There is a serious danger in preaching the Word incorrectly. Scripture warns us to rightly handle the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”). Therefore, it is vital to fully understand the Bible before teaching it to others.
My personal experience illustrates this danger:When I was new in the faith, I was eager to preach. Seeing others preach inspired me, and I even desired to explain the entire Bible. However, in my excitement, I didn’t take the time to meditate deeply on Scripture or seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit properly. Instead, I preached based on my limited understanding, wrongly assuming that everything I said was Spirit-inspired. I was unaware that this was spiritually harmful.
A revealing dream confirmed this danger:I dreamed that I was sitting at a table, and beneath my feet was boiling water. Although my feet were in the water, I felt no pain. Then, I was served a plate of cooked meat, which I began to eat. When the meat started to run out, I reached under the plate and pulled up more meat. Some people I ministered to arrived, and I gave them some of the meat as well. We shared a joyful meal.
Then I looked down and saw, with shock, that the meat I was eating and giving to others was actually coming from my own legs. The more meat appeared, the more my legs were being consumed. I woke up in fear.
The Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me:“You are destroying yourself by feeding My people food that comes from your own mind instead of from Me.”
This powerful warning echoes what Jesus taught about true discipleship and teaching. The Apostle Paul also cautions teachers to be careful, because “teachers will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV).
From that moment, I stopped rushing into preaching. I learned to wait until I fully understood the Scriptures and had clear confirmation from God’s Spirit. If I taught something I did not grasp fully, I risked misleading others and damaging my own soul (Proverbs 4:7).
Theological insights on discipleship and ministry:
Many believers believe that preaching is the most important thing God wants from us. But the Bible shows that God first wants us to be His disciples learners and followers of Jesus.
Jesus invested three years teaching His disciples intensely before sending them out (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”). Moreover, Jesus set a high standard for discipleship:“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27, ESV).
Jesus invested three years teaching His disciples intensely before sending them out (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”).
Moreover, Jesus set a high standard for discipleship:“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27, ESV).
This means denying self, embracing suffering, and wholeheartedly following Jesus. Without this, we cannot truly understand the Word or teach it rightly.
Paul also warns that to be a good teacher, one must be grounded in the Word and mature in faith, so they don’t lead others astray (1 Timothy 3:6).
Practical application:
Never teach or preach what you do not fully understand. You risk spiritual harm to yourself and others.
Prioritize being a disciple first—learn, meditate, and seek God’s guidance.
Wait for the Holy Spirit’s confirmation before teaching.
Understand that ministry is a lifelong process of growth, not a race.
Final encouragement:May God bless you as you seek to grow in His Word and ministry with humility, patience, and faithfulness.
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Let’s first look at the passage:
Jeremiah 23:18 (KJV):
“For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord to perceive and hear His word? Who has marked His word and heard it?”
To understand this verse, let’s continue reading a few more verses:
Jeremiah 23:19-22 (KJV):
“19 Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord has gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind; it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.20 The anger of the Lord shall not return, until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.22 But if they had stood in My counsel, and caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”
In these verses, God is referring to the false prophets of Israel. These prophets did not sit in God’s counsel to hear His true message, but instead, they made up their own prophecies. They did not call the people to repentance but gave them false assurances, telling them there was peace when, in reality, God’s anger was upon them due to their sin. God condemns these false prophets for not hearing His word, and He makes it clear that had they sat in His counsel, they would have preached repentance.
Theological Insight:The “counsel of the Lord” refers to the divine interaction between God and His representatives. In the Old Testament, this counsel was often experienced by the prophets, who would receive God’s guidance, instructions, and warnings for the people. The counsel of God is a place of revelation, where God’s will is made known, and His truth is imparted. False prophets did not have this access because they did not seek God’s will but instead relied on their own understanding or false inspiration.
Examples of those who sat in God’s counsel:
One clear example of someone who received God’s counsel is the prophet Isaiah:
Isaiah 6:1-9 (KJV):
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.2 Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly.6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar,7 And he touched my mouth with it, saying, ‘This has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.’8 Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I, send me.’9 And He said, ‘Go, and tell this people: “Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.”’”
