Author: Believers of Biblical Truth

At Believers of Biblical Truth, we are wholly committed to preaching the unfiltered, uncompromised truth of God’s Word. Our ministry, firmly grounded in scripture, relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not the influences of a sinful world. As we present the Bible’s teachings, we do so in the spirit of 2 Timothy 3:16, which reminds us that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Through each message, we seek to present the truth in a way that is faithful to God’s inerrant Word and pleasing in His sight, guided by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, as instructed in John 16:13: “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” Our sermons are not designed to entertain or tickle ears; they are solemn presentations of God’s direction and commands for our lives. In today’s world, where truth is often distorted to fit human desires, we emphasize reliance on the Holy Spirit and scripture alone. We heed the warnings of Ephesians 6:11-12 to “put on the whole armour of God,” that we may “stand against the wiles of the devil,” choosing to remain steadfastly in the Word, rejecting Satan’s deception, and grounding ourselves in God’s eternal truth. We believe in using scriptural authority to address life’s toughest issues, with an unwavering dedication to God’s truth. Each sermon is followed by a round-table discussion where our dedicated team addresses questions with the utmost care, ensuring that every answer reflects God’s wisdom. We invite all who are seeking clarity to email us at thebbt2021@gmail.com, where questions are welcomed, encouraged, and answered thoughtfully by our team. This ministry is a place for growth, correction, and alignment with God’s Word, as we strive to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by spreading the gospel boldly. We recognize the Bible’s call not to engage in foolish arguments but rather to focus on edifying one another and upholding the truth. As 2 Timothy 2:23-24 counsels, we are to “avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they do gender strifes,” and to serve as “the servant of the Lord,” who “must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” The Bible’s truths are absolute, not subject to human desires or interpretations. We stand by the conviction that “truth is not hate,” even if it brings discomfort. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,” and we believe that its power should be wielded in love to draw others to the cross, not as a weapon of condemnation but as an invitation to eternal life in Jesus Christ. In a world often at odds with the gospel, we are compelled to preach the unchangeable truth, recognizing that the only relationship of lasting value is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our virtual church is enriched by the insights of great theologians who have profoundly influenced Christian thought, including Calvin, Wesley, Gill, Henry, Luther, Edwards, Ellicott, Spurgeon, Baucham, Grudem, Barnes, Clarke, Benson, MacArthur, Graham, N.T. Wright, Keener, Fee, Bruce, McKnight, deSilva, and Sproul, along with others who have faithfully articulated the gospel. Though we rely on these wise voices, our foundation remains the Bible itself, and we uphold the teachings of those who reinforce its truths. Stay connected with Believers of Biblical Truth for regular teachings and discussions: Facebook: facebook.com/believersofbiblicaltruth Blog: fromthecrosstothechristian.wordpress.com At Believers of Biblical Truth, we are here to spread the gospel with clarity, conviction, and reverence. Prepare to be challenged by God’s Word as we seek to “walk in truth” (3 John 1:4) and draw closer to Christ in spirit and in truth.

Today’s Daily Bible Verse: Why Endure Unto the End?

June 12, 2025

Matthew chapter 26 verse 24:
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

VERSE CONTEXT

Judas Iscariot was not a stranger to Christ. He wasn’t a confused Pharisee or a deceived Roman. He was hand-picked by Jesus after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12–16). He was a disciple, a follower. He witnessed miracles. He sat under Jesus’ direct teaching. He was given power, along with the other apostles, to cast out devils and heal diseases (Matthew 10:1). He was even trusted with the money bag (John 12:6). In every visible way, Judas was a believer. But he wasn’t just a backslider. He was a betrayer.

That final night, at the Last Supper, Jesus looked across the table and said: “Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me” (Matthew 26:21). Each disciple, with trembling, asked, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas said, “Master, is it I?” (v. 25). That word matters. The others called Him Lord. Judas called Him Master. He was close, but not submitted. He followed, but didn’t obey. And then Jesus said what should freeze every soul: “Thou hast said.”

Then came verse 24—today’s daily Bible verse:

“Woe unto that man… it had been good for that man if he had not been born.”

This is no metaphor. Jesus; the Lamb, the Savior, the Redeemer, is saying it would’ve been better for Judas to never exist than to betray the Lord and face what comes next. That is hell. That is eternal, conscious, damnation. Let no one say, “Jesus would never send anyone to hell.” He said this.

Judas didn’t stumble into apostasy. He walked into it with full knowledge. When he kissed Jesus in the garden, Jesus still gave him a chance: “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” (Matthew 26:50). But Judas was already gone, spiritually dead, even while breathing.

After the betrayal, the Bible says Judas repented himself (Matthew 27:3), but not toward God. It was guilt, not godly sorrow. There was no faith, no appeal to Christ, no tears like Peter’s. He gave the silver back to the priests and went and hanged himself.

