When we receive Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we are positionally sanctified—set apart as holy in God’s eyes (1 Corinthians 6:11). However, practical sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—takes effort, time, and obedience.
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)
Though the Holy Spirit empowers us, removing the deep roots of sin from our habits and lifestyle requires ongoing surrender.
Many believers assume that receiving the Holy Spirit marks the end of the struggle against sin. But in reality, it’s only the beginning of a spiritual transformation. Being born again is a new life that needs nurturing.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV)
This “working out” involves our intentional cooperation with God’s Spirit.
To grow in sanctification, we must offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness. Paul uses this metaphor to emphasize that sanctification is not merely spiritual but deeply practical—it involves disciplining our physical actions and desires.
“For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” — Romans 6:19 (ESV)
This is not legalism; it’s spiritual discipline born out of love for Christ and a desire to be holy as He is holy.
Sanctification is not automatic. Without training the body and mind toward righteousness, sinful habits will linger—even if you’re filled with the Spirit. Paul says believers must “put to death” the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Romans 8:13).
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” — Romans 8:13 (ESV)
Receiving the Holy Spirit without practicing righteousness may leave a believer struggling with the same sins for years. Prayer, Bible study, worship, and service aren’t just spiritual disciplines; they are the means by which sanctification is applied.
The fruit of sanctification is not only a transformed life but also eternal life. Holiness is the natural path that leads to glory.
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” — Romans 6:22 (ESV)
It’s important to note: we are not saved by works, but a life truly saved will work—by yielding to God’s purposes and purifying itself from sin (2 Timothy 2:21).
If you’ve received Christ:
“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
Closing Prayer: Lord, help me to offer every part of my body and life as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You. Train my hands, mouth, eyes, and heart to walk in righteousness, that I may be truly sanctified. Amen.
May the Lord bless you as you pursue holiness.
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(A Special Lesson for Ministers and Servants of God)
As a preacher or servant of God, do not love the world, and do not run away from the voice of God.
The Lord Jesus said to Peter:
Luke 5:10 (ESV) “And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
Here, the Lord Jesus compares “people” to “fish”, and the “world” to the “sea.”
This symbolic language is consistent throughout the Gospels, where the work of the Gospel is often compared to fishing.
He further confirms this idea in the parable of the net:
Matthew 13:47–49 (ESV) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous.”
If fish represent people living in the world (the sea), then the Gospel of the Lord Jesus is the net. Christ has called us to draw people out of the world through the message of salvation not to be drawn into the world ourselves.
The fish (representing worldly people or influences) are not supposed to pull us into the sea (the world). Rather, we are called to pull them out into the Kingdom of God.
You may ask: Can a servant of God be caught by the fish? The answer is YES.
Remember the story of Jonah? When he ran from the voice of the Lord, what happened?
Jonah 1:17 (ESV) “And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
Jonah’s disobedience led him into captivity into the belly of the fish, a place of darkness, isolation, and distress.
Similarly, a preacher or servant of God who runs away from God’s call, and instead chooses to follow worldly desires, will end up swallowed by the world caught up in its systems, distractions, or even its punishments.
The belly of the fish can represent:
Such a person may find themselves at the mercy of cruel, powerful forces of the world people or systems who have no concern for their calling or spiritual life.
Jonah went down to the sea not to preach, but to flee from God’s presence.
Jonah 1:3 (ESV) “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish.”
He ended up in a storm, and eventually inside a fish.
Dear preacher: Don’t go into the world unless God has sent you there. If you must enter worldly arenas, let it be for the sake of preaching the Gospel, not for personal gain, ambition, or escape.
The sea (the world) is dangerous. It has waves of temptation, storms of opposition, and depths that can drown your calling.
1 John 2:15 (ESV) “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
James 4:4 (ESV) “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Are you a preacher? A servant of God?
Then hear His voice, stand firm, and preach the Word in season and out of season.
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Do not go the way of the sea unless the Lord sends you. If He sends you, go with His word, His message, and His authority. But if you go in your own way, you may face storms and find yourself in the belly of consequences.
Let us be fishers of men not men caught by fish.
Let us draw people out of darkness into His marvelous light, not be pulled into the darkness ourselves.
