Tag: Apostle Paul

Today’s Bible Verse

August 06, 2025

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (KJV) 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Verse Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul warns the church not to repeat Israel’s mistakes in the wilderness. He recalls how God’s chosen people fell into sin, idolatry, and sexual immorality, even after experiencing His blessings and deliverance from Egypt. Verse 12 gives a clear caution against overconfidence: those who think they are spiritually secure must remain humble, alert, and reliant on God’s grace.

Verse 13 is a promise of God’s faithfulness. Temptation (Greek: peirasmos, meaning trial or test) is a universal human experience, but God never allows believers to face a temptation that is beyond their spiritual capacity to endure. He always provides “a way to escape,” meaning a divinely enabled path to resist sin or endure trial without falling. This encouragement reminds believers that victory over temptation comes not through human strength, but through God’s provision and faithfulness.

Broader Context

The Apostle Paul (c. A.D. 5–64), writing to the church at Corinth (Kor-inth) around A.D. 55, to address serious moral, doctrinal, and unity issues in the church of Corinth  and it addresses believers who struggled with pride, idolatry, and worldly influence. Corinth was a wealthy, multicultural port city in ancient Greece, located in what is now modern-day Korinthos, Greece. It was known for its immorality, pagan temples, and constant temptations for Christians trying to live set apart lives. 1 Corinthians 10, draws heavily from Israel’s history in the wilderness to teach a timeless spiritual lesson: even those who have seen God’s mighty works can fall into sin if they are not careful and humble.

Paul’s broader argument begins in chapter 8 and runs through chapter 10, where he instructs the Corinthians about:

  • Idolatry and Pagan Influence – Corinth was a city full of temples and idol feasts, and Christians were tempted to compromise by participating in pagan celebrations.
    • Spiritual Pride and Overconfidence – Some believers thought that their knowledge and liberty in Christ made them immune to sin, which Paul directly confronts in 10:12.

    Learning from Israel’s Example, He reminds the church of how Israel, though delivered by God and given spiritual privileges, fell into sin (10:1–11). These historical examples serve as a warning and teaching tool for the church.

    In this section, Paul emphasizes that temptation is inevitable but conquerable. Temptation itself is not sin, but yielding to it is. God’s faithfulness provides both strength to endure and a clear path of escape to avoid falling. This teaching fits within the larger theme of sanctification and holiness in the Christian life, which Paul consistently calls the Corinthian church to embrace.

    By the time we reach 1 Corinthians 10:12–13, Paul’s message is clear: Pride leads to downfall – All believers face temptation – God is faithful to sustain and deliver those who trust Him. This ties back to the overall purpose of the letter: to call the Corinthian believers to live holy, united, and disciplined lives, standing firm against the constant moral pressure of the world around them.

    Application

    Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 are like a warm, guiding hand from the Lord to every believer who has stumbled, slipped, or grown weary in the faith. Life with Christ is a journey where we will face temptation, weakness, and moments of failure, but these verses remind us that falling does not have to be the end of the story.

    12 – “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
    This is a loving caution. We humans can be overconfident in our own strength or routines, thinking we are too grounded to fall, but sin has a way of catching us when we are tired, distracted, or prideful. Paul is not trying to condemn believers here; he is urging humility and constant dependence on the Lord. Acknowledging our weakness is the first step toward living in His strength.

    13 – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…”
    Temptation is universal. None of us are alone in the struggles we face. Satan often whispers that our sins or failures are too unique, too shameful, or too frequent for God to forgive, but Paul crushes that lie. Every temptation you face has been faced by others, and God’s Word says He is always present in it. “…but God is faithful…” This is the heartbeat of hope. Our spiritual strength is not in our willpower but in God’s unchanging faithfulness. He never abandons His children, even when they stumble. He promises that every temptation will come with a way of escape, a door out, a whisper of conviction, a reminder of His Word, a moment to turn back before it’s too late.

    Appreciating God’s Greatness
    This passage reveals a God who does not give up on His people. He knows our weaknesses, yet He provides everything we need to stand again. His greatness is seen in His patience, His mercy, and His constant readiness to lift us up when we cry out for help.

    For the Believer
    If you are walking with Christ and feel the weight of failure or discouragement, remember: falling does not make you forsaken. Take heed, recognize your need for God every single day. Rely on His faithfulness, you cannot endure temptation in your strength, but in His. Seek the escape He provides, whether that’s prayer, Scripture, accountability, or simply fleeing the situation that tempts you.

