Title December 2024

What Kind of Gift Is This That We Can’t Fully Describe?

Main Question:

What is this gift that we can’t properly describe or praise enough?

Answer:

The gift is Jesus Christ Himself. Paul writes in:

2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

The original Greek word translated as “indescribable” (“anekdiēgētos”) appears only once in the New Testament. It emphasizes something so wonderful and beyond comprehension that it cannot be fully expressed in words. Paul is pointing to God’s greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ, who encompasses the fullness of God’s grace.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus is consistently presented as God’s ultimate gift to humanity. He was not merely sent to save our souls but to restore the whole person—spirit, soul, and body—and to reconcile all of creation back to God (Colossians 1:19–20).

Romans 5:17
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

This verse shows that the gift of righteousness and grace through Christ enables us not only to be saved but to reign in life—to walk in spiritual authority, peace, and purpose.

Jesus: The All-Sufficient Gift

When Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 9, he is addressing generosity and God’s provision. He highlights that God’s blessings—both spiritual and material—flow through Christ. As believers, we experience abundance, not for selfish gain, but to become channels of blessing.

2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

This is rooted in Christ’s sufficiency. As Colossians 2:9-10 says:

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.”

In other words, Christ is everything. When God gave us Jesus, He held nothing back. In Him, we have all we need—for our salvation, daily provision, healing, wisdom, and eternal life.

Redemption Beyond the Spirit

Jesus’ redemptive work affects every aspect of life:

  • Spiritually: We are saved, justified, and made righteous (Romans 5:1).
  • Physically: He bore our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17).
  • Emotionally: He gives peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
  • Socially and Economically: He teaches stewardship, compassion, and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8–11).
  • Cosmically: He reconciles all things in heaven and on earth to God (Colossians 1:20).

This makes Jesus truly indescribable—He is the all-sufficient, all-encompassing, eternal gift from God.

God’s wisdom saw that humanity didn’t need a thousand temporary answers—we needed one perfect Savior. That’s why:

1 Corinthians 1:30
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

So we say:

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Jesus is enough. He is our anchor, provider, healer, redeemer, and Lord. No one else compares to Him. We owe Him our lives, our worship, and our gratitude.

Share this good news with others. Let people know about the greatest gift ever given to humanity.

Glory, honor, and thanks be to God—forever and ever. Amen.

God bless you.

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Understanding 2 Corinthians 9:11–12: God’s Purpose in Blessing Us

2 Corinthians 9:11–12

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Explanation

1. God is the Source of Both Spiritual and Material Blessing

Paul begins this section by reminding the Corinthian believers that God is the provider. In verse 10, he says:

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed…” (2 Cor. 9:10)

This echoes the truth found in James 1:17:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

This shows that everything we have—our resources, money, time, skills—are gifts from God, and He gives them with a purpose.

2. The Purpose of Blessing: Generosity, Not Self-Indulgence

Paul clarifies why God blesses us:

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (2 Cor. 9:11)

The goal of prosperity is not luxury or selfish gain but kingdom generosity. Paul is echoing the Old Testament principle of caring for others, especially the poor and fellow believers (see Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…”).

Paul affirms this again in 2 Corinthians 9:8:

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times… you will abound in every good work.”

Blessing always carries responsibility. God entrusts us with resources so we may reflect His character—especially His generosity and care for the needy.

3. Generosity Leads to Thanksgiving and Glorifies God

Our giving is not only practical but spiritual. It causes people to thank and praise God.

“Through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:11)
“…overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Cor. 9:12)

This echoes Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Giving becomes a ministry that stirs worship in the hearts of others.

4. Giving is a Form of Worship and Obedience to the Gospel

Later in verse 13, Paul says:

“…because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ…” (2 Cor. 9:13)

Generosity is a fruit of genuine faith. It’s how we live out the gospel we confess. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a testimony.

5. Giving and Reaping: A Biblical Principle

Earlier in the chapter, Paul teaches the principle of sowing and reaping:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6)

This principle reminds us that God honors and multiplies what is given in faith (cf. Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you…”).