Acts 1:18 says, “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” The horror of his end mirrored the horror of his betrayal. But death was not the end. Acts 1:25 confirms where he went: “…that he might go to his own place.” That phrase has long been understood to mean hell, his appointed destination. He didn’t just fail. He quit and turned back. And that matches the warning in Hebrews chapter 10 verse 26:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift… if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance…”

So why do we tell this story today? Because there are people reading this who are on the edge. You’ve been hurt. You’ve been disappointed. You feel like giving up. But today’s verse tells you why you must not quit. There is no safety outside of Christ.
There is no reward for those who turn back. There is no second chance after deliberate apostasy. You must finish the race. You must endure. You must stay the course. Let Judas be the eternal reminder that knowing Christ is not enough.
You must follow Him to the end.

Broader Context

When we consider the story of Judas Iscariot and the terrifying statement made by Jesus in Matthew 26:24, “It had been good for that man if he had not been born”, we are reminded that walking away from the truth after knowing it is not only possible but eternally deadly. This reality should sober every believer, especially those going through immense pain and suffering. Life can break a person in ways they never expected. But the broader testimony of Scripture answers, not always with why it happened, but with what we must do in response: endure. The pain is real, but so is the command to stay faithful.

The Bible doesn’t hide the hardship of life. In fact, it tells us plainly in Colossians chapter 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” This is not optional. It is survival. The believer who places their hope in anything on this earth, health, family, career, even church leadership, will be devastated when that thing falls. And it will fall. Loved ones die. Bodies fail. Dreams are crushed. But Jesus remains, and we are commanded to keep our eyes fixed above. If our affection is set on heaven, then even in tragedy we are not destroyed. That’s what Paul meant when he said in Second Corinthians chapter 4, “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” His “light affliction” wasn’t light by human standards. He was beaten, shipwrecked, left for dead, betrayed, and imprisoned. But he called it light, because he measured it against eternity, not against comfort.

When Jesus said Judas would have been better off never being born, He wasn’t being dramatic. He was being honest. Hell is real, and Judas is there now, not because he sinned, but because he turned back and never returned. That is the danger we face if we allow suffering to uproot our faith. Hebrews chapter 10 verse 26 warns, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” This is not about losing salvation like a dropped coin. This is about rejecting Christ after knowing Him, knowing the gospel, sitting under the Word, seeing God’s goodness, and then walking away. There is no sacrifice left for that person, only a fearful judgment. Judas didn’t just fall into sin. He hardened his heart. That’s why Hebrews 6 says it is impossible to renew some again to repentance. The Holy Spirit doesn’t jump in and out. If you reject Him knowingly, you reject Him eternally.

But not every story ends like Judas’. There are believers who’ve endured immense suffering and stayed faithful. One such man was Horatio Spafford. He was a wealthy Christian lawyer whose real estate investments were destroyed in the Chicago fire. Shortly after, his four daughters died in a shipwreck. As he sailed over the very waters where they drowned, he wrote the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” That’s not myth. That’s real. In the depth of loss, he held firm to his Savior. He didn’t let tragedy drive him away from God, he let it anchor him deeper. That’s what we must do. We must not quit. We must not let grief or confusion become our permission slip for unbelief. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 10 verse 22, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Not he that starts the race, not he that shows promise, but he that finishes. That verse wasn’t written for the strong, it was written for the weary. For the woman crying in a silent house. For the man who just buried his child. For the worker who dreads waking up tomorrow. It was written for you, and for me.

The pain we feel is not proof that God has abandoned us. It is the fire that reveals where our hope truly rests. Some people will suffer and curse God. Others will suffer and cling to Him all the more. The difference is not strength, it’s faith. The faith that endures is the faith that saves. Peter failed Jesus too, but Peter wept and returned. Judas failed and walked into the night. The choice is ours every time tragedy hits: walk away in bitterness, or fall on our knees in trust. And make no mistake, God sees the choice. He does not forget it. There is no eternal reward for temporary faith. There is no crown for those who put their hand to the plough and look back. Only those who endure to the end will be saved.

APPLICATION

For the Believer

If you are walking through deep pain, grief, confusion, or weariness, this message is for you. You are not alone in wondering why God seems silent or why tragedy has struck your life. Many faithful believers have cried out in agony asking why God would allow them to lose a spouse, bury a child, endure disease, or feel abandoned in the midst of heartbreak. These are not signs of weak faith. These are the battles of real faith. Let the pain press you into Christ, not push you away. Let the storm drive you to your knees, not back into the world. If Judas teaches us anything, it is this: to be near Jesus, to know the truth, to taste grace, and then to throw it away, is a greater sin than to have never known at all. But if you stay the course, if you hold fast when everything else falls, then Jesus, the same Judge who condemned Judas, will welcome you with arms wide open and say, “Well done.” Finish well. Heaven is worth it.

