Title August 2019

You Will Be Repaid at the Resurrection of the Righteou

 

In Luke 14:12–14 (NIV), Jesus teaches about the heart behind generosity and the eternal nature of true giving:

“Then Jesus said to the host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Theological Insight: The Nature of True Generosity

Jesus contrasts reciprocal generosity (giving with the expectation of return) with selfless generosity (giving without expecting anything back). The former is transactional and temporal, while the latter reflects the character of God and carries eternal reward. This calls believers to imitate God’s grace—“for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

The “resurrection of the righteous” (Greek: anastasis ton dikaiōn) referenced here points to the future bodily resurrection described in Scripture (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29), when believers will receive their final reward. This doctrine emphasizes that God’s justice and reward extend beyond this life, highlighting the eternal significance of earthly deeds.


Why Invite Those Who Cannot Repay?

The Pharisee’s banquet included only the socially prominent and wealthy, reflecting a worldly perspective of honor and repayment. Jesus challenges this by instructing to invite the marginalized—“the poor, crippled, lame, and blind”—who cannot reciprocate. This is a demonstration of kingdom values where loving the neighbor is not based on social status or expected gain (Matthew 22:39).

This teaching aligns with the Sermon on the Mount’s call to love enemies and give without expectation (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35), pointing to a life shaped by grace, not merit.


The Eternal Principle of Giving

The early church echoed this principle, emphasizing generosity as a reflection of faith and trust in God’s provision:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

True giving is an expression of faith in God’s sovereignty and provision (Philippians 4:19). When believers give without expecting earthly repayment, they place their hope in God’s future reward, embracing the “treasures in heaven” that Jesus promised (Matthew 6:19–21).


God’s Justice and Reward

God’s promise of repayment at the resurrection underscores His perfect justice (Psalm 9:7–8; Revelation 20:12–13). While human reward systems are flawed and temporal, God’s judgment is perfect, eternal, and impartial.

This teaching also encourages believers to lay up rewards in heaven, reminding us that our earthly actions have eternal consequences (2 Corinthians 5:10).


Practical Application and Warning

Many believers struggle with the tension between giving to those who can repay versus those who cannot. This passage warns against a self-centered view of generosity and invites us to embrace the costly grace of Christ, who gave Himself for us (Romans 5:8).

Giving to those who cannot repay echoes the character of God’s mercy and points to a life of sacrificial love (John 15:13). It is also a test of our faith and trust in God’s provision and a witness of the gospel’s transformative power.


Conclusion

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14 calls believers to live by kingdom principles, putting aside worldly calculations for repayment and focusing on eternal reward and pleasing God.

As Paul exhorts:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

May this truth encourage you to give generously, with a heart aligned to God’s will and confident in His eternal justice.


May the Lord richly bless your generosity and faithfulness. Please share this message to inspire others.

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The Benefits of Prayer

 


 

Prayer can be broadly categorized into three main types:

  1. Thanksgiving

  2. Presenting Our Needs to God

  3. Declaration (Proclamation)


1) Thanksgiving Prayers

Thanksgiving prayers are foundational in Christian life. Scripture commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Gratitude acknowledges God as the source of all good gifts (James 1:17) and expresses humility and dependence on Him.

Thanksgiving involves praising God for life (Psalm 139:13-16), health (3 John 1:2), and protection—even unseen—from dangers and evil (Psalm 91). When we thank God for past deliverances, we affirm His faithfulness and sovereignty (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Such prayers build faith and foster contentment (Philippians 4:6-7), reminding us that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.


2) Presenting Our Needs to God

This is the heart of intercession—coming before God with humility and faith, believing that He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus taught us to ask boldly, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), trusting God as Jehovah Jireh, our Provider (Genesis 22:14).

We ask for wisdom (James 1:5), health (Psalm 103:2-3), deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13), and spiritual fruit like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). We seek strength to resist temptation and grow in obedience (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus specifically warned His disciples to “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40), showing the vital link between prayer and victory over sin. Like Peter’s failure when he neglected prayer (Matthew 26:41), believers must remain vigilant.


3) Declaration (Proclamation) Prayers

This form of prayer aligns with biblical principles of spiritual warfare. The Bible reveals that Christians are engaged in a battle “not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). Prayer is a key weapon in this warfare.

When someone is born again and walking in obedience, God places a hedge of protection around them (Job 1:10). However, because we still live in mortal bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-4), we experience “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Satan’s limited access to believers is often exercised through curses, spoken words, or declarations that carry spiritual power (Proverbs 18:21). Jesus spoke with authority over evil (Luke 4:36), and we, as His followers, are called to “take captive every thought to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and resist the enemy (James 4:7).


How Satan Uses Words and Declarations

God created the world by His Word (John 1:1-3), so words have creative power. This explains why blessings or curses spoken over a person can affect their lives (Numbers 23:8-10).

Satan exploits this by influencing words spoken over believers—through others or spiritual forces—to bring harm. Yet, God’s protection in Christ is greater than any curse (Romans 8:37-39).

Believers must therefore pray declaration prayers, canceling every evil plan in Jesus’ name, declaring God’s promises over their lives (Psalm 91; Isaiah 54:17). Such prayers reinforce God’s protection and exercise faith in His power.