Conclusion and Exhortation

So, what is Paul teaching us in 2 Corinthians 9:11–12?

  • God blesses us—both spiritually and materially—not for selfish gain but so that we may bless others.
  • Our generosity meets needs, glorifies God, and demonstrates our faith in action.
  • Giving is part of our obedience, worship, and witness to the gospel of Christ.

Let us therefore pray:

“Lord, make us faithful stewards of everything You have entrusted to us. May our giving always reflect Your generosity and bring glory to Your name.”

Be blessed and be a blessing.

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Does the Lord Jesus Not Know the Day of His Coming? (Matthew 24:36)

Question:

Why does the Bible say that only the Father knows the day and hour of Jesus’ return, and not the Son? Especially since Jesus is God?

Answer:

Let’s carefully examine Matthew 24:36

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The Doctrine of the Incarnation and Kenosis

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:14). In becoming human (the Incarnation), He voluntarily limited some of His divine attributes in what theologians call the kenosis—a self-emptying described in Philippians 2:6-8:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

This means that during His earthly life, Jesus voluntarily refrained from exercising some divine prerogatives, including omniscience, to fully experience humanity.

Jesus’ Human Experience and Learning

Hebrews 5:7 highlights Jesus’ humanity and dependence on the Father:

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.”

Jesus experienced growth and learning just like any other human (Luke 2:46):

“After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.”

Thus, it is understandable that Jesus did not know the exact time of His return while living in human flesh.

Jesus’ Divine Authority After Resurrection

After His resurrection, Jesus was exalted and given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:16-18):

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'”

This means Jesus now fully exercises divine knowledge, including the knowledge of His return.

Additional Scriptural Evidence

  • John 21:22: Jesus said to Peter about John, “If I want him to remain alive until I come, what is that to you?” This indicates Jesus knew the timing of His coming.
  • Revelation 3:3; 16:15; 22:12, 20 further affirm Jesus’ authority over His return and the final judgment.

The temporary limitation of Jesus’ divine knowledge during His earthly ministry aligns with the theological doctrine of kenosis—He humbled Himself to fully experience human life. However, after His resurrection and exaltation, Jesus possesses full divine authority and knowledge, including the exact time of His second coming.

May God bless you.

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Author and Theological Overview of the Book of Philippians

Author: The Apostle Paul

Date Written: Around A.D. 60–62

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Author and Theological Overview of the book of Ephesians

As the book introduces itself—“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1)—it is evident that the Apostle Paul is the author of this epistle.

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome (see Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), making it one of his Prison Epistles, alongside Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Though addressed to the church in Ephesus, many scholars believe that this epistle may have also been a circular letter, intended to be read in several churches in the surrounding region, due to the general tone and lack of personal greetings.

Structure of the Book

Ephesians contains six chapters, which can be divided into two major thematic sections:

1. Chapters 1–3: Theological Foundations—Our Position in Christ

These chapters focus on the spiritual blessings and identity of believers in Christ. Paul emphasizes what God has done for us through Jesus Christ:

  • We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

  • We were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

  • We have redemption and forgiveness through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).

  • God has revealed His mystery and purpose in Christ—to unite all things in Him (Ephesians 1:9–10).

  • We were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee (Greek: arrabōn) of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30).

  • Salvation is by grace through faith—not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). This underscores the end of legalistic righteousness.

  • We were once separated, but now reconciled to God and to one another—the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken (Ephesians 2:14–16).

  • We are fellow heirs and members of the same body (Ephesians 3:6).

  • Paul prays that we may comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17–19).

These truths are meant to establish a believer in spiritual identity, security, and unity in Christ.

2. Chapters 4–6: Practical Application—Our Walk in Christ

This section deals with how believers should live in response to their new identity:

  • Believers are called to live in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:1–16), using their spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

  • Paul urges us to put off the old self—corrupted by deceitful desires—and put on the new self, created after God’s likeness in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22–24).

  • Instructions for Christian conduct:

    • Speak truthfully and avoid falsehood (Ephesians 4:25).

