Understanding Romans 7:25 – Do We Serve the Law of Sin?
Question:
What is the meaning of Romans 7:25? Does it mean we continue serving the law of sin?
Romans 7:25 (ESV):
“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”
Explanation:
In Romans chapter 7, the Apostle Paul describes a profound and personal struggle between two realities:
-
His inner desire to obey God,
-
And the sinful nature (the flesh) that continues to wage war against that desire.
Paul is not making excuses for sin, nor is he promoting a life of spiritual defeat. Rather, he is revealing the deep conflict that exists in the life of every believer: the tension between the regenerate mind (which loves God’s law) and the unredeemed flesh (which is still prone to sin).
Paul’s Inner Conflict:
In Romans 7:19–20 (NIV), Paul says:
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”
This passage reveals the dual nature of the believer’s experience:
-
The “inner man” delights in God’s law (v.22).
-
But the “members of the body” are still influenced by sin.
This doesn’t mean Paul is justifying sin, but rather acknowledging that sin still resides in the body, even though the heart and mind have been transformed by Christ.
The Purpose of Romans 7:
Paul uses Romans 7 to show that the Mosaic Law, while holy and good (v.12), does not have the power to free someone from sin. In fact, it reveals sin more clearly, but doesn’t provide a solution.
Paul’s main point is to demonstrate the limits of human effort — that trying to fulfill the law in our own strength is impossible because of the power of sin that still works in our flesh.
Romans 7:25 – A Cry of Hope, Not Defeat
When Paul says, “With my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin,” he is not endorsing a double life. Instead, he is:
-
Acknowledging the ongoing presence of sinful impulses in the flesh,
-
While celebrating the deliverance that comes only through Jesus Christ.
This verse acts as a transition between chapters 7 and 8 — from the hopeless struggle under the law to the hopeful victory through the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8 – The Solution: Life in the Spirit
Paul doesn’t stop at chapter 7. He moves immediately to the solution in Romans 8:1–2 (NKJV):
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
In other words:
-
The law could point out sin,
-
But only the Holy Spirit can empower us to overcome it.
Theological Insight:
This conflict between flesh and Spirit is also explained in Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV):
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit… But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Here, Paul teaches that victory over sin doesn’t come from self-effort or law-keeping, but from a Spirit-filled life — one in which we submit daily to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion:
Romans 7:25 is not a statement of defeat — it’s a turning point.
Paul wants believers to understand that:
-
The battle with sin is real,
-
But we are not left helpless.
-
Through Jesus Christ, we are given the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in victory over the power of sin.
It’s a call to every believer to stop relying on their own strength and start walking in step with the Spirit.
Final Call:
Do you know how to walk in the Spirit?
If not, we invite you to learn more. Reach out through the numbers below to receive guidance and support.
Contact Us:
📞 +255693036618 / +255789001312
📲 Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
Share this message with others who need hope and encouragement.
If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your life today, contact us — it’s free, and it will change your life forever.
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.
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!
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.
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.”
How Did Peter and His Companions Recognize That Those Were Moses and Elijah?
Question: In Matthew 17:4, how were Peter and his companions able to know that those men were Moses and Elijah?
Answer:
Let us begin by carefully reading the passage in Matthew 17:1-4 (ESV):
1 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
4 And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”
Notably, the Scripture does not record Moses and Elijah explicitly identifying themselves. This implies that Peter and the others recognized them through another means—a supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit.
Theological Explanation:
The key theological insight here is the role of divine revelation (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις – apokalypsis), which is knowledge imparted by God to His people that cannot be attained by natural reasoning alone.
-
Revelation by the Holy Spirit:
Just as Peter was able to declare Jesus as the Christ because the Father revealed it to him through the Spirit (Matthew 16:15-17, ESV):15 “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’
16 Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
17 And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”Here, Jesus clarifies that spiritual truth about His identity comes only by God’s revelation, not human insight.
-
Recognition through the Word of God:
Peter and the others would have been familiar with Moses and Elijah through their study of the Torah and the Prophets, foundational Scripture for any devout Jew. Moses represented the Law, Elijah the Prophets. Their appearance at the Transfiguration symbolized the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets in Christ (Luke 16:16; Matthew 5:17). -
Prayer and the Presence of God:
The Transfiguration took place on a mountain, a biblical setting for divine encounters (Exodus 19:20; Psalm 2:6). It is fitting that God would reveal Himself there in a spectacular way to confirm Jesus’ messianic identity to His closest disciples. -
Role of the Holy Spirit in Revelation:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to perceive spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Without the Spirit, the disciples would not have understood the significance of what they saw.
Supporting Example — Revelation through the Spirit in Acts:
Peter’s spiritual sensitivity is further illustrated in Acts 10:17-21 (ESV), when the Spirit instructs him regarding Cornelius’s men:
17 “Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean,
18 behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and were standing before the gate.