Practical Steps: Prayers of Declaration

Daily declarations involve speaking aloud blessings, canceling curses, and covering every aspect of life in Jesus’ name (Mark 11:23-24). This includes health, family, work, and faith.

The power of the tongue is emphasized in Proverbs 18:21:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

By consistently declaring God’s Word, believers thwart the enemy’s plans and strengthen their spiritual defenses.


Personal Reflection and Encouragement

Many Christians experience breakthrough when they embrace persistent, biblically grounded prayer. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “put on the full armor of God” and “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:11-18). Prayer is not optional but essential in the Christian life.


Jesus’ Example and Teaching on Prayer

Jesus modeled fervent prayer, often spending entire nights in communion with the Father (Luke 6:12). He instructed His disciples to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and warned that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

His prayers sustained Him through temptation and suffering, showing believers the importance of perseverance.


Conclusion

Begin your day with thanksgiving, bring your requests to God with faith, and declare His promises over your life. Prayer is a continuous, powerful weapon given by God to overcome trials, resist temptation, and grow in intimacy with Him.

Remember to pray also for others, following the example of intercessory prayer seen throughout Scripture (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

May the Lord strengthen you in prayer and grant you victory in every area of your life!


 

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The Danger of Not Properly Meditating on the Bible

 

Shalom, Child of God! The Scriptures instruct us not to neglect encouraging one another daily, as long as “today” lasts (Hebrews 3:13, ESV). So today, I invite you to reflect on an important truth about the Bible.

While meditating on this verse:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV),
I asked myself: What does it mean for a path to seem right?

If a person is a thief, murderer, or corrupt, their conscience often convicts them that their path is wrong (Romans 2:14-15). But what about a path that appears right? Such a path is one confirmed by God’s Word. When Scripture affirms what a person is doing, it gives peace and assurance that they are on the right way (Psalm 119:105).


The Bible: Holy, Complete, and Sufficient

The Bible is holy and perfect, fully sufficient for all matters of faith and life. Nothing can be added or taken away from it (Revelation 22:18-19). Yet, the Bible is not only for the perfectly righteous but offers wisdom and guidance to all. Like a fruitful tree bearing many kinds of fruit (Psalm 1:3), the Bible speaks to various needs and spiritual conditions.

This is because the Bible is the very Word of God, the divine Logos who created all things (John 1:1-3). God created both good and evil (Isaiah 45:7) in the world, and the Bible can address every heart according to its desires (Jeremiah 17:9). Satan even tries to misuse Scripture to deceive and destroy, but God’s Word remains powerful and victorious (Matthew 4:1-11).


The Bible’s Many Uses — Both Good and Bad

  • Healing and medicine: The bronze serpent lifted by Moses (Numbers 21:8-9), a symbol of healing, is the emblem of the World Health Organization, showing the enduring power of God’s provision.

  • Military strategy: Battles in the Bible, such as those led by Joshua (Joshua 6), are studied for wisdom and leadership.

  • Politics: Leaders have used biblical principles of justice, leadership, and wisdom to shape nations (Romans 13:1-7).

  • Witchcraft and sorcery: Sadly, some misuse the Bible or mimic its symbols for occult purposes (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), misunderstanding the true power of sacrifice and atonement revealed in Scripture.

  • Business: Principles like diligence, sowing and reaping, and stewardship are found in Proverbs and applied to achieve success (Proverbs 10:4; 2 Corinthians 9:6).

  • False prophets: Many exploit Jesus’ name to perform false miracles and deceive (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1-3).


Above All, the Bible Gives Eternal Life

The Bible opens many doors—good and bad. Not every path it reveals leads to life. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)

Everything He taught was about the Kingdom of God. He warned that life is not measured by possessions:

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, ESV)

Jesus came to give eternal life (John 10:10), and those who follow Him receive it (John 3:16). Those who reject Him may embrace parts of Scripture but miss salvation (John 3:18).


Examine Your Path Carefully

Don’t assume your way is right just because it feels right or because some Scriptures seem to support it. Ask yourself:
Where is this path leading — eternal life or death? Or uncertainty? (Matthew 7:13-14).

If it leads to death or uncertainty, turn away from it and seek what truly matters: Jesus Christ. As He said:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

Embrace this truth for salvation. Don’t be distracted by secondary matters and miss the heart of the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:16-17).


Learn to Discern Scripture Rightly

Focus first on the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and God will bring understanding of other things (Matthew 6:33; Luke 16:10). We live in the last days, with Christ’s return near (Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 22:20). What state will you be in then? The saddest will not be sinners outside the church but believers who rejected the true Gospel (2 Timothy 3:13).


Beware of False Confidence in Worldly Success

You might say, “Didn’t I receive blessings in Jesus’ name? Didn’t my business prosper? Didn’t my prayers open doors?” Yes, but Jesus warned:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, ESV)

On Judgment Day, some will hear:

“I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23, ESV)

Why? Because they never truly embraced salvation and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9).


Final Words

Be cautious of popular paths that seem right—even those with a biblical appearance—because many lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Remember, the way to hell is broad and easy; the way to life is narrow and hard (Matthew 7:13-14).

May God richly bless you! Please share this message.


 

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