May the Lord help us all to remain faithful to His voice, to obey His call, and to walk in His path.
Romans 10:14–15 (ESV) “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”
The account of Noah’s flood is one of the most dramatic events recorded in the Bible. It speaks of God’s judgment on a corrupt world, but a common question arises: Did this global flood destroy marine life, such as fish and whales?
Let’s examine the Scriptures closely.
Genesis 7:22 (NIV) says:
“Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died.”
This verse narrows the focus of destruction to two things:
In fact, the surrounding verses reinforce this:
Genesis 7:21 (NIV):
“Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind.”
Nowhere in this passage do we see mention of aquatic life being destroyed.
Some might ask: If everything perished, why weren’t whales included?
The ark was built to save terrestrial animals. Genesis 6:19–20 tells us:
“You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive.”
Notice: creatures “that move along the ground.” The command excludes sea creatures. There’s also no record of Noah collecting fish or whales. The text emphasizes that the animals came to him (Gen 6:20), which would be impractical and unnecessary for marine animals.
From a theological standpoint, God designed marine creatures to survive in water—more water wouldn’t threaten their existence. The flood, while catastrophic to land life, was a natural environment for them.
While the flood was a judgment by water, Scripture warns of a future judgment—not by water, but by fire.
2 Peter 3:6–7 (NIV):
“By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
Peter makes a critical point here: God’s previous judgment was through water, but the coming one will be through fire, affecting not just earth’s inhabitants but the cosmos itself.
2 Peter 3:10 (NIV):
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
This speaks to total cosmic renewal and final judgment, unlike the flood, which preserved Noah and the animals.
Theological reflection is not merely for knowledge, but transformation. Peter concludes with a call to holy living:
2 Peter 3:11 (NIV):
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
Just as Noah walked faithfully with God and was spared (Genesis 6:9), we too are called to live in holiness and godliness, anticipating the return of Christ and the final judgment.
No, the flood did not destroy sea creatures like whales or fish. Scripture clearly limits the destruction to land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures. Yet this event foreshadows a greater judgment—by fire—that will impact all of creation. As believers, we are called to be prepared, living lives marked by holiness, reverence, and repentance.
May the Lord help us live in righteousness, awaiting His return. Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus.
To understand this statement, we must explore the broader context in Matthew 23:16–22, where Jesus addresses the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes—the Jewish religious leaders of His time.
“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?” (Matthew 23:16–17, NKJV)
The Pharisees had developed a twisted hierarchy of oaths, where swearing by certain religious objects was binding, but others were not. They claimed that if someone swore by the gold of the temple or by the offering on the altar, the oath was binding. But swearing by the temple or the altar itself wasn’t binding.
Jesus rebukes this distorted logic:
“Which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?” (Matthew 23:19, NKJV)
He then corrects their thinking:
“Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.” (Matthew 23:20–22, NKJV)
Jesus was not teaching that people should swear oaths. In fact, in Matthew 5:33–37, He explicitly forbids the practice of oath-taking:
“But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:34–37, NKJV)
This teaching is echoed by the Apostle James:
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.” (James 5:12, NKJV)
So, in Matthew 23, Jesus is not validating oaths, but rather exposing the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. They valued material offerings (like gold and sacrifices) more than the sacred spaces (like the temple and altar) that represented God’s presence.
By teaching that an oath by gold was binding but not one by the temple, the Pharisees revealed their materialism and greed. They elevated gifts above the Giver, and offerings above the sanctified place of worship.
This was a form of religious manipulation, turning sacred practices into means of profit. Jesus saw through it and called them “blind guides” (v. 16), “fools”, and “hypocrites” throughout the chapter (cf. Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, etc.).
This same issue appears again in Mark 7:10–13, where Jesus criticizes their use of the term “Corban” (a gift dedicated to God) as a loophole to avoid caring for their parents:
“…you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition…” (Mark 7:12–13, NKJV)
Their tradition allowed people to withhold help from their parents by claiming the resources were pledged to God. But Jesus emphasized that true obedience to God honors both God and His commandments, including the command to honor parents.