The pain you carry may not be your fault, but what you do with it is your responsibility. Judas allowed his guilt and confusion to pull him away from Jesus. Instead of returning in repentance, like Peter, he walked into the darkness and never came back. He stopped believing that forgiveness was possible. He stopped trusting that Jesus was still the answer. He tried to fix it himself, and it destroyed him. The message for the believer is simple but serious: you must finish. Jesus doesn’t reward those who begin the race, He crowns those who endure to the end. Your tears are real, but they are not excuses to let go of the Savior.

You may feel crushed by grief. You may be angry. You may feel numb. But if you still call Jesus your Lord, then you cannot walk away. You must stay the course, even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts. Because the crown is not given for comfort, it’s given for faithfulness. Hold on, even if all you can do is whisper His name.

Call to Action

If you are hurting, don’t isolate. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop reading your Bible. Don’t let pain drive you to bitterness. Surround yourself with truth, not with noise. Get around people who will point you back to Christ, not feed your doubts. Confess your sorrow to the Lord, and ask Him to keep your heart soft. Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, stay planted in a church that preaches the truth. You may not feel strong, but you don’t need to be strong, you just need to endure. Finish the race. Finish with Jesus. Don’t be like Judas. Be like Peter. Weep if you must, but return.

For the Unbeliever

If you are reading this and you have not fully surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, do not think that knowing about Him is the same as knowing Him. Judas knew Jesus. He heard His voice. He followed Him for years. But he never believed in Him as Lord. His heart was never changed. And when his world fell apart, he had no faith to fall back on. He tried to fix his guilt by returning the silver, but without repentance, there is no salvation.

This is your warning. If you’ve heard the gospel, if you know that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and yet you continue to delay, you are playing with eternal fire. Judas delayed. Judas hardened his heart. Judas died without Christ. And Jesus Himself said it would have been better if Judas had never been born. Don’t let that be you.

There is still time. Right now, God is giving you one more chance to believe. But you do not know if you’ll get another. Do not walk away from the truth. Do not turn your back on the only One who can save you. You are not promised another hour. Repent today. Believe today. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ while the door of mercy is still open. Because the day will come when it is not.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with trembling hearts and tear-stained eyes, knowing that life on this earth can shake us to the core. But Lord, even in our grief, even in our pain, help us never to walk away from You. Let the sorrow we carry drive us to our knees, not out the door. Strengthen every weary believer who is reading this today, those who feel like giving up, those who are angry, those who are overwhelmed. Remind them, Lord, that You are still with them, even when You feel distant. That Your Word is still true, even when life feels cruel. That You are still faithful, even when the storm has not passed.


Help us to endure. Help us to finish. Keep us from becoming like Judas, Lord. Give us the faith to return like Peter. Give us the endurance to follow like Paul. Give us the hope to worship like Job. Let not one soul reading these words fall away. And for those who have not yet surrendered to Christ, break through the hardness of their hearts and let this be the day they repent and believe. We ask this in the holy and righteous name of Jesus Christ, the Savior who never fails. Amen.

CLOSING

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved, so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.

Today’s Daily Bible Verse:

June 11, 2025

Second Chronicles 15:7
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

Verse Context:

This powerful word was spoken by the prophet Azariah to King Asa of Judah during a time of national instability and spiritual reform. God had sent Azariah with a message to encourage Asa as he sought to rid Judah of idolatry and restore true worship. The prophet reminded Asa that although others had forsaken the Lord and faced hardship, those who seek Him will find Him (see 2 Chronicles 15:2). The final word of the message is this verse, a divine reassurance to stay strong, keep working, and not give up.

In this verse, we find a timeless encouragement:
“Be ye strong therefore” — This is a direct call to courage and perseverance. In Hebrew, the word for “strong” here is chazaq (khah-ZAHK), which means to grow firm, to be resolute, to seize hold with confidence.


“Let not your hands be weak” — The phrase paints a picture of someone whose hands are drooping from exhaustion, whose arms are tired from labor. But God says: Do not let weariness cause you to stop. The work is not in vain.


“For your work shall be rewarded” — God promises that faithfulness, even when unseen by others, will be seen and rewarded by Him. In Hebrew, the word for “rewarded” is sakar (sah-KAHR), meaning wages, compensation, or divine repayment.

This verse is especially important for anyone in ministry, parenting, service, or spiritual battle. It declares: Your work matters. God sees it. Keep going.