    Call to Action

    Start your day surrendered—pray before your feet hit the floor, “Lord, I give this day to You. Keep me in Your will.” Stay in the Word—God’s promises are your shield against temptation. Confess and rise—if you fall, confess it quickly, receive His forgiveness, and move forward in grace.

    For the Unbeliever
    If you have never truly surrendered to Christ, temptation will always overpower you because sin is your master. But Jesus offers freedom and a new heart. If you turn to Him in faith, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, He will forgive you and begin a new work in you that cannot be shaken.

    Final Encouragement

    These verses are not about condemnation; they are about restoration and hope. God knows our struggles, and He never leaves His children without a path back to Him. Whether you have walked closely with the Lord or have stumbled into a season of distance, He is faithful to forgive, to restore, and to strengthen you for the journey ahead.

    Our Prayer for you

    Heavenly Father, Almighty Lord of Hosts,

    We come before You as Your children, humbled by our weakness but lifted by Your unfailing strength. Today, we pray as warriors in Your Kingdom, asking that your holy angels stand guard over our lives. Let them battle the demons that come against us, the spirits of temptation and despair, and every force that seeks to pull us away from You.

    Lord, when temptation comes, give us the resolve of Jesus on the mountain, who faced Satan with the Word of God and the strength of the Spirit. Let us remember that Satan has nothing for us, no joy, no peace, no life, only chains. You alone are our hope, our refuge, and our deliverer.

    We pray for one another, Lord. Strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us encourage one another, lift each other up, rebuild what is broken, restore what has fallen, and bless with mercy instead of tearing down with hate. Teach us to see each other through Your eyes, redeemed, loved, and worth fighting for.

    Father, we surrender ourselves to You again, and we ask that Your Spirit guide our every step. May we die to our flesh daily, rise in Christ’s power, and walk as living testimonies of Your grace. Thank You for always making a way of escape, and for never giving up on us.

    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

    Today is August 5, 2025

    First Corinthians 9:24–27 (KJV) 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

    Verse Context

    Paul uses athletic imagery familiar to his Corinthian audience, who lived in a city famous for hosting the Isthmian (ISS-me-an) Games, second only to the Olympic Games. Verse 24 introduces a race where all run but only one wins. Paul urges believers to “run” their Christian lives with that same focused intensity—not casually, but striving to obtain the eternal reward Christ promises.

    Verse 25 speaks of being “temperate” (egkrateuomai [ἐγκρατεύομαι] in Greek), meaning exercising self-control and discipline in all areas. Athletes training for the games restricted their diets, sleep, and pleasures to win a “corruptible crown”—literally a wreath of pine or celery that would quickly wither. In contrast, believers aim for an “incorruptible” (imperishable) crown of eternal life and glory (see Revelation 2:10).

    Verses 26–27 show Paul’s personal application: he runs with certainty, fights with precision, and disciplines his body (hypōpiazō [ὑπωπιάζω], meaning to strike a blow under the eye, metaphorically subduing the flesh). His concern about becoming a “castaway” (adokimos [ἀδόκιμος], meaning disqualified or unapproved) doesn’t imply loss of salvation but loss of reward and ministry usefulness due to hypocrisy.

    Broader Context

    These verses conclude a chapter where Paul has defended his apostolic rights but voluntarily surrendered them for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:1–23). His life models self-denial, not self-indulgence, as the means of spreading Christ’s message effectively.

    In the larger context of chapters 8–10, Paul teaches the Corinthians to forgo their “rights” for the sake of weaker brethren and God’s glory. His athletic metaphor warns against complacency. Just as runners train relentlessly, believers must live with purposeful discipline to avoid spiritual disqualification—not from salvation, but from faithfully finishing the race (see 2 Timothy 4:7–8).

    Application

    Appreciating God’s Greatness

    Our God is not only merciful but also righteous, calling His people to a life of discipline that reflects His holiness. He rewards those who run faithfully to the end—not because of their strength, but because of His sustaining grace.

    For the Believer

    Your Christian walk is not a casual stroll but a race requiring focus and perseverance. Like Paul, train your spiritual life with intentional prayer, Scripture reading, and self-denial. Avoid distractions that pull you from your heavenly goal.

    Call to Action: Examine areas of spiritual laxity. What habits or comforts are hindering your race? Commit to training yourself in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7–8).

    For the Unbeliever

    This race is only possible because of Jesus Christ. Without Him, all human striving ends in a perishable reward. Place your faith in Christ and join the race that leads to eternal life.

    Final Encouragement

    Run with your eyes on Christ. The incorruptible crown is not for the fastest, but for the faithful who endure by His power.

