Tag: Mercy

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE: Total Surrender

September 17, 2025

VerseRomans 12:1–2 – 1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Verse Context

In Romans 12:1–2, Paul shifts from doctrine to duty, from what God has done (chapters 1–11) to how believers must respond (chapters 12–16). Whenever the Bible uses the word “therefore” it is saying, “Because of what I just told you…” Sometimes that could be a sentence, a passage, a chapter or even several chapters. In this case, Paul I referring to everything back to Chapter 1. After eleven chapters of explaining justification, sanctification, and God’s sovereign plan of salvation, Paul now “beseeches”, pleads earnestly, with believers to live in light of God’s mercies.

Verse 1 calls Christians to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices were dead animals offered on an altar. But Paul now calls for a greater and continual sacrifice, the believer’s whole self, alive and set apart for God’s use. This is “reasonable service” (Greek logikē latreia), meaning it is logical, spiritual worship in response to God’s mercy. Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) explains: “The sacrificing of the beasts was reasonable service, but the sacrificing of ourselves, body and soul, to God, is much more so.”

Verse 2 warns believers not to be “conformed to this world.” The world system (its values, priorities, and corruptions) presses constantly against believers to shape them. Instead, Paul calls for transformation (metamorphoō, the same root used for Christ’s transfiguration in Matthew 17:2), through the renewing of the mind. John Gill (1697–1771, Reformed Baptist) notes: “It is not a mere outward reformation, but an inward transformation by the Spirit of God, a change of the very soul into the image of Christ.”

The purpose of this transformation is so believers may “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Wayne Grudem (1948– , Evangelical) explains that God’s will here is not hidden, but something lived and discerned as believers grow in holiness: “The more our minds are renewed, the more we will approve, delight in, and choose what is pleasing to God.”

Paul’s call echoes Jesus’ own words: “^24If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Just as Christ gave Himself fully, believers are called to give themselves wholly in response; not half, not only on Sundays, not only on Easter and Christmas, but completely and utterly every hour we are awake.

I have met many who call themselves Christians. They read their Bible for five minutes in the morning and attend church on Sundays, provided it does not interfere with other plans. They give begrudgingly to the church, yet they have no hesitation in spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on conventions. They eagerly dress up in elaborate costumes they have made, but they despise the idea of presenting themselves respectfully when meeting with their Savior.

I have watched people argue for over an hour about video games, so passionate that their voices carried for everyone around to hear. Yet when it comes to Jesus, there is barely a murmur; there is certainly not an hour-long conversation filled with zeal. If you truly live by Jesus’ words, then put down the game controller, pick up your Bible, and live a clean life for Christ. There is nothing heavenly about video games that promote murder.

Broader Context

Romans 12:1–2 marks a turning point in Paul’s letter. For eleven chapters, he has laid out God’s mercies, man’s sin (Romans 1–3), justification by faith (Romans 3–5), sanctification by the Spirit (Romans 6–8), and God’s sovereign plan for Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 9–11). Now, Paul takes all of that breathtaking theology and turns to the believer with a burning appeal: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God…”

The word “therefore” is key, it connects every truth Paul has already proclaimed to the believer’s responsibility. In other words, because God has shown you mercy in Christ, your life must now be offered back to Him. This is not cold duty, but joyful devotion. Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892, Baptist) once said: “When I thought God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think I could ever have rebelled against One who loved me so and sought my good.” Paul’s appeal is rooted not in fear but in God’s mercy.

The “living sacrifice” language ties back to Israel’s temple worship. Sacrifices under the Law were dead and temporary, but in Christ, the believer becomes a living, continual sacrifice. This is echoed in 1 Peter 2:5: “5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” God is not looking for dead offerings but holy, living lives surrendered to Him.

