Category: Daily Devotionals

52. And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the Saints which had slept, arose,
53. And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the Holy city, and appeared unto many.

The Earthquake, the Veil, and the Open Graves

Scripture tells us that after Jesus gave up His Spirit, there was an earthquake so violent that rocks split, and the veil of the Temple—covering the Most Holy Place—was torn from top to bottom. In this act, God announced that all who believe Jesus is their Lord and Savior now have direct access to Him. There would no longer be a need for sacrifices or an earthly high priest, because Jesus—the unblemished lamb—became the sacrifice for all and our High Priest.

These events are recorded in all four Gospel accounts, but Matthew includes something the others don’t—the resurrection of the saints. Matthew 27:52 tells us, “And the graves were opened, and many of the bodies of the Saints which had slept, arose.”

Revealing the Overlooked Moments Surrounding Christ’s Resurrection

Some discredit this “early resurrection” of the saints by pointing to 1 Corinthians 15:20 which states, “But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept.” But Matthew 27:52 is one of many instances where verse divisions interrupt the natural flow of the narrative. Verse 53 continues the thought: “And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.“

Matthew does not contradict Paul—he confirms that Christ rose first. Then as a sign of victory over death, and perhaps as a testimony of eternal life to the living and generations to come, the saints rose after Him.

Matthew is not the only Gospel writer who records a unique event that took place during the final hours of Jesus’ life. Mark writes about an event found nowhere else in Scripture—an event that took place at the time Jesus was arrested. In Mark 14:51-52 we read: “And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body, and the young man laid hold on Him. And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.”

Jewish custom at the time was to bury their dead naked, wrapped in a linen cloth. The only other New Testament reference to the dead being wrapped in a linen cloth is Jesus Himself (Matthew 27:59). When taking into account the timeline of events set forth in the other Gospels, a remarkable possibility emerges. When Jesus spoke the words “I Am”—declaring Himself to be God in the flesh—the power of that declaration knocked the Roman soldiers off their feet. It is entirely possible that the grave of the young Hebrew boy was opened and sparked life into him.

This was likely not a resurrection like the saints in Matthew 27, but rather the same life giving power that Jesus used to bring Lazarus back to life. The power that was unleashed after Jesus’ declaration “I Am”, may have been strong enough to touch the nearby tomb of the young man. If so, like Lazarus, he would experience physical death again in the future—for this would be a temporary restoration of life, not the eternal resurrection where death is no more.

Who Were the Resurrected Saints

But who were the saints that were resurrected after Jesus? To answer that, we have to remember that the writers of Scripture were addressing an audience of their time. Their readers would have had a different understanding of who “the saints” referred to—an understanding we don’t have because we are separated by centuries. Many of the witnesses may have been some of the “above 500 brethren at once” whom Paul wrote that Jesus appeared to in 1 Corinthians 15:6.

Just as today, when we talk to or text someone we know, there are details we don’t bother mentioning because the person receiving our words will fully understand the context. The biblical writers did the same—this was normal then, just as it is now. Their audience lived in the same culture, read the same scrolls (what we call the Old Testament), and shared the same terminology. This shared understanding prevented the writers’ need to spell out every detail that the readers would naturally fill in. Details that we sometimes struggle with by being separated by centuries.

The Greek term for “saints” used in Matthew 27:52 is “Ayíoi.” Since the New Testament was written in Greek, looking at the original wording often gives us a better understanding of the writer’s intentions. In this case, the Greek term “hagioi” translated as “holy ones” perhaps gives us a better understanding of what Matthew meant, because “holy” is a word used often in the Old Testament to describe those set apart by God. Matthew’s audience would have immediately understood this language and recognized who he was referring to.

With our knowledge of the Old Testament, and those who were considered “holy”, we can begin to speculate about who these saints may have been—and there are many. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob for starters. Moses and Noah. Then the twelve patriarchs, Jacob’s sons who went on to become the leaders of the 12 Tribes of Israel, including Joseph. We can also consider the judges God appointed, followed by some of the kings such as David and Solomon. There were the holy prophets God chose to be messengers. Job, who was set apart as a pillar of spiritual endurance in the face of Satan’s accusations. And women like Deborah, Esther, Ruth, and even Rahab—each chosen by God to play pivotal roles in Israels history.