    Prayer

    Lord, strengthen me to run this race with endurance and focus. Help me discipline my life to reflect Your holiness. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. 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: Being Saved Means Being Renewed

    June 30, 2025

    Second Corinthians chapter 4 verse 16:
    For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

    Verse Context

    The Apostle Paul wrote Second Corinthians around A.D. 55–57, most likely from Macedonia during his third missionary journey. This letter is his most emotionally transparent, written after a painful visit to Corinth and a sorrowful letter that had caused grief but ultimately led to the church’s repentance (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–10).

    Here in chapter 4, Paul is defending his ministry while also encouraging believers to endure suffering for Christ’s sake. Verse 16 is part of a powerful passage (verses 7–18) where Paul contrasts the temporal suffering of the flesh with the eternal glory of the spirit. His message is clear: don’t lose heart. Even though the “outward man” (our physical body) weakens with age, affliction, or persecution, the “inward man” (our spiritual self, born again by the Holy Ghost) is daily renewed by God’s strength.

    The Greek word used for “renewed” is anakainoutai (ἀνακαινοῦται), ah-nah-kai-NOO-tai: ah – like “father,” nah – like “nah, I’m good,” kai – rhymes with “eye,” NOO – stressed syllable, like “noon” without the ‘n’ at the end, tai – rhymes with “tie,” meaning to be made new again, to be refreshed. This points to the ongoing, present-tense activity of the Holy Spirit at work in the believer’s heart, not a one-time event. It also reminds us of Lamentations 3:22–23: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”

    Broader Context

    The entire fourth chapter of Second Corinthians contrasts human weakness with God’s power. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that the treasure of the gospel is held in “earthen vessels”, fragile clay jars (verse 7), so that the exceeding power is of God, and not of us.

    This chapter focuses on perseverance in ministry, faith in the unseen, and eternal perspective. Paul is repeatedly afflicted, perplexed, and cast down, but not forsaken. He makes it clear that his endurance is not fueled by human strength but by the life of Jesus made manifest in him (verse 10). The message of verse 16 culminates in verses 17–18: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Paul’s message is timeless: Don’t let decay, sickness, or suffering shake you, the eternal soul is being shaped for glory, day by day.

    Application

    Appreciating God’s Greatness

    This verse reveals God as a faithful, daily restorer of our inner man. He does not simply save us once and leave us to survive on yesterday’s strength. His renewing work is constant, like manna from heaven, His mercy and strength come new every morning, giving spiritual life even while the body ages or weakens.

    For the Believer

    No matter what you’re facing today, exhaustion, depression, chronic pain, discouragement in ministry, this verse is a reminder that God has not left you. The spiritual life within you is not dependent on your circumstances, but on the continual presence of the Holy Ghost.

    Call to Action:
    Spend time in prayer today and ask the Lord to renew your inner man. Don’t let weakness or weariness define your day. Instead, lean on the Spirit of God and meditate on this truth: “yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Let the Word, worship, and communion with God refresh your spirit. Encourage others with this verse as well, especially those who are suffering or weary.

    For the Unbeliever

    You may feel the decline of life, the stress, the anxiety, the weight of time, but there is no inward renewal apart from Christ. This verse does not apply to those outside the faith. While your outward body perishes, so too does your spirit, unless you receive new life through Jesus Christ. The “inward man” can only be born through repentance and faith in Christ (John 3:3). Without Him, you are perishing both inside and out. But if you surrender to Him, He will make you new, give you peace, and renew you every day from the inside out.

    Final Encouragement

    This verse is a lifeline. It tells you that even when you’re physically weak, God’s Spirit is strong inside of you. You may be tired, but you are not abandoned. You may be in pain, but you are being renewed. Keep your eyes on the eternal. Let God strengthen your spirit today, He has fresh strength for you, every single day.

    Prayer

    Father God, we thank You for being the strength of our lives. Though we are tired, aging, or weary in the flesh, Your Spirit never fails to revive us. Renew our hearts today, Lord. Fill our minds with Your peace and our souls with fresh courage. For those struggling with sickness, sorrow, or exhaustion, bring the comfort of knowing that You are at work inside them even now. Help us not to focus on what we see with our eyes, but on the eternal truth of Your Word. We trust You. We love You. We surrender to Your daily renewal. In Jesus’ holy 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

    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: Make Good Choices

    June 3, 2025

    Ephesians 6:11
    “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

    Verse Context

    The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Ephesians during his first imprisonment in Rome, around A.D. 60–62. His audience was primarily the Gentile believers in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) known for its wealth, commerce, and pagan practices, particularly the worship of Diana (Artemis). Paul’s letter emphasized the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, the unity of the Church, and the call to live a life worthy of that calling.