Then Paul contrasts conformity and transformation. “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The word “conformed” (Greek syschēmatizō) implies being pressed into a mold. The world is always pressing; through culture, politics, entertainment, and temptation, seeking to shape us into its likeness. But Paul calls instead for transformation (metamorphoō), the same word used in Matthew 17:2 when Christ’s glory shone on the Mount of Transfiguration. Believers are to be reshaped from the inside out, by the Spirit, as minds are renewed in God’s Word. John Gill (1697–1771, Reformed Baptist) emphasized this: “It is not a putting on of a new form from without, but a thorough change within, wrought by the grace of God upon the soul.”

The outcome of this transformation is discerning and delighting in the will of God: “that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Wayne Grudem (1948– , Evangelical) reminds us that God’s will here is not a mysterious code to be cracked, but a path of holiness to be walked: “The more our minds are renewed in Christ, the more we will approve, desire, and choose what God desires.”

N. T. Wright (1948– , Anglican) adds that this is the natural outworking of the gospel Paul has been preaching: “The gospel is designed to transform people, not merely to inform them. The renewed mind produces a new way of living, which is itself a sign of God’s kingdom breaking into the present age.”

In short, Romans 12:1–2 is Paul’s cry for total surrender. After beholding God’s mercy, there is only one logical response: present yourself wholly to Him. Not halfway, not someday, but now, fully, joyfully, and sacrificially.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness
Romans 12:1–2 displays the greatness of God not only in what He has done, but in what He calls forth from His people. He does not demand empty rituals, but living sacrifices. This is the beauty of His mercy: He saves us not to sit idle but to shine as His transformed people. Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) observed: “The apostle beseeches; he does not command. He would rather persuade by the mercies of God than drive by the terrors of His wrath.” God’s greatness is revealed in this kindness. He wins us by mercy, not coercion, and He equips us to walk in holiness.

For the Believer
For Christians, Paul’s words are both a challenge and an inspiration. To present your body as a living sacrifice is not to give God one part of life, but all of it. This means surrendering daily habits, choices, ambitions, even sufferings, to Him. As Paul himself said elsewhere: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

John Gill (1697–1771, Reformed Baptist) reminds us that this is not an outward change but inward renewal: “The believer is to be wholly devoted to God, his body and soul, not conformed to corrupt customs of the world, but changed by divine grace into the likeness of Christ.” This is a lifelong transformation, not a one-time decision.

C. S. Lewis (1898–1963, Anglican lay theologian) once compared it to handing God the keys to every room of your heart: “Christ says, ‘Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good.’” That is the true heart of Romans 12:1–2.
Call to Action: This week, examine where the world’s mold is pressing on your life. Are there places you’ve conformed — in speech, in entertainment, in priorities? Lay them before God. Present yourself fully to Him, not in theory but in practice, and let Him transform you by renewing your mind in His Word.

For the Unbeliever
Romans 12:1–2 is also a call to those outside of Christ. Paul says “be not conformed to this world” — but apart from Christ, conformity to the world is all you have. You may clean the outside, reform a habit, or adopt new ideals, but without the Spirit’s renewal, you remain unchanged at the core. Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Matthew Henry reminds us that God seeks the heart, not outward ritual. John Calvin (1509–1564, Reformed) echoed this truth: “We are not our own: let us therefore forget ourselves and all that is ours. We are God’s: let us therefore live and die to Him.” For the unbeliever, the call is clear: turn from sin, lay down your life, and be made new in Christ.

BBT is not content to whisper this truth; we call with urgency to all mankind: if you are saved but harboring undealt sin, repent and surrender fully. If you have not believed, do not wait until tomorrow. The world will press you into its mold and pay you with death. But Christ calls you today, offering life, renewal, and the joy of walking in His perfect will.

Final Encouragement

Romans 12:1–2 reminds us that God is not after half-measures. He has poured out His mercies in Christ, and the only logical response is full surrender, presenting our lives as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is not a burden but a joy, for in God’s will we find what is good, acceptable, and perfect. To live as a living sacrifice is not to lose life, but to gain true life in Christ.