    • Be angry and do not sin; do not let anger control you (Ephesians 4:26).

    • Do honest work and share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

    • Use speech to build up, not to tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

    • Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

    • Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

  • Live in love, reject sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and crude speech (Ephesians 5:1–5).

    • “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure… has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

  • Expose the deeds of darkness, and walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8–11).

  • Avoid drunkenness, and instead be filled with the Spirit, expressing worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:18–20).

Instructions for Relationships (Ephesians 5:21–6:9):

Paul addresses various relational responsibilities:

  • Wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord.

  • Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:22–33).

  • Children are to obey and honor their parents, with a promise of blessing (Ephesians 6:1–3).

  • Fathers are to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

  • Servants (or workers) are to obey with sincerity, and masters (or employers) are to treat them justly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven (Ephesians 6:5–9).

Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10–20):

Paul concludes with a powerful metaphor of the Christian life as spiritual warfare:

  • We fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).

  • Therefore, believers must put on the full armor of God:

    • The belt of truth

    • The breastplate of righteousness

    • The shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace

    • The shield of faith, to extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one

    • The helmet of salvation

    • The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13–17)

  • All of this is to be supported by constant prayer (Ephesians 6:18).

Paul ends with personal remarks, mentioning Tychicus, who would deliver the letter and inform the Ephesians about Paul’s well-being (Ephesians 6:21–22).

Conclusion and Theological Reflection

The Book of Ephesians offers a rich portrait of Christian identity and responsibility:

  • The first half (Chapters 1–3) emphasizes what God has done for us in Christ—grace, redemption, unity, and spiritual inheritance.

  • The second half (Chapters 4–6) focuses on how we should live in response—in holiness, unity, love, and spiritual strength.

Key theological themes include:

  • Union with Christ

  • Salvation by grace through faith

  • The mystery of the Church

  • The unity of believers

  • Spiritual transformation

  • Christian ethics

  • Victory in spiritual warfare

As believers, we are not just saved for heaven, but for holy living now. The Christian life is not passive; it is a daily walk that must be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, rooted in truth, love, and spiritual discipline.

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

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BEGIN THE YEAR WITH PURPOSE AND SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS

Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we enter a new year, it’s important to pause and reflect—not just on our goals, but on the spiritual posture with which we begin the year.

One of the most sobering stories in Scripture is the account of King David’s fall into sin with Bathsheba. While David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), even he was not immune to temptation. The consequences of his choices were tragic, not just for him, but for others around him. And it all began with a small decision—one that seemed harmless on the surface.

2 Samuel 11:1 says:

“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.”

This single sentence sets the stage for David’s downfall. It was a time when kings went to war—but David stayed home. While his army was fighting, David was idle. That moment of spiritual passivity became an open door for temptation.

In verses 2–5, David notices Bathsheba, inquires about her, and eventually commits adultery with her. When she becomes pregnant, he tries to cover it up, and when that fails, he arranges for her husband, Uriah, to be killed. A single decision at the beginning of the year spirals into a chain of sins that brought deep grief and long-lasting consequences (2 Samuel 12:10–14).

This account teaches us a powerful theological truth: spiritual passivity leads to spiritual vulnerability. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:11–13 when he writes:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil… take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

The beginning of a new year is not just a fresh calendar—it’s a critical spiritual season. It’s not a time to be idle, distracted, or disengaged. It’s a time to rise up in prayer, to re-align ourselves with God’s will, and to engage in spiritual battle.

In the Bible, beginnings matter. In Genesis, God sets order to creation at the beginning. In Exodus, God begins the nation of Israel’s deliverance in a specific season. And in the Gospels, Jesus begins His ministry by withdrawing for prayer and fasting (Luke 4:1–2). Starting well spiritually matters.

That’s why at the beginning of the year, we are called to:

  • Engage in prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:6,17)
  • Gather with God’s people in worship (Hebrews 10:25)
  • Stand guard against spiritual laziness (1 Peter 5:8)
  • Seek God’s guidance for the year ahead (Proverbs 3:5–6)

If David had chosen to go to battle with his men, as was customary for kings, he might have avoided the situation that led to his greatest moral failure. His story serves as both a warning and an encouragement for us to be spiritually alert and active—especially at key transition points like the start of a new year.

