Title May 2025

Why Paul’s Letters Still Matter Today — With Theological Insight

 

A Common Question:
“Paul’s letters were written a long time ago to specific churches like Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, and to individuals like Timothy and Titus. Why should we treat them as if they’re meant for us? How can they still be God’s Word for today?”

A Real-World Analogy: Einstein’s Letter

To answer that, let’s look at a true historical example.

In 1939, Albert Einstein, a brilliant physicist, wrote a private letter to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In it, he warned that Nazi Germany might be developing nuclear weapons. Einstein included the scientific principle (formula) behind building such a weapon. This letter led to the formation of the U.S. atomic program and ultimately to the creation of the atomic bomb, which was tested in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

But what’s fascinating is that the impact of Einstein’s letter didn’t end with the U.S. president. Eventually, parts of it were leaked. Countries like Russia, India, Pakistan, and France later used the same nuclear principles to build their own bombs—even decades later.

Why? Because truth doesn’t expire. A powerful discovery is useful not only to the person it was first given to, but to all who understand and apply it. Even today, Einstein’s formula influences nuclear science worldwide.

The Biblical Parallel: Paul’s Letters

In the same way, Paul’s letters (also called epistles) may have been addressed to churches and individuals in the first century—but their truths are eternal and Spirit-breathed. What Paul wrote was not just cultural advice or personal opinion. It was divinely inspired teaching meant to instruct, rebuke, correct, and train God’s people across all generations.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16, ESV

Though Paul was writing to specific churches (like Corinth, Ephesus, etc.), the Holy Spirit knew that those words would be needed by future believers—including us today.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4, ESV

In fact, the New Testament epistles are God’s blueprint for the Church—on how to live holy lives, understand salvation, walk in the Spirit, love one another, and withstand false teaching.

Spiritual Warfare: Then and Now

The early churches battled spiritual deception, immorality, division, legalism, and persecution. Sound familiar? We face the same battles today—often worse.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…”
Ephesians 6:12, ESV

That’s why we need the same “spiritual weapons” the apostles gave to the early Church. We fight with the truth of God’s Word, not human strength.

Paul’s letters provide spiritual formulas—like Einstein’s formulas—to build up believers and defeat the enemy. But if we dismiss them as outdated or irrelevant, we’re like a nation refusing to defend itself with proven military knowledge. The enemy will overpower us.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV

A Warning About Lukewarm Faith

And here’s the deeper issue: Have you truly received Jesus? Or are you just “religious”?

Many people read Scripture, go to church, or talk about God, but their hearts are still far from Him. They’re lukewarm—half-hearted, spiritually asleep.

Jesus warned:

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15–16, ESV

This is serious. We’re living in the last days. The trumpet could sound at any moment. Eternity is near. All earthly things will fade—but only those rooted in the Word of God will stand.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Matthew 24:35, ESV

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8, ESV

Conclusion: Why Paul’s Letters Matter

Paul’s letters still matter today because:

  • They are God’s Word, not man’s opinion.

  • They are Spirit-inspired for all generations.

  • They contain spiritual blueprints for victory, maturity, and holiness.

  • They speak directly to the struggles of our time—perhaps more now than ever before.

Call to Action: Fully Surrender to Jesus

So, have you genuinely given your life to Jesus—or are you just living a “church life” without true transformation?

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24, ESV

Repent. Turn from lukewarm Christianity. Embrace the cross. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. And take God’s Word seriously—not as a relic of the past, but as the living voice of God speaking right now.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 3:15, ESV


May the Lord bless you, fill you with truth, and equip you for victory through His Word.

Print this post

Sacrifice Removes the Effects of Death

A sacrifice offered according to the guidance of God’s Word holds profound spiritual power for the one who offers it. While some issues can be resolved by prayer alone, others require the combined power of both prayer and sacrifice.

Let us consider the biblical account to deepen our understanding.

When the prophet Samuel was called to anoint David as king in place of Saul, the Scriptures reveal his deep fear about this mission.

Why was Samuel afraid? Because King Saul was jealous and fearful of losing his throne. The anointing of another king implied Saul’s rejection by God and threatened his life. Jealousy and anger can provoke deadly responses, so Samuel feared that Saul would kill both him and the chosen successor.

