Thoughts
30 May 2018

WHAT SORT OF INTERPRETER ARE YOU?

By John Ollis

Many of my readers know I have had the privilege of ministering the Word of God in at least 25 different nations, and many of those nations English is not the first language, so I have had to use an Interpreter, I have been most fortunate in that virtually every Interpreter I have had has been first class, and at least appear to clearly communicate what I was trying to say. An Interpreter is much more than a translator, as they have to take not only the Speaker’s words, but to interpret those words in the context and culture of the listeners. That is why often the interpretation is considerably longer than what the preacher said. I came across a verse in Job that challenged me. Job 33:23 KJV If there be a messenger with him, an INTERPRETER, one among a thousand, to shew unto man  his uprightness.  The AMP expresses it this way, if there is for the hearer a messenger or an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him [how to be upright and in right standing with God], 
The word translated Interpreter could also be expressed as AMBASSADOR OR MESSENGER one who represents another like a diplomat representing his country, whilst based in a foreign land.

GOD IS LOOKING FOR AND CALLING FOR INTERPRETERS.

Paul describes us as an Epistle or letter in 2 Cor. 3:2-3 NKJV You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. What are people reading when they look at us???
1. THE CALLING OF THE INTERPRETER
Matthew 218:18-20 NKJV All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Without exception every Believer is called to be an Interpreter, and God wants to empower us with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8  NKJV But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. So we have no excuse.
Paul writing to Pastor Timothy  (and to every Believer) in 1 Timothy 4:12-16 NKJV tells us,Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
2. THE CHARACTER OF THE INTERPRETER V:12

  • In Word, (remember the power of the tongue?)
  • Be an example (pattern) so people can imitate, 1 Cor. 4:16 NKJV Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
  • In Lifestyle, the conduct of our daily life, can people say of us, like the Priests said of the disciples, “They have been with  Jesus”:
  • In Faith (faithfulness) in our daily walk, and trust in God, faithful to friends, to our local church, to the Pastor.
  • In Purity, of spirit, manner, action, speech (no innuendo)
  • In Love (agapeo)  John 13:35 NKJV By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
  • In Spirit, not only living in the Spirit, but also living out of your human spirit, having enthusiasm, and a positive disposition.  LET PEOPLE SEE YOU GET EXCITED ABOUT JESUS

3. THE COMMISSION OF THE INTERPRETER V.13

  • Till I come, occupy, be busy
  • Attend to reading, (an Interpreter is a READER AND A STUDIER,  you must have a storehouse of the Word of God in your life.
  • To Exortation (Greek Paraklesis) come along side and comfort, minister both Word and life.
  • In Doctrine, know what you believe (on the essentials) and be able to give a reason for the hope within you

4. THE CHARISMA OF THE INTERPRETER 

  • Don’t neglect the gift within you.
  • The Gift of Salvation
  • The Gift of the Holy Spirit
  • 2 Timothy 1:6 “Stir into flame the gift. GOD’S INTERPRETERS ARE STIRRERS.

5. THE COMMITMENT OF THE INTERPRETER V.15

  • Meditate (1) on these things, (2) On the Word
  • Discipline in devotion, The more the illumination comes give yourself to it.
  • Let people see your growth

6. THE CONSECRATION OF THE INTERPRETER 

  • Give your self fully to these things\
  • Romans 12:1 We have to give everything if we are to be the best Interpreter

7. THE CONTINUING NECESSITY OF THE INTERPRETER

  • Take heed to yourself (remember we personally are our own worst enemy)
  • Don’t relax, keep your body under control, don’t disqualify yourself
  • Take heed to the doctrine, truth is a many faceted diamond, there is progressive revelation.
  • Continue in them, (not once or occasionally, but a daily growth, with the goal of maturity.
  • The Result will be, “you will save yourself and your hearers”.

LET US BE ONE AMONG A THOUSAND (Job 33:23) Refuse to be ordinary, and by the Grace of God be:

EXTRAORDINARY AS YOU INTERPRET GOD TO A DYING WORLD

 
 

About The Author

I turned 83 recently, and after 50+ years of teaching and preaching Ministry, I spend my time blogging, video Mentoring and Intercession. I have had a God-blessed life, and I give God all the thanks and all the glory.