Recap

This week in Romans has been a single, beautiful thread woven through five passages that speak to the heart of the gospel and the life it produces. We began with Paul’s fearless confession that the good news of Jesus is not a fragile idea we must protect, but the very power of God to save all who believe. From there we faced the sober truth that every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory, yet we were invited to rest in a righteousness we could never earn, but that was freely given by grace through the redeeming work of Christ. Then we lingered at the cross to behold love at its highest: God proved His love not after we improved, but while we were still sinners, as Christ died in our place. Having seen our need and His love, we stood at the fork in the road where sin pays its wage and God offers His gift, learning that death is what we have earned, but eternal life is what He delights to give in Jesus our Lord. And today we heard the only fitting response to such mercy: not a half-hearted nod, but our whole selves laid upon the altar as living sacrifices, minds renewed, lives transformed, joyfully seeking and doing the will of God. If this is the journey the Spirit has traced for us (power, need, love, choice, and response) then may our hearts answer with humble faith, holy resolve, and a deep desire to belong to Jesus without reservation.

Our Prayer for You

Lord, we thank You for the truth You have shown us in Romans this week, the power of the gospel, the reality of sin, the greatness of Your love, the seriousness of sin’s wages, and the call to live as transformed people. For every believer reading this, may today be the day of renewed surrender, presenting themselves as living sacrifices in Your service. For those who have not yet believed, may today be the day of repentance and faith, that they would no longer be conformed to the world but transformed by Christ.

And so Believers of Biblical Truth calls out to all mankind: if you are saved but living with undealt sin, repent and return to the Lord with your whole heart. If you are unsaved, do not harden your heart, Christ died for you, and eternal life is His free gift. The world offers death, but Jesus offers life. Choose Him today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing

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

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

Shalom Shalom.

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE: There is Hope

September 4, 2025

Verse
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Verse Context

Romans 6:23 stands as one of the most concise summaries of the gospel in all of Scripture, setting two eternal destinies in sharp contrast. Paul has been teaching throughout the chapter that believers are no longer slaves to sin but have become servants of righteousness (Romans 6:16–22). He concludes with this summary: sin pays wages, but God gives a gift.

The first half of the verse declares: “For the wages of sin is death.” Just as a laborer receives payment for his work, so sin faithfully pays its servants, but its wage is always death. This includes physical death, spiritual separation from God, and ultimately eternal judgment. James confirms this pattern: “15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Paul already made this point earlier in Romans: “12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Death is the unavoidable payment for sin.

The second half of the verse offers glorious contrast: “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Unlike wages, which are earned, eternal life is a free gift. Paul makes this same truth clear in Ephesians: “8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). This gift is secured only in Christ, who said: “6I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Commentators across the centuries emphasize this contrast. John MacArthur (1939–2025, Reformed Baptist) wrote: “Sin promises freedom but pays with death. God promises life, and gives it freely in Christ. These two masters, sin and God, offer only two destinies — death or eternal life.” Voddie Baucham (1969– , Reformed Baptist) echoes the same: “You cannot serve sin and receive life. The wages are death. But those who are in Christ receive not what they’ve earned, but what He has earned for them.”

Historic voices agree. Augustine (354–430, early church father) explained: “For death is owed by merit of sin, but life is given by grace of God.” Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892, Baptist) proclaimed: “It is a blessed thing to receive what you have not earned, and that is what salvation is. You deserve death, yet you are given life, and that life eternal, in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 6:23, then, is the gospel in miniature. Every person is either receiving the wages they have earned, death, or accepting the gift they could never earn, eternal life through Christ. There is no neutral ground.

Broader Context

Romans 6 is Paul’s great chapter on sanctification, the outworking of salvation in the believer’s daily life. After establishing in Romans 5 that justification comes by faith alone, Paul anticipates an objection: if salvation is by grace, does that mean Christians are free to continue in sin? He answers with an emphatic “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). Believers, Paul says, have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and therefore they should no longer live as slaves to sin.