Theological Insight:Isaiah’s experience is a powerful illustration of what it means to sit in the counsel of God. He had a direct vision of God on His throne and heard God’s voice calling him to be a prophet. In this instance, Isaiah received purification (symbolized by the coal touching his lips) and was then entrusted with God’s message for the people. This moment represents the divine calling to hear and deliver God’s words.
Other examples of prophets who received God’s counsel include Ezekiel, Daniel, and Moses. God communicated with Moses directly, giving him the law and instructions for the Israelites, further emphasizing the importance of God’s counsel in the lives of His chosen servants.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament:
In the Old Testament, only a few were called into God’s counsel, namely the prophets. However, in the New Testament, the access to God’s counsel is broadened to all believers through the Holy Spirit. Every believer who has received the Holy Spirit now has access to God’s counsel and can hear His voice.
We no longer need a prophet to ascend to heaven and come back with a message. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, reveals God’s will directly to us.
John 16:13-14 (KJV):
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.14 He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
Theological Insight:The Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Spirit of truth, acts as the divine communicator between God and His people. He guides believers into all truth and reveals things to come, just as God’s prophets once did in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit continues to carry out the work of revelation, giving us access to God’s counsel and truth without needing an intermediary.
Romans 8:9 (KJV):
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”
Theological Insight:The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what distinguishes believers from non-believers. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life that enables them to hear God’s voice and understand His will. Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to have true fellowship with God.
Access to the Counsel of God Today:
In today’s New Covenant, all believers have direct access to God’s counsel through the Holy Spirit. We don’t need to wait for a prophet to ascend to heaven and bring back God’s message for us. We can hear God’s voice through the Spirit who dwells within us.
Romans 10:6-8 (KJV):
“But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above;)8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.”
Theological Insight:Paul is emphasizing that the word of faith, which is the gospel message, is accessible to all believers through the Holy Spirit. We don’t need to seek some heavenly experience to hear from God. The Spirit is close to us, guiding us in our daily lives and helping us understand God’s will through the Scriptures.
Conclusion:
The council of God in the Old Testament was a place of divine revelation where prophets received God’s guidance. Today, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all believers have direct access to God’s counsel. We are no longer dependent on prophets alone to hear from God, but can hear directly from the Holy Spirit, who reveals God’s truth to us and leads us in His will.
This is why receiving the Holy Spirit is so crucial in the life of a believer. He is the one who communicates God’s will, imparts wisdom, and guides us into all truth.
Maranatha!
Please share this good news with others.
Sin is often likened to a wild, dangerous animal such as a lion or a leopard. In Scripture, sin is described as crouching at the door, ready to attack (Genesis 4:7, ESV). Just like a predator in the wild, sin does not always strike suddenly. It approaches quietly and patiently, waiting for the right moment to enter our lives.
The story of Cain and Abel illustrates this well. Before Cain killed his brother, God warned him:
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” — Genesis 4:7 (ESV)
God clearly indicates that sin desires to control us, but we have the responsibility and ability to resist it. Unfortunately, Cain ignored this warning. His jealousy and anger grew, and sin overtook him. The Bible says:
“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let us go out to the field.’ And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.” — Genesis 4:8 (NIV)
Cain’s failure to resist sin led to tragedy, showing how destructive sin can be when left unchecked. No one taught Cain to kill; sin enslaved him and compelled him to act.
This principle holds true throughout Scripture. Sin is not just an external force but an internal battle. The Apostle Paul described sin as a law at work in our members, waging war against our spirit (Romans 7:23, NIV). Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus is another example no ordinary human choice but the influence of sin leading him to betray the Messiah (John 13:27).
Today, sin continues to operate in the same way. When you hear a call to repentance, it is not merely for others’ benefit but for your own salvation. The Bible warns us:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
While Satan prowls and schemes, the real power that traps us is sin itself. Satan can’t overpower us unless we open the door through sin.