This same attitude is sometimes seen today. In some churches or ministries, there’s more concern when someone fails to give an offering than when someone fails to honor God through worship, service, or discipleship. People are often pressured to fulfill financial pledges, while spiritual neglect is overlooked.
However, Jesus teaches that God’s dwelling place (the church, God’s people, His Word) is more important than the material gifts given in it. Offerings are meaningful only because they are presented in God’s holy presence, not because of their monetary value.
When Jesus said, “He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it” (Matthew 23:21), He was pointing back to God Himself as the ultimate authority behind all sacred things. The temple is holy not because of its gold, but because God dwells there.
Thus, He calls us to honor what is truly sacred—not for personal gain or ritual tradition, but in reverence to God. And above all, He reminds us to speak truthfully, avoiding oaths altogether, and simply letting our word be trustworthy.
May the Lord help us to seek purity of heart over performance of religion.
QUESTION: I would like to understand the theological interpretation of James 1:13-17, especially the part that says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from abov
James 1:13-17 (NKJV): [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.[14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:13-17 (NKJV): [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.[14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
[15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
[16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
ANSWER: In James 1:13-17, the apostle James addresses a critical theological issue: the nature of temptation and where it originates. There were misconceptions among early Christians, and there can still be today, that temptations or trials come from God as a way of testing believers. James corrects this misunderstanding by making a clear distinction between God’s nature and the process of temptation.
God’s Holiness and Temptation (v. 13): James begins by saying, Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God,'” (James 1:13, NKJV). Theologically, this highlights the absolute holiness of God. The Bible is clear that God is pure, righteous, and untainted by evil (1 John 1:5). Because God is holy, He cannot be tempted by evil, nor would He ever use evil to tempt someone. This sets the foundation for understanding God’s character: God is not the author of temptation or sin. Rather, He is holy and good in all things (Psalm 145:17).
The Source of Temptation (v. 14-15): James then explains that temptation originates from our own sinful desires:
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14, NKJV).
Theologically, this reflects the biblical teaching that sin is not God’s doing but stems from humanity’s fallen nature (Romans 7:18). When a person is drawn away by their own desires, it leads to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it results in death (James 1:15). This echoes the theological understanding of the
“depravity of man” (Romans 3:23),
where humans are inclined to sin because of their fallen state since the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:6).
The Goodness of God (v. 17): In verse 17, James declares,
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV).
This statement affirms that everything good and perfect in our lives comes from God. The term “Father of lights” refers to God as the Creator of the heavenly bodies, emphasizing His transcendence and unchanging nature. Theologically, this statement underscores God’s goodness and generosity (Matthew 7:11). God’s gifts are always good, and unlike the shifting shadows cast by the sun (which change with the seasons), God’s character is constant and unchanging.
God’s Immutability: The phrase
“with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV)
points to the immutability of God. This means that God is unchanging in His nature, promises, and actions. In theological terms, this is referred to as God’s “immutability,” which is a central attribute.
Malachi 3:6 affirms this by saying, “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
This means that all of God’s actions toward humanity are consistently good and reliable. Unlike the unpredictability of earthly things, God is always steadfast and faithful in His character.
God’s Goodness and Human Responsibility:
James 1:16-17, by reminding believers that “every good and perfect gift”
comes from God, contrasts with the misinterpretation that trials and temptations come from God. This teaching supports the theological understanding of divine goodness. God’s gifts are inherently good, and He does not use evil to test His children. When we experience hardship or temptation, it is not a test from God but the result of living in a fallen world and the desires that rise from within us.
Theologically, James encourages believers to see the goodness of God in all things, while also emphasizing human responsibility. Our desires can lead us into sin, but God does not tempt us—He only gives good, perfect gifts. The apostle’s message aligns with the broader biblical doctrine of God’s goodness and man’s moral responsibility (Romans 8:28-29).
Conclusion: James 1:13-17 teaches that God does not tempt us; rather, temptation arises from within our own desires, which, when unchecked, lead to sin and death. On the other hand, every good and perfect gift comes from God, the unchanging Father who is the source of all goodness. Understanding this theological point helps believers grasp the nature of God’s character, His constant goodness, and the responsibility we have in managing our desires. God is faithful in giving only good things to His people, and He remains unwavering in His love and generosity.
Be blessed.