19 And the Spirit told Peter to go with them without making any distinction.
20 These six brothers also accompanied him, and they entered the man’s house.
21 And Peter declared, ‘I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?’”
This shows how the Spirit gave Peter understanding and boldness to embrace God’s new revelation, just as at the Transfiguration He enabled recognition of Moses and Elijah.
Lessons for Believers Today:
-
Presence in Prayer: When we position ourselves in God’s presence, especially through prayer and meditation on Scripture, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s revelation (Psalm 25:14; John 14:26).
-
Study of Scripture: Knowledge of God’s Word is foundational for spiritual discernment. The Spirit does not contradict the Word but illuminates its truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
-
Assurance in Christ: Just as Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by revelation, believers today can be assured of salvation and hope in Christ by the Spirit’s witness (Romans 8:16).
Final Reflection:
Are you abiding in Christ, growing in the knowledge of Scripture, and open to the Spirit’s guidance? The same Spirit who revealed the glory of Moses and Elijah to Peter desires to reveal Christ to you personally.
“Maranatha!” — Come, Lord Jesus!
How Did the Lord Jesus Eat Butter and Milk?
(Based on Isaiah 7:14-15, ESV)
Question:
The prophecy in Isaiah says the Lord Jesus would eat butter and milk. How was this prophecy fulfilled?
Answer:
To understand this, we need to explore the meaning of this prophecy and how it relates to Jesus’ life and ministry.
Isaiah 7:14-15 (ESV) says:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
Here, “curds” (translated also as “butter” or “rich milk products”) and “honey” symbolize nourishment and abundance. Butter comes from milk, and Proverbs 30:33 (ESV) states,
“The stirring of milk produces curds, and stirring violence produces strife.”
This shows that butter (curds) comes directly from milk. Therefore, the phrase “butter and honey” poetically represents “milk and honey,” a biblical symbol of blessing and prosperity.
The Theological Meaning of “Milk and Honey” in Scripture
The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” is repeatedly used in the Old Testament to describe the Promised Land — a place of God’s provision, blessing, and abundance.
For example, Numbers 14:8 (ESV) says,
“If the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.”
This land was not just materially rich but spiritually significant: it was God’s promise of rest, provision, and blessing for His people. Milk and honey symbolize God’s abundant provision and the sweetness of His covenant blessings.
Jesus’ Journey from Egypt and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The children of Israel were delivered from Egypt and led into the Promised Land, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Hosea 11:1 (ESV) prophetically refers to Israel as God’s son called out of Egypt:
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:14-15 (ESV) shows this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ early life:
“So he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
Just as Israel was called out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and honey, Jesus was called out of Egypt and later lived in the land of promise.
Living According to God’s Will: Choosing Good and Rejecting Evil
Isaiah 7:15 highlights an important aspect of Jesus’ life:
“He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
This means Jesus, from childhood, distinguished between good and evil and chose to live righteously. His moral perfection qualified Him to fully partake in the blessings of God.
Deuteronomy 6:18 (ESV) commands God’s people:
“And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you…”
God’s promise of blessing (the land flowing with milk and honey) was conditional on obedience and righteousness.
Jesus perfectly fulfilled this requirement. Unlike many Israelites who failed to uphold God’s standards and thus lost blessings, Jesus always chose the good and rejected evil (Hebrews 4:15).
The Spiritual and Physical Blessings of Christ
Though Jesus lived a humble life without earthly wealth (Matthew 8:20), He was rich in spiritual blessings. The “butter and honey” He ate symbolize all the blessings He possessed—both physical sustenance and spiritual richness through the Holy Spirit.
Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV):
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
Jesus voluntarily embraced poverty on earth, but He was spiritually wealthy—filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and empowered to perform miracles that demonstrate the abundance of God’s grace.
Application: Entering Into Christ’s Blessings
By faith in Jesus, we share in His blessings. First, we receive eternal life—the ultimate spiritual blessing (John 3:16). Second, we receive God’s provision and blessings in our earthly lives according to His will (Philippians 4:19).
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey” — not only physically but spiritually, through salvation and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
Conclusion and Encouragement
The prophecy that Jesus would eat butter and honey is a beautiful symbol of His perfect righteousness and participation in God’s promised blessings. He fully lived in obedience, rejecting evil and choosing good, thereby fulfilling God’s covenant.
Although He lived simply on earth, His spiritual riches are immeasurable. When we receive Jesus, we enter into this same stream of blessings—eternal life and spiritual abundance.
May the Lord richly bless you.
Share this good news with others!
If you want to receive Jesus into your life or get daily teachings via WhatsApp, please contact us:
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10
Phone: +255693036618 or +255789001312
How old was Mary when she conceived the Lord Jesus?