Sin exerts tremendous pressure on our lives. Once it has a foothold, it enslaves us to destructive behaviors whether it’s adultery, hatred, or other sins. The consequences can be physical death, spiritual death, or eternal separation from God. Jesus taught:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” — Mark 8:36 (NIV)
The urgency of repentance is clear. There is no “later” in the kingdom of God. Paul urges:
“Now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
True salvation involves repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This is the path to victory over sin.
In a world filled with distractions materialism, entertainment, social media many lose sight of their soul’s eternal wellbeing. Jesus reminded us of the fate of Lot’s wife, who looked back and was lost (Luke 17:32). We must reject sin and worldly pleasures to live fully for God.
Give your life to God today. Trust Him to cleanse and renew you. Remember, sin is a cruel enemy, but through Christ, victory is possible.
“The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
May God help us all to resist sin and live in His freedom.
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Welcome to our study of the Bible, God’s Word the lamp that guides our feet and the light for our path. We have already looked at the first 20 books; if you haven’t done that yet, I recommend going through them first so that you can follow along well for these next books.
Today, we examine three of Solomon’s works: Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes. While Proverbs and Song of Songs were written earlier in Solomon’s life, Ecclesiastes was composed toward his old age. We will look at them one by one but I also encourage you to read them for yourself, and then follow this summary.
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, mostly written by King Solomon in his youth, although some portions are from others (for example, Agur, and King Lemuel in Proverbs chapters 30–31). The sayings cover many aspects of life: children, youth, adults, the foolish and the wise, business, righteousness, wickedness, animals, even trees. Solomon uses these to teach Godly wisdom and practical living.
God granted Solomon wisdom when he could have asked for wealth or long life. Because he asked for wisdom to govern God’s people justly, God gave him both wisdom and wealth. (See 2 Chronicles 1:11–12 NIV) (Bible Hub)
Wisdom here means more than mere intelligence. It includes a heart of discernment, moral sensitivity, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong (especially to govern righteously).
Solomon had wisdom and very great insight, “as numerous as the sand on the seashore.” His wisdom surpassed that of all others in the East and Egypt. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
He composed 3,000 proverbs and about 1,005 songs; he spoke of trees, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. (Biblia)
Proverbs begins with the purpose of acquiring wisdom, discipline, understanding, justice, righteousness and fairness. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
Godly Wisdom vs Worldly WisdomGodly wisdom leads one to reverence God, to live morally, to seek justice, integrity, and righteousness. Worldly wisdom may help with material success business, reputation, comfort but on its own, without fear of the Lord, it can lead astray or be shallow.
The source of true knowledgeProverbs repeatedly teaches that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV) and that wisdom comes from God. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
Practical livingThe proverbs are practical: how to behave, how to avoid folly, how to treat others, how to use speech wisely, how to act in family, in community.
Song of Songs is poetry, a collection of love songs between a man and his beloved. It is deeply poetic, sensual and celebrates romantic love. Solomon wrote many songs (1,005) and among them this one is considered “the best.” It depicts the stages of love: courtship, marriage, and mature love. There are also admonitions about waiting until the right time, purity, faithfulness.
Human romantic love is shown as good, beautiful, created by God. The Song does not shy away from celebrating love, desire, physical beauty all within the context of committed relationship.
There is also spiritual imagery: the church is portrayed as bride, Christ as bridegroom in many New Testament passages (e.g. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 21:9; John 3:29). Thus, the Song has both literal and symbolic dimensions.
Purity and self restraint before marriageThe text warns lovers not to stir up love (or awaken desire) before its proper time. (Song 2:7 NIV) (Theology of Work)
Love, mutual affection, commitment, beautyMarital love should be mutual, joyful, tender. It is not meant to be “just romance” or lust but a covenant relationship full of respect and delight in the beloved.
Spiritual parallelsFor believers, this book reminds us of our relationship with Christ. The longing, the attraction, the joy, the faithfulness between husband and wife reflect Christ’s love for the church.
Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s work in old age, reflecting on life from the vantage point of much experience. He has tried many things wisdom, business, pleasure, wealth and now he asks: what is the meaning, value, or benefit of all of this “under the sun” if it doesn’t have eternal purpose?
Solomon calls many things vanity (or “meaningless,” “fleeting,” “a chasing after wind”) when they are pursued apart from God or when considered in isolation. (See Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:11 NIV)
He acknowledges that wisdom is valuable but even wisdom, if not anchored in God, gives sorrow, because seeing things clearly makes one aware of the brokenness of the world.
The conclusion: fear God, keep His commandments. That is what truly matters, since God will judge all deeds, even secret ones. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 NIV)
Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 12:13‑14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (NIV)
Wisdom matters true wisdom, the kind that comes from God, should be our pursuit (not just worldly success).
Life without God is empty even when outwardly successful. Assets, honours, power it’s all temporary if not connected with what is eternal.
Love and relationships matter they reflect both human good and divine truth. Faith, purity, respect, commitment are important.
Our life’s purpose centers on knowing God, obeying Him, and living in a way that honours Him, because ultimately we will give account.
The reality is that we no longer live in the time of the great harvest like in the days of the apostles. Instead, we are in the time of gleaning gathering the leftovers. This difference is important for understanding God’s work in the world today.
Understanding the Two Harvests
In ancient Jewish custom, the harvest involved two groups of workers in the fields. The first group was formally hired to gather the crops. They worked diligently, harvesting everything visible and filling sacks with grain. Even so, they could not gather everything from the fields.
At this point, the second group the gleaners were allowed to enter. Their task was to gather whatever was left behind by the first harvesters. These gleaners were often poor people, widows, and foreigners who depended on the leftovers for survival.
Leviticus 19:9-10 (ESV) instructs, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner.”
Ruth was one such gleaner
(Ruth 2:2-4, NIV): “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was a relative of her late husband.”
The Apostolic Harvest and Today’s Gleaning
Biblically, the first harvesters symbolize the apostles who preached the gospel in the early church. Their preaching was powerful and effective thousands were saved in a day
(Acts 2:41 NIV: “About three thousand were added to their number that day.”).
This shows the great harvest God brought in through their ministry.
Today, however, the spiritual harvest is mostly over. Many have heard the gospel, read the Scriptures, and witnessed signs and wonders, yet few repent or fully turn to Christ. This reflects Jesus’ teaching in
Matthew 13:30 (ESV): “Let both grow together until the harvest.” The ‘harvest’ has passed; now we are in the gleaning period.
The people gathering now, like Ruth, represent the faithful remnant in the last days those who work to save what little remains.
Isaiah 1:9 (NIV) says: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”
And
Jeremiah 8:20 (ESV) laments, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
The Urgency of Today
This ministry of gleaning will not last forever. Jesus, our Boaz, will return to inspect His field
(John 14:3 NIV: “I will come back and take you to be with me.”).
When He comes, those who have not entered His barn meaning, those who have not truly submitted to Him will face judgment. Luke 12:47-48 (NIV) warns:
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.”
Call to Action
What are you waiting for? The world’s time is short. Christ is at the door
(Revelation 3:20 NIV: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”).
Repent sincerely, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38 NIV:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”),
and receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13 NIV:
“Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”)
for protection and guidance in these perilous times.
Maranatha Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
In Genesis 49, Jacob prophetically blesses each of his sons, the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Among these blessings, the tribe of Issachar receives a unique and often overlooked portion:
Genesis 49:14–15 (NKJV) “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves.”
To modern ears, this may sound like a curse. Who wants to be compared to a donkey a beast of burden? Who wants to be called into servanthood or hard labor? But spiritually, Issachar’s calling reveals a powerful truth: those who understand the value of the future are willing to serve in the present.
Issachar saw that the land ahead was good. He understood that true rest and peace weren’t found in avoiding responsibility but in willingly embracing it for a greater purpose. This is a striking image of faith that looks forward (Hebrews 11:1). His decision to submit to labor was not rooted in weakness but in wisdom. He chose short-term struggle for long-term glory.
