Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "differ" in the Bible often relates to the distinctions and variations among individuals, gifts, and roles within the body of Christ, as well as the differences between the old and new covenants. The term underscores the diversity within unity that is a hallmark of the Christian faith.1. Differing Gifts and Roles in the Body of Christ The Apostle Paul addresses the idea of differing gifts and roles within the church in several of his epistles. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul writes, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" . Here, Paul emphasizes that while believers have different gifts, each is essential for the functioning of the church as a whole. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul states, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people" . This passage highlights the unity in diversity, where the same Spirit, Lord, and God empower various gifts and ministries. 2. Differing Roles in the Family and Church The Bible also speaks to differing roles within the family and church. Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines the roles of husbands and wives, where wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This passage reflects a complementary view of gender roles, where differences are seen as part of God's design for harmony and order. In the church, 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 provide qualifications for elders and deacons, indicating differing roles and responsibilities within church leadership. These roles are not a matter of superiority or inferiority but are intended to ensure the effective governance and spiritual oversight of the church community. 3. Differing Covenants The Bible also distinguishes between the old and new covenants. Hebrews 8:6-7 states, "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second" . The new covenant, established through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, differs from the old covenant in that it offers a more complete and permanent solution to sin, emphasizing grace and faith over the law. 4. Differing Judgments and Rewards Scripture also speaks of differing judgments and rewards based on one's actions and faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul describes how each person's work will be tested by fire, and rewards will differ based on the quality of their work: "If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames" . This passage underscores the principle that while salvation is a gift, rewards in heaven will differ according to one's faithfulness and service. 5. Differing Nations and Peoples The Bible acknowledges the existence of different nations and peoples, each with unique roles in God's redemptive plan. Acts 17:26 states, "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands" . This diversity is part of God's sovereign design, and the ultimate goal is the unification of all peoples under Christ, as seen in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God. In summary, the concept of "differ" in the Bible highlights the diversity within God's creation and His church, emphasizing that differences in gifts, roles, covenants, judgments, and nations serve a purpose in His divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To be or stand apart; to disagree; to be unlike; to be distinguished; -- with from.2. (v. i.) To be of unlike or opposite opinion; to disagree in sentiment; -- often with from or with. 3. (v. i.) To have a difference, cause of variance, or quarrel; to dispute; to contend. 4. (v. t.) To cause to be different or unlike; to set at variance. Greek 1308. diaphero -- to carry through, carry about, to differ, make a ... ... to carry through, carry about, to differ, make a difference, surpass. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaphero Phonetic Spelling: (dee-af-er'-o) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1308.htm - 8k 1313. diaphoros -- varying, excellent 1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge 3307. merizo -- to divide Strong's Hebrew 914. badal -- to be divided, separate... A primitive root; to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.) -- (make, put) difference, divide ... /hebrew/914.htm - 6k Library Whether the Beatitudes Differ from the virtues and Gifts? Whether the Angels Differ in Species? Whether the Gifts Differ from the virtues? Whether the Fruits Differ from the Beatitudes? Whether Sins Differ in Species According to their Objects? In what Desire and Love Differ. Whether Duties Differ According to their Actions? Whether Sins Differ Specifically in Reference to their Causes? Whether Sins of Commission and Omission Differ Specifically? Whether the Moral virtues Differ in Point of the Various Objects ... Thesaurus Differ (7 Occurrences)...Differ (7 Occurrences). Romans 2:18 and know the supreme will, and can test things that differ--being a man who receives instruction from the Law-- (WEY BBE). ... /d/differ.htm - 8k Difference (19 Occurrences) Adra Fox (2 Occurrences) Nicanor (1 Occurrence) Anthropology Tobit Samaritan (8 Occurrences) Deluge (17 Occurrences) Noah (55 Occurrences) Resources Can monotheism be proven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian rehab? When should a Christian consider going to rehab? | GotQuestions.org What is the Greek Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org Differ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Differ (7 Occurrences)Romans 2:18 Romans 12:6 1 Corinthians 4:7 1 Corinthians 15:41 Galatians 4:1 Philippians 1:9 Philippians 1:10 Subtopics Related Terms Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence) |
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