Through Romans 6:16–22, Paul contrasts two masters: sin and righteousness. Everyone serves one or the other. Sin enslaves and leads to shame and ultimately death, while righteousness, empowered by God, leads to holiness and eternal life. Verse 23 is the climactic conclusion: “23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The imagery of “wages” emphasizes certainty: just as a soldier or laborer receives guaranteed payment, sin also pays, but its currency is death. Revelation 20:14–15 confirms the finality of that payment: “14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This is the ultimate wage of sin apart from Christ.

By contrast, Paul uses the word “gift” (Greek charisma) to underscore that eternal life is not earned. Titus 3:5 reinforces this: “5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Eternal life flows entirely from God’s mercy, secured “through Jesus Christ our Lord.” He is both the source and mediator of life, as He Himself said in John 10:28: “28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Theologians have consistently highlighted this verse’s stark contrast. John MacArthur (1939–2025, Reformed Baptist) summarized it this way: “Every human being will receive one of two things: either the justly earned wages of sin, which is eternal death, or the graciously given gift of God, which is eternal life.” Voddie Baucham (1969– , Reformed Baptist) presses the exclusivity of the gospel: “There aren’t three roads, only two. You’re either earning death or receiving life, and the difference is Christ.”

Even historic voices saw this verse as the fulcrum of Paul’s teaching. Augustine (354–430) used Romans 6:23 to defend the doctrine of grace against those who claimed salvation could be earned: “If it is wages, it is owed; if it is a gift, it is freely given. Thus life eternal is not owed to works, but given by grace.” Spurgeon (1834–1892) called it “the sum of the whole gospel in a single verse.”

So in its broader context, Romans 6:23 is not a detached proverb but the capstone of Paul’s argument: everyone is a servant, either of sin or of God. Sin pays its wage, death. God gives His gift, eternal life. One is earned, the other freely bestowed. And no one will escape choosing one or the other.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness
Romans 6:23 magnifies the justice and mercy of God side by side. His justice is displayed in that sin always pays its wage, death. His mercy is displayed in that He gives what no man could ever earn, eternal life through Christ. Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) explains: “Sin is the work, and death is the wages; but eternal life is the gift of God. Death is the due of sin; life is the undeserved gift of grace.” This dual reality shows God’s greatness: He never compromises His holiness, yet He freely offers salvation.

For the Believer
For Christians, Romans 6:23 provides both a warning and a comfort. The warning: sin still brings death and destruction if indulged. John Gill (1697–1771, Reformed Baptist) wrote: “Though freed from the curse and condemnation of sin, the believer is not freed from its wages in the body; yet eternal death is no more his lot, for life is secured in Christ.” In other words, sin still brings consequences, but eternal condemnation is no longer ours.

The comfort: eternal life is secure in Christ, not in our performance. Wayne Grudem (1948– , Evangelical systematic theologian) highlights that eternal life is more than endless existence; it is a quality of life lived in fellowship with God, beginning now and perfected in eternity (Systematic Theology). This means believers already taste that gift, even as they await its fullness.

Call to Action: Examine your life honestly this week. Are there sins you’re treating casually? Remember, even forgiven sin still carries wages. Turn from them quickly, and rejoice that eternal death is no longer your end, for your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).

For the Unbeliever
For those outside of Christ, Romans 6:23 is both a warning and an invitation. Sin will pay you what you have earned, death. But God freely offers what you cannot earn, life in Christ. N. T. Wright (1948– , Anglican) notes that Paul here makes it impossible to remain neutral: “All humanity stands at the crossroads: continue in Adam and reap death, or belong to Christ and receive life.” The choice is unavoidable.

Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892, Baptist) pressed this urgency in his preaching: “Oh, the freeness of the gift! Yet the narrowness of the way! The wages are many, the gift is to few. Cling to Christ, and the gift is yours.”

For the unbeliever, then, the message is plain: you cannot buy life, you cannot earn it, and you cannot deserve it. But you can receive it, if you will humble yourself and come to Christ.

Final Encouragement

Romans 6:23 leaves no middle ground. Sin pays what it owes, death. God gives what only He can, eternal life through Christ. Every person is headed toward one of these two ends. For the believer, this verse is a reminder of the grace that saved you and the security you have in Christ. For the unbeliever, it is a merciful warning and a gracious invitation. The wages of sin need not be your story, the gift of God can be yours today.