In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul discusses the relationship between men, women, and their roles within the church. Let’s break it down with careful theological insights from the Bible.
1 Corinthians 11:3 Paul begins by establishing a foundational order in the created roles: “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (NKJV)
Here, Paul explains that Christ is the head of every man, man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. This shows a hierarchical structure where Christ leads man, man leads woman, and God leads Christ. It’s important to note that the idea of “head” here refers to authority or leadership, not physical headship. In theological terms, this is about divine order and the authority that each role represents.
In verses 4-5, Paul elaborates on what it means to “dishonor” one’s head:
4: “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.” 5: “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head; for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.” (NKJV)
4: “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.”
5: “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head; for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.” (NKJV)
Here, Paul addresses the practice of head covering in worship. For a man, covering the head while praying or prophesying dishonors Christ, his head, because it signifies that he is not fulfilling his role as Christ’s representative in the church. For a woman, uncovering her head while praying or prophesying dishonors her head, which refers to her husband or, more broadly, male leadership within the church. Theological commentators note that this reflects the woman’s role as a symbol of submission to the authority placed over her by God, represented by male leadership.
The “shaving” metaphor in verse 5 points to shameful acts in biblical times. A woman with a shaved head would have been considered to be in a dishonorable or disgraceful state. This highlights how important the covering is, not merely as a cultural tradition, but as an act of spiritual submission.
The head being dishonored in this passage refers to the leadership structure established by God in the church. Theologically, when a woman does not cover her head, it symbolizes a rejection of the leadership authority of men in the church. This leadership is specifically linked to the five-fold ministries mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, which are ministries meant for men:
In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12, Paul clearly emphasizes that women should not take authoritative roles over men in the church (i.e., women should not serve as pastors, elders, or teachers of men). These passages align with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11 that the woman’s head covering is a sign of submission to God’s authority structure.
When a woman refuses to cover her head, she is not only dishonoring the male leadership but also indirectly dishonoring Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:3, we see that the head of every man is Christ. Therefore, dishonoring the leadership placed by Christ is akin to dishonoring Christ Himself.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV): “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
This establishes that the head of man is Christ, and the leadership Christ provides through men is what a woman is expected to honor. Therefore, her act of covering her head is a sign of recognizing and submitting to God’s divine order, which is reflected in male leadership within the church.
Now, the question arises: Should men also cover their heads to avoid dishonoring Christ? The answer is no. Theologically, the man, being the image of God, is called to represent God’s glory.
1 Corinthians 11:7 (NKJV): “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
this means that men reflect the glory of God, as they are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, men are not to cover their heads in worship because they are to display God’s glory openly. In contrast, a woman is the glory of man, as she was created from man (Genesis 2:21-23) and is a reflection of the partnership between man and woman in God’s creation.
Because the man is a direct representative of God’s glory, he does not need to cover his head while praying or prophesying. However, the woman, by virtue of her created role, acknowledges her dependence on man and submits to his leadership.
The Bible teaches that women should cover their heads during worship as a sign of submission to God’s ordained leadership structure in the church. This act of covering is not merely cultural; it is theological, symbolizing that a woman recognizes her role under male leadership as designed by God. The theological underpinning is the creation order, where man represents God’s glory, and woman reflects man’s glory (1 Corinthians 11:7).
In a broader sense, this is a sign of the woman’s willingness to accept God’s order and her submission to the leadership He has established in the church.
Paul closes this section with a warning:
1 Corinthians 11:16 (NKJV): “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”
This implies that if anyone is contentious or rejects this teaching, it is not a matter of personal opinion or human tradition, but a matter of divine order. The early churches had a consistent practice of this teaching, and rejecting it would be to go against God’s established authority.
Final Thoughts If you are a woman, whether a mother or sister in Christ, it’s important to follow this biblical instruction. It’s not a matter of human tradition or a law of the Old Testament but a command of the Lord found in the New Testament. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foresaw that there would be controversies in the last days regarding this matter. We are called to follow God’s instructions in His Word, recognizing that they come from His divine wisdom and order.
May the Lord help us to understand and honor His commands in our lives.