The Bible does not explicitly state Mary’s age when the angel Gabriel visited her to announce that she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Neither does it provide details about her tribe or family lineage. These details are not emphasized in Scripture because they are not essential for our faith or salvation.
What Scripture reveals is that Mary was betrothed to Joseph (see Luke 1:27), which in Jewish culture typically involved young women in their teenage years—often between 12 and 16 years old. Being betrothed meant she was considered legally pledged for marriage, so she was mature enough to understand the significance of Gabriel’s message. Mary is described as “a virgin” (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27), highlighting her purity and the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception.
Theologically, Mary’s virginity fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah:
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV):
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This prophecy underscores the divine origin of Jesus, emphasizing that He would be born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit, signifying His unique identity as both fully God and fully man.
It is important to understand that Scripture focuses on Mary’s faith and obedience rather than her age or tribal affiliation. These “secret things” belong to God, as stated in:
Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV):
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
Some traditions elevate Mary beyond what Scripture teaches, attributing to her special powers or intercessory roles. However, the Bible presents Mary as a faithful servant of God, chosen for a unique purpose but still fully human and dependent on God’s grace, just like all believers.
Throughout Scripture, many faithful servants of God are honored, but none except Jesus Christ is worthy of worship. For example, Elijah was a man with a nature like ours:
James 5:17 (NIV):
“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
Even though Elijah was taken up to heaven, the Bible makes clear that he was human. Only Jesus is truly divine and the object of our worship because of His unique redemptive work.
Revelation 5:8-9 (ESV):
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”
This passage affirms Jesus’ worthiness of worship because He sacrificed Himself to redeem humanity.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been baptized in obedience to Him?
If not, today is the time to respond. Scripture warns us that these are the last days, and Jesus is near, ready to come into your life:
Revelation 3:20 (NIV):
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
May God richly bless you!
Please share this good news with others.
If you want free guidance on how to receive Jesus, please contact us at the numbers below.
To receive daily Bible teachings via WhatsApp, join our channel here:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10
Contact numbers: +255693036618 or +255789001312
WHO SHOULD WE SEE MOST WHEN WE READ THE BIBLE?
When you open your Bible, who captures your attention the most?
Is it Moses the lawgiver? Elijah the miracle-working prophet? David the warrior-king?
Or perhaps your preaching often focuses on Old Testament heroes and their inspiring deeds?
While these individuals play important roles in redemptive history, none of them are the main subject of the Bible. The Bible is not primarily about people—it is about a Person: Jesus Christ.
If human characters dominate your Bible reading and preaching, there’s a possibility your spiritual understanding is still limited (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:14–16). The Scriptures were written not to glorify men, but to reveal the glory of the Son of God.
Let us consider what the risen Christ Himself said:
Luke 24:25–27 (ESV)
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Notice: Jesus didn’t start with Moses or Elijah to honor them, but to explain how they were testifying about Him. The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings all point to Christ.
CHRIST: THE CENTRAL FIGURE OF SCRIPTURE
The unity of the Bible revolves around Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, the storyline unfolds God’s plan of redemption in Christ. Let’s examine how various prophets testified of Him—not just indirectly, but prophetically and clearly.
✦ Moses (the Law) spoke of Christ:
Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen.”
This is a Messianic prophecy. The “prophet like Moses” is fulfilled in Jesus (cf. Acts 3:22–23). Moses was a type; Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, Deliverer, and Mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 3:1–6).
✦ Samuel spoke of Christ as the eternal priest:
1 Samuel 2:35 (ESV)
“And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind.”
This looks forward to a greater priest than Eli’s sons—a priest who is eternal. Jesus is that High Priest (cf. Hebrews 7:23–28), who ministers in the true tabernacle.
✦ Isaiah prophesied the Incarnation and Deity of Christ:
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is not only the Son given, but also “Mighty God.” This is a clear assertion of Christ’s divinity and kingship.
✦ Micah foretold His birth in Bethlehem:
Micah 5:2 (ESV)
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
This verse affirms both Christ’s human origin (born in Bethlehem) and His eternal preexistence.
✦ David (Psalms) prophesied Christ’s suffering:
Psalm 22:18 (ESV)
“They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 27:35
“…they divided his garments among them by casting lots.”
Psalm 22 describes the crucifixion in astonishing detail—written 1,000 years before Christ.
✦ Hosea prophesied the calling of God’s Son:
Hosea 11:1 (ESV)
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 2:15
“…that what was spoken by the prophet Hosea might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
This shows how Israel’s story typologically points to Jesus—the true Israel.
✦ Jeremiah described the mourning in Bethlehem:
Jeremiah 31:15 (ESV)
“A voice is heard in Ramah… Rachel is weeping for her children.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 2:18, in the slaughter of infants under Herod.
