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What Does “Fat man” Mean Spiritually and Biblically?

 

In Judges 3:17, we read:

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

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

So this verse can be understood as:

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

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

📖 Jeremiah 50:11 – Judgment on Babylon

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

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

📖 Deuteronomy 32:15 – The Case of Jeshurun

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

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

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

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

This brings us to an important question for personal reflection:

Spiritually speaking—what are you increasing in?

Are you growing fat in righteousness or in wickedness?

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

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

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

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

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

The Call: Are You Sealed With the Holy Spirit?

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

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

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

✝️ Jesus Is Coming Soon – Maranatha!

The return of the Lord Jesus is imminent.

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

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

✅ Share This Message

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

Have you grown fat in wickedness or in righteousness?

The Lord is returning. Be found faithful.

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Did Jesus Go Up the Mountain After Six Days or Eight?

 

Question: The Gospels seem to differ—did Jesus go up the mountain after six days or eight?
In Matthew 17:1 and Mark 9:2, it says six days, but in Luke 9:28, it says about eight days. So which one is correct?

Let’s look at the passages closely:

Matthew 17:1 (NIV)
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”

Mark 9:2 (NIV)
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.”

Luke 9:28 (NIV)
“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.”

So, Which Is Correct—Six or Eight Days?

There is no contradiction here. Instead, the difference lies in how the days are being counted and what the author chose to emphasize:

  • Matthew and Mark count six full days after Jesus made the prophetic statement in Matthew 16:28 / Mark 9:1, where He said:

    “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
    (Matthew 16:28, NIV)

    They emphasize the interval between that prophecy and the day they ascended the mountain—which would be the seventh day, not included in the count.

  • Luke, however, uses more general language:

    “About eight days after Jesus said this…” (Luke 9:28)
    The word “about” (Greek: hosei) indicates an approximation. Luke likely includes both the day of the prophecy, the six full days that followed, and the day of the ascent—bringing the count to about eight days in total.

Therefore:

  • Matthew and Mark focus on six days between the prophecy and the transfiguration.

  • Luke offers a broader estimate that encompasses the entire period, from prophecy to fulfillment.

Why Is the Transfiguration Important Theologically?

The Transfiguration was a key moment in Jesus’ ministry. It offered the three closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God and a fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 17:2-3 (NIV)
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”

  • Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets.

  • The cloud that envelops them symbolizes the presence of God, much like in the Old Testament at Mount Sinai.

Matthew 17:5 (NIV)
“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”

This event fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 16:28 that some disciples would witness the coming of the Kingdom—not in its fullness, but as a preview of His glorified reign.

Spiritual Application: Are You Ready?

This event also points to the second coming of Christ in power and glory. The same Christ who was transfigured before their eyes is the One who will return to judge the living and the dead.

Luke 12:35-36 (NIV)
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet…”

Are your spiritual lamps burning? Or are you still living in sin—sexual immorality, drunkenness, spiritual compromise, or worldly distractions?

1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

These are the last days. The Holy Spirit is warning and calling. If you’re still delaying repentance or waiting for a personal encounter to believe—Jesus is already speaking through His Word, His people, and His Spirit.

Conclusion: There’s No Contradiction—Only Complementary Accounts

The Gospel writers each bring a unique perspective, but their message is unified:
Jesus is the glorified Son of God, and we must be spiritually alert and ready for His return.

2 Peter 1:16-17 (NIV)
“We were eyewitnesses of his majesty… He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory…”

Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.

Be ready. Stay holy. Let your lamp burn brightly.

📢 Share this message with others so they too can be ready for His return.

 

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

The letter begins with a clear title:

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Aunthor and theological overview of the first letter to the Thessalonians

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1) Persevering in Faith (Amid Suffering)

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

In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, Paul writes:

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

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

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

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

2) Conduct Expected of Believers (Sanctified Living)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Shalom.

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What Kind of Gift Is This That We Can’t Fully Describe?

Main Question:

What is this gift that we can’t properly describe or praise enough?