May the Lord help us not to coast into the new year, but to begin it with purpose, prayer, and power. Let us not stay behind when we are called to the frontlines of spiritual warfare. Let us press forward in faith, trusting in God’s grace and protection.

Shalom.

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🌳 Why Did God Place Trees in the Garden—and Not Something Else?

Many people have wondered: why did God use trees in the Garden of Eden to represent life and death? Why not something seemingly more symbolic or enduring, like a rock?

🔍 The Significance of Trees

The answer lies in the nature of trees themselves. While many objects could symbolize permanence or strength, trees uniquely represent both life and death—and for one key reason: their longevity and fruitfulness.

Among all living creatures, trees live the longest. Elephants live up to 80 years, parrots and crows around 90, and tortoises up to 200. But trees can live for thousands of years. Some trees alive today are over 2,000 years old and still producing fruit.

What makes trees even more remarkable is that they remain rooted in one place while continuing to thrive and bear fruit. Their unchanging location and consistent productivity over centuries make them a powerful picture of something eternal—either eternal life or eternal separation from God.

Now, consider a rock. It might last just as long as a tree—or longer—but it’s lifeless. It doesn’t grow. It doesn’t bear fruit. It doesn’t change. In that sense, it more closely resembles spiritual death—a static, fruitless state.

So God’s choice of trees in the Garden wasn’t random. He was making a profound statement: our relationship with Him—whether it leads to life or death—has lasting, eternal consequences.

🌿 The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

In Genesis 2:9 we read:

“And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

These two trees were not just botanical specimens. They were spiritual signs—living illustrations of divine truth. One tree offered eternal life, the other led to spiritual death.

When Adam and Eve chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3), they introduced sin and death into the human story. Their choice separated humanity from the Tree of Life—and from God Himself.

🌟 The Tree of Life Is Jesus Christ

But the story doesn’t end in Eden.

Throughout Scripture, we see the theme of the Tree of Life re-emerge—not just as a literal tree, but as a person. That person is Jesus Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 1:23–24, Paul writes:

“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called… Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Now compare that to Proverbs 3:18:

“She [wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.”

If Christ is the wisdom of God, and wisdom is described as the tree of life, then it follows theologically and biblically: Jesus Christ is the Tree of Life.

He is the source of eternal life. He alone restores what was lost in Eden.

✝️ Jesus: The Source of Eternal Life

The New Testament reinforces this idea repeatedly:

  • Acts 3:15  – “[You] killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead.”
  • John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
  • John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
  • John 3:16– “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
  • John 6:47– “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”

There is no eternal life outside of Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the Tree of Life from Genesis, and we see Him again in Revelation 22:2, where the Tree of Life reappears in the New Jerusalem:

“In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits…”

The whole biblical story—from Eden to eternity—centers around our access to the Tree of Life, which is ultimately access to Jesus Christ.

🙏 Have You Found the Tree of Life?

The question, then, is not just theological—it’s deeply personal:

Have you received the life that Jesus offers?

If not, today can be your beginning. Receive Him. Trust in His death and resurrection. Let Him make you a new creation. Be baptized in His name (Acts 2:38) and start walking with Him.

Because in Jesus Christ—the Living Tree—there is not just life. There is eternal life.

Shalom.

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Why Didn’t Job’s Wife Go Through the Same Troubles?

Question: Why didn’t Job’s wife experience the same hardships as Job?

Answer: When studying the Bible, it’s important to recognize that not every detail or event recorded is meant to establish doctrine or spiritual instruction. Some details serve to give us context or broaden our understanding. For example, questions like “Who baptized John?” or “What was Peter’s wife’s name?” don’t carry direct commands or teachings for us to apply (John 1:26 ; Matthew 8:14).

In the case of Job’s wife, we see that although Job endured tremendous losses—his children died, and his livestock was destroyed—his wife’s direct suffering is not explicitly recorded. This raises the question: Why?