Yet, God’s sovereign plan was to anoint David without bloodshed or harm to His servants. How was this accomplished? Through the involvement of a sacrifice.

Let’s read the passage from 1 Samuel 16:1-3 (ESV):

“The LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’
But Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.’ And the LORD said, ‘Take a heifer with you and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.”
And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You shall anoint for me the one I name to you.’”

Here we see the sacrificial offering was not just a ritual but a divine strategy. The sacrifice served as a cover, a spiritual shield protecting Samuel and David during a dangerous mission.

Theological Significance of Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the Old Testament often pointed forward to a deeper spiritual reality. It was a tangible expression of repentance, dependence, and communion with God. Sacrifices acknowledged human sinfulness and the need for atonement. They also symbolized life offered back to God as an act of worship.

In this story, the sacrifice also functioned as an intervention against the power of death and evil forces. The “cords of death” (Psalm 18:4, ESV: “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me”) were loosened by the offering. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the spiritual realm is affected by acts of worship and obedience.

Spiritual Dynamics of Offering

When a believer offers a sacrifice or special offering to the Lord, moved by revelation and a heart surrendered to God—not pressured by human demand or distress—spiritual blessings flow. The chains of sin and death are broken. God’s grace and protection are released.

It is important to give these offerings where the Lord is worshiped and honored—such as in the church or places dedicated to God’s work (cf. Malachi 3:10, ESV: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…”), because the place of God’s presence is where grace and spiritual authority reside.

Giving to others (like friends or the poor) is good and blessed, but the Lord’s offerings belong to Him and should be brought to Him according to biblical instructions.

Set apart a special portion for the Lord as a sacrifice of worship, in addition to your generosity towards the needy. This dual practice reflects God’s order and honors His sovereignty.


May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you offer your life and gifts in reverent obedience to Him!


Print this post

Understanding Proverbs 1:20 – “Wisdom Raises Her Voice in the Public Square”

Proverbs 1:20–21 (ESV) states:

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.”

This passage vividly portrays wisdom as a person who openly calls out to all people, inviting them to hear and receive her counsel. Theologically, wisdom in the Bible is far more than human knowledge or intellectual skill. It is a divine attribute—God’s own ability to discern, judge, and govern rightly on earth.

Biblical Examples of Divine Wisdom

  • Creation by Wisdom: Proverbs 8:22–31 (NASB) reveals that wisdom was present with God before creation and was actively involved in the formation of the heavens and the earth:
    “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth… When He established the heavens, I was there…”

  • Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:9–12, Solomon humbly asked God for wisdom to govern His people well, and God granted him unparalleled wisdom. This shows that divine wisdom is a gift from God, not merely a human achievement.

  • Daniel’s Wisdom: Daniel 1:17 describes how God gave Daniel knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and in Daniel 2:20–23, Daniel acknowledges God as the source of all wisdom and revelation.

Wisdom Personified in Christ

The Bible also personifies wisdom as a person, and this person is ultimately Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) declares,
    “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
    This shows that Christ embodies the fullness of divine wisdom.

  • Colossians 2:3 (NASB) affirms,
    “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
    Christ is the inexhaustible source of true wisdom, surpassing all earthly understanding.

How Do We Receive This Wisdom?

To receive divine wisdom, one must encounter Jesus Christ personally. To “see” wisdom means to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, as Romans 10:9 (ESV) explains:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Following Jesus by walking in His ways is the path of living out divine wisdom in daily life.

Where Is This Wisdom Found?

Proverbs 1:20–21 describes wisdom’s voice being raised in public spaces—markets, city gates, and busy streets. Theologically, this corresponds to the preaching of the Gospel, which is God’s wisdom revealed to humanity and proclaimed openly to all.

Jesus commands His followers to preach the Gospel everywhere (Mark 16:15), and the church fulfills this by sharing the message in public spaces—on streets, marketplaces, gatherings, and through modern media.

The Urgency and Universality of the Gospel Call

The wisdom of God is available everywhere and at all times. The real issue is not the absence of wisdom but the rejection of it by many. Proverbs 1:24–28 warns of the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call.

