Tag: holy-spirit

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

April 22, 2025

Daily Verse:
John chapter 14 verse 26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

VERSE CONTEXT

The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John, the beloved disciple, sometime between A.D. 85–95. John’s purpose was to present Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God and the only way to eternal life. Chapter 14 falls within a deeply intimate and transitional moment known as the Upper Room Discourse (John chapters 13 through 17). This is Jesus’ final conversation with His disciples before His arrest, and it is rich in theological meaning, emotional urgency, and spiritual comfort.

In this passage, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure—His betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and eventual ascension. This verse is nestled in the heart of a promise: though Jesus is physically leaving, He is not leaving them without help. He promises the sending of “the Comforter,” which is the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit.

The word Comforter is a translation of a powerful Greek term often rendered as Helper, Advocate, or Counselor—each of which expresses part of the Holy Spirit’s role. The English word “Comforter” comes from Latin roots: com (with) and fortis (strength). This captures the Spirit’s strengthening presence, not merely His ability to console.

Jesus says this Comforter will be sent “in my name,” which affirms the Spirit’s divine origin and mission. He does not act independently or contrary to Jesus’ nature, but in full unity with Christ and the Father. This reveals the tri-unity of God: the Father sends, the Son mediates, and the Spirit ministers.

Two key roles of the Holy Ghost are taught here:

  1. He shall teach you all things – This refers not to the introduction of brand-new revelation outside of what Christ taught, but to the deepening of understanding concerning Christ’s words and work. This is why the apostles were able to authoritatively write the New Testament. Their teaching did not come from their own memory alone but was guided and clarified by the Spirit.
  2. He shall bring all things to your remembrance – The Holy Spirit empowers spiritual memory. In context, this was especially critical for the apostles, as they would soon be entrusted with the message of the Gospel. The Spirit would bring to their minds the words of Jesus, not just in content but in meaning, allowing them to preach, teach, and write with divine accuracy.

Commentator Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) notes that this promise was “peculiarly adapted to the apostles,” yet by extension, believers today benefit from the same Spirit, who opens our eyes to understand Scripture and recalls God’s truth to us in moments of need. Likewise, John Gill (1697–1771, Baptist) emphasizes that the Spirit would be the divine instructor, preserving Jesus’ words from being lost, corrupted, or misunderstood—guarding the truth from generation to generation.

This verse also confirms the Holy Ghost as a person, not a force. Jesus uses the pronoun “he,” identifying the Spirit with personal agency, intelligence, and will. He teaches, speaks, and remembers—these are not qualities of a mere influence but of a divine Person.

In this single verse, Jesus gives both a promise and a preview of Pentecost. The Spirit would not just fall on believers in Acts chapter 2; He would dwell with them, teach them, and walk with them. The Holy Spirit is not only present at salvation, but in the believer for the entire journey.

BROADER CONTEXT

John chapter 14 is one of the most intimate and tender chapters in all of Scripture. It opens with Jesus saying, “Let not your heart be troubled,” addressing the confusion and sorrow that had overtaken His disciples as they began to understand that He would soon leave them. This chapter is part of what scholars call the Farewell Discourse, stretching from chapter 13 to 17. It contains some of Jesus’ final teachings before His arrest, providing instruction, encouragement, and theological clarity to prepare His followers for life after His ascension.

In the immediate context, John chapter 14 verses 16 through 31 contain repeated promises about the Holy Spirit. These are not casual references; they are part of Jesus’ deliberate effort to reveal how the third Person of the Trinity would continue His ministry in His physical absence. The disciples had come to rely heavily on Jesus—He was their teacher, their leader, their protector, and their constant companion. The idea of Him leaving created fear and despair. Jesus answers this by revealing a truth far greater than what they expected: He was not abandoning them—He was making it possible for His presence to dwell in all believers through the Spirit.

John chapter 14 verse 26 is the second of four direct promises of the Spirit in this chapter alone:

  • Verse 16: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.
  • Verse 17: Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive… but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
  • Verse 26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… he shall teach you all things…
  • Verse 27 (immediate result): Peace I leave with you…

When Jesus calls the Spirit “another Comforter” in verse 16, the word another implies another of the same kind. That is, just as Jesus was a divine guide, teacher, and protector, so too would the Spirit be. The Spirit is not a downgrade. He is God just as Christ is God. Jesus was confined to one physical location in His earthly ministry. The Spirit, by contrast, would indwell all believers, making the ministry of Christ universal, ongoing, and internal.

