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:
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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.
First Peter chapter 5, verses 6 through 10: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
VERSE CONTEXT
The author of this letter is the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s closest disciples. He writes with the authority of an elder and eyewitness to the sufferings of Christ (First Peter chapter 5 verse 1), offering both encouragement and exhortation to fellow believers who are experiencing persecution, anxiety, and the burden of living faithfully in a hostile world. The original audience included believers scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), suffering under the weight of social rejection and looming state-sanctioned oppression during the reign of Emperor Nero. These believers were being marginalized for their faith, and Peter’s letter serves as a pastoral word of comfort and instruction.
Verse 6 begins a concluding exhortation to believers, emphasizing humility and trust in God’s sovereign timing: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…” The phrase “mighty hand of God” evokes Old Testament imagery of God’s power to deliver (see Exodus chapter 13 verse 3: “By strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.”). Peter is reminding them that the same God who delivered Israel is the One who watches over them. Humbling oneself before God means submitting to His will, especially in times of trial, rather than attempting to escape or rebel against it.
Peter then says: “That he may exalt you in due time.” This points to the ultimate vindication of the believer—not necessarily in this life, but certainly in the life to come. It reflects the biblical principle that those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God (Luke chapter 14 verse 11: “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”).
Verse 7 continues: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” The verb “casting” is active and deliberate, a command to transfer the full weight of our concerns onto God. The word “care” refers to our anxieties, troubles, and distractions. This echoes Psalm 55 verse 22: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” The encouragement is personal—“for he careth for you.” God is not distant or indifferent. His care is not theoretical; it is active, intimate, and ongoing. His compassion is not just corporate but deeply personal.
In verse 8, the tone shifts to a serious and personal warning: “Be sober, be vigilant…” The word “sober” here is not confined to abstaining from alcohol—it refers to a state of clear, disciplined, and spiritually alert thinking. Likewise, “vigilant” means watchful, constantly on guard against subtle threats. Why must believers be this alert? Because, as Peter writes, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The image is not gentle or abstract—it is savage and intentional. Satan is not playing games with believers. He is not roaming around to lightly annoy or inconvenience Christians, nor is he trying to “nibble away” some extra heavenly crowns or rewards. That interpretation, often put forward by the Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) doctrine, radically downplays the gravity of Peter’s warning and misrepresents the seriousness of Satan’s intentions. The word “devour” means full consumption—total ruin. This is not about losing rewards; this is about destruction of the soul.
Peter is addressing believers here, not unbelievers. The command to be sober and vigilant is directed at those who already belong to the faith. And yet, if salvation were guaranteed without condition, regardless of how a person lives or responds to temptation, why would Peter—under divine inspiration—warn them so urgently? The answer is clear: the battle is real, personal, and eternal. Satan’s intent is to sever people from Christ, not simply diminish their heavenly prize. The phrase “your adversary” makes it unmistakably personal—each believer is being hunted. This is not metaphorical or symbolic of minor trials; this is a warning of spiritual warfare with eternal consequences.
The doctrine of OSAS claims that salvation, once received, cannot be forfeited under any circumstances. But that position must wrestle with verses like this one, which plainly describe a believer’s need to remain spiritually alert lest they be overtaken. At Believers of Biblical Truth, we hold firmly that salvation can be walked away from—not accidentally lost, as though it were a misplaced item, but willfully abandoned through deception, rebellion, neglect, or the allure of sin. When Peter says that Satan seeks to devour, we understand this as a threat to the whole person—their faith, their relationship with God, their eternal hope. This view does not diminish God’s power to save but upholds the biblical call to endure, to abide, to remain in the Vine (John chapter 15 verse 6: “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…”). True salvation bears fruit and perseveres, but Scripture makes it plain that apostasy is possible, and Peter’s imagery of a prowling lion confirms the danger.