Broader Context:

Second Chronicles 15 is a chapter of revival. Asa, the king of Judah, had courageously torn down idols and commanded the people to seek the Lord. His reforms faced opposition, and revival is never easy. But in the midst of this, the Lord sent Azariah to remind him that God is with those who are with Him (2 Chronicles 15:2). The chapter recounts Asa’s faithful response: he was strengthened by the prophecy, continued the work, and even entered into a covenant with the people to seek the LORD wholeheartedly.

The entire book of Second Chronicles was written for the post-exilic Jews returning from Babylon. Its purpose was to remind them—and us—that faithful obedience and wholehearted worship of the true God always brings His presence and blessing. This particular verse was meant to encourage weary hands to keep building, keep trusting, and keep walking with the Lord even when it’s hard.

Application:

Appreciating God’s Greatness:

This verse shows that God is not a passive observer but an active rewarder of those who do good in His name. He knows when you’re tired, discouraged, or tempted to quit. And He personally sends words of life; like this one, to strengthen you. It shows His grace, kindness, and intentional encouragement toward His people.

For the Believer:

Sometimes believers feel like their efforts are going unnoticed, whether it’s in ministry, family, prayer, or resisting temptation. But this verse is a heavenly reminder that God sees, and your spiritual persistence will be rewarded. The Lord doesn’t miss a single faithful step. When others forsake Him, when society chooses idols, when your hands tremble from exhaustion, you stay strong. He is watching, and He is working.

Call to Action:
Keep going. Don’t let weariness convince you to quit. Strengthen your hands through prayer, worship, and the Word. Keep teaching, keep parenting, keep serving, keep obeying, keep resisting sin, keep standing for truth. You are not working in vain. You are not fighting alone. Be strong therefore… for your work shall be rewarded.

For the Unbeliever:

To those who haven’t yet turned to the Lord, this verse shows that God rewards those who seek Him. But you cannot expect His reward without first seeking His righteousness. Stop striving for the world’s rewards. They will all pass away. God is calling you to something better; eternal life, peace, purpose, and a reward that cannot fade. But it starts with surrender and repentance. Today is the day to stop laboring for things that do not last and begin serving the One who does.

Final Encouragement:

If you’re tired today, if you’re holding onto faith while feeling like no one sees; God sees. He strengthens the weary. He honors the faithful. This is not the time to let your hands hang low. This is the time to grip the plow, stand in the gap, finish the race. Be strong… for your work shall be rewarded.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for seeing our efforts even when no one else does. Thank You for the promise that our labor is not in vain. Strengthen the hands that are tired today. Renew courage in the hearts that feel like quitting. Fill us with resolve to press on, to trust You, and to continue doing what is right in Your sight. Help us to work as unto You and not unto man, and remind us each day that You are our rewarder. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Closing:

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved, so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE: Never Give Up!

June 10, 2025

Second Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Verse Context

The Apostle Paul wrote Second Corinthians to defend his ministry, affirm God’s power in human weakness, and strengthen the church’s resolve amid trials. Written around AD 55–56, this letter addresses a church Paul dearly loved but had to correct. In chapter 4, Paul speaks about the nature of true ministry, it is not glamorous, easy, or self-promoting. Rather, it is grounded in God’s mercy, upheld by His Spirit, and carried out despite affliction.

The phrase “this ministry” refers to the ministry of the New Covenant (see 2 Corinthians 3), where believers serve not by the letter of the law, but by the Spirit, bringing life, not death. Paul reminds us that his endurance isn’t based on strength, charisma, or applause, but on the mercy he has received. He doesn’t quit (we faint not) because his calling came from the God who gave him mercy, not man.

As Charles Hodge (1797–1878, Presbyterian theologian) noted: “The mercy received by ministers is the constant source of their strength and the ground of their perseverance.”

Broader Context

Second Corinthians is one of Paul’s most emotionally transparent letters. It oscillates between pain and encouragement, conflict and hope. Chapter 4 contrasts the frailty of human vessels (“earthen vessels,” verse 7) with the power of God who works through them. Paul is reminding all Christians that the work of the Gospel is not accomplished through personal ability or public praise, it’s driven by mercy, sustained through grace, and displayed in perseverance even when unseen.

Verse 1 sets the tone for the entire chapter: ministry is hard, but it is also anchored in mercy. Therefore, we do not give up.

Paul later writes in Second Corinthians 4:8–9:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

These verses show the real weight Paul carried, and why “we faint not” is not a casual phrase, it’s a declaration of faith in action.

A personal note: I was recently discussing scripture with a human friend, my best friend, and felt myself getting upset. We all must be careful to allow the scripture to talk to us, and not to talk to it. What I mean is, God gave us the word to have and to follow, but also to guide us to our deeper understanding of its meaning. Sometimes we have to dig deep and sometimes we have to trust that God means simply what He says. We get into this habit of interpreting the Bible. This is a delicate exercise because we do not want to interpret it in such a way that it allows us to be wrong. That is us talking to scripture. We want to interpret what the write is saying not what we are saying. At the end, I am called by God, no matter who thinks what. I am also a sinner. God, not man, is my refuge. We cannot lose heart, we must endure.

