Well how did you get on? What did you find in your search for the links to Knowing this . . . knowing that? Did you see that there are two active main verbs that connect to “knowing”.
- The first is λογίζεσθε from λογίζομαι [logizomai] meaning to take an inventory, estimate, conclude, (ac-) count (of), number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). This is an accounting term. Weigh up all the details, the evidence and come to a reasoned conclusion.
- The second is the verb παριστανετε from παρίστημι, [paristēmi] παριστάνω [paristanō] meaning,
- Transitive (when there is an object with the verb) to exhibit, proffer, recommend, substantiate, assist, bring before, command, commend, present, prove, provide, show,
- Intransitive (when there is no object with the verb) to be at hand (or ready), aid, to stand beside: – stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield.
We will cover the first one in this Gem and the second in the next Gem.
So also you count yourselves to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Then do not let sin reign in your mortal body, to obey it in its lusts.
Romans 6:11-12
So . . . count yourselves dead to sin. Having taken an inventory, conclude thus . . . take account of the facts and then reason or reckon that you are dead to sin.
Once you KNOW . . . then RECKON . . .
It is interesting that up to this point Paul has not given the Romans (or us) any exhortations at all. This is the first of many. Once we KNOW the reality then it is time to act. So here they come . . . exhortation after exhortation.
Also note this is not the first time Paul has used the derivatives of λογίζομαι. He used it 11 times in Chapter 4 to show us that our sin has been reckoned to Jesus and his righteousness is reckoned to us. These are strong accounting terms or even bordering on legally binding terminology. Very important to take note! Note we need to have a firm grasp of the significance of it all in our bid to live a life worthy of the One who died and took our place.
- The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans
- The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
- The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
- The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
- The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
- CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.