This attitude contrasts with many people today who avoid spiritual responsibility. Why do we hesitate to serve God with our time, gifts, and energy? It’s often because we don’t clearly see what lies ahead. We’re spiritually nearsighted. As
2 Peter 1:9 says: “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”
When we lack eternal vision, we fill our lives with temporary pursuits: success, wealth, comfort. We work tirelessly for earthly gain cars, houses, status yet find it burdensome to read a single chapter of Scripture, attend worship, or care for others in love. But what does it profit us?
Mark 8:36 (NKJV) “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Later in Scripture, we again see Issachar’s spiritual maturity highlighted. During the reign of King David, men from Issachar are described in a powerful way:
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) “Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.”
God honored their servanthood with discernment and wisdom. They could interpret the times and advise Israel accordingly. This shows that true spiritual insight comes not from pride or privilege, but from humility and a willingness to serve. God grants wisdom to those who honor Him in obedience (Proverbs 1:7).
Jesus taught His disciples a radically different standard of greatness from the world’s:
Matthew 20:25–27 (NKJV) “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.”
This aligns perfectly with Issachar’s legacy. True greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about power or applause but about servanthood, humility, and purpose driven living. Those who understand this are willing to labor like Issachar for the good of others and for the glory of God.
Do you see the “shining land” ahead the New Jerusalem, the eternal rest, the reward of the faithful?
Revelation 21:2–3 (NKJV) “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them…'”
Jesus is preparing this place for those who love Him (John 14:2–3). The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) is near. And yet many of us live as though the here and now is all there is.
We must ask ourselves: Are we ready? Or are we spiritually asleep?
We are not just called to be spectators of grace but witnesses. The time for pleading with people to come to Christ is nearing its end. The Gospel now functions more and more as a final testimony, preparing hearts and removing excuses.
Acts 17:30–31 (NKJV) “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness…”
If Christ returns tonight, or if death comes suddenly are you ready? Who will receive you? Heaven is real. So is hell. These are not just symbols; they are destinations.
Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…”
So what should we do?
Repent of sin. Return to God. Serve with purpose. Live not for self, but for Christ. Be like Issachar. Choose to labor today because you see what lies ahead.
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
This is your calling: not to chase the fading treasures of this world, but to fulfill the will of the One who created and saved you.
May the Lord bless you and give you eyes to see the beautiful land ahead.
Question:“Shalom! I would like to understand the meaning of this verse: ‘The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets’ (1 Corinthians 14:32).”
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul was addressing how spiritual gifts particularly prophecy and speaking in tongues should function in corporate worship. Corinth was a church rich in spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:7), but their gatherings had become disorderly.
Paul writes:
“When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV)
He then gives order:
Tongues: Only two or three should speak, and someone must interpret (v.27–28).
Prophecy: Two or three prophets should speak while others evaluate (v.29).
If someone else receives a revelation while one is speaking, the first should stop (v.30–31).
Then Paul adds the key phrase:
“The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.”1 Corinthians 14:32 (NIV)
Why?
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)
This verse teaches an important theological truth about the operation of spiritual gifts:Even when someone is moved by the Holy Spirit, they still retain self-control.
Paul is affirming that prophets (or anyone exercising spiritual gifts) are not overtaken in such a way that they lose control of themselves. The Holy Spirit doesn’t cause disorder or confusion. Instead, the Spirit produces self-control (Galatians 5:23).
Paul’s instruction directly counters any behavior that excuses disruption under the claim of being “led by the Spirit.” Genuine prophetic utterance works within the order God establishes.
Paul’s teaching sets a precedent for church gatherings:
Spiritual Gifts Must Be Exercised in OrderGifts like prophecy and tongues are real and edifying, but without structure, they can create confusion and division.
Self-Control is a Fruit of the SpiritAccording to Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV),
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Spirit-filled people are not chaotic but disciplined, thoughtful, and sensitive to others.