Application

1. Appreciating God’s Greatness

God does not call us to serve Him because of our strength. He entrusts us with ministry because of His mercy. Whether you are a pastor, teacher, parent, or quiet intercessor, your labor is not in vain because He sustains it. The greatness of God is seen in the fact that He continues His work through broken vessels like us, and gives us the strength not to faint.

2. For the Believer

This verse speaks to the wearied servant, the one who has faced criticism, exhaustion, and obscurity. Today’s reminder is simple: You have this ministry. Not someone else’s. Not a hypothetical one. The one God has given you, sustained by His mercy.

Call to Action:
Reflect on what God has entrusted to you, your household, your testimony, your prayer life, your ministry, your witness, and remember it is yours because of mercy. Don’t give up. God didn’t choose you based on your strength. He called you in mercy, and that mercy still holds you today.

3. For the Unbeliever

This verse reminds you that the Christian faith is not about earning or deserving a role. It’s about receiving mercy. Ministry isn’t for the perfect; it’s for the redeemed. If you are exhausted from trying to fix your life without peace or purpose, Jesus offers mercy, and through that mercy, a life of eternal purpose. Accept Him today, and you too will “faint not.”

Final Encouragement

No matter how tired, rejected, or small you feel, if God has placed you in ministry—any ministry—He will carry you by mercy. Mercy is not the beginning of ministry—it is the foundation of endurance. And because of that, you faint not.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the ministry You have given each of us. Whether public or private, visible or hidden, it is a gift of Your mercy. Strengthen us today to not give up—to press on, not in our own strength, but in the mercy that saved us. Encourage the discouraged. Renew the weary. Empower the hesitant. Let Your mercy be the fuel of our obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved, so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE: Be Alert for the False Prophet

June 9,2025

Second Corinthians 11:13–14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

VERSE CONTEXT

The Apostle Paul wrote Second Corinthians as both a defense of his apostleship and a pastoral plea to the believers in Corinth not to be swayed by deceivers. By the time we arrive at chapter 11, Paul is warning the church about individuals who pretend to represent Christ but in fact serve the purposes of Satan.

The phrase “false apostles” refers to individuals who claim spiritual authority but do not preach the true gospel. These are not misguided teachers—they are deceitful workers, intentionally leading others away from truth. The Greek word for false here is pseudos, meaning lying, counterfeit, intentionally deceptive. Paul says they are transforming themselves, which means they take on an outward appearance of truth, but it’s all a disguise.

This builds to verse 14: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” The word marvel means don’t be shocked or amazed. The devil doesn’t show up with horns and a pitchfork—he shows up wearing a suit, smiling, and quoting Scripture out of context. He disguises himself as a bringer of truth, light, and comfort, but his purpose is destruction.

This verse drives home the most important lesson in spiritual discernment: If Satan himself disguises as a messenger of light, then of course his servants will appear as preachers, teachers, authors, influencers, and even worship leaders.

BROADER CONTEXT

Second Corinthians as a whole deals with Paul’s pain over the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church. They had become infatuated with flashy speakers, charismatic personalities, and human wisdom. Chapters 10–13 are often called Paul’s “fool’s speech,” where he uses irony and deep emotion to expose the corruption of false teachers.

Chapter 11 is especially urgent. Paul compares false teachers to the serpent who beguiled Eve (11:3), showing that their danger lies not in open heresy but in subtle perversion of truth. The phrase “another Jesus” (11:4) refers to distorted gospels that may use biblical terms but twist their meanings.

This context mirrors our current age:

  • “Jesus loves you” becomes license for sin.
  • “God wants you to prosper” replaces the call to take up your cross.
  • “Follow your heart” is packaged as spiritual wisdom, even though Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Paul exposes the danger of spiritual naivety. He wants the church to grow up, sharpen their discernment, and recognize that not all who claim to speak for God are from God.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness

God has not left us defenseless. He has given us His Word, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), so that we can discern truth from error. His greatness is seen in the clarity and authority of Scripture. The more we know His Word, the less likely we are to be deceived by the devil’s disguises.

For the Believer

Stay vigilant. We are in a spiritual battlefield, not a playground.
Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”


Call to Action:

Test every sermon. Evaluate every Christian book. Question every so-called “Christian influencer” on social media. Compare every doctrine to the whole counsel of God’s Word. If it doesn’t align with Scripture—reject it, no matter how nice it sounds.

Examples of today’s false teachings include:

  • Women preaching in pulpits, contrary to 1 Timothy 2:12.
  • Churches that affirm sin in the name of love.
  • Prosperity gospel teaching that turns God into a genie.
  • Universalism, which denies hell and undermines Christ’s atonement.
  • Legalistic groups teaching salvation by works rather than grace.