There are also names in the New Testament that must be considered. Zechariah and Elisabeth, the parents of John the Baptist who lived righteous and blameless lives, and were set apart by God. John himself, chosen to be the forerunner of Christ, and was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. And Joseph, the earthly father who faithfully raised, protected and provided for Jesus, certainly stands with those Scripture describes as “saints” or “holy ones.”

It is not beyond the scope to also consider the martyrs in Revelation 6:10: “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, doest thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” When the fifth seal is opened, John sees “under the altar”, the souls of those that had been slain for the Word of God (Revelation 6:9). Here we see clear evidence that there are holy souls already in the presence of God, awaiting the day of judgment.

No Contradictions, Just Proof Upon Proof

Ultimately, we can only speculate about the identity of the saints resurrected after Jesus. Many names and details are omitted from Scripture. For some, simple curiosity—and for others, a need to prove to themselves or others—leads to debate and even doubt about the inspired Word of God. While these many names and details are not given, they have no effect on the legitimacy of the message they convey.

The Bible does not contradict or discredit itself. Instead, Scripture gives us proof upon proof—and hope on top of hope—when passages are compared to each other rather than judged in isolation, or for insignificant details they don’t have. The early resurrection of the holy ones stands as one more key testimony that God keeps His promises. It shows us that eternal life for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a promise that will surely be kept.

So when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we are also celebrating our own resurrection to come—and the eternal life we will share with Him.

Scriptures to Keep Your Faith in God’s Promises and Life Eternal

Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”

Numbers 23:19
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

John 11:25
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

2 Corinthians 1:20
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

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A Prayer of Thankfulness For the God Who Keeps His Promises

Father God in Heaven, You are an awesome God that never fails. Every promise You keep, and every judgment You make is righteous. You promised that if I give my whole heart to You and believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, You would forgive all my sins and make me a new creation. You have changed my life in ways I never could. Old things have passed away and made room for the new. Although I still stumble and have fear at times, You strengthen my steps and give me courage. You protect me from threats seen and even evil unseen. My heart is rooted in thankfulness for the promise and gift of eternal life in Your Kingdom of Heaven. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

May your heart stay with the only living God that keeps all His promises.
May your thoughts remain with Christ Jesus and His love for you.
And may the Holy Spirit keep every hope of every promise alive in your heart.

12. Who can understand his errors? Cleans thou me from secret faults.
13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.

Understanding Presumptuous Sin and Why David Prayed Against It

Jesus taught us to acknowledge the Father with the disciples’ prayer. Paul taught the early church to pray for spiritual wisdom and for love among brothers and sisters in Christ. David’s prayers in the Psalms cover a wide range of emotional and spiritual needs, but in Psalm 19 his focus is on being cleansed from sin — and in particular, from presumptuous sins. But what exactly does David mean by “presumptuous sins”? How do they differ from any other sins? And should believers today be concerned about committing them?

Believers should always be concerned about committing sin, no matter what label is attached to it. Not because we are under the law as David was, but because we are created in the image of God, and are called to live righteously in Christ Jesus. Psalm 19:12 gives us a true sense of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41: “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” We all encounter moments of weakness when we can physically feel the tension between our spirit and our flesh as we fight not to give in to the flesh. And when we do give in, we often do not understand the error in our judgment. Ironically, Matthew 26:41 begins with the words “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” — temptation being the entrance to sin, and prayer being the defense against it.

Psalm 19:12 also prompts us to hearken to the words of Paul in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” David is asking God, “what man can understand the errors of his own ways?” Although separated by centuries, David recognizes the same exact struggles Paul describes — having a spirit aligned with God’s law, but flesh that is sinful by its very nature. The exact same struggles that we face today, some 2,000 years after Paul’s writing.

The Hebrew Meaning of “Presumptuous Sins”

Verse 13 shows David’s understanding that God is all-knowing and his willingness to be fully vulnerable — spiritually “naked” before Him. In the original Hebrew, the words “presumptuous things” are not used. The proper English translation is “from proud things.” The single Hebrew word for this translation is miz-zê-ḏîm, the plural form of the word zêḏ, which means arrogant or proud. With this in mind, we understand that “presumptuous sins” are willful acts of disobedience committed against God’s law — sins fueled by pride and arrogance, exactly as the Hebrew text suggests. David is acknowledging that a prideful heart leads to sin and risks falling away from God — what he calls “the great transgression.” But a humble heart is one that seeks God, aligns with Him, and finds righteousness.