✦ Zechariah predicted the Triumphal Entry:
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)
“Behold, your king is coming to you… humble and mounted on a donkey.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 21:5, as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
✦ Daniel saw Christ exalted as the “Son of Man”:
Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV)
“And behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man… his dominion is an everlasting dominion.”
Jesus referred to this passage about Himself repeatedly (cf. Matthew 26:64).
✦ Malachi foresaw the coming of the Lord to His temple:
Malachi 3:1 (ESV)
“The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”
Fulfilled when Jesus cleansed the temple (John 2:13–17).
✦ Jonah prefigured Jesus’ death and resurrection:
Matthew 12:40 (ESV)
“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
✦ Ezekiel promised the coming of the Spirit through Christ:
Ezekiel 36:26–27 speaks of a new heart and the Holy Spirit—fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2), made possible through Jesus.
✦ Amos foretold supernatural signs during the crucifixion:
Amos 8:9 (ESV)
“On that day… I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth.”
Fulfilled in: Matthew 27:45
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”
✦ Joel prophesied the outpouring of the Spirit:
Joel 2:28–32, fulfilled in Acts 2:16–21, after Jesus’ resurrection.
✦ Job longed for the Redeemer:
Job 19:25 (ESV)
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”
This is one of the clearest Old Testament affirmations of resurrection hope in Christ.
THEOLOGICAL CONCLUSION:
All the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings testify of Jesus Christ. He is the second Adam, the true Israel, the greater Moses, the perfect High Priest, the Davidic King, the suffering Servant, the glorious Son of Man, and the resurrected Lord.
John 5:39 (ESV)
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Until we see Christ as the central message of Scripture, we are reading the Bible incompletely.
Luke 24:44–45 (ESV)
“Then he said to them… everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)
“…until we all attain… the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
WHAT NEXT?
Let your eyes be opened to see Christ in every page of Scripture. Preach Him. Follow Him. Share Him.
If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your life or receive daily teachings via WhatsApp, you are welcome to connect:
🔗 Join our WhatsApp Channel
📞 Contact: +255 693 036 618 | +255 789 001 312
Maranatha – The Lord is coming.
The First Purpose of Being Chosen by God: To Know if and Do His Will
One of the most important questions a believer can ask is: Why did God choose me? Many people associate divine election with privilege, ministry, or spiritual gifts—but Scripture points us to a deeper and more foundational purpose: to know and live according to the will of God.
1. The Divine Purpose of Election
Let us begin with Ephesians 1:11 (NKJV):
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
This verse reveals that God’s choice of us—His elect—is not random or arbitrary. It is intentional and purposeful, according to the “counsel of His will.” In other words, election is not just about going to heaven—it is about fulfilling God’s purpose here and now.
2. Paul’s Calling: A Template for All Believers
We see this clearly in the calling of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 22:14 (NKJV), Paul recounts the words spoken to him by Ananias:
“Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.’”
The first purpose of Paul’s calling was not preaching, miracles, or writing epistles—it was that he might know the will of God. Before Paul could fulfill his mission, he had to personally encounter God and understand His desires.
This order matters: knowing precedes doing.
3. The Centrality of God’s Will in Salvation
Jesus Himself underscores this truth in Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV):
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
This passage is sobering. It shows that religious activity without alignment with God’s will is not only insufficient—it is condemned. Jesus does not recognize works done apart from a relationship grounded in obedience.
The will of God, then, is not optional—it is central to true discipleship and eternal life.
4. What Is the Will of God?
So what is this will that we are called to know and obey?
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 (NKJV), Paul makes it explicit:
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
a. Sanctification (Holiness)
God’s will is that we be set apart—not conformed to the sinful patterns of the world. Sanctification is both positional(we are made holy through Christ) and progressive (we grow in holiness through obedience, prayer, the Word, and fellowship).
See also Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV):
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God… And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
b. Self-Control and Purity
Part of sanctification includes honoring our bodies. Paul says we must control ourselves in holiness and honor—not indulge in lust or impurity. That includes how we dress, behave, and even how we treat our appearance.
The believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and defiling it dishonors God. This includes all sexual sin, immodesty, vanity, and self-harmful practices.
5. Living Out the Will of God
Knowing God’s will is not enough—we must live it. James 1:22 (NKJV) reminds us:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
True knowledge of God’s will always leads to action. It transforms our character, conduct, and priorities. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in obedience, but we must make the daily choice to follow.
Conclusion: Why Did God Choose You?
God chose you so that you would:
-
Know His will (Acts 22:14)
-
Do His will (Matthew 7:21)
-
Live a sanctified life (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Before you serve, preach, prophesy, or minister—first ensure that you are walking in His revealed will, which is found in Scripture and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
Ask yourself:
-
Do I know the will of God for my life?
-
Am I walking in holiness and obedience?
-
Have I allowed God to sanctify every part of me—body, soul, and spirit?
“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
Make your calling sure by aligning your life with His will.
