Don’t Insult the Spirit of Grace
There is a profound danger in taking the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for granted or treating it lightly. In the Old Testament, when God spoke to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, His glory was so overwhelming and terrifying that the people refused to approach the mountain directly. Their fear was so great that they begged Moses to be their mediator. The mountain was enveloped in fire, smoke, and thunder signs of God’s holy presence and even animals that touched it had to be put to death (Exodus 19:12-13).
This Old Testament imagery is contrasted in the New Testament book of Hebrews, where the author explains that believers today approach a greater and heavenly reality. The author of Hebrews, writing to Jewish Christians familiar with Sinai, presents Mount Sinai as a symbol of the Old Covenant marked by law, fear, and judgment, while Mount Zion represents the New Covenant, characterized by grace, the presence of Christ, and the assembly of the redeemed.
Hebrews 12:18–25 (ESV) says:
“For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest,
and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.
For they could not endure the order that was given, ‘If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.’
Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ‘I tremble with fear.’
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,
and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
This passage underscores a key theological truth: Under the New Covenant, we come not to a physical mountain with terrifying judgment, but to Mount Zion, the heavenly city where God’s presence is mediated through Jesus Christ. This new covenant is established by the blood of Jesus, which speaks better than the blood of Abel a reference to Jesus’ perfect sacrifice that brings true reconciliation, unlike the unjust bloodshed of Abel’s murderer (Genesis 4:8-10).
The author warns believers to not reject the voice of Christ who speaks from heaven, because rejection leads to a judgment far worse than that experienced by those who refused God at Sinai.
This brings us to a vital New Testament exhortation found in Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV):
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, 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.”
Here, “work out your salvation” doesn’t mean earning salvation by works but living it out with reverence and seriousness. The “fear and trembling” reflects awe and respect for God’s holiness and the real spiritual consequences of our choices. Salvation is a divine work initiated and empowered by God Himself, but it requires our continual cooperation and careful obedience.
The grace we receive through Jesus Christ is truly a gift, but it is not a license to sin. Grace is often misunderstood as God’s leniency that allows ongoing sin without consequence. However, Scripture clearly teaches otherwise.
2 Peter 2:20–22 (ESV) warns:
“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy command delivered to them.
What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘The sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.’”
This describes the tragic state of those who have genuinely known Christ and His truth, yet deliberately return to sinful living. Theologians call this “apostasy” a willful turning away from the faith. It is a grave spiritual danger.
Many today claim to live “under grace,” thinking this means God will overlook persistent sin. This is a serious misunderstanding. The devil exploits this false teaching to trap believers into spiritual ruin.
Hebrews 10:26–29 (ESV) delivers a sobering warning:
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?”
To “outrage the Spirit of grace” is to show contempt for the very Spirit who grants us forgiveness and empowers our holy living. This is not a light matter this passage warns of judgment so severe it eclipses Old Testament penalties.
May God bless you.
Set Your Minds on Things Above, Not on Earthly Things”
Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV):
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This is not a passive suggestion it is an active pursuit. We are called to prioritize the Kingdom of God in every aspect of our lives.
Seek the Kingdom Like a Hidden Treasure
Just as one searches diligently for treasure or precious metals, we are commanded to pursue divine wisdom with that same intensity. Proverbs 2:3–5 (NIV) says:
“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.”
Let your daily pursuit be the eternal things not status, wealth, or fleeting pleasures.
Don’t Let Earthly Things Distract You from Eternal Life
The temporary pleasures and trials of this world can become stumbling blocks if we let them. But as Jesus warned in Matthew 16:26 (NIV):
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Whether you’re rich or poor, healthy or sick, God calls everyone to focus on eternity.
Examples from Scripture: Earthly Status Is No Excuse
1. Solomon – A Rich Man Focused on God
Though King Solomon was one of the wealthiest men to ever live, he deeply contemplated divine wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV), he concludes:
“Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Solomon reminds us that material wealth is meaningless apart from a relationship with God.
2. Daniel – A Leader Who Prayed Without Ceasing
Daniel held a high political office in Babylon, yet he faithfully prayed three times a day. Daniel 6:10 (NIV):
“Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Even at great personal risk, Daniel prioritized his relationship with God above his position.
3. Lazarus – A Poor Man with Heavenly Riches
In Jesus’ parable (Luke 16:19–31), Lazarus was a poor man who had nothing in this life but gained everything in eternity. Luke 16:25 (NIV):
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’”
Lazarus did not let poverty separate him from God he lived as a spiritual pilgrim.
4. The Suffering Saints – Trials Did Not Derail Their Faith
Many of God’s faithful have endured severe trials illness, persecution, or deep personal loss but kept their minds fixed on Heaven. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NIV):
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Final Reflection
So what about you?