Seeing Sin as God Sees It

What God considers sin is often much different from what we believe to be sin. As such, there are times when we are not even conscious of our sins. This may be what David is referring to when he writes, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” A clearer understanding might be, “Declare me innocent of sins I am unaware of.” It also has to be considered that David may be asking forgiveness of sins only known to him and God — faults known to the Lord but may never be known by others.

Throughout Scripture we are taught to be mindful of our tongues, to speak with clean conversation, and to guard the thoughts of our hearts. In this way, as followers of Christ, we become examples of what being Christ-like looks like — and this is acceptable to God. How fitting that David closes his prayer with words that echo this very truth: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

All sin begins in the thoughts of our hearts, and proverbial fires are kindled by the sparks of our tongues. Proverbs 23:7 teaches us, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so he is.” And Jesus warns us in Matthew 12:36, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” These two verses strike at the very heart of the origin of sin — how we are shaped by thoughts we dwell on, and the weight and gravity of what we choose to speak — both inwardly and outwardly.

David’s Psalms embody the meaning of God’s words “A man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22), and Psalm 19:12-14 is no exception. In this passage we learn that pride and arrogance often lie at the root of sins we are aware of, and that there are sins we are not aware of. We see that we can pray for protection from a prideful heart and ask forgiveness for the sins we do not recognize. And when these are our prayers, the Lord is faithful to strengthen us, cleanse us, and redeem us.

12. Who can understand his errors? Cleans thou me from secret faults.
13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.

Understanding Presumptuous Sin and Why David Prayed Against It

Jesus taught us to acknowledge the Father with the disciples’ prayer. Paul taught the early church to pray for spiritual wisdom and for love among brothers and sisters in Christ. David’s prayers in the Psalms cover a wide range of emotional and spiritual needs, but in Psalm 19 his focus is on being cleansed from sin—and in particular, from presumptuous sins. But what exactly does David mean by “presumptuous sins”? How do they differ from any other sins? And should believers today be concerned about committing them?

Believers should always be concerned about committing sin, no matter what label is attached to it. Not because we are under the law as David was, but because we are created in the image of God, and are called to live righteously in Christ Jesus. Psalm 19:12 captures the gravity of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41: “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” We all encounter moments of weakness when we can physically feel the tension between our spirit and our flesh as we fight not to give in to the flesh. And when we do give in, we often do not understand the error in our judgment. Ironically, Matthew 26:41 begins with the words “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation“—temptation being the entrance to sin, and prayer being the defense against it.

Psalm 19:12 also prompts us to hearken to the words of Paul in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” David is asking God, “What man can understand the errors of his own ways?” Although separated by centuries, David recognizes the same exact struggles Paul describes—having a spirit aligned with God’s law, but flesh that is sinful by its very nature. These are the exact same struggles that we face today.

The Hebrew Meaning of “Presumptuous Sins”

Verse 13 highlights David’s recognition that God is all-knowing and his willingness to remain fully vulnerable—spiritually “naked” before Him. In the original Hebrew, the words “presumptuous sins” are not used. The proper English translation is “from proud things.” The single Hebrew word for this translation is miz-zê-ḏîm, the plural form of the word zêḏ, which means arrogant or proud. With this in mind, we understand that “presumptuous sins” are willful acts of disobedience committed against God’s law — sins fueled by pride and arrogance, exactly as the Hebrew text suggests. David is acknowledging that a prideful heart leads to sin and risks falling away from God — what he calls “the great transgression.” But a humble heart is one that seeks God, aligns with Him, and finds righteousness.

Seeing Sin as God Sees It

What God considers sin often differs greatly from the human definition of sin. As such, there are times when we are not even conscious of our sins. This may be what David is referring to when he writes, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” A clearer understanding might be, “Declare me innocent of sins I am unaware of.” It also has to be considered that David may be asking forgiveness of sins only known to him and God—faults known to the Lord that may never be known by others.