For the Unbeliever

False teachers are not just deceiving Christians, they are also keeping unbelievers in chains by giving them a false sense of salvation or peace. If you’ve been told that being a good person is enough, or that all paths lead to God, you’ve been lied to. Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Turn away from man-made religion, emotional hype, and twisted doctrines. Turn to Jesus Christ alone. He is the Truth, and He is the only one who can set you free from sin and deception.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

God’s people must walk in the light, but never be blind to the enemy’s schemes. The devil doesn’t mind if you go to church, read the Bible, or say Christian things, as long as you never repent, never obey, and never actually know Jesus. Be wise. Be watchful. Be grounded in the truth, and the truth will keep you from falling.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your truth that guards our hearts and minds in this age of deception. Help us to recognize false teachings, no matter how sweetly they’re packaged. Give us discernment, Lord, and a hunger for Your pure Word. Protect our children from the lies of Satan, and strengthen Your church to stand boldly on the truth of Scripture. We ask for courage to speak the truth in love, wisdom to avoid error, and a heart that delights in You alone. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

CLOSING

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved—so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.

Today’s Daily Bible Verse: Satan is In the Church Too

June 6, 2025

First Timothy 4:1–2
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

VERSE CONTEXT

The apostle Paul, a seasoned preacher and church planter, is writing to his young spiritual son Timothy (Tih-muh-thee), who is now a pastor in the city of Ephesus (Eh-feh-sus)—a place known for idol worship, worldly pleasures, and deep spiritual confusion. Paul writes to encourage Timothy and to warn him—and the whole church—that false teachers and spiritual deceivers will absolutely come. And they won’t just be outside the church; they’ll come from within.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly…”

This means the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is making something very clear, loud and direct. This isn’t a whisper or a quiet impression. It’s not just Paul’s opinion. Paul is saying, “Pay attention, God is warning us directly!”

Word Picture for a child: Imagine a firefighter shouting through a bullhorn: “Fire is coming—get out now!” That’s what “speaks expressly” means. It’s not a suggestion; it’s an urgent warning to protect you.

“…that in the latter times…”

The phrase “latter times” refers to the time period between Jesus’ resurrection and His return, so we’re in those times right now. But Paul especially means the final chapters of this age, when truth will be harder to find, and deception will become stronger. Think of this as the last part of the race, when you’re the most tired, but the danger is the greatest. That’s the “latter times.”

“…some shall depart from the faith…”

This doesn’t just mean people leaving a church building. It means turning their hearts and beliefs away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. A key verse that demands attention by those being told that once you are saved you are always saved. That is a lie straight from the lips of satan. They once claimed to believe the truth, but they were led away from it by something more attractive, more popular, or more comfortable, their fleshly desire for sin. This is like a kid walking off the path in a dark forest because he thinks he hears music or sees a shortcut, but he’s actually walking away from the light and toward danger. The path was good. It was not always smooth and straight. It went uphill and downhill. But it was the path that he knew would lead home. Then he allowed himself to be distracted with this noise. Then he started to think about that noise and became interested and curious in the noise. So he pursued the noise. Soon, the safety of the path could not keep him and his desire for sin cost him eternal life.

“…giving heed to seducing spirits…”

To “give heed” means to pay attention to or listen closely to something.
Seducing here means enticing, charming, or tricking someone by making something dangerous sound beautiful or exciting. These aren’t human spirits. These are evil spirits, working behind the scenes to whisper lies that sound like truth.

Word Picture: Think of a fisherman dropping shiny bait into the water. The fish thinks it’s food, but there’s a hook hidden inside. That’s what a seducing spirit does; it puts a hook in a lie and hides it in something that looks good. So when someone hears, “God wouldn’t really judge people,” or “The Bible doesn’t mean that anymore,” they’re listening to the same kind of evil seducing spirit that told Eve, “Ye shall not surely die.”

“…and doctrines of devils;”

Doctrines means teachings or beliefs. And these aren’t just bad opinions; Paul says they come from devils. The word “devils” in the Bible refers to demons, the fallen angels who followed Satan when he rebelled against God. So “doctrines of devils” are demonic teachings; things demons want people to believe so that they won’t follow God’s truth. These teachings might sound loving, inclusive, or even spiritual, but they deny what God has said. They might include: “All religions lead to the same God” or “Love is love, God just wants you to be happy” or “God won’t punish anyone, it’s all grace.” These are not just wrong, they are demon-inspired lies meant to lead people to eternal death.

Word Picture: It’s like drinking from a beautiful cup filled with poison. Just because it’s shiny doesn’t mean it’s safe.