    In chapter 6, Paul is closing his letter with a final charge. He urges the believers to recognize the spiritual battle they face, not against other people, but against demonic forces (verse 12 will state this explicitly). “Put on the whole armour of God” is a metaphor drawn from Roman military gear, familiar to his readers. Each piece represents a vital aspect of the Christian’s spiritual defense.

    The phrase “wiles of the devil” refers to crafty, deceitful schemes: traps, temptations, and manipulations that Satan sets to pull believers away from obedience, purity, and truth. The devil doesn’t always come with bold attacks; often, he works subtly, through compromise, distraction, pride, lust, bitterness, or doubt.

    Commentator Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) explains, “Satan is a subtle enemy, and we must be always upon our guard against him, lest he get advantage of us.” Similarly, John MacArthur (b. 1939, Reformed Baptist) writes, “To stand firm against Satan, believers must rely on the strength of God and the armor He provides—not their own strength or wisdom.”

    The Greek word for “wiles” is μεθοδείας (methodeias), from which we get the word method, meaning strategies or trickery. This implies that the devil has an organized, methodical plan to lead believers astray.

    Broader Context

    The Book of Ephesians as a whole lifts up the glory of the Church, not as an institution, but as the body of Christ called to reflect Him in a dark world. Chapters 1–3 lay the doctrinal foundation (what God has done for us), and chapters 4–6 are the practical application (how we should live because of that).

    Chapter 6 shifts from relational roles (husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants) to the spiritual reality behind all relationships and responsibilities. Verses 10 through 20 introduce the armor of God: a full list of spiritual resources, truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer, all of which enable believers to resist evil, stand firm, and serve faithfully.

    Ephesians 6:11 specifically introduces the purpose of that armor: to stand against temptation and deception. Without it, we are vulnerable. With it, we are empowered.

    Paul’s language here echoes Isaiah 59:17:
    “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head…”
    This Old Testament connection emphasizes that the armor belongs to God, and He now gives it to us.

    Application

    Appreciating God’s Greatness

    God is not a distant observer, He is a wise and powerful commander who equips His people for battle. He does not leave us vulnerable or ill-prepared. Just as a general would never send soldiers into combat without gear, God gives His children everything they need to stand strong. His armor is perfect, complete, and freely given.

    For the Believer

    Summer can be a time of distraction, vacations, parties, looser schedules. These aren’t wrong in themselves, but they often come with increased temptation to let down our guard: to indulge in sinful behavior, neglect prayer, avoid church, or prioritize entertainment over spiritual growth.

    Ephesians 6:11 calls believers to daily intentionality. Putting on the armor isn’t passive, it’s a conscious act. That means:

    • Start each day in prayer and Scripture (sword of the Spirit).
    • Walk in truth and integrity (belt of truth).
    • Choose righteousness in conduct and purity (breastplate of righteousness).
    • Be ready to share the gospel (feet shod with the gospel of peace).
    • Guard your thoughts and assurance (helmet of salvation).
    • Actively trust God through trials (shield of faith).
    • Persevere in prayer (verse 18).

    Call to Action:
    Ask yourself each morning: Am I spiritually dressed for the day? Take time today to pray through each piece of the armor. Don’t wait until temptation hits, prepare now. The battle isn’t coming… it’s already here.

    For the Unbeliever

    If you are not a follower of Christ, you have no armor—no protection from sin, no defense against the schemes of the enemy, and no victory over death. But God, in His mercy, offers you salvation through Jesus Christ. Repent of your sin, believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and you will be forgiven, protected, and equipped to stand firm in a broken world. The armor is available, but only to those who belong to Him.

    Final Encouragement

    Temptation doesn’t take the summer off—and neither should your spiritual preparation. But God has not left you to fight alone or unarmed. Put on the whole armor of God, and you’ll not only stand against the devil’s lies—you’ll walk in victory. Summer doesn’t have to be a spiritual lull. It can be a time of renewed strength, deeper faith, and growing obedience.

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping us with everything we need to walk in victory. Help us to be spiritually alert and faithful, not distracted or deceived by the enemy’s tactics. Teach us to wear Your armor daily and rely on Your strength, not our own. For every believer feeling weak or worn down, remind them that the battle belongs to You, and You never lose. Strengthen us today, Lord. Keep us walking in truth. 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.