Title January 2025

  • Home   /  2025   /  
  • January
    • ( Page3 )

What Does “Fat man” Mean Spiritually and Biblically?

 

In Judges 3:17, we read:

“So he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man.” (NKJV)

The Swahili word “ fat man” means “to grow fat” or “to increase greatly.” In this context, it describes Eglon, the king of Moab, as someone who had become exceedingly fat—both literally and symbolically.

So this verse can be understood as:

“Then he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who had grown extremely fat.”

But beyond the physical meaning, the Bible often uses the concept of “growing fat” to illustrate spiritual complacency, moral decay, and abuse of prosperity. The term appears in other significant passages, including:

📖 Jeremiah 50:11 – Judgment on Babylon

“Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls…” (NKJV)

Here, “growing fat” signifies arrogance, greed, and delight in wrongdoing—a condition that invited God’s judgment.

📖 Deuteronomy 32:15 – The Case of Jeshurun

“But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked;
You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” (NKJV)

Jeshurun (a poetic name for Israel) is depicted as having grown fat—meaning they became complacent in their prosperity, forgot God, and fell into spiritual rebellion.

👉 For an in-depth study on this figure, see: Who is Jeshurun in the Bible?

A Heart Check: In What Have You “Grown Fat”?

This brings us to an important question for personal reflection:

Spiritually speaking—what are you increasing in?

Are you growing fat in righteousness or in wickedness?

Growing fat in evil is spiritually dangerous and invites the judgment of God.

📖 Jeremiah 5:28–29 – Condemnation of Corrupt Leaders

“They have grown fat, they are sleek;
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the fatherless;
Yet they prosper,
And the right of the needy they do not defend.

Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the LORD.
“Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” (NKJV)

In this passage, spiritual fatness symbolizes corruption, self-indulgence, and the oppression of the vulnerable. God asks rhetorically—should such evil go unpunished?

The Call: Are You Sealed With the Holy Spirit?

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal on the life of a believer:

Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (NKJV)

Being filled with the Spirit is the opposite of being “fat” in sin. It is to be empowered, purified, and marked for eternal life.

✝️ Jesus Is Coming Soon – Maranatha!

The return of the Lord Jesus is imminent.

Maranatha — “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22)

Let us not be like those who grew fat in sin and forgot God. Let us be spiritually alert, ready, and sealed with the Holy Spirit for the return of Christ.

✅ Share This Message

This is a call to repentance, renewal, and readiness. Share this truth with others—spread the Word.

Have you grown fat in wickedness or in righteousness?

The Lord is returning. Be found faithful.

Print this post

Author and Theological Overview of the Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

The letter begins with a clear title:

Print this post

Aunthor and theological overview of the first letter to the Thessalonians

The First Letter to the Thessalonians, as introduced in its opening, is described as “The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians.” Paul is the author of this letter, written while he was in Corinth. We know this because of the report Timotheus brought from Macedonia, sharing encouraging news about the spiritual progress of the Thessalonian church, including their growth in faith, love, and hope, which is mentioned in Acts 18.

Due to the difficulties in reaching them, exacerbated by opposition from Satan, Paul was compelled to write these two letters to the Thessalonians, providing instruction and encouragement, as well as addressing various issues. These letters were written only a few months apart.

This epistle consists of five chapters. The central themes in this letter can be summarized into three main points:

  1. Encouraging the saints to persevere in faith, especially in times of suffering.

  2. Providing guidance on the proper conduct expected of believers.

  3. Answering questions regarding the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead.

Let us look at each of these themes in more detail:

1) Persevering in Faith (Amid Suffering)

Paul begins by reminding the Thessalonians of the suffering he experienced while preaching the gospel among them, as well as the suffering they themselves were enduring. Despite these trials, he urges them not to lose heart or abandon their faith. He emphasizes that suffering is part of the Christian journey and encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, Paul writes:

“For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews” (ESV).

And in 1 Thessalonians 3:3, he reminds them:

“So that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this” (ESV).

Paul’s message is clear: suffering is part of God’s plan for the faithful, and rather than discouraging them, it should encourage them to remain firm in their faith.

2) Conduct Expected of Believers (Sanctified Living)

The second major theme of the letter is the call to live a life worthy of the calling they have received in Christ. Paul emphasizes several key aspects of Christian conduct:

  • Love and Holiness: Paul urges them to grow in love for one another and for all people, just as Paul himself had shown love toward them. This love should lead them to live lives that are blameless and holy before God.

    In 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, Paul prays:

    “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (ESV).

  • Control of the Body and Sexual Purity: Paul emphasizes the need for believers to live in sexual purity and self-control, refraining from passions and lusts that are contrary to the will of God (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

  • Work and Integrity: Believers should also lead a quiet life, working with their own hands, and showing proper conduct toward outsiders. In this way, they will avoid being dependent on others and will maintain their integrity.

    In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul writes:

    “And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (ESV).

  • Encouraging One Another: Christians are urged to support and encourage one another, helping each other persevere in the faith (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

  • Respect for Leaders: Paul also stresses the importance of honoring those who labor in ministry and leadership, acknowledging their hard work and respecting their authority in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

3) The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection of the Dead

In the third section of his letter, Paul addresses questions the Thessalonians had regarding the second coming of Christ and the fate of those who have died in Christ. They were concerned that those who had already passed away would miss out on Christ’s return, and Paul offers reassurance.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16, Paul provides comfort:

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (ESV).

Paul reassures the Thessalonians that the dead in Christ will not be forgotten. They will rise first when Christ returns, and those who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. This promise is a source of great hope for Christians, as it assures them of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ.

Furthermore, Paul emphasizes that the second coming of Christ will be sudden and unexpected. He likens it to a thief coming at night, where people will be saying “peace and security” just before the destruction comes upon them (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Paul urges believers to be vigilant:

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (ESV).

This emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness—being alert and living in holiness as they await the return of Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, the First Letter to the Thessalonians serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, live holy lives, and await the return of Christ with hope and vigilance. Paul urges the Thessalonians to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel, live lives that reflect the love and holiness of Christ, and be prepared for the sudden return of the Lord.

This letter provides timeless guidance for Christians on how to live out their faith in a world full of trials, urging them to persevere, grow in holiness, and remain hopeful in the promise of Christ’s return. It is a call to live in the light of God’s grace, ensuring that our actions, attitudes, and lives are aligned with His will as we await the glorious coming of our Savior.

May this letter continue to inspire and challenge all believers to live faithfully, with a deep hope in the return of Jesus Christ

Shalom.

Print this post

Archives

Search

Archives

Migawanyo