Our Prayer for You

Gracious Lord, we thank You that though the wages of sin is death, You have freely given eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Strengthen believers to walk in righteousness and turn quickly from sin, remembering the price that was paid. For those who do not yet know You, may their eyes be opened to the seriousness of sin and the beauty of Your gift. Let none who read these words choose death when life in Christ is offered. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing

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

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

Shalom Shalom.

Today’s Daily Bible Verse: 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: Empty Faith

June 27, 2025

Luke chapter 6 verse 46:
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

VERSE CONTEXT

This powerful statement was spoken by Jesus during what is often called the “Sermon on the Plain,” a message that parallels the more well-known “Sermon on the Mount.” While Matthew emphasized the setting on a mountain, Luke’s Gospel (written by Luke the physician and companion of Paul) highlights a more level setting to symbolize Jesus reaching people of every class and background. Luke’s Gospel often emphasizes Jesus’ heart for the outcast, the Gentile, the poor, and the sinner.

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus had just finished teaching on love for enemies, judging others, and the fruit of righteousness. Then He asked this question to pierce through hypocrisy: Why do you say I am your Lord if you do not obey Me? The Greek word for “Lord” here is Kyrios (κύριος) [KOO-ree-os], meaning “master,” “owner,” or “sovereign.” In Hebrew culture, calling someone Lord was a declaration of submission and authority. So when Jesus says, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord,” He’s pointing out the contradiction of honoring Him with words while denying Him in action.

This verse isn’t just a mild rebuke; it is a courtroom charge. Jesus is challenging all who profess Him to consider whether their lives match their lips. The repetition of Lord, Lord adds urgency and emphasis; it reflects a passionate, outward show of allegiance. But words mean nothing without obedience.

BROADER CONTEXT

This verse serves as the climax to Luke’s version of the Sermon. Right after this, in verses 47–49, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders; the one who hears and does His words is like a man who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock. But the one who hears and does not obey is like a man who built his house without a foundation. So Luke 6:46 introduces that teaching by confronting the heart of every professing follower: Do you obey Me, or do you only acknowledge Me when it’s convenient?

This is also connected to the greater theme of all four Gospels: true discipleship. Jesus is not interested in empty religion, ritualistic obedience, or shallow allegiance. Over and over again, He exposes superficial faith, people who follow Him for miracles or popularity but not for truth, holiness, and surrender. Luke 6:46 cuts straight to the core of the Christian walk: If He is your Lord, obedience is not optional.

APPLICATION

APPRECIATING GOD’S GREATNESS

God is not silent. He speaks, He teaches, and He commands, but not to burden us. He gives commands because He is holy and because obedience leads to life, blessing, and spiritual freedom. It is a testimony of His mercy that He even invites us to obey rather than simply judging us for disobedience. That Jesus would ask this question shows that He desires not just our service, but our hearts.

FOR THE BELIEVER

Jesus is asking us today, “Why do you call Me your Lord but live in contradiction to My Word?” If we call Him Lord, that means we’ve surrendered every area of life to Him: our words, our choices, our relationships, and our priorities. This verse confronts the danger of lip-service Christianity. Church attendance, Christian phrases, and emotional worship are not enough. Our obedience must be real, daily, and wholehearted.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your life today. Is there a command of Jesus you’re ignoring? Is there something He has told you to do that you’ve delayed, avoided, or refused? Don’t harden your heart. Let this verse prompt repentance and renewal. Confess where you’ve fallen short and make a firm decision to do what Jesus says, not just say what He wants to hear.