Answer:

The gift is Jesus Christ Himself. Paul writes in:

2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

The original Greek word translated as “indescribable” (“anekdiēgētos”) appears only once in the New Testament. It emphasizes something so wonderful and beyond comprehension that it cannot be fully expressed in words. Paul is pointing to God’s greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ, who encompasses the fullness of God’s grace.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus is consistently presented as God’s ultimate gift to humanity. He was not merely sent to save our souls but to restore the whole person—spirit, soul, and body—and to reconcile all of creation back to God (Colossians 1:19–20).

Romans 5:17
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

This verse shows that the gift of righteousness and grace through Christ enables us not only to be saved but to reign in life—to walk in spiritual authority, peace, and purpose.

Jesus: The All-Sufficient Gift

When Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 9, he is addressing generosity and God’s provision. He highlights that God’s blessings—both spiritual and material—flow through Christ. As believers, we experience abundance, not for selfish gain, but to become channels of blessing.

2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

This is rooted in Christ’s sufficiency. As Colossians 2:9-10 says:

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.”

In other words, Christ is everything. When God gave us Jesus, He held nothing back. In Him, we have all we need—for our salvation, daily provision, healing, wisdom, and eternal life.

Redemption Beyond the Spirit

Jesus’ redemptive work affects every aspect of life:

  • Spiritually: We are saved, justified, and made righteous (Romans 5:1).
  • Physically: He bore our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17).
  • Emotionally: He gives peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
  • Socially and Economically: He teaches stewardship, compassion, and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8–11).
  • Cosmically: He reconciles all things in heaven and on earth to God (Colossians 1:20).

This makes Jesus truly indescribable—He is the all-sufficient, all-encompassing, eternal gift from God.

God’s wisdom saw that humanity didn’t need a thousand temporary answers—we needed one perfect Savior. That’s why:

1 Corinthians 1:30
“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.”

So we say:

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Jesus is enough. He is our anchor, provider, healer, redeemer, and Lord. No one else compares to Him. We owe Him our lives, our worship, and our gratitude.

Share this good news with others. Let people know about the greatest gift ever given to humanity.

Glory, honor, and thanks be to God—forever and ever. Amen.

God bless you.

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Understanding 2 Corinthians 9:11–12: God’s Purpose in Blessing Us

2 Corinthians 9:11–12

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Explanation

1. God is the Source of Both Spiritual and Material Blessing

Paul begins this section by reminding the Corinthian believers that God is the provider. In verse 10, he says:

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed…” (2 Cor. 9:10)

This echoes the truth found in James 1:17:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

This shows that everything we have—our resources, money, time, skills—are gifts from God, and He gives them with a purpose.

2. The Purpose of Blessing: Generosity, Not Self-Indulgence

Paul clarifies why God blesses us:

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (2 Cor. 9:11)

The goal of prosperity is not luxury or selfish gain but kingdom generosity. Paul is echoing the Old Testament principle of caring for others, especially the poor and fellow believers (see Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…”).

Paul affirms this again in 2 Corinthians 9:8:

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times… you will abound in every good work.”

Blessing always carries responsibility. God entrusts us with resources so we may reflect His character—especially His generosity and care for the needy.

3. Generosity Leads to Thanksgiving and Glorifies God

Our giving is not only practical but spiritual. It causes people to thank and praise God.

“Through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:11)
“…overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Cor. 9:12)

This echoes Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Giving becomes a ministry that stirs worship in the hearts of others.

4. Giving is a Form of Worship and Obedience to the Gospel

Later in verse 13, Paul says:

“…because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ…” (2 Cor. 9:13)

Generosity is a fruit of genuine faith. It’s how we live out the gospel we confess. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a testimony.

5. Giving and Reaping: A Biblical Principle

Earlier in the chapter, Paul teaches the principle of sowing and reaping:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6)

This principle reminds us that God honors and multiplies what is given in faith (cf. Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you…”).

Conclusion and Exhortation

So, what is Paul teaching us in 2 Corinthians 9:11–12?

  • God blesses us—both spiritually and materially—not for selfish gain but so that we may bless others.
  • Our generosity meets needs, glorifies God, and demonstrates our faith in action.
  • Giving is part of our obedience, worship, and witness to the gospel of Christ.