This broader context also builds into the theological groundwork for what would soon happen in Acts chapter 2 at Pentecost. There, the Holy Ghost would descend, filling the apostles and believers with supernatural understanding and boldness. But here in John 14, Jesus reveals that this Spirit is not new—He is the Spirit of truth and the Holy Ghost, eternal and divine, now to be intimately involved in every believer’s life.

John chapter 14 also stands as part of the book’s larger structure. The Gospel of John is organized around signs and sayings that point to Jesus’ divine identity and mission. John is not a synoptic gospel like Matthew, Mark, or Luke; he selects his material more theologically than chronologically. His goal is stated in John chapter 20 verse 31: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Holy Spirit, then, is not a side subject but essential to this goal. Without the Spirit, the believer cannot understand truth (First Corinthians chapter 2 verse 14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him). Without the Spirit, the believer cannot bear fruit (Galatians chapter 5 verses 22–23). Without the Spirit, there is no conviction of sin, no spiritual rebirth, no power for witness, and no transformation.

Thus, John chapter 14 verse 26 serves as both comfort and commissioning. Jesus reassures the disciples—and us—that His teaching will not be lost, forgotten, or misunderstood. The Holy Ghost will teach and remind. This same Holy Spirit continues that ministry today, bringing the Word of God to life in the minds and hearts of believers. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit, introduced so clearly in this chapter, will shape the believer’s walk, witness, and worship from Pentecost until Christ returns.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness
John chapter 14 verse 26 shows us the greatness of God in His tender care and divine foresight. God does not leave His people confused or abandoned. The Son returns to the Father, but not without sending the Spirit—equal in power and glory—to continue His work within us. What kind of God sends Himself to dwell inside His people so they will never be alone again? Only the true and living God. He is not distant or detached. He is personally involved, constantly teaching, continually reminding, and always near. His greatness is seen not only in His power, but in His presence. Through the Holy Spirit, we see the wisdom of God—who not only gave us a Book but gave us a Teacher to help us understand it. The Spirit’s divine role glorifies both the Father and the Son by illuminating their truth to the heart of man.

For the Believer
This verse is a gift for those who believe. If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit is not a visitor—He is a resident. He is not far off—He is within. He is not passive—He is active. But how often do we ignore Him? Many believers go through their lives unaware that the very presence of God is living inside of them, offering guidance, teaching, and recall of truth. The Holy Spirit will not shout over the noise of your daily distractions. But if you submit yourself in prayer, in humility, and in the Word of God, He will speak. He will bring things to your remembrance—not from your own wisdom, but from what Christ has spoken.

We must also recognize that this promise comes with a condition: whatsoever I have said unto you. The Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ words, not our opinions. This means that Christians must read, study, and memorize the Word. The more we store up God’s truth, the more the Spirit can call it to mind in moments of need, temptation, or opportunity. The Comforter cannot bring to remembrance what you have not first received. This gives urgency to daily Scripture reading. It’s not for knowledge alone—it’s to build a storehouse from which the Spirit can draw.

Call to Action
Start today by praying: “Holy Spirit, teach me.” Then open the Word of God. Ask the Spirit to help you understand, apply, and live out what you read. Trust that He will. Set aside time every day not just for prayer, but for listening. Ask the Spirit to remind you of Christ’s words throughout your day—especially when facing temptation, conflict, fear, or decisions. And when He brings something to mind, act on it. The Spirit is our Comforter, yes, but He is also our Convicter. Let Him convict. Let Him teach. Let Him lead.

For the Unbeliever
This verse speaks clearly of a spiritual reality that is not automatic. The Holy Spirit does not dwell in everyone—He is given to those who believe. Jesus made it plain in John chapter 3 verse 5: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. If you do not yet believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, then this promise does not yet apply to you. But it can. The Spirit is drawing you now—not with a loud voice, but with conviction, stirring your heart to repentance and faith. He opens the eyes of the blind. He awakens the dead soul to life. He reveals Jesus. If you feel the weight of your sin, if you see your need for salvation, that is the Spirit already at work in you. Don’t resist Him.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. Repent of your rebellion and turn to Him. When you do, the Holy Ghost will not only visit—you will become His dwelling place. And He will begin the lifelong work of teaching, reminding, and transforming you from the inside out.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

John chapter 14 verse 26 is not just a promise for the apostles—it is a promise that echoes through time to every believer who loves Jesus and treasures His Word. The same Holy Spirit who taught Peter, John, and Paul is available to teach you. The Spirit of God is not silent, nor is He distant. He dwells within you, He speaks through the Scriptures, and He is constantly working to glorify Christ in your life. In moments of doubt, confusion, fear, or weakness, He will remind you of what Jesus said—if you will listen.

