance of the Law (10 Commandments, etc.)  No other gods before Him...am I watching to what I am eating (TV, radio, etc.) - No coveting (am I believing God to meet my needs or am I pushing through the marketplace - and so forth.

Thank you for the reminder, Suz.