Verse 9 instructs: “Whom resist stedfast in the faith…” This resistance is not passive endurance but active spiritual warfare through unwavering trust in God and His Word. The word “stedfast” means unmovable, like a tree rooted in bedrock. It is crucial that Peter ties this resistance to “the faith”, not merely feelings or personal effort. Then Peter offers a global perspective to encourage them: “Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” In other words, suffering for Christ is not unique to them. Believers everywhere are in the same spiritual battle. This was a comfort to them then—and to us now.
Verse 10 is the hopeful conclusion: “But the God of all grace…” This is one of the most beautiful names of God in the New Testament. The phrase “all grace” emphasizes the total sufficiency and generosity of God’s mercy and power. This God “hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus”, reminding the readers that their hope is not merely deliverance from present trouble, but participation in eternal glory with Christ. The promise that “after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you,” gives depth and meaning to suffering. The word “perfect” means to restore or complete; “stablish” means to ground or root; “strengthen” means to fortify with power; and “settle” means to lay a foundation. God is not just pulling them through suffering—He is building something permanent and eternal in them through it. This entire passage holds together around the mercy and personal involvement of God. He cares. He protects. He restores. And He promises glory beyond the pain.
BROADER CONTEXT
First Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter likely around A.D. 64, during a time of increasing persecution against Christians under the Roman Empire—most likely during or shortly before the brutal reign of Emperor Nero. The letter was addressed to believers in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (First Peter chapter 1 verse 1)—all Roman provinces located in what is now modern-day Turkey. These Christians were living as spiritual “strangers” or exiles, not only because of their geographical dispersion but because of their identity as citizens of heaven living in a fallen world.
The theme of the entire letter is encouragement through suffering, with an emphasis on hope, holiness, and the example of Christ. Peter reminds his readers that trials are part of the Christian life, not a detour from it. He exhorts them to live in such a way that unbelievers will see their good works and glorify God (First Peter chapter 2 verse 12). He urges submission to authority, godly living in the home, and love within the Christian community. He teaches that persecution is an opportunity to share in the sufferings of Christ (First Peter chapter 4 verse 13: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings…”), and he calls believers to respond not with fear or bitterness, but with humility and hope.
Chapter 5 marks Peter’s closing admonitions. He speaks first to the elders (pastors) of the church, charging them to shepherd God’s flock not for gain or with pride, but as willing examples (verses 1–4). Then he turns to the younger believers and exhorts all to mutual humility: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (verse 5). It is from this statement on humility that verses 6 through 10 flow. The progression is important:
Humble yourself before God (verse 6)
Trust His care for you by casting all anxiety upon Him (verse 7)
Stay alert, because Satan is actively working to destroy you (verse 8)
Resist him by remaining rooted in the faith (verse 9)
Remember, suffering is not random or without end—it has purpose, and God will restore you (verse 10)
What makes this section especially powerful in its broader biblical context is that Peter himself knew what it was to fall under pressure. He once tried to resist the enemy in his own strength (drawing a sword in Gethsemane), only to later deny Christ three times (Luke chapter 22 verses 54–62). So when Peter says to cast all your care on God, or to be sober and vigilant, he is speaking as a man who once failed to do these things. And when he says God will “settle you,” he is speaking from experience—Christ restored Peter after his denial and commissioned him to feed His sheep (John chapter 21 verses 15–17).
This passage also resonates with the whole New Testament theme of God’s grace being sufficient in suffering. Paul echoes this in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verse 9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The sufferings of this present world, as Paul says in Romans chapter 8 verse 18, “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Peter is harmonizing with this exact truth.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Peter uses the phrase “the God of all grace,” which stands in contrast to the “adversary the devil.” The devil seeks to destroy, but the God of all grace seeks to strengthen and restore. This duality underscores the reality of the Christian walk—we live between enemy attacks and divine aid. But in Christ, the victory is assured.
