When we think of the word "hyper," what comes to mind? Perhaps the first thing many of us think about is hyper-active children! Our English word "hyper" is derived from a Greek preposition that means over and above. Paul used words that were made from the "hyper" prefix added to existing words to emphasize the over-abundant nature of some blessings and/or activities of faithful Christians. Some of these words appear nowhere else in first century writings (religious or secular). Below are three areas where Christians are "hyper."

Recipients of "Hyper" Grace

In Romans 5:20, Paul wrote, "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." The term "much more abound" is also translated "abound more exceedingly" (ASV) and "abounded all the more" (NAS). Paul added the "hyper" prefix to a word that already meant to abound. The subject of this hyper-abounding is the wonderful grace of God! In the context of Romans 5:12-21, Paul pointed out that for every terrible consequence of sin brought in by Adam, God's grace provides the more than adequate solution in Jesus Christ!

Participants in "Hyper" Faith

Concerning faithfulness, Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians "because that your faith groweth exceedingly" (2 Thes. 1:3). The term "groweth exceedingly [greatly enlarged, NAS]" is from the prefix "hyper" added to the word for growth. This hyper-growth results when we live faithfully to God!

Paul mentioned three "hyper" activities in which Christians participate as part of their living faithfully. First, there is hyper-prayer. Paul wrote of himself, "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith" (1 Thes. 3:10). "Exceedingly" combines the "hyper" prefix to a word that already means overflow. Second, there is hyper-respect. Paul wrote to one church concerning her elders that they were to "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Thes. 5:13). "Very highly" is a "hyper" word that modifies the "esteem" (high regard, respect) they, and all Christians, are to have for the elders of the church. Third, there is hyper-joy. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Cor. 7:4). The word "exceeding" means that Paul's joy in them is "overflowing" (NAS), or that Paul's "joy knows no bounds" (NIV). This hyper-joy can be experienced by all Christians when they live faithfully to the Lord, no matter what the outward circumstances may be!

Partakers in "Hyper" Victory

Perhaps the most comforting of these "hyper" words is found in Romans 8:37. After listing a number of things that cannot separate us from God, Paul wrote, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." "More than conquerors [overwhelmingly conquer, NAS]" literally means we are hyper-conquerors! Because nothing can ultimately conquer Christ, and because we are in Christ, we are assured not just victory, but super-conqueror status! Let us all be "hyper" Christians.