Are you seeking the things above? Are your thoughts centered on Christ and His Kingdom? No matter your circumstances wealthy or poor, healthy or sick nothing in this world is worth losing your soul over.
Philippians 3:20 (NIV) reminds us:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
—Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
God bless you.
ARE YOU A TRUE SEED OF CHRIST?
Jesus spoke as follows:
Matthew 13:24-30 (NKJV)
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;
25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.
27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’
28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’
29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
Matthew 13:36-43 (NKJV)
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Understanding the Parable:
In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who sows good seed in his field. However, while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the plants grew, the tares also appeared, leading the servants to ask if they should gather them up. The master replied to let both grow together until the harvest, at which time the tares would be separated and burned, and the wheat gathered into the barn.
Theological Insights:
- The Field Represents the World:
The field in the parable symbolizes the world, indicating that the kingdom of heaven is present and active in the world, not confined to a specific place or group. The good seed represents the sons of the kingdom, those who have received the gospel and are living according to God’s will. In contrast, the tares represent those who follow the evil one, living in opposition to God’s purposes . - Coexistence of Good and Evil:
A central theme of the parable is the coexistence of good and evil in the world. The presence of both wheat and tares growing together reflects the tension between the kingdom of heaven and the forces of darkness in the present age. While the kingdom has been inaugurated through Jesus Christ, it is not yet fully realized. In the interim, evil persists and threatens to undermine God’s work. However, God’s wisdom and timing allow both to grow until the final harvest . - Divine Patience and Judgment:
The master instructs the servants to let both the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. This reflects God’s patience and long-suffering nature, allowing time for repentance and redemption (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). However, the final judgment will come, and there will be a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The tares will be burned in the fire, illustrating the certainty of divine judgment at the end of time . - The Role of Angels:
The parable emphasizes that the separation of good and evil is not the responsibility of humans but will be carried out by God’s appointed agents the angels. This reflects the principle that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. While humans may not always discern the difference between the righteous and the wicked, God knows the hearts of all people, and the angels will execute His will perfectly .
May God bless you.
What Is Wisdom? And Where Can Understanding Be Found?
A Theological Reflection from Job 28 (NIV)
In a world overflowing with information, innovation, and intelligence, the Bible confronts us with a haunting question:
“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (Job 28:12, NIV).
Job 28 offers a poetic and deeply theological meditation on the mystery of wisdom its elusiveness and divine origin. It contrasts human ability to extract earthly treasures with our utter inability to discover true wisdom through our own effort.
Human Achievement vs. Divine Wisdom
Humankind has learned to mine precious metals, tunnel deep into the earth, and explore space:
“There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains.”
Job 28:1–2, 9 (NIV)
Today, this might include exploring space, manipulating DNA, and developing artificial intelligence. But for all our progress, the deepest question remains unanswered:
“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.”
—Job 28:12–13 (NIV)
Even the natural world oceans, skies, mountains offer no answer. Wisdom is beyond nature and inaccessible to human endeavor.
“The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’”
Job 28:14 (NIV)
“It cannot be bought with the finest gold… The price of wisdom is beyond rubies.”
Job 28:15, 18 (NIV)
This reminds us of the doctrine of divine revelation: certain truths cannot be discovered through reason alone but must be revealed by God.
Wisdom Belongs to God Alone
When all of creation and human effort fail to locate wisdom, the text climaxes with a powerful declaration:
“God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells.”
Job 28:23 (NIV)
This reinforces a central theme throughout Scripture: true wisdom is not a product of human inquiry but a gift of divine disclosure. Only God, who sees all and governs all, can reveal wisdom.
What God Revealed to Humanity
God does not leave us guessing. He tells us directly:
“And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”
Job 28:28 (NIV)
This is one of the most theologically significant verses in the Old Testament, echoed throughout the Wisdom Literature:
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
The “fear of the Lord” refers not to terror, but to reverence, awe, and a life of obedience. It means honoring God as Creator, Lord, and Judge and living in alignment with His will.
Solomon: A Cautionary Example
King Solomon, though famed for his extraordinary wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34), eventually failed to uphold the wisdom God gave him. He violated God’s commands by marrying foreign wives and worshiping their gods, despite God’s clear instruction:
“The king… must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.”
Deuteronomy 17:17 (NIV)
His life illustrates that earthly wisdom and knowledge, apart from God, ultimately lead to vanity. Solomon lamented:
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2:10–11 (NIV)
In the end, Solomon’s final words summarize the truth of Job 28:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)
Christ: The Fulfillment of God’s Wisdom
The New Testament reveals something even deeper: Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s wisdom.
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)
In Christ are hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He is the wisdom that Job longed for, the wisdom that Solomon misused, and the wisdom that brings eternal life.
So when we ask, “Where is wisdom found?” the ultimate answer is not just in fearing God, but in coming to know Christ, in whom God’s wisdom is perfectly revealed.