Prophets Submit to One AnotherPaul is also emphasizing mutual accountability. Prophets should yield to each other, wait their turn, and prioritize the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:12).
God’s Nature is Reflected in OrderGod’s character is orderly and peaceful not chaotic. The gathered church should reflect this in its worship and ministry.
The phrase “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets” (1 Corinthians 14:32, NIV) means that those who are led by the Spirit still have the responsibility to behave with wisdom, humility, and self-control. Spiritual fervor should never lead to spiritual disorder.
True spiritual maturity is shown not in how loudly or frequently we speak, but in how well we listen, yield, and contribute to the harmony of the body of Christ.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)
May God bless you with discernment, grace, and a spirit of unity as you serve Him.
The prophet Elijah demonstrated remarkable faith when he prayed and God sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice and defeat his enemies (1 Kings 18:36-38, ESV). Yet, shortly afterward, Elijah fled in fear from Jezebel, a powerful queen who threatened his life (1 Kings 19:1-3). This reveals an important truth: even strong faith can be weakened by fear and circumstances. Elijah’s faith was bold against powerful enemies but faltered when confronted by personal danger. This is like a lion that fears no rival but is terrified by a small dog symbolizing how fear can undermine faith.
Similarly, the apostle Peter shows us the struggle between faith and doubt.
In Matthew 14:24-31 (ESV), when Jesus walked on water toward the disciples during a storm, Peter asked to come to Him. Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water, but when he saw the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately rescued him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
(Matthew 14:31). Peter’s experience teaches us that initial faith is not enough; faith must be sustained to reach the goal.
This highlights the ongoing nature of faith as a journey (Hebrews 11:1) and a discipline that must endure trials (James 1:2-4). Faith is not a one time event but a continuous reliance on God’s power and promises.
When we first come to Christ, our faith often burns brightly, like a passionate fire (Romans 12:11). But as time passes, many believers experience spiritual dryness or weakening faith. We may remember our earlier zeal praying fervently, witnessing boldly, reading Scripture diligently. Yet if our current faith is weaker, it’s a warning sign. The New Testament exhorts believers to “persevere in the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7) and to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).
If sins that once seemed easy to overcome now entangle you, or if prayer and Bible reading have become difficult, it’s time to cry out to Jesus for help, just like Peter did. Spiritual warfare is real (Ephesians 6:12), and without active, strong faith, the enemy can gain ground.
Remember, faith is our shield and protection (Ephesians 6:16). Without it, we cannot stand firm against Satan’s schemes.
Take time to evaluate your spiritual walk today. Do you have faith to finish well? If not, remember God’s faithfulness when you first believed (Lamentations 3:22-23). Pray earnestly for renewal of your faith (Psalm 51:10), confess your shortcomings, and commit to obeying God fully. The Lord promises to strengthen those who trust in Him (Isaiah 40:31).
Just as God helped Peter in his moment of doubt, He will help you. Hold fast to your faith until the end.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
A common question arises from Exodus 3: Did God Himself speak to Moses at the burning bush, or was it an angel acting on God’s behalf?
Let’s examine this passage and explore its theological implications.
Exodus 3:2 (NKJV) And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.
Exodus 3:4 (NKJV) So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
At first, we are told that “the Angel of the Lord” appeared to Moses in the burning bush. But then, just two verses later, God is the one speaking from the bush. This might seem contradictory at first, but it’s actually an example of angelic mediation—a well-established biblical pattern where God speaks through His angels.
In various passages of the Old Testament, “the Angel of the Lord” (Hebrew: Mal’akh YHWH) is a unique figure. At times, this being speaks and acts as if He is God Himself receiving worship, forgiving sins, and making covenants (cf. Genesis 22:15–18; Judges 6:11–24; Judges 13). Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret such appearances as Christophanies pre-incarnate appearances of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
In Exodus 3, the Angel speaks from within the fire, yet the Scripture identifies the speaker as Yahweh. Moses removes his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), and the voice says:
Exodus 3:6 (NKJV) “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
This suggests that while an angelic presence is visible, it is God’s voice possibly even the pre-incarnate Christ that is heard.