James 1:5 (NIV)“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
In this verse, James highlights wisdom as an essential need not wealth, fame, or opportunities. This shows that from a biblical perspective, wisdom is foundational to living a fruitful, godly life.
Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) says:“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
This shows that wisdom is a primary pursuit in the life of a believer. In Scripture, wisdom is not just intelligence or life experience it’s the ability to live and make decisions that align with God’s will.
There are two kinds of wisdom mentioned in Scripture:
Worldly wisdom (James 3:15): rooted in self-interest, pride, and even demonic influence.
Godly wisdom (James 3:17): characterized by purity, peace, humility, and sincerity.
James directs us to pray when we lack wisdom. He doesn’t tell us to rely on education, instinct, or trial and error. Prayer is the biblical means of receiving divine wisdom.
Jesus Himself affirmed the generous nature of God in answering prayer:
Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV)“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
When we pray for wisdom with sincere hearts, we are acknowledging our need and dependence on God. This reflects the humility God desires:
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The phrase “without finding fault” (NIV) or “without reproach” (ESV) comes from the Greek word oneidizontos, which implies God does not scold, shame, or remind us of past failures when we ask Him for wisdom.
This contrasts with human nature. Often, when we ask people for help, they may criticize us, question our worthiness, or refer to our past mistakes. But God doesn’t do that. He welcomes us when we come in humility and faith.
This ties into the grace of God. God gives out of His nature, not our performance:
Romans 11:6 (NIV)“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
Thus, when we ask for wisdom, God responds graciously and generously without any judgment or blame.
James emphasizes in the next few verses that faith is essential when we ask:
James 1:6–8 (NIV)“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”
This teaches us that faith isn’t optional in prayer it is the channel through which divine resources flow. Without faith, prayer becomes ineffective.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
When asking God for wisdom, be intentional. Instead of praying vaguely “God, give me wisdom” identify the area where you seek His insight:
Wisdom to interpret Scripture
Wisdom to handle relationships
Wisdom in your calling or ministry
Wisdom in business, parenting, or decision-making
As seen in Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 3:9, when he asked specifically for discernment to govern the people, God was pleased and answered generously.
1 Kings 3:12 (NIV)“I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart…”
James 1:5 is a powerful reminder of God’s readiness to help His children with what matters most: wisdom. We are invited to come boldly, ask sincerely, and believe confidently.
God is generous, He doesn’t rebuke, and He answers. As long as we ask in faith, without doubting, we can be sure we will receive.
Let this be your encouragement:You don’t have to be perfect to ask God for help. You just need to trust Him. He is not like people He won’t shame you. He gives freely and lovingly to all who ask.
Answer: Let us refer to the Scripture…
Philippians 4:21–22 (ESV):
“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
The “Caesar” referred to here is the Emperor of Rome, the ruler of the most powerful empire of that time. The phrase “those of Caesar’s household” does not refer to his biological children or direct family, but rather to the many people who worked in the imperial palace and administration.
During that era, Caesar’s household included a wide range of people both poor and rich, men and women who served in various roles such as slaves, freedmen, soldiers, officials, administrators, and other palace workers. Among these, some had come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and had received salvation. Though Paul does not mention them by name, he includes their greetings in his letter to the Philippians, indicating their spiritual kinship with the wider body of Christ.
This reveals a powerful truth: the Gospel of Jesus Christ had penetrated even the palaces of earthly kings reaching the highest levels of society and authority.
And this was not an isolated case.
We also read in the Gospel of Luke about Joanna, a woman of influence, who was the wife of Chuza, the steward (manager) of Herod’s household. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and supported His ministry financially, along with other women.
Luke 8:2–3 (ESV):
“…and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”
Joanna’s example, like those of the believers in Caesar’s household, shows that God is at work in every sphere of society, even among rulers and the elite. The Gospel knows no social boundaries.
Therefore, as believers today, we must never be ashamed of the Gospel nor assume that certain people are unreachable or undeserving of it. Whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, high-ranking or lowly, all need the salvation offered through Christ.
As the Apostle Paul declares:
Romans 1:16 (ESV):
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Let us continue to preach Christ boldly, knowing that God can save people in every place even in palaces.
Maranatha (Our Lord is coming).
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Question: What exactly was the “blindness” that struck Elymas the sorcerer?