Firstly, there is no biblical requirement that all of Job’s possessions and family members had to be affected. Some servants survived to bear witness to what happened.

Job 1:16

“The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and servants and consumed them; I alone have escaped to tell you.”

This suggests that God’s testing allowed for witnesses to confirm the extent of the trials.

This illustrates the sovereignty of God in permitting suffering according to His divine plan (Job 1:12). God’s permission for suffering is purposeful, often to test faith and reveal true character (James 1:2-4). Job’s wife, although not recorded as physically losing property or children apart from the shared grief, was deeply affected emotionally.

Her response—urging Job to curse God (Job 2:9)—shows the depth of human brokenness in suffering. Blaspheming God at such a moment reveals how pain can lead to doubt and despair, showing the fragility of human faith apart from divine strength (Psalm 73:21-22).

However, Job’s endurance (Job 1:22; Job 2:10) reflects his reverent fear of God, which sustained him beyond normal human capacity. His faith was tested but remained steadfast, illustrating the biblical principle that true faith trusts God even when understanding fails (Hebrews 11:17-19).

The story of Job teaches a profound lesson about patience and faith in trials. James encourages believers to consider those who endure suffering as blessed because God’s compassion and mercy will ultimately bring restoration.

James 5:11 : “See, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings…”).

Job’s wife’s absence from direct trials shows that suffering in God’s testing is purposeful and varies by His will. Her response highlights human weakness, while Job’s faith shows the power of divine grace to endure. This encourages believers to remain faithful, trusting God’s sovereign mercy through all trials.

Shalom.

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Aunthor and theological overview of the epistle to the Colossians

The epistle begins with the greeting: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae…” (Colossians 1:1–2). This clearly identifies Paul as the author of the letter.

Purpose of the Letter

The main purpose of Paul’s letter to the Colossians is to emphasize the absolute sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul presents Christ as the One in whom all things were created and through whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily. In Him are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

Paul’s message is clear: once someone has Christ, they lack nothing. There is no need to seek spiritual fulfillment through other religious practices, philosophies, or human traditions.

Key Thematic Verses

  • Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV):
    “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

  • Colossians 2:3:
    “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

  • Colossians 2:9:
    “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

Why Does Paul Emphasize This?

Paul writes this to combat false teachings that had begun infiltrating the church at Colossae. In Colossians 2:8, he warns:

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

There were people advocating Jewish legalism—insisting on observing festivals, Sabbath days, circumcision, and dietary laws (Colossians 2:16–17). There were also early forms of mysticism, such as angel worship (Colossians 2:18), and asceticism that gave the illusion of spirituality but had no power against sin (Colossians 2:20–23).

Paul stresses that all these practices are shadows, but the substance belongs to Christ. It is Christ alone who cancels the record of our debt through His death on the cross (Colossians 2:14), and in Him, we have forgiveness, victory over sin, and access to God.

Living a New Life in Christ (Colossians 3)

True faith in Christ is not merely intellectual or ceremonial—it transforms the believer’s daily life. Paul exhorts believers to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–2) and put to death sinful behaviors such as:

  • Sexual immorality

  • Impurity

  • Evil desires

  • Anger

  • Malice

  • Slander

  • Obscene talk

Instead, Christians are to “put on the new self,” marked by:

  • Compassion

  • Kindness

  • Humility

  • Meekness

  • Patience

  • Forgiveness

  • Love

He continues by applying this new life to household relationships (Colossians 3:18–21):

  • Wives should submit to their husbands.

  • Husbands must love their wives.

  • Children must obey their parents.

  • Fathers should not provoke their children.

This section reveals that Christianity transforms not only our spiritual life but also our social and family lives.

Christian Conduct in the World (Colossians 4)

Paul urges believers to:

  • Continue steadfastly in prayer (4:2)

  • Walk in wisdom toward outsiders (4:5)

  • Let their speech be gracious, seasoned with salt (4:6)

He also addresses masters and slaves, urging fairness and justice—showing that the gospel applies even to economic and social structures (Colossians 4:1).