To understand this dynamic further, we turn to Exodus 23:20–22:
Exodus 23:20–22 (NKJV) “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”
This angel is no ordinary angel. God says His own name (i.e., His essence, authority, and character) is in this angel. The angel carries divine authority so completely that to obey him is to obey God, and to reject him is to reject God.
This is a clear type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, in whom “the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
In Scripture, the concept of agency (Hebrew: shaliach) means that someone sent by another carries the full authority of the sender. When God sends an angel with His message, that angel speaks with God’s voice but he is not speaking on his own initiative.
This pattern is seen again in Judges 2:1–5:
Judges 2:1 (NKJV) Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.’”
Here, the angel speaks in the first person as if he was the one who brought Israel out of Egypt and made the covenant. This demonstrates that he is speaking as God’s mouthpiece, not on his own behalf.
While angels were used occasionally in the Old Testament to communicate God’s will, they were only temporary messengers. In the New Covenant, God has spoken directly to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect and final revelation of God.
Hebrews 1:1–4 (NKJV) God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person… has become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Unlike the angels who spoke partially and temporarily, Jesus embodies the full image of God (Colossians 1:15), and His word is final, complete, and binding.
Hebrews 2:1–3 (NKJV) Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord…?
If God’s word through angels brought judgment when disobeyed, how much more serious is it to ignore the message spoken by Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
Today, Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1–14), the one through whom God now speaks to all people. He is not just a messenger—He is God Himself in human form (John 14:9).
To reject Jesus is to reject God. To accept Him is to receive eternal life (John 3:16).
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Wherever you are, humble yourself, confess your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Believe in Him with your heart, and then follow Him in obedience by:
Acts 2:38 (NKJV) “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
In Exodus, God used His angel to speak to Moses. The angel carried God’s authority, God’s word, and God’s presence. But today, Jesus Christ is God’s final and fullest voice to mankind. He is greater than angels, prophets, or any other messenger.
Let us not ignore His voice.
Hebrews 12:25 (NKJV) See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven…
Maranatha — The Lord is Coming!
Let’s begin by reading the verse in question:
Mark 12:26 (NIV) – “Now about the dead rising have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?”
In this passage, Jesus responds to the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection of the dead. He points them to a well-known event from the Torah the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush to prove that there is life after death.
The phrase “the account of the bush” (or in Swahili, “sura ya kijiti”) refers to a specific portion of Scripture, not a literal “stick” or small branch (kijiti). In biblical language, especially in older or translated texts, “sura” means “chapter” or “section.” So Jesus was referring to Exodus chapter 3, where Moses encounters God in the burning bush.
Exodus 3:1–6 (NIV) 1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law… 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”
The bush (in Hebrew, seneh, meaning a thorny shrub or bramble) was burning but not consumed. This miraculous sign caught Moses’ attention and became the setting where God revealed His identity and His mission for Moses.
Jesus’ main point in Mark 12:26 is resurrection hope. By quoting God’s words “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” Jesus emphasizes that God spoke in the present tense, even though these patriarchs had died centuries earlier.
Luke 20:38 (NIV) – “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
This implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in the presence of God not physically, but spiritually. If they were completely gone or annihilated, God would not still identify Himself as their God.
This aligns with what Jesus said elsewhere:
John 11:25 (NKJV) – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
The resurrection is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in covenant with God. Though physical death occurs, the soul lives on in the presence of God. This is foundational to Christian theology:
Just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue to live before God, so too will all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) – “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
After death, the believer’s soul enters paradise, awaiting the final resurrection. In the end, God will clothe us with glorified bodies and gather us to Himself:
Philippians 3:20–21 (NIV) – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there… who… will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
Hebrews 11:16 (NIV) – “Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
So when Jesus speaks of “the passage about the bush,” He’s referring to Exodus 3, where God’s self-revelation to Moses proves that:
If we follow Christ in faith and obedience, even though we die physically, we shall live eternally with Him. His resurrection is our assurance.