APPLICATION
Appreciating God’s Greatness
This passage invites us to marvel at God’s mercy in at least three profound ways. First, He is personally involved in our lives. He is not merely a distant King issuing decrees from heaven, but a caring Father who sees every anxious thought and invites us to cast every burden on Him. That is divine tenderness—“for he careth for you” (First Peter chapter 5 verse 7). Second, He is mighty to save and just to judge. His “mighty hand” is both a place of safety and a symbol of strength. He lifts up the humble in His perfect time and brings down the proud. Third, He is faithful to restore. Even after a season of suffering, God does not merely stop the pain—He transforms it into strength. He makes the believer perfect (complete), stablishes them (firm in conviction), strengthens them (empowered for endurance), and settles them (anchored on a foundation that cannot be shaken). What kind of God does that? A God of all grace. A God worthy of all trust, worship, and submission.
For the Believer
To the believer, this passage is both a comfort and a commission. It comforts us by reminding us that we are not forgotten in our trials. We may be mistreated, isolated, or worn down by spiritual battle—but the eyes of the Lord are ever upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry (Psalm 34 verse 15). Yet, this passage also charges us to take our faith seriously. Be sober. Be vigilant. These are not suggestions; they are survival instructions. The devil is not after your career, your house, or your finances—he is after your soul. He seeks to isolate, wear down, and finally devour. And if we are not watchful, we risk slowly drifting into apathy, compromise, or even apostasy.
Call to Action: Stay humble before God. Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. Cast every care on Him—no burden is too small or too shameful for His shoulders. But also, resist the devil. That resistance is not passive. You must actively stand in the faith, guard your heart, renew your mind with truth, and stay in fellowship with other believers. If you’ve grown spiritually sleepy, it’s time to wake up. If you’ve allowed fear, pride, or compromise to dull your vigilance, it’s time to repent. The fight is real—but so is the victory for those who endure in Christ.
For the Unbeliever
If you are reading this and do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and King, understand this: you have an adversary too, and you are not currently under God’s protection—you are under judgment. The roaring lion, Satan, has no need to devour what is already dead in sin. But that doesn’t mean you are safe. It means you are already devoured unless God intervenes. And He has intervened—through the cross of Christ. Jesus died to break Satan’s hold on you, to forgive your sin, and to bring you into the care of the only One who can lift you up and settle you forever.
This passage is a warning to the lost and a plea from a merciful God: Come to Me. Humble yourself. You don’t have to be consumed by the enemy—you can be rescued, restored, and loved by the God of all grace.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
This passage from First Peter chapter 5 verses 6 through 10 is a powerful blend of mercy, warning, and promise. It reminds us that the Christian life is not without trial, but neither is it without hope. We are called to humility, not because we are weak, but because God is mighty. We are called to cast our cares on Him, not because our burdens are small, but because His shoulders are strong enough to carry them all. And we are called to vigilance, because the battle for our soul is not theoretical—it is present, personal, and eternal.
Satan’s roar is real. His desire to devour is real. But the grace of God is greater. And for those who endure in Christ—humbled under His mighty hand, alert to the enemy’s schemes, and steadfast in faith—there is a promise of restoration that the world cannot match. God Himself will make you complete. He will establish you in truth. He will strengthen your resolve. He will lay a foundation in your soul that no storm, no devil, and no failure can shake. This is not the promise of once-saved-always-safe living. This is the promise of a living, breathing, persevering faith held by a merciful and mighty God—“the God of all grace.”
ENCOURAGING PRAYER
Merciful Father, We come to You with humble hearts, thankful for Your mighty hand and tender care. Thank You for the invitation to cast our anxieties on You, knowing that You care deeply and personally for each of us. Lord, help us to stay sober and vigilant, aware of the enemy who prowls, yet confident in the protection and power of Your Spirit. Strengthen us to resist with a faith that does not waver. For every believer who is weary, restore them. For every heart that trembles in fear or discouragement, anchor them in Your truth. And for every soul who does not yet know You, draw them today by Your grace, that they too might know what it means to be settled in Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, 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.
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