FOR THE UNBELIEVER

You may believe Jesus is a good teacher or prophet. But He is more; He is Lord. And He is calling you not just to admire Him but to follow and obey Him. Luke 6:46 warns that claiming Jesus without obeying Him is meaningless. Salvation begins with surrender. If you have never repented and made Jesus your Lord, your Master, not just your safety net, today is the day to do it. Call on Him in truth, and begin to walk in obedience by faith.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Jesus is not fooled by titles or religious appearances. He sees the heart. Luke 6:46 is not a condemnation, it’s an invitation to real discipleship. To call Jesus Lord is to recognize Him as King, Redeemer, and Ruler. Don’t just say it, live it. His commands are not grievous; they are life-giving. Build your life on His Word, and walk in obedience, not just admiration.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,
You are worthy to be called Lord in every sense of the word. Forgive us for the times we have honored You with our lips but resisted You with our actions. Teach us to obey not out of fear but out of love. Help us to examine ourselves honestly, to surrender our pride, and to follow You in every area of life. May our words and our deeds reflect the truth that You are Lord of all. In Your holy and precious name we pray, Amen.

CLOSING

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


Shalom Shalom.

Today’s Daily Bible Verse: Is Jesus Abiding With You?

June 25, 2025

John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Verse Context

This verse comes from Jesus’ final discourse to His disciples, the night before His crucifixion. Judas (not Iscariot) had just asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to them and not to the world (John 14:22). Jesus responds with this powerful condition: “If a man love me, he will keep my words.”

The Greek word for “keep” is tēreō (τηρέω), meaning to guard, observe, and obey carefully. It’s not passive acknowledgment; it’s active protection and commitment to what Jesus said.

Here, Jesus links love to obedience. There is no such thing as loving Jesus while ignoring what He says. His words carry divine authority, and to honor Him is to obey Him. Notice also the promise: those who obey will experience intimate fellowship with both the Father and the Son, who will “make their abode,” their dwelling place with the obedient believer.

Commentator John Gill (1697–1771, Baptist) writes, “This is not mere talk of religion; it is the life of it. The indwelling presence of God is the privilege of those who love Christ truly.”

Broader Context

John chapter 14 is one of the most comforting chapters in all of Scripture. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, assuring them that He is going to prepare a place for them (John 14:2), and that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach and comfort them (John 14:26).

This specific verse, however, cuts deep against the modern tendency to separate love from obedience. Many claim to “love Jesus” while disregarding His commands about repentance, holiness, sexual purity, church order, or doctrine. But Jesus says plainly: Only those who keep His words truly love Him. This truth is reinforced throughout Scripture:

  • Luke 6:46 – And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
  • First John 2:4 – He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

True love for Christ always results in submission to His Word. That is the mark of a true disciple.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness

Jesus doesn’t just demand obedience; He promises fellowship. The Creator of the universe desires to dwell with those who love and obey Him. This is the grace of intimacy that a holy God would make His home with sinners redeemed by grace. The greatness of God is seen in both His authority and His mercy.

For the Believer

Jesus doesn’t leave room for halfhearted Christianity. Love without obedience is hypocrisy. If we say we love Him, we must keep His words, not just the ones we like, but all of them. That includes His commands about prayer, forgiving others, evangelizing the lost, denying ourselves, and standing for truth.

Call to Action

Examine your heart today. Are you truly keeping His words or just claiming His name? Let your love be proven by your obedience. Don’t compromise to please the world; cling to His Word and walk in it. He promised that if you love and obey, He and the Father will dwell with you.

For the Unbeliever

You may say you respect Jesus or even admire Him. But admiration is not enough. Jesus said that love is shown through obedience. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, this verse is a personal invitation: love Him by trusting Him, obeying His words, and turning from sin. He will come into your life—not as a guest, but as Lord.

Final Encouragement

John 14:23 is not a suggestion, it’s a dividing line. Whoever loves Jesus will keep His Word. There’s no separation between faith and obedience. And for those who obey, there is a glorious promise: God Himself will come and dwell with them. That is love, mercy, and holiness all wrapped in one.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us that true love is found in obedience. Help us to take Your words seriously and to guard them with our lives. May our love not be lip service, but proven in action. Dwell with us, Lord, make our lives a temple where Your Word is cherished and obeyed. For those still far from You, open their eyes and call them by name. 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.