Anyone who believes in Christ opens the door to true understanding and eternal life, unlocking God’s mysteries and transforming their life.


May God bless you richly as you seek His wisdom and walk in His truth.

Print this post

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: What’s the Right Way to Interpret Scripture?


Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two Greek terms that describe opposing methods of interpreting Scripture. Understanding the difference between them is essential for sound theology and faithful biblical teaching.


1) Exegesis

The term exegesis comes from the Greek word exēgeomai, meaning “to lead out.” In biblical interpretation, it refers to drawing out the original meaning intended by the author, using context, grammar, historical background, and literary analysis. It’s a disciplined, objective method that allows Scripture to speak on its own terms.

Theological foundation: Exegesis reflects the principle of Sola Scriptura that Scripture is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16, ESV)

Hermeneutical tools used in exegesis include:

Historical context (Who was the author? To whom was it written? What was the setting?)

Literary context (What genre is the text? How does the passage fit within the surrounding text?)

Original languages (Greek/Hebrew meaning and grammar)

Covenantal framework (Understanding where a text fits in redemptive history)


2) Eisegesis

From the Greek eis (“into”) and hēgeomai (“to lead”), eisegesis means “to read into the text.” This approach imposes one’s own ideas, experiences, or cultural assumptions onto the Scripture. It can result in misinterpretation or distortion, even when done with sincere intentions.

Theological risk: Eisegesis contradicts the biblical command to rightly handle the Word of Truth.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15, ESV)

This approach can produce personalized interpretations disconnected from the author’s intent, often leading to doctrinal error or spiritual confusion.


A Practical Example: Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28, ESV)

Exegetical meaning: In the context of first-century Judaism, Jesus was addressing the heavy burden of legalism imposed by the Pharisees (see Matt. 23:4). The “rest” He offers is spiritual rest freedom from the oppressive weight of trying to earn righteousness through works. Ultimately, it points to salvation by grace through faith in Him (cf. Hebrews 4:9–10).

Eisegetical misuse: Some may interpret “burdens” as modern troubles like stress, debt, or family problems while that may feel applicable, it misses the text’s original meaning. The personal application is valid only after the core message is understood.

Cross-reference:
“For we who have believed enter that rest…” (Heb. 4:3a, ESV)
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)


Why This Matters

God can, at times, use a verse to speak personally or prophetically to someone—but we must never elevate subjective impressions above biblical truth. Scripture must first be allowed to interpret itself.

“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20, ESV)

Common Errors from Eisegesis

Claiming the “Mark of the Beast” in Revelation 13 refers to COVID-19 or a modern vaccine. Revelation must be interpreted using symbolic apocalyptic language, rooted in first-century context and not modern fear.

Imitating Jesus’ miracles (e.g., using spit and mud in John 9:6–7) as a normative practice. That miracle was a unique act of divine authority, not a prescribed method for healing. The New Testament model for ministry is to operate under Christ’s name and authority:

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col. 3:17, ESV)


Conclusion: How to Stay Theologically Sound

To be faithful interpreters of God’s Word:

  1. Begin with exegesis understand the original intent through proper study.
  2. Apply Scripture carefully after understanding its meaning, then explore how it applies to your life.
  3. Guard against twisting Scripture to fit personal agendas or emotions.

This is the only way to rightly divide the Word of truth, teach others faithfully, and remain anchored in biblical doctrine.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2, ESV)


May the Lord bless you.

Print this post

God Removes Both the Root and the Stream of Trouble

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Welcome to this study of the Word of God  a light for our path and a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105, ESV).

1. God’s Deliverance is Complete: Root and Stream

When God steps in to deliver His people, He doesn’t just fix the visible problem  He uproots it completely and dismantles every hidden structure supporting it. In other words, He removes not just the source of the trouble, but also the flow or system through which the trouble is sustained.

This is a consistent pattern throughout Scripture.


2. Case Study 1: Herod’s Plot Against Jesus

When Jesus was born, King Herod sought to destroy Him (Matthew 2:13-16). But God intervened by sending an angel to warn Joseph in a dream:

“Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
Matthew 2:13, ESV

Joseph obeyed. Later, when Herod died, the angel appeared again to Joseph, saying:

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
Matthew 2:20, NIV

Notice: the angel didn’t say “Herod is dead,” but “those” (plural) are dead. This implies Herod was not acting alone. There were collaborators — possibly officials, informants, or religious leaders who shared his agenda. Herod was only the head of the octopus, but the tentacles had to be removed too.