“Speaking lies in hypocrisy…”

The false teachers Paul is warning about are not just mistaken, they’re two-faced. They preach things they know aren’t true, or that they don’t even follow themselves. This is hypocrisy, pretending to be something you’re not. Example: A man might tell others to be holy, but he’s secretly living in sin. He lies, smiles, and sounds spiritual, but God sees his heart.

“…having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”

This is a very powerful image. The conscience is the part of you that knows right from wrong. But Paul says these people’s consciences are seared, like when you burn skin so badly it becomes numb, hard, and scarred.

Word Picture: Imagine touching a hot stove and getting burned. If you kept burning your hand again and again, it would eventually lose all feeling. That’s what happens to the heart when people keep rejecting God’s truth.
They can’t feel guilt anymore. They stop caring. They defend evil and mock good.

This verse is not just a warning about other people, it’s a warning to us, too. If we ever start thinking, “Maybe that part of the Bible doesn’t apply anymore…” or “Maybe God wouldn’t actually punish someone for that…”, we need to check our hearts immediately, because we might be listening to a seducing spirit.

BROADER CONTEXT

The Book of First Timothy is one of Paul’s pastoral epistles, written around A.D. 62–64 while Paul was in Macedonia. He wrote it to Timothy, a young pastor left in charge of the church at Ephesus (Eh-feh-sus). Ephesus was a city steeped in idol worship, particularly of the goddess Diana (or Artemis), a place overflowing with false religion, sexual immorality, and spiritual confusion. Paul knew that this church, planted in a dark culture, would face attacks from within and without.

In First Timothy chapter 4, Paul turns Timothy’s attention to spiritual deception, especially how false teachings will increase as the church age continues. He warns that many people, even those who once claimed to be part of the faith, will fall away because they listen to lies. These lies will sound spiritual and morally kind, but they will deny God’s truth, twist Scripture, and call evil “good.”

Paul doesn’t just warn Timothy; he charges him to stand firm, teach the truth boldly, and train others to stay grounded in sound doctrine. He reminds him to reject profane and old wives’ fables (1 Timothy 4:7) and to be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (verse 12). The whole chapter is about guarding the truth, protecting the sheep, and recognizing deception, especially when it disguises itself as righteousness.

Common False Teachings Today (Doctrines of Devils)

Paul says these false doctrines are not just mistakes, they are from devils. The following teachings are modern examples of what Paul warned about:

  1. Women as Pastors or Preachers in Authority over Men
    • First Timothy 2:12 says: “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”
    • Yet today, many churches openly defy this. That’s not progressive, that’s rebellion.
    • Paul warned that such teachings are departures from the faith.
  2. Universalism (Everyone Will Be Saved)
    • This teaching claims a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell. But Jesus said in Matthew 7:13–14 that “broad is the way that leadeth to destruction” and many are on it.
    • To deny hell is to call Jesus a liar, and that’s demonic.
  3. Prosperity Gospel (Health and Wealth)
    • This lie teaches that if you have enough faith, God will make you rich and healthy. But Second Timothy 3:12 says: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
    • The apostles were poor and persecuted, not flying in jets.
  4. Affirming Sinful Lifestyles
    • Churches now celebrate or excuse homosexuality, fornication, adultery, transgenderism, and more, claiming “God is love.”
    • But Romans 1:32 says: “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
  5. Faith Deconstruction and Redefining Scripture
    • “Did God really say that?” is the same satanic question the serpent asked Eve. Many now say the Bible is culturally outdated, or should evolve with society.
    • This undermines the authority of Scripture and teaches rebellion as virtue.
  6. Contemplative Mysticism and New Age Practices in Churches
    • Yoga, breath prayer, “Christian” tarot cards, and other pagan rituals are sneaking into worship. Paul warned of seducing spirits, and that’s exactly what these practices involve.
  7. Worship of Self (You Are Enough, Follow Your Heart)
    • These messages sound uplifting but are rooted in pride. Jeremiah 17:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
    • Any gospel that focuses on self instead of Christ is false.

Present Day False Teachers and Movements

These names and movements often blend truth with error, but still qualify as dangerous according to Paul’s warning:

  • Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, Paula White – women who teach men with pastoral authority, directly violating 1 Timothy 2:12.
  • Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes – prosperity gospel, refusal to preach on sin, hell, or repentance.
  • Rob Bell – teaches there is no hell; known for “Love Wins” and universalism.
  • Carl Lentz (former Hillsong NYC) – moral compromise, celebrity worship, and lukewarm doctrine.
  • The ELCA and PCUSA – mainline denominations affirming LGBT clergy and rejecting biblical authority.

