In our last blog talking about eternal life I felt I needed to continue with such an important topic. The big question is are we living with an eternal life perspective or from just an emotional or physical level? We talked about the three Greek words for life: Bios, Psuche(psychē), and Zoe (Eternal life-Christ). For the Christian believer, we are not just living from the natural or the psychological(Mind, will, emotions) but from the spirit within man. We concluded that Christ in us is eternal life or divine life. God imparts His very nature, substance, and being to our human spirits. Kenneth E. Hagin. The Greek Word Zoe is mentioned 133 times in the New Testament. We know from Apostle Paul’s writings there was a great emphasis on the believer’s Born Again recreated spirit. Learning how to walk in the spirit (Zoe) and not after the flesh (Bios, Psyche).
In the Gospel of John, chapter four Jesus met up with a Samaritan woman. It was an encounter that was life-changing for her. We know from the story she had a very difficult life. A life of ridicule, shame, disappointment, heartache, and shunned by her community. I love the fact that Jesus knew ahead of time of this meeting for He said “I must go through Samaria.” A place where Jews would not normally go. Jesus is a revolutionary, a mold-breaker, an equalizer, one who does what he sees the Father doing. To reach a woman who is desperate for hope, a different life, and a different future,
In the story, Jesus meets her at Jacobs well. Today’s sermon: “What kind of water do you want?” Bios, Psyche, or Zoe?
John 4:10 (KJV)-10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
John 4:13-14 (KJV)-13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
This water springing up that Jesus is speaking of is the Greek Word Zoe. It is no longer just a thirst for a better natural life or psychological wellness but something much more. As Jesus goes deep into her life, she realizes that Jesus is the Messiah. Her eyes are opened, enlightened and she confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. She drops her water pot and runs to her town to testify of the one who told her about her whole life. Her life has been dramatically changed forever! Eternal life (Zoe) is elevating, liberating, and life-changing. Zoe life blesses and enhances our Bios and our psychē life.
We can’t cover every verse using the Greek Word Zoe but here are just a few. John 17:3 (KJV)-3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Again Eternal life is not just when we get to heaven but something we have now. Apostle John tells us what Eternal life is. It is a relationship with the Father and Son through the New Birth, the Born-Again experience. It is Christ in the Hope of Glory. (Col 1:27). Galatians 4:6-7 (NKJV)-6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. This living water is for everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus. The good news is that our thirst changes from Bios, Psyche to Zoe! We now have a new taste for heavenly things, spiritual things. Zoe truly changes our manner of life and how we live day to day.
Colossians 3:1-4 (KJV)-1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Notice it says Christ who is our Zoe (Life). He is our eternal life! Our whole reference changes, and our perspective changes. Our Bios and our Psyche are now influenced by Zoe. We are heavenly minded so we can be earthly good! Acts 10:38 (KJV)-38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. How? The Father within Him does the Work in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is eternal, divine life filled with compassion and healing virtue.
John 6:34-35 (KJV)-34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Jesus is the bread of Zoe. It’s not Perreca’s, Panera’s, or Mastroianni’s bread but Zoe’s Bread. It is life-giving bread. It is the Spirit that gives Zoe. John 6:63 (KJV)
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 14:6). This life is Zoe’s Life! God’s Word received in faith is spirit and Zoe. No wonder the Apostle Paul tells us transformation comes as we renew our minds with God’s Word. (Rom 12:1-2). Another great truth is that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)-19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
We must understand that this truth comes by revelation and not just head knowledge. It starts with knowledge and understanding but we also need application. Being doers of the Word of God and not just hearers only. How often do you thank God for eternal life? How does the lens of eternal life change how you look at life? When I speak of revelation it simply means that eternal life is real to you. That you know it in your heart and understand its implications. You understand how to order your life not just from Bios or Psyche perspective. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)-18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. In other words, when it comes to life we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6). We walk according to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Our last two scriptures: are Romans 8:2 (KJV)-2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. The Greek word for life is Zoe. The Spirit of Zoe. Amazingly, God would share His life with us. “He that has the Son has Zoe!” The other is Romans 8:6 (KJV)-6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. To be spiritually minded is Zoe. What is spiritually minded? We are Word of God orientated. We filter everything through the Word of God. We don’t live a life based on culture, the philosophies of men, religion, or what the world dictates as their truth. God’s Word is the only truth. John 17:17 (KJV)-17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Walking in this revelation is a game-changer when it comes to overcoming sin, living a more fulfilled life, a wholeness of life, having a closer walk with God, and experiencing the Holy Spirit. It is a life that blesses those around you as you let Zoe, the life of God come through you to others. You are light and you are salt. You are a World changer! Jesus said the way to eternal life (Zoe) is narrow- it is not the popular way (Bios, Psyche) – (Matt 7:14) The Zoe life can be costly at times. Learning to live for God and not self. Making hard decisions to follow after the Word of God rather than going with the crowd. Do they say Coca-Cola -It’s the real thing? The real thing is Jesus Christ. No longer will we thirst for just an ordinary life.
In Christ Love;
Brent and Linda Bushen
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