God ensured that the entire network that posed a threat to Jesus was eliminated   both the root and the ripple effects.


3. Case Study 2: Haman and the Jews in Persia

In the book of Esther, Haman plotted genocide against the Jews (Esther 3:8-15). Although Haman was executed, the threat remained because his evil decree was still in place.

Queen Esther and Mordecai intervened, and the king allowed the Jews to defend themselves. As a result, not only was Haman destroyed, but also 75,000 enemies across the kingdom who had aligned with his plan:

“The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them… In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men… The rest of the Jews killed seventy-five thousand of them, but did not lay their hands on the plunder.”
Esther 9:5-16, NIV

Just like Herod, Haman was not alone. He was the visible face of a much broader spiritual and social threat. God permitted a full cleansing of the system that had been built to destroy His people.


4. Spiritual Insight: The Enemy is Often a System, Not Just a Person

In spiritual warfare, we must understand this key truth:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12, ESV

What looks like a personal attack is often part of a greater satanic structure. When someone opposes your calling, your ministry, or your walk with God  that person may be just the tip of the spear. Behind them could be demonic influence, generational bondage, or systemic evil.

And when God’s appointed time comes, He doesn’t only deal with the person   He tears down the entire system.


5. God’s Methods of Deliverance Are Diverse

Many assume God must destroy their enemies physically. But that’s not always His way.

God can:

  • Relocate your enemies (Exodus 23:28-30)

  • Relocate you to a safer place (Acts 8:1-4)

  • Transform your enemies into friends (Acts 9:1-20 — Saul becomes Paul)

  • Silence or neutralize their influence (Daniel 6:24)

  • Change hearts (Proverbs 21:1)

Proverbs 16:7 (ESV):

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

So, God’s deliverance may come through death, displacement, transformation, or reconciliation  but it always results in peace.


6. What Should You Do?

Instead of obsessing over what prayer to pray to “destroy your enemies,” focus on aligning your life with God.

When your life pleases Him:

  • He removes the threats you see

  • And the ones you don’t see

Psalm 34:15 (NIV):

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.”

1 Peter 3:12 (ESV):

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Live righteously, and God will take care of both the Herods and their networks.


7. Have You Received Jesus Christ?

True peace begins when you make Jesus the Lord of your life. If Jesus returned today, would you be with Him?

If not, we invite you to receive Him today. Eternal life and divine protection begin at the cross.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12, ESV


Conclusion:

Whenever God intervenes in your life, He works thoroughly. He removes not only the obvious threat but also the underlying current. His goal is full restoration and peace.

Live a life that honors Him, and you’ll experience His complete deliverance.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3, ESV


 

Print this post

THE WINNOWING FORK PASSES BY

Shalom,

Do you know what a winnowing fork (Pepeto) is and what its purpose is?

Let us return to Matthew 3:11-12 (ESV):

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”


Agricultural Context and Spiritual Symbolism

A winnowing fork—known in Swahili as Pepeto—is a farming tool shaped somewhat like a pitchfork (uma). Farmers use it to toss wheat into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter husks (chaff), allowing the heavier grain (wheat) to fall back down, separated and purified.

Traditionally, many communities use a flat tool (nyungo) to winnow grains like rice or wheat, throwing the grain up so the wind separates the chaff. However, wheat farming required the Pepeto because the grain mixture was heavy with chaff and impurities. The Pepeto enabled a more thorough separation.


Theological Reflection

Spiritually, the wheat represents the Word of God, pure and life-giving, while the chaff represents falsehood, lies, and deception—particularly false dreams, visions, and prophecies that arise especially in the last days.

Jeremiah 23:25-28 (ESV) warns against false prophets:

“I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’
How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart,
who plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal?
Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD.”

The Lord contrasts the Word of God (wheat) with empty, deceptive visions (straw or chaff). False prophecy is worthless in God’s eyes because it does not lead to true repentance or salvation.


