Articles
Spy Them Out
The idea of the word “spy” is in the New Testament, in both a negative and a positive way. The Greek word skopeo is used by the apostle Paul in both Romans 16:17 and Philippians 3:17, and is defined as “to take aim at (spy), i.e., figuratively, regard, consider, take heed, look at (on), mark” (Strong). W.E. Vine defines the word “mark” as “to look at, behold, watch, contemplate.” The idea is to “take note” “look at” or “consider.”
In Romans 16:17, we are told to “take note” of the ones who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the Lord’s doctrine. In Philippians 3:17 we are to “take note” of whose who walk in the way of God and follow them. We are to “spy out” some in order to avoid them and “spy out” others in order to follow them. Those godly parents, young people, and older people need to be so marked by us, and their lives need to be contemplated. We need to note those good qualities and follow their example as they follow the Lord (I Cor. 11:1).
Do not allow the negative to so fill your mind that when you think of “marking” brethren, your thoughts always runto the word “withdrawal.” These will have their faults, but do not be so blinded by such that you overlook the virtues. We need to thank God for men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and make them our “role model.” Brethren, spy them out.