Let this truth settle deep in your soul: you are never alone. When you open the Word, the Author is present. When you face trials, the Comforter is with you. When you cannot remember what to pray or what is true, the Holy Ghost will bring it to your remembrance. God has not left you to figure this out by yourself. He has given you His Spirit—the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

So take heart. Keep seeking. Keep studying. Keep walking in the truth. And trust that the Spirit who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for not leaving us comfortless. Thank You for sending the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus to teach us and to remind us of Your truth. Help us to quiet the noise of the world so we can hear His voice more clearly. Stir our hearts with a greater hunger for Your Word, that the Spirit may bring it to life within us. When we forget, remind us. When we are weak, strengthen us. When we wander, correct us. May we walk in step with the Spirit and glorify Christ in all we do. In the name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, 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

March 26, 2025

John chapter 14 verses 16 through 17:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Verse Context:

These words were spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, recorded only in John’s Gospel. The apostle John—writing decades later under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost—preserves this intimate teaching between the Lord and His disciples. Jesus has just told them that He is going away, and the disciples are troubled and confused. But instead of simply calming their fears, He offers them something far greater than a temporary solution: the promise of a divine Person who will come to take His place among them—the Holy Ghost.

The title “Comforter” in this verse is worth exploring. While often used today in a soft emotional sense, in its original context, it means advocate, helper, intercessor, and one who stands beside. Jesus calls Him “another Comforter”—not meaning different, but another of the same kind. This is a direct claim to the divinity and equality of the Holy Ghost with Jesus Himself. He is not a lesser presence—He is God abiding with them just as Christ had been.

The phrase “abide with you for ever” demolishes any idea that the Spirit’s work is temporary or partial. This is not a seasonal empowerment, nor is it limited to emotional highs or religious rituals. It is a permanent indwelling, a constant companion, a divine residence in the believer’s life.

Jesus then refers to Him as the Spirit of truth, a title that shows us the Spirit’s character and role: He does not lie, cannot be deceived, and will always align with God’s Word. This title also draws a sharp line between the Church and the world: “whom the world cannot receive”—because the world operates by sight and flesh, not by faith and Spirit. Only those born again can truly receive and recognize the Holy Ghost.

Christ then comforts the disciples with these words: “ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” The Holy Ghost had already been with them in Christ’s ministry—empowering, guiding, and filling Jesus without measure (see John chapter 3 verse 34). But soon, at Pentecost, He would be in them, not just present, but indwelling. That marks the shift from the old covenant to the new—the Spirit no longer just came upon people; He came to live inside them permanently.

John Calvin (1509–1564, Reformed) notes that Christ “bids the disciples fix their eyes, not upon His absence, but upon the invisible presence of the Spirit, which would be more profitable to them.” Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) explains that the Holy Ghost would be the same kind of Comforter as Christ: a teacher, guide, strengthener, and intercessor, except now not limited by space or bodily presence.

Broader Context:

John chapter 14 is part of what’s often called the Farewell Discourse—chapters 13 through 17—where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. He gives them doctrine, comfort, warning, and future promises. The central promise in chapter 14 is the coming of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus presents the Spirit not as an impersonal force, but as a divine Person who will take up residence in believers. This stands in contrast to many modern teachings that reduce the Spirit to an influence or emotional experience. In this chapter, He is the Comforter who teaches (verse 26), reminds (verse 26), and abides (verse 17). He is personal, knowable, and holy.

This promise is later fulfilled in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Ghost descends upon the believers in the upper room and fills them with power, boldness, and unity. But the theology of John chapter 14 provides the foundation: the Holy Ghost is not just God’s power—He is God’s presence.

Application:

Appreciating God’s Greatness:

God the Father sent God the Son, and God the Son sent God the Holy Ghost. Each Person of the Trinity works in perfect unity. The Holy Ghost is the eternal presence of God in us, never fading, never forsaking. His greatness is seen in His willingness to dwell in fragile, sinful human vessels and transform them into holy instruments of God’s glory. He is the Spirit of truth, meaning everything He does is righteous, and everything He leads us to is aligned with God’s Word.

For the Believer:

If you are in Christ, the Holy Ghost already lives in you. He is not far. He is not silent. He is speaking, guiding, correcting, strengthening—even in the quiet. He does not come and go like a guest. He abides. He is the Spirit of comfort in your grief, the Spirit of truth in your confusion, the Spirit of holiness in your temptation, and the Spirit of boldness in your witness.

Call to Action:
Acknowledge Him. Speak to Him. Thank Him. Yield to Him. We grieve Him when we live by the flesh, and we quench Him when we ignore His promptings. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, we experience peace, power, and purpose. Today, honor the Holy Ghost. Let Him fill your thoughts, guide your actions, and glorify Christ through you.