Pure Words and a Clean Heart: Christlike and Acceptable to God

Throughout Scripture, we are taught to be mindful of our tongues, to speak with clean conversation, and to guard the thoughts of our hearts. In this way, as followers of Christ, we become examples of what being Christlike looks like — and this is acceptable to God. How fitting that David closes his prayer with words that echo this very truth: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

All sin begins in the thoughts of our hearts, and proverbial fires are kindled by the sparks of our tongues. Proverbs 23:7 teaches us, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so he is.” And Jesus warns us in Matthew 12:36, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” These two verses strike at the origin of sin, exposing how we are shaped by thoughts we dwell upon, and the true weight of the words we speak—both inwardly and outwardly.

Why David’s Prayer Still Matters for Us Today

When we consider David’s life, it becomes clear why he prayed the way he did in Psalm 19. He was a lowly shepherd who killed a lion and a bear, yet the youngest among warrior brothers. He defeated Goliath with a single stone when seasoned soldiers feared him, and he was chosen by God to succeed Saul as king. That’s the type of life where pride takes root. Yet as king, he prayed for cleansing from secret faults, for protection from arrogant sins, and for a heart and tongue that remained righteous before God.

David’s Psalms embody the meaning of God’s words “A man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22), and Psalm 19:12-14 is no exception. Through David, we learn that pride and arrogance often lie at the root of sins we recognize, and that there are sins we do not recognize at all. He teaches us that we can pray for protection from a prideful heart and ask forgiveness for the sins hidden from our understanding. And when these are our prayers, the Lord is faithful to strengthen us, cleanse us, and redeem us.

Scriptures: The God Who Forgives, Cleanses, and Restores

Psalm 32:1
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.”

Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

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A Prayer for Forgiveness and Protection Against Sin

Father God in Heaven, forgive me for the sins I commit in thought, in action, and in word. Forgive even the sins I am unaware of. Cleanse me of bitterness and anger, where sin takes root. Purify my heart with humility so that envy and pride do not lead me to sin against You. Let Your Word and Your ways shape my spirit, so that I serve You righteously and always bring glory to Your name. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

May God’s Word guard your heart and be your strength in temptation.
May the way of the Lord Jesus Christ make your path righteous.
And may the Holy Spirit be the strength that empowers you to overcome the flesh.

3. Jesus answered, and said Verily, verily I say unto the, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

Two questions many Christians find the most difficult to answer are, “what does it mean to be born again“, and “are you born again?” Even Nicodemus — a well-educated and highly regarded Pharisee — could not grasp the meaning of what Jesus meant when He told him, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus responded to Jesus with utter confusion, stating, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4).

Perhaps the misunderstanding goes back to not fully grasping the command and consequence God gave to Adam in Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat eat thereof, thou shalt surely die.” While the physical process of the body dying may have begun once Adam and Eve ate of the tree, God clearly did not mean immediate physical death. We know this because Adam lived to be 930 years old. Although though Eve’s lifespan is not stated, we can assume it was similar.

Here we see a powerful revelation that forms one of the main themes of Scripture: “You will surely die” refers to spiritual death — the separation of humanity from God’s Spirit. And “being born again” is the restoration of that life through the Son, the second Adam, who came so we might regain eternal life.

Just as God is triune — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — His children are triune as well, consisting of soul, spirit, and body. A person’s spirit remains dead until they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and believe in their heart the Gospel: that He died, was buried, and rose again on the the third day. Until a person believes the Gospel, their spirit remains dead in sin.

This is what Paul reveals in Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, 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.” And in Romans 5:17 contrasting spiritual death with eternal life, “For if by one mans offense, death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

So what exactly does it mean to be born again? “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being born again is the birth of your spirit. You are no longer a slave to sin — your spirit becomes stronger than your flesh as you become a servant to God, led by His Holy Spirit (Romans 6:20-23). Though this is a spiritual birth, it does show in your physical essence. Foul language gives way to clean conversation. Fornication feels empty. Addictions lose their stronghold and are exchanged for sobriety. Carnal anger fades and is turned into righteous indignation toward the same ungodly things you once found pleasure in.

Being born again does not force you to change your ways — it creates a desire to do so. This is what Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” It also does not mean you won’t ever sin again, but when you do stumble, the Holy Spirit will convict you, and you correct your course quicker.

Without the Holy Spirit, mankind’s understanding remains limited to the natural realm — spiritual things cannot be understood (1 Corinthians 2:14). This is why, without being born again, the Bible is difficult for many to understand. Jesus explained this to His disciples in John 14:26, “But the comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have told you.”

