Greek Word Studies

Advanced Level

Lesson 5


Lesson Title:  Kalos

 

Lesson Text:  ‘Hold Fast to that which is good (kalos)’, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

 

Theme:  Hold on to ‘kalos’.

 

Introduction:  Kalos – translated ‘good’

Kalos refers to something that is naturally good.  Consequently it is beautiful, perfect, good, either physically or morally.  All its inherent attributes are in complete harmony. Luke 8:15 ‘An honest heart’ (kalos)

Kalos refers to something that is beautiful in itself.  It is to be admired for its own beauty. 

Kalos the beauty is seen.  ‘Let your light shine that men may see your good (kalos) works’.

The beauty of the works are seen.    

 

Introductory illustration:  Appearances matter.

What we do is very important but the appearance of what we do is also important.

We often say ‘I don’t care what people think’.   But what people think of the assembly together and Christians individually is very important.

The Bible says ‘getaway from all appearance of evil’.

It isn’t enough not to do evil, we must separate ourselves from all appearance of evil.

 

Illustration:

Rembrandt was a great 17th century Dutch painter.

Until modern methods were discovered to clean Rembrandts paintings it was thought they were dull and gloomy.  

This fitted with the image that is associated with the 17th century Dutch people, stern (enforcing strict discipline), Calvinistic, and hard working people.

But now the beautiful colours of Rembrandts paintings are seen in art galleries around the world.  So I can never really know Rembrandt until I go to an Art gallery like the National Gallery in London and look at one of his paintings.   It is the painting that reveals the skill, brilliance and beauty of the artist.

The Bible says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works – that’s agathos

But it also says that we are to let our light shine so that people will see our good works – that’s kalos

And glorify our father which is in heaven.

Sometimes our works can be seen in the wrong light but we need to make sure that when they are examined properly there inherent beauty is revealed.

 

Exposition:

1.      Contrast between kalos ‘good’ and sapros ‘bad’. 

Matthew 12:33  ‘Either make the tree good (kalos), and his fruit good (kalos); or else make the tree corrupt (sapros), and his fruit corrupt (sapros): for the tree is known by his fruit.’

A precious jewel is displayed in a case with a dark background.  The contrast will bring out the beauty of the jewel.

Kalos is a word that is well described through contrast because it describes something that is precious because of its own quality and beauty.

The value, the beauty, and the quality of kalos is beautiful displayed by the contrast with the dark background of sapros’

Sapros describes something that is corrupt, rotten, poor quality, putrid, unfit for use.

 Matthew 13:47-48  ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:  Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good (kalos) into vessels, but cast the bad (sapros) away.’

Good ‘kalos’ fish contrasted with the corrupt ‘sapros’ fish.

Matthew 3:10  ‘And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.’

 

2.      A good (kalos) minister of Jesus Christ will declare good (kalos) teaching.

1 Timothy 4:6  ‘If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good (kalos) minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good (kalos) doctrine, whereunto you have attained.’

A good minister - Good doctrine.

Titus 2:7-8  ‘In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good (kalos) works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;’

 

Psalm 19:7-11 ‘The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.’

 

 

3.      Comparison between ‘agathos’ and ‘kalos’.

Romans 8:28  ‘All things work together for good (agathos) to them that love God and are called according to His purpose’.

 

The beauty of a good ‘agathos’ heart is shown by goodness ‘the Fruit of the Spirit’ flowing out from the heart for the benefit of others.

The beauty of a good ‘kalos’ heart is that the law of the Lord is written upon it.  Hebrews 8:10 ‘…laws in their minds and written on their hearts’


‘Agathos’ is precious because of the benefits it produces. Ephesians 2:10  ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good (agathos) works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’

‘Kalos’ is precious because of its own beauty. The works themselves are admired.  Matthew 5:16 ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good (kalos) works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’


Follow after ‘agathos’ - then look over your shoulder – agathos is following after you and everything is working together for your head.

Hold fast on to Kalos - then look around - He who is precious is holding on to you.  Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.  We are being changed into His likeness.  A people zealous for good (kalos) works.


Conclusion:

We must hold on to that which is good (kalos)

1.       The beauty of kalos is seen most clearly in contrast to the evil of the world.

2.       A good minister will declare good teaching.  The word of the Lord is precious to those who love God.

3.       Goodness flows out of a good heart upon which the law of the Lord is written.

 

 

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