For the Unbeliever:

You may have heard about God the Father and God the Son, but until the Holy Ghost opens your heart, you cannot truly understand or receive them. Jesus said the world cannot receive the Spirit because it doesn’t know Him. But you can. Right now. If you will believe in Jesus Christ, confess your sin, and surrender your life to Him, the Spirit of truth will enter you—not temporarily, but forever. He will make you new, seal you as God’s child, and begin a lifelong work of transforming your heart.

Final Encouragement:

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples comfortless—and He hasn’t left you that way either. The Holy Ghost is the greatest gift Christ could send after His ascension. He is God, with us and within us. If you’re saved, you’re not alone. The Comforter is here. Honor Him today with your heart, your praise, and your obedience.

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.

The Holy Spirit: Our Teacher and Our Peace

John 14:26-27
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Commentary

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He knew what was about to happen. He knew they would be afraid, confused, and shaken by what they were about to witness. Yet, instead of dwelling on His own suffering, He comforted them with a promise—one that would not only sustain them in the days ahead but would be a source of strength and guidance for all believers to come.

The disciples had spent years walking with Jesus, hearing His teachings, and witnessing His miracles. But soon, He would no longer be physically with them. That reality must have felt overwhelming. How would they remember everything He had taught them? How would they carry on His mission? Would they be left alone in their struggles?

Jesus reassures them that they will not be abandoned. The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, would come. More than just a presence, the Spirit would actively teach them, remind them of Christ’s words, and guide them in truth. This was not an empty promise—it was a pledge of ongoing support, wisdom, and divine presence that would continue long after Jesus’ physical departure.

Then, He gives them another promise: peace. Not the kind of peace the world offers—the temporary, fragile peace that depends on circumstances—but a peace that is unshakable. The peace of Christ is something that cannot be stolen by hardship, fear, or uncertainty. It is a peace that settles deep in the soul, one that comes from knowing that no matter what happens, God is in control, and we are never alone.

And then He says something that applies as much to us today as it did to those disciples sitting around Him in that upper room: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Application

When we look at our world today, it is easy to feel troubled and afraid. Chaos seems to be everywhere. Wars, division, moral decay, uncertainty about the future—all of these things press on our minds and hearts. Anxiety has become a defining struggle for many people, and even faithful Christians can sometimes feel overwhelmed.

But Jesus’ words remind us that peace is not found in perfect circumstances. It is not found in a life free of struggle. It is found in Him.

Through the Holy Spirit, we are not left to navigate this world on our own. The Spirit is our teacher, illuminating the Scriptures and helping us understand God’s truth. The Spirit is our guide, leading us in righteousness when we might otherwise be led by our emotions or the pressures of the world. The Spirit is our reminder, bringing back to mind the things Christ has said so that in moments of doubt or fear, we are strengthened.

If you are feeling unsettled, if you are battling fear or uncertainty, this promise is for you. The Holy Spirit is with you, living within you, ready to bring clarity, guidance, and peace. It is not a fleeting feeling but a deep-rooted assurance that no matter what happens, you belong to God, and He will never leave you.

Broader Context

The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. It was written decades after Jesus’ resurrection, during a time when the early church faced persecution and uncertainty. Many of those who had walked with Christ were now suffering for their faith. Some had been martyred. Others were forced into hiding. The believers needed encouragement—they needed to be reminded of the promises Jesus had given.

That same reassurance applies to us today. The Holy Spirit is not just a concept or a doctrine; He is a living presence in the life of every believer. The peace Jesus gives is not just something we hope for—it is something we can experience right now, regardless of the turmoil around us.

Christ’s words were spoken to a group of men about to endure incredible hardship, yet they were not spoken in despair. They were words of confidence and certainty. The Holy Spirit did come, just as Jesus promised. The disciples were not left alone, and neither are we.

Final Encouragement

If you are struggling today, remember this: the Holy Spirit is with you. When doubts arise, when fear creeps in, when the world feels like too much to handle—He is your Comforter. He will remind you of truth, teach you what you need to know, and fill you with peace that surpasses understanding.

Jesus never promised that life would be easy. But He did promise that we would never face it alone. His Spirit is present, and His peace is available. Will you embrace it?

Call to Action

If you are a believer, take some time today to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace. Open the Scriptures and ask Him to teach you, to remind you of Christ’s words, and to calm your troubled heart. You do not have to navigate life on your own—He is with you.

If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, this peace is available to you too. The world cannot give what only God can offer. Surrender your heart to Christ today, and allow the Holy Spirit to enter your life, bringing truth, comfort, and assurance that you are never alone.

You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be believers of biblical truth.