The Role of Jesus Christ as the Winnowing Fork

Jesus Christ is Himself the winnowing fork who separates true believers—those rooted in His Word—from false teachers and hypocrites who follow lies. This separation is a divine act of judgment and purification.

Theologically, this winnowing signifies the final judgment, where the Holy Spirit distinguishes between what is eternal (wheat) and what is temporal or false (chaff). This theme aligns with Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God and eschatology—the study of end times.

Mark 8:36 (ESV) reminds us of the ultimate cost:

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

False promises of worldly prosperity, when bought at the cost of truth and holiness, lead to eternal loss. The real harvest is not earthly wealth, but eternal life grounded in God’s Word.


The Final Harvest and Judgment

The “harvest” Jesus speaks of is the end of the age, when God will gather His people and judge the wicked.

Matthew 13:29-30, 40-42 (ESV) says:

“But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’…
As therefore the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

This passage teaches the certainty of divine judgment and the separation of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous—like the wheat—are gathered into God’s eternal kingdom, while the wicked—like chaff—are destroyed.


Conclusion and Prayer

We live in the last days when the Pepeto is already passing through the fields of humanity. The Holy Spirit is separating true believers who live by God’s Word from those deceived by false visions.

May the Lord grant us discernment to recognize His Word, faithfulness to follow it, and courage to reject the lies of the enemy.

Let us pray:

“Father, purify Your Church as the farmer purifies his wheat. Help us to be like the wheat, rooted in Your Word, and not like the chaff that is blown away. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and keep us faithful until the day of harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”


Print this post

HOW ACTS OF FAITH CAN GIVE YOU A NEW IDENTITY


May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be praised forever.

Did you know that acts of faith can transform your identity giving you a fresh start and opening new doors of favor and authority?

Let’s consider the biblical example of David and Goliath. Before David defeated Goliath, he served in King Saul’s palace, playing the harp to soothe Saul whenever an evil spirit troubled him.

1 Samuel 16:21-23 (ESV) says:

“David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. Whenever the harmful spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take the harp and play it. Saul was refreshed and well, and the harmful spirit departed.”

This shows that David was already trusted by Saul, who appointed him as his armor-bearer a position of closeness and responsibility (cf. 1 Sam. 16:21). Yet, despite this acceptance, David’s true identity and authority had not yet been fully revealed or realized.

After David’s courageous act of faith in defeating Goliath, Saul’s response reveals a shift in recognition: he asks, “Whose son are you?” (1 Sam. 17:58 ESV), indicating that David’s victory had unveiled a new dimension of his identity and calling.

Theologically, this highlights how faith-activated obedience to God’s calling leads to a deeper revelation of who we are in His plan. David’s victory over Goliath symbolizes the believer’s triumph over sin, fear, and obstacles through reliance on God’s power (cf. 1 John 5:4).

1 Samuel 17:54-58 (ESV) recounts:

“David took the Philistine’s head to Jerusalem. When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he asked, ‘Whose son is this youth?’… David answered, ‘I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.’”

This new acknowledgment reflects how a decisive act of faith opens doors to divine favor and changes social and spiritual status. David’s courage brought him into a new realm of God’s blessing and human recognition.

Furthermore, 1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV) says:

“Jonathan’s soul became bound to David’s soul, and Jonathan loved him as himself.”

This deep friendship reflects the spiritual bond and transfer of favor and authority, showing how faith and obedience can also affect relationships and community standing.

The “Goliath” in your life represents any formidable obstacle sin being the chief adversary (Romans 6:12-14). Sin hinders our progress and conceals the favor God desires to pour upon us. But when we confront sin through faith and repentance turning away from all sinful behaviors as genuine repentance requires (Acts 3:19) we defeat that Goliath.

True repentance isn’t merely asking for forgiveness; it involves a heartfelt turning from sin and separation from influences that encourage it (2 Corinthians 7:10). This may include distancing oneself from unhealthy relationships, activities, or even attire that invites temptation.

By “putting on the new self” in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24) and “arming yourself with the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), you not only defeat your personal Goliaths but also step into a new identity marked by God’s favor and blessing.

So, what giant are you facing today? What act of faith will you take to claim your new identity in Christ?

Shalom.


Print this post