Let us therefore pray:

“Lord, make us faithful stewards of everything You have entrusted to us. May our giving always reflect Your generosity and bring glory to Your name.”

Be blessed and be a blessing.

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Does the Lord Jesus Not Know the Day of His Coming? (Matthew 24:36)

Question:

Why does the Bible say that only the Father knows the day and hour of Jesus’ return, and not the Son? Especially since Jesus is God?

Answer:

Let’s carefully examine Matthew 24:36

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The Doctrine of the Incarnation and Kenosis

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:14). In becoming human (the Incarnation), He voluntarily limited some of His divine attributes in what theologians call the kenosis—a self-emptying described in Philippians 2:6-8:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

This means that during His earthly life, Jesus voluntarily refrained from exercising some divine prerogatives, including omniscience, to fully experience humanity.

Jesus’ Human Experience and Learning

Hebrews 5:7 highlights Jesus’ humanity and dependence on the Father:

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.”

Jesus experienced growth and learning just like any other human (Luke 2:46):

“After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.”

Thus, it is understandable that Jesus did not know the exact time of His return while living in human flesh.

Jesus’ Divine Authority After Resurrection

After His resurrection, Jesus was exalted and given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:16-18):

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'”

This means Jesus now fully exercises divine knowledge, including the knowledge of His return.

Additional Scriptural Evidence

  • John 21:22: Jesus said to Peter about John, “If I want him to remain alive until I come, what is that to you?” This indicates Jesus knew the timing of His coming.
  • Revelation 3:3; 16:15; 22:12, 20 further affirm Jesus’ authority over His return and the final judgment.

The temporary limitation of Jesus’ divine knowledge during His earthly ministry aligns with the theological doctrine of kenosis—He humbled Himself to fully experience human life. However, after His resurrection and exaltation, Jesus possesses full divine authority and knowledge, including the exact time of His second coming.

May God bless you.

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Author and Theological Overview of the Book of Philippians

Author: The Apostle Paul

Date Written: Around A.D. 60–62

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Author and Theological Overview of the book of Ephesians

As the book introduces itself—“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1)—it is evident that the Apostle Paul is the author of this epistle.

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome (see Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), making it one of his Prison Epistles, alongside Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Though addressed to the church in Ephesus, many scholars believe that this epistle may have also been a circular letter, intended to be read in several churches in the surrounding region, due to the general tone and lack of personal greetings.

Structure of the Book

Ephesians contains six chapters, which can be divided into two major thematic sections:

1. Chapters 1–3: Theological Foundations—Our Position in Christ

These chapters focus on the spiritual blessings and identity of believers in Christ. Paul emphasizes what God has done for us through Jesus Christ:

  • We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

  • We were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

  • We have redemption and forgiveness through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).

  • God has revealed His mystery and purpose in Christ—to unite all things in Him (Ephesians 1:9–10).

  • We were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee (Greek: arrabōn) of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30).

  • Salvation is by grace through faith—not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). This underscores the end of legalistic righteousness.

  • We were once separated, but now reconciled to God and to one another—the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken (Ephesians 2:14–16).

  • We are fellow heirs and members of the same body (Ephesians 3:6).

  • Paul prays that we may comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17–19).

These truths are meant to establish a believer in spiritual identity, security, and unity in Christ.

2. Chapters 4–6: Practical Application—Our Walk in Christ

This section deals with how believers should live in response to their new identity:

  • Believers are called to live in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:1–16), using their spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

  • Paul urges us to put off the old self—corrupted by deceitful desires—and put on the new self, created after God’s likeness in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22–24).

  • Instructions for Christian conduct:

    • Speak truthfully and avoid falsehood (Ephesians 4:25).

    • Be angry and do not sin; do not let anger control you (Ephesians 4:26).

    • Do honest work and share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

    • Use speech to build up, not to tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

    • Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

    • Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

  • Live in love, reject sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and crude speech (Ephesians 5:1–5).

    • “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure… has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

  • Expose the deeds of darkness, and walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8–11).

  • Avoid drunkenness, and instead be filled with the Spirit, expressing worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:18–20).

