Definition: Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 9:10. It’s a really interesting and slightly complex idea about faith and work! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that believers (people who have been saved through faith) are meant to be focused on God’s promises, even while they’re working hard. It encourages a mindset of hope and anticipation, rather than just focusing on the results. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Or saith he altogether for our sakes?” – This is a question, suggesting a challenge or a point of discussion. The speaker is asking if this passage has a specific purpose for us . “For our sakes, no doubt…” – This emphasizes the importance of this message. It’s not just an afterthought; it's important to understand why we’re being told this. “[this] is written: that he who ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” – This is the core of the verse. Let’s break down each part: “He who ploughs”: This refers to believers, those who are actively working towards God's kingdom and serving Him. “Should plow in hope”: This means they need to approach their work with a hopeful attitude – believing that God will reward them for their efforts. It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about having faith that something good will happen because of their dedication. “He who threshes in hope”: This refers to those who are actively working towards a goal, like serving others or spreading God's word. It means they need to have hope that the work they’re doing will eventually bear fruit and lead to good things. “Partaker of his hope”: This is the key part! It means that by working with hope , believers are actually participating in God's hope – meaning, their efforts contribute to something bigger than themselves. It’s about being involved in God’s plan for good things. In simpler terms: Believers should be focused on the outcome of their work – that it will lead to God's rewards – but they also need to have a hopeful mindset and believe that God is working towards good. It’s about a balance between effort and faith, action and expectation. Why is this verse important? It’s a reminder that our efforts are not just about getting something; they're about being involved in something bigger than ourselves. It encourages us to be diligent but also to maintain a hopeful perspective. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life? Discuss other verses related to faith and work?