To properly understand what happened to Elymas, let’s begin with Acts 13:8-11.
Acts 13:8-11 (NIV): “But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.’ Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
The word mist to a temporary blindness, often described as a mist or dark fog covering the eyes, leading to a complete loss of vision either momentarily or for a season.
This “mist” is not referring to something trivial like a shoe color (as some might jokingly think), but a supernatural judgment of physical blindness a direct consequence of opposing the truth of God.
Elymas was attempting to prevent Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul, from embracing the Christian faith. But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him and declared God’s judgment: temporary blindness.
This act shows us several important truths:
Interestingly, Paul himself once experienced this kind of divine blindness on the road to Damascus:
Acts 9:8-9 (ESV): “Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
Just like Elymas, Paul had a supernatural encounter with the light of Christ, and he was struck with temporary blindness. His blindness marked the beginning of his spiritual transformation.
Unlike Elymas, Paul responded with repentance and faith and thus his sight was restored, both physically and spiritually.
Several other Scriptures describe physical and spiritual blindness:
Job 17:5 “The eyes of his children will fail…”
Job 31:16 Refers to withholding from the poor, possibly resulting in judgment.
Isaiah 32:3 (NIV): “Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.”
Isaiah 58:10 (NIV): “…then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Zechariah 14:6 (ESV): “On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.”
All these verses echo the theme: when people reject God’s light, blindness either physical, spiritual, or both may follow.
Even today, people can be afflicted by spiritual blindness when they walk in disobedience to God’s Word. To reject the truth is to resist the light, and when light is rejected, darkness takes over.
Job 11:20 (NIV): “But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp.”
John 9:39 (ESV): “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.'”
Jesus’ mission divides humanity into two groups:
So, the question is are you walking in the light of God, or in darkness?
Have you received the Lord Jesus into your life? Or are you resisting the light like Elymas?
If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, don’t delay. Today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him before the door of grace is shut.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV): “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
If you would like to receive Jesus or need someone to guide you in prayer, feel free to contact us through the numbers provided below.
God bless you.
Question:In Job 1:21, Job said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.”What did he mean by this? Can a person really return to their mother’s womb? Is that physically or spiritually possible?
Answer:Job spoke these words in the midst of unimaginable suffering. He had just lost his children, his wealth, and his health—yet his response was one of worship and trust in God. He declared:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”(Job 1:21, NIV)
At first glance, this may sound like Job believed he would return to his mother’s womb. But that’s not what he meant. Theologically and spiritually, Job was expressing a deep truth: humans come into this world with nothing, and they leave with nothing.
1. Returning to the Earth, Not the WombWhen Job says, “naked I will depart,” he’s referring to death. Biblically, the earth is often described as the place from which humans were created and to which they return:
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”(Genesis 3:19, NIV)
“And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”(Ecclesiastes 12:7, NIV)
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”(Psalm 139:15, NIV)
These passages show that our bodies are made from the earth and will one day return to it. Job is recognizing this cycle of life—birth and death are both states of vulnerability, and our physical possessions cannot accompany us.
2. A Spiritual Truth: Earthly Nakedness vs. Eternal CoveringJob’s statement also carries a spiritual message. In Scripture, being “naked” can also symbolize shame, judgment, or being unprepared before God (Revelation 3:17). But for those who are in Christ, there is a promise: we will not remain naked after death. Instead, we will be clothed with eternal, glorified bodies.
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”(2 Corinthians 5:1, NIV)
“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.”(2 Corinthians 5:2–3, NIV)
This “heavenly clothing” is a metaphor for the new, incorruptible body that believers will receive at the resurrection (see also 1 Corinthians 15:42–44). It’s a body that will never perish, suffer, or die—a gift only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. So What Is the Takeaway?Job’s words remind us of the brevity of life and the futility of earthly possessions. But more importantly, they point us to a deeper question:
Have you prepared for eternity?You were born physically naked—but you don’t have to die spiritually naked. God offers a spiritual “garment” through Jesus Christ.
“I counsel you to buy from me… white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness…”(Revelation 3:18, NIV)
This covering is available to all who believe in Him:
Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9)
Be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)
Have you received your eternal garment?
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