Instructions for Relationships (Ephesians 5:21–6:9):

Paul addresses various relational responsibilities:

  • Wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord.

  • Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:22–33).

  • Children are to obey and honor their parents, with a promise of blessing (Ephesians 6:1–3).

  • Fathers are to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

  • Servants (or workers) are to obey with sincerity, and masters (or employers) are to treat them justly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven (Ephesians 6:5–9).

Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10–20):

Paul concludes with a powerful metaphor of the Christian life as spiritual warfare:

  • We fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).

  • Therefore, believers must put on the full armor of God:

    • The belt of truth

    • The breastplate of righteousness

    • The shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace

    • The shield of faith, to extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one

    • The helmet of salvation

    • The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13–17)

  • All of this is to be supported by constant prayer (Ephesians 6:18).

Paul ends with personal remarks, mentioning Tychicus, who would deliver the letter and inform the Ephesians about Paul’s well-being (Ephesians 6:21–22).

Conclusion and Theological Reflection

The Book of Ephesians offers a rich portrait of Christian identity and responsibility:

  • The first half (Chapters 1–3) emphasizes what God has done for us in Christ—grace, redemption, unity, and spiritual inheritance.

  • The second half (Chapters 4–6) focuses on how we should live in response—in holiness, unity, love, and spiritual strength.

Key theological themes include:

  • Union with Christ

  • Salvation by grace through faith

  • The mystery of the Church

  • The unity of believers

  • Spiritual transformation

  • Christian ethics

  • Victory in spiritual warfare

As believers, we are not just saved for heaven, but for holy living now. The Christian life is not passive; it is a daily walk that must be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, rooted in truth, love, and spiritual discipline.

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

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BEGIN THE YEAR WITH PURPOSE AND SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS

Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we enter a new year, it’s important to pause and reflect—not just on our goals, but on the spiritual posture with which we begin the year.

One of the most sobering stories in Scripture is the account of King David’s fall into sin with Bathsheba. While David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), even he was not immune to temptation. The consequences of his choices were tragic, not just for him, but for others around him. And it all began with a small decision—one that seemed harmless on the surface.

2 Samuel 11:1 says:

“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.”

This single sentence sets the stage for David’s downfall. It was a time when kings went to war—but David stayed home. While his army was fighting, David was idle. That moment of spiritual passivity became an open door for temptation.

In verses 2–5, David notices Bathsheba, inquires about her, and eventually commits adultery with her. When she becomes pregnant, he tries to cover it up, and when that fails, he arranges for her husband, Uriah, to be killed. A single decision at the beginning of the year spirals into a chain of sins that brought deep grief and long-lasting consequences (2 Samuel 12:10–14).

This account teaches us a powerful theological truth: spiritual passivity leads to spiritual vulnerability. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:11–13 when he writes:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil… take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

The beginning of a new year is not just a fresh calendar—it’s a critical spiritual season. It’s not a time to be idle, distracted, or disengaged. It’s a time to rise up in prayer, to re-align ourselves with God’s will, and to engage in spiritual battle.

In the Bible, beginnings matter. In Genesis, God sets order to creation at the beginning. In Exodus, God begins the nation of Israel’s deliverance in a specific season. And in the Gospels, Jesus begins His ministry by withdrawing for prayer and fasting (Luke 4:1–2). Starting well spiritually matters.

That’s why at the beginning of the year, we are called to:

  • Engage in prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:6,17)
  • Gather with God’s people in worship (Hebrews 10:25)
  • Stand guard against spiritual laziness (1 Peter 5:8)
  • Seek God’s guidance for the year ahead (Proverbs 3:5–6)

If David had chosen to go to battle with his men, as was customary for kings, he might have avoided the situation that led to his greatest moral failure. His story serves as both a warning and an encouragement for us to be spiritually alert and active—especially at key transition points like the start of a new year.

May the Lord help us not to coast into the new year, but to begin it with purpose, prayer, and power. Let us not stay behind when we are called to the frontlines of spiritual warfare. Let us press forward in faith, trusting in God’s grace and protection.

Shalom.

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