Final Greetings and Fellowship (Colossians 4:7–18)

Paul concludes by sending greetings from fellow workers including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, and Demas. This final portion highlights the importance of gospel partnership and mutual encouragement in the Christian community.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, Colossians teaches that:

  • Christ is completely sufficient for salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and sanctification.

  • Believers are complete in Him and need not turn to human traditions, legalistic rituals, or mystical experiences for spiritual fulfillment.

  • True faith in Christ is evidenced by a transformed life that reflects the character of Jesus in personal, familial, and public spheres.

Additional Lessons from Colossians

  1. The Power of Persistent Prayer
    Paul and Epaphras are both noted as men of unceasing prayer (Colossians 1:3, 1:9, 4:12). This reminds us of the vital role of intercessory prayer for the local church and the global body of Christ.

  2. Christ is Not Just Savior, But Also Lord
    Colossians affirms both the divinity and lordship of Jesus. We are not just saved from sin; we are called to walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).

  3. Our Identity Is Found in Christ
    Believers are not defined by race, social status, or religious background. In Christ, “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the profound truths of Colossians, and may your life be a living testimony of the sufficiency of Christ in all things.

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Why Did God Prevent David from Building the Temple?

1. God’s Greater Plan: A Temple Beyond Stone

In 1 Chronicles 17:11–12, God makes this promise to David:

“When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.”

Though this prophecy partly applies to Solomon, David’s son who built the physical temple, its full and eternal fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Jesus built not a temple of wood and stone, but a spiritual temple — His own body, through which God dwells with His people. Jesus Himself said:

John 2:19–21
“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple He had spoken of was His body.

Jesus is the true Temple where humanity meets God (see Colossians 2:9), making all previous temples shadows of what He came to fulfill (see Hebrews 9:11–12).

2. Why David Was Disqualified: A Holy God Requires Holy Hands

Although David’s intentions were sincere, God denied his request to build the temple. The reason is clearly stated in:

1 Chronicles 28:3
“But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’”

This reveals a key theological truth: God’s house must be built by hands that reflect His peace and holiness.

Two Reasons for David’s Disqualification:

a) Bloodshed in War

David was a military leader who shed much blood — even if some of it was justified. However, the temple symbolized God’s peace and holiness, and God wanted a man of peace to build it.

This aligns with the character of God, who desires peace over violence:

Isaiah 2:4 
“…They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

b) The Blood of Uriah

David’s greatest moral failure was orchestrating the death of Uriah to take his wife, Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Even though God forgave him, this sin left lasting consequences:

2 Samuel 12:13–14 
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.’”

God could not allow David, stained by this scandal, to build the temple — lest His enemies blaspheme and dishonor His name. Holiness was not just about the structure, but about the life of the builder.

3. Solomon: A Man of Peace for a House of Peace

God instead chose Solomon, whose name is derived from shalom (peace), to build the temple:

1 Chronicles 28:6
“He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.’”

Solomon’s reign was marked by peace, not war — fitting for the construction of a temple meant to reflect God’s dwelling among His people.

4. Lessons for Today: Christ Is Our Model, Not David

David, though a man after God’s own heart, was not the standard for Christian living. While we can admire his repentance and faith, we are not to imitate his flaws.

Exodus 20:13 
“You shall not murder.”

Even though ancient Israel engaged in wars, Jesus revealed God’s perfect will in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:38–41
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

Christ calls us to a higher righteousness, not based on revenge or self-defense, but on love, humility, and peace.

God Looks at the Heart — and the Hands

God honored David’s desire but denied him the opportunity. Why? Because the integrity of God’s dwelling place matters deeply. Though forgiven, David’s history made him unsuitable for that holy task.

We learn that:

  • Forgiveness does not erase earthly consequences.
  • God desires peace, purity, and obedience in those who serve Him.
  • Jesus Christ, not David, is our perfect example.

Let us therefore look to Christ — the True Temple, the Prince of Peace, and the Standard of Holiness — and walk in His footsteps.

Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Shalom.

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