The heavenly things that Nicodemus would not be expected to know are what is in heaven, the things that certain figures … Participants are the pastor and a worldly critic. Earthly and heavenly things Heavenly things, being represented unto us in an earthly form (John 3:8), come clothed to us with our own notions. John 3:12: If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things? The heavenly does not look anything like the earthly, but it is a heavenly realm with God in high places. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you. If I told you earthly things and ye believe not, how will ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? [1] [John 3:7-12] CHRIST IS RISEN! (John 3:12 ESV) “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” Wow! It has been urged against the genuineness of the fourth Gospel that the lofty and mystical language which is there ascribed to Jesus is inconsistent with the synoptical reports of His words. Then we have the verse in question: John 3:12, ESV: "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" First, we are to “put to death therefore what is earthly” in us—things like “fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, (and) covetousness” (Colossians 3:5) which includes making idols of things, these things stand in direct opposition to God’s will for our lives. Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and … 12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 3:12 Earthly things - Things done on earth; such as the new birth, and the present privileges of the children of God. (12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" Rendering the aorist more strictly, Itold. 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. March 28, 2002 Colossians 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The message from the spirit-world has come, and others read it; but he has not learnt the alphabet. “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” John 3:9-12 The first eight verses of John 3 speak to a concept that is not easily perceived to say the least. And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?” (John 9:13; John 9:16). 12 If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? Heavenly things, in the same way, are things which have the sphere of their action in heaven, the full development of the spiritual life, of which the birth only is on earth; the divine counsels of redemption; the Messianic mysteries, of which this ruler of Israel does not understand even the initiation. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. And you do not receive our witness. He had spoken of the things that belonged to the kingdom of God on earth, of the new birth. Godet's words on this point are worth quoting: "It would be truly curious that the first who should have pointed out that contrast should be the Evangelist himself against whose narrative it has been brought forward as a ground of objection. Philippians chapter 3 again: “[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. When these elements are learnt, the mind is then, and then only, fitted to receive heavenly things. Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not. Compare Luke 10:18, sqq., where Jesus' words take on a character similar to that of His utterances in John. . John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? Since His baptism Jesus had heaven constantly open before Him; the decree of salvation was disclosed to Him; He had, in particular, heard these words: 'Thou art my well beloved Son;' He reposed on the Father's bosom, and He could descend and redescend without ceasing into the depths of the Father's fathomless love, of which He felt the vivifying power; and when He came, at certain exceptional moments, to speak of that divine relationship, and to give scope to that fullness of life with which it supplied Him, His language took a peculiar, solemn, mystical, one might even say a heavenly tone; for they were heavenly things which He then revealed. Colossians 3:1 2 – “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Worldly things are immediate and heavenly things are far into the future. It is in this literal sense it is to be taken here; not things of earthly nature, but things whose proper place is on earth. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 3. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Which best represents the problem with the comment? 19. The earthly things are the elements of spiritual knowledge, having their test in the moral sense and in their fitness to supply the spiritual wants of man. The feebleness of our understandings and the corruptions of our hearts are the real causes why doctrines of religion are so little understood by us. Now such is precisely the character of His language in the fourth Gospel." ‘If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?’ The ‘earthly things’ which had been spoken of by the Lord to Nicodemus included the necessity of the new birth, and consequently the use of the word ‘earthly’ here, cannot be this sense as opposed to that which is bad or unspiritual, it relates simply to the sphere of blessing. We can see the sun better when reflected in the water of a vase than in the firmament; and we can interpret heaven’s language best when it … John 3:12 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] John 3:12, NIV: "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" If Nicodemus could not understand and believe this, how would he receive testimony concerning the heavenly kingdom, God, and eternal glory? and ye believe not; i.e. "If I told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things?." They include Angels, heaven, gifts of the Holy Spirit, baptism with the Holy Spirit, fruits of the Holy Spirit, speaking with tongues, prophecy, God’s knowledge and wisdom etc. In Colossians 3:2, the adjective appears in its analyzed form, τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, things on the earth. Compounded with ἐπί, upon or in, and οὐρανός, heaven. This is a very good general rule: ‘Be as much in earnest for heavenly and eternal things as ye formerly were for those that are earthly and perishing.’” We do not fight the earthly things; everybody else does that day after day. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. He there declares that He came down from heaven to bring this divine message to the world. - Webster's BibleIf I have told you earthly things and none of you believe me, how will you believe me if I tell you of things in Heaven?- Weymouth BibleIf I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?- World English BibleIf Y haue seid to you ertheli thingis, and ye bileuen not, hou if Y seie to you heueneli thingis, schulen ye bileue?- Wycliffe Bibleif the earthly things I said to you, and ye do not believe, how, if I shall say to you the heavenly things, will ye believe?- Youngs Literal Bible. of the more sublime doctrines of the Gospel, such as the descent of the Messiah from heaven; the union of the two natures, human and divine, in him; his being the only begotten Son of God; his crucifixion and death, signified by the lifting up of the serpent on a pole in the wilderness; and the wonderful love of God to the Gentile world in giving Christ to, and for them; and the salvation, … Now that ye are converted to God, act in reference to heavenly things as ye did formerly in reference to those of earth; and vice versa. Birth (born again), wind (the Holy Spirit), and water (the word of God) are earthly things. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (Comp. or who can think what the will of the Lord is? 3:12 Earthly things - Things done on earth; such as the new birth, and the present privileges of the children of God. Developing A Heavenly Mindset (Colossians 3:1-4) “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. divine decrees for man’s redemption and final blessedness, μόλις εἰκάζομεν τὰ ἐπὶ γῆς, τὰ δὲ ἐν οὐρανοῖς τίς ἐξιχνίασε. the question in the Wisdom of Solomon, “What man is he that can know the counsel of God? 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things… 10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Heavenly things - Such as the eternity of the Son, and the unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Thus it is said (John 3:13) that the Son of man who is in heaven came down out of heaven, and in John 3:31, John 3:32 that He that cometh out of heaven beareth witness (on earth) of what He has seen and heard; and that, being sent from God, He speaketh the words of God (John 3:34). It seems to be easily answered as many thinks. of the more sublime doctrines of the Gospel, such as the descent of the Messiah from heaven; the union of the two natures, human and divine, in him; his being the only begotten Son of God; his crucifixion and death, signified by the lifting up of the serpent on a pole in the wilderness; and the wonderful love of God to the Gentile world in giving Christ to, and for them; and the salvation, and eternal happiness of all that believe in him, whether they be Jews or Gentiles; and these delivered in language suitable to them, without figures, or natural similes, which help the understanding, and convey ideas of things more easily to it. Compounded of ἐπί, upon, and γῆ, earth. Yet, future rewards can be far greater than anything we can gain from the world when you consider eternity. receiveth not, for they are foolishness unto him, ο εκ του ουρανου καταβας. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. Give your heart to the heavenly things, not to the passing things of earth. If you are then “risen” with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, where your master reigns in power. 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. Heavenly things - Such as the eternity of the Son, and the unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. King James Version (KJV). A Meeting With Nicodemus. Guard your heart, lay aside the old nature, and let go of fear, worry, and sin. The instructions of the first kind had a more simple, more practical, more varied character. Not worldly affairs, nor things sinful, but, on the contrary, "those facts and phenomena of the higher life as a class, which have their seat and manifestation on earth; which belong in their realization to our present existence; which are seen in their consequences, like the issues of birth; which are sensible in their effects, like the action of the wind; which are a beginning and a prophecy, and not a fulfillment" (Westcott). There is before us a vast eternity, and there are profound wonders of God's government, to be the study of the righteous, and to be seen and admired by them forever and ever. 9Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Hence, learn: 1. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. Trying to Teach Worldly People Heavenly Truth A sermon in dialogue from John 3:1-21 in the New Testament. For, as far as this world is concerned, you are already dead, and your true life is a hidden one in Christ. Heavenly things are things (majority) not seen with physical eyes but their manifestations are clearly seen. KJV I am convinced that the reason we do not see much of God's power in the Church today is because we cannot figure out earthly things. Jesus contrasted “the earthly things” (τὰ̀ ἐπίγεια) concerning the rebirth of men on earth, with “the heavenly things” (τὰ̀ ἐπουράνια) concerning the revelation of His divine person from heaven (John 3:12). The author of the fourth Gospel puts these words (John 3:12) into the mouth of Jesus. Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not. Heavenly things - Things pertaining to the government of God and his doings in the heavens; things which are removed from human view, and which cannot be subjected to human sight; the more profound and inscrutable things pertaining to the redemption of men. Learning holy things is hard. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. But in that way Jesus could not attain to the final aim which He sought, the full revelation of the divine mystery, of the plan of salvation. “You” is plural, and likely is a reference to the leaders of the Jewish people, those who claimed to be teachers of God’s word and yet failed to see what God was doing in fulfillment of his word. That if the one represents truthfully His style of speaking, the other must misrepresent it. . Speaking with Nicodemus, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. The earthly things are the elements of spiritual knowledge, having their test in the moral sense and in their fitness to supply the spiritual wants of man. [18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now … fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily. For you died, and your life is … the mind must be changed; we do not naturally think about heavenly things or reason in spiritual ways. Note on John 16:12.). Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Is there any probability that you will understand them? John 3:11: Truly, truly, I say to you, We speak what we know and testify what we have seen. I believe that's the point of what He is saying. Treasures are simply things we value, and therefore want to have. Understand the meaning of John 3:12 using all available Bible versions and commentary. 5 Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. The author of the fourth Gospel was then clearly aware of two ways of teaching adopted by Jesus; the one the usual, in which he explained earthly things, evidently always in their relation to God and His kingdom; the other, which contrasted in many respects with the first, and which Jesus employed only exceptionally, in which He spoke directly, and as a witness, of God and the things of God, always naturally in connection with the fate of mankind. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. The teaching can only proceed step by step from the known to the unknown; but if the will refuses or the intellect neglects to know the knowable, the man cuts himself off from the power to receive truth. . When these elements are learnt, the mind is then, and then only, fitted to receive heavenly things. If I haue tolde you earthly things, and ye beleeue not: how shall ye beleeue if I tell you of heauenly things?- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan"If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?- New American Standard Version (1995)If I told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things?- American Standard Version (1901)If you have no belief when my words are about the things of earth, how will you have belief if my words are about the things of heaven?- Basic English BibleIf I have said the earthly things to you, and ye believe not, how, if I say the heavenly things to you, will ye believe?- Darby BibleIf I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how will ye believe if I tell you heavenly things? We should be concentrating on Christ’s heavenly ministry—Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon—rather than His earthly ministry. Our focus is on the heavenly things, not the earthly things. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? People's Bible Notes for John 3:12. Jesus seems to be alluding to Deut 30:11–14 and Prov 30:4 as well as to Jewish legends of the late Second Temple Period that Enoch (e.g., 1 Enoch), Moses (e.g., Targum Ps 68:19), and other prominent figures are said to have ascended to heaven to learn and reveal heavenly things. Our battle is won in the heavenlies. heavenly things—the things of the new and more heavenly evangelical economy, only to be fully understood after the effusion of the Spirit from heaven through the exalted Saviour. 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. Comp. if I tell you of heavenly things? We fight principalities and powers in high places because we live in high places. Heavenly things are so much more valuable than earthly treasure - we ought to want heavenly things and labor for heavenly things and treasure heavenly things far more than earthly things. The idea is somewhat abstract but not divorced from the idea of heaven as a locality. The earthly things would therefore include the phenomena of the new birth. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. Not holy things as compared with sinful, nor spiritual things as compared with temporal; but things which are in heaven, mysteries of redemption, having their seat in the divine will, realized in the world through the work and death of Jesus Christ and the faith of mankind (John 5:14-16). how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things. How shall ye believe - How will you believe. those things; ye do not receive them, nor give credit to them; or "me", as the Ethiopic Version adds, who relate them on the best evidence, having fully known, and clearly seen them: how shall ye believe; give credit to me, or receive my testimony: if I tell you of heavenly things? The height and depth of the doctrines of religion. (Colossians 3:1-3) There is much that we cannot yet understand. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. But we need to pay careful heed to what they mean by earthly things and heavenly things because even a brilliant mind in the first century did not understand it. 13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. Not seen with physical eyes but their manifestations are clearly seen, where Jesus ' words take on a similar... 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