Even entire movements like Progressive Christianity are rooted in doctrines of devils. They soften the gospel, downplay sin, redefine grace, and teach that Scripture is more symbolic than true. This is the seduction Paul warned about. The Holy Spirit’s warning in 1 Timothy 4:1–2 is not just about obvious heretics, it’s about anyone who causes us to doubt or disobey the Word of God. Whether it’s Eve in the garden or a preacher in a pulpit, the method is the same: “Did God really say…?” And today, Satan is still asking that question, but he’s asking it in Christian bookstores, on social media, and even in churches.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness

In First Timothy 4:1–2, we see that God does not leave His people in the dark. He warns us, not vaguely or softly, but expressly, directly, and with urgency. The Holy Spirit is not quiet in these verses. He’s shouting the alarm like a watchman on a city wall. This tells us something beautiful and terrifying: God sees the storm of deception coming long before it arrives. And because He loves us, He calls it out before we’re caught in it.

He doesn’t just warn us about evil; He describes how it will sound, how it will spread, and how it will be disguised. That kind of detailed love is the mark of a faithful Shepherd. Our God is great not only in power, but in wisdom, protection, and truth. We serve a God who doesn’t just give us comfort, He gives us clarity.

For the Believer

Christian, this verse is for us. It’s not just about “those bad people out there.” Paul says “some shall depart from the faith.” That means some who claimed to walk with Christ will fall into the trap of false teaching because they listened too long, questioned too much, and refused to hold fast to truth.

This passage calls us to three things:

  1. Guard your ears. What are you listening to? Podcasts, preachers, influencers, are they speaking truth, or are they mixing truth with error? Remember: seducing spirits don’t sound dangerous. They sound inspiring.
  2. Examine your heart. Do you feel uneasy when the Bible says something hard? When Scripture speaks of judgment, holiness, or submission, do you feel tempted to soften it, explain it away, or ignore it? That discomfort may be the first whisper of the same serpent who asked, “Yea, hath God said?”
  3. Stand firm in the Word. We must be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) who searched the Scriptures daily to see whether what they were told was true. You are not called to be “open-minded”; you are called to be biblically grounded.

Call to Action

  • Turn off the voices that contradict God’s Word, even if they call themselves Christian.
  • Test every teaching against the full counsel of Scripture.
  • Teach your children and others to recognize truth from lies. Help them understand that not all “Christian” messages are of Christ.
  • Warn others in love. If you see someone being led astray, speak up. The most loving thing you can do is point them back to truth, even if it costs you popularity or comfort.

For the Unbeliever

If you’re not a follower of Christ, this passage is not just a warning, it’s a mirror. It shows what the enemy of your soul is doing behind the scenes. Every time you hear, “God is too loving to punish sin,” or “The Bible is outdated,” or “Everyone goes to heaven,” you are being lied to by devils, according to Scripture.

Satan doesn’t need you to become a witch or a criminal. He just needs you to believe a false version of Christianity that keeps you feeling spiritual while you reject the truth. His goal is not to terrify you, it’s to soothe you to sleep… right into Hell.

But the same God who speaks this warning also speaks an invitation: Come to Jesus. Now. Before your conscience is seared, before the lies feel like truth. Confess that you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the grave. And trust Him, not your heart, not your favorite preacher, not your feelings.

John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

He is the Truth, and He is calling you out of deception and into everlasting life.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

First Timothy 4:1–2 is more than a warning, it’s a wake-up call. We are living in the very days Paul described. False teachers are multiplying. Doctrines of devils are paraded as truth. Seducing spirits are whispering in churches, classrooms, TV shows, podcasts, and pulpits. Feminism disguises itself as empowerment and strength, and allures women with beautiful independence which seems great to the flesh but is totally anti-scripture. And worst of all, many hearts have become so numb to conviction that they can no longer feel the sting of sin.

But you, brother, sister—you are not called to slumber. You are called to discernment, to faithfulness, to unwavering obedience. You are called to test the spirits, love the truth, and warn others with the courage of Christ. If the Word of God feels harsh, it’s because the lies of the world have dulled your ears. If the truth of Scripture feels offensive, ask yourself, “who taught you to feel that way?” If your conscience is still tender, praise God. But if it’s been seared, plead with the Lord to renew your mind and restore your fear of Him. Don’t be deceived. Don’t be led astray. Stay awake. Stay armored. Stay faithful.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for speaking so clearly through Your Word. Thank You for warning us, not to shame us, but to save us. Lord, open our ears to Your voice and close them to the lies of the enemy. Give us hearts that love truth, even when it is hard, and the courage to reject what is false, even when it is popular. We pray for those who have wandered into deception. Open their eyes. Soften their hearts. Bring them back to the faith. Protect our families, our children, and our churches from doctrines of devils. Raise up bold preachers who will not bend, and give us humble hearts that will obey. Keep us alert. Keep us holy. Keep us walking in the truth of Jesus Christ, the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.

CLOSING

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You are loved—so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.