Once a believer is able to discern spiritual things “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit becomes not only our companion, but both Teacher and Witness — dwelling within us, revealing truth and confirming our identity.

This is the core of what Jesus was explaining to Nicodemus in John 3:3, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Not church attendance, not giving long prayers, or even being able to quote a few scriptures — none of these will give you entrance into the Kingdom of God. Only by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, believing in your heart the Gospel truth that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose on third day, can you be born again and receive eternal life.

From Old to New Testament, Scripture is clear about what is acceptable to God and what is not. He does not expect perfection — in fact, He knows that before we discover our spiritual selves, we will be dead in sin. Perhaps this is why Scripture teaches us that the natural comes before the spiritual, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:46, “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual: but that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.”

When Jesus chose His disciples, He did not choose from religious leaders. He chose men in their natural state — sinners, fisherman and tax collectors — even choosing Mary Magdelene after casting our demonic spirits from her. Jesus gave the pathway to life when he said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

Father God in Heaven, I thank you — not for the things You have given me in my natural life, but for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus and giving me eternal life. Your love for me would not leave my spirit dead or allow me to remain a slave to sin. You sacrificed your Son and raised Him to life again so that I too may have eternal life with You. I am forever grateful, and I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen

The Apostle Paul: From Persecutor to Prayer Warrior

Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, nor was he one of the seventy-two Jesus sent out on missions to minister, his zeal for following Jesus Christ is unparalleled. He openly admitted that he had been the chief sinner and, as a Pharisee, the chief persecutor of those who followed Christ. Yet after being chosen by Jesus, Paul became one of the greatest examples of what it means to be born again. If Paul were alive today, he would rightly be called a prayer warrior.

His affection for prayer gives us one of the shortest verses in the Bible: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He taught us to let our requests be made known to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). It was Paul who instructed followers of Christ to pray for all people — including political leaders — because when society is at peace, the Gospel can spread more freely (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But what is it about Paul’s prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians that align them with the will of God — and can do the same for us today?

Why Modern Prayers and Expectations are Not Aligned With God’s Will

Paul shows that prayer forms the foundation of the church — the body of Christ — by opening each of the aforementioned epistles with prayer. Regardless of the issues that prompted his letters to these churches, even though verse divisions were not a part of the original letters, we see that each begins with Paul praying. This shows how important he felt prayer was in correcting the course of a congregation. The modern church teaches that prayers should be made in order to correct the course of a person’s life, it even teaches to pray for others. But there is a stark contrast to today, and what we see in Paul’s prayers.

Modern prayer takes “making requests known to God” and with it forms the foundation of prayer — asking for material things. Turning the promise that “God will supply all your needs through His riches in Christ Jesus”, into a service, rather than receiving it as a gift of grace. Another prayer that is common today is the “why me” prayer. Even though scripture teaches that trials, tribulations, and afflictions will come, many believers still find it strange when they do. Much worse, wavering faith has become common when prayers are not answered according to personal expectation. But if all of God’s promises are true, why aren’t more prayers met with the expectations they are made with?

Paul Prayed for Spiritual Enlightenment, Godly Discernment, and Christlike Love

The answer is shockingly simple. Paul’s prayers are faith centered — driven by a desire to understand God, learn to be Christ like, and effortlessly receive God’s promises to His children. In Ephesians 1:17-19 he prays “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”

When you pray for spiritual wisdom (James 1:5), the Holy Spirit can enlighten you to God’s will for your life — “the hope of His calling.” Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13). God has a plan for each of His children, and He provides them with the gifts needed to fulfill that plan. Rooted faith is what positions us to receive “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” — the glory of God shining through the child of God. Not works. Not wishful thinking. Faith aligned with God’s will.

In Philippians 1:9-11 Paul prays, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment. That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere, and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.”

This aligns perfectly with the will of God because, God is love. Jesus even commands His followers to love each other as He loves them (John 13:34). When we pray to learn how to love — and that love begins to grow in us — we naturally start producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance. These traits keep us from being offensive, angry, or easily stressed. And when these traits emanate from us, others are far less likely to be offensive, angry, and stressful toward us.

Judgment in this prayer is not the judgment of people or situations. Instead, it refers to the judgment we use in our everyday lives when we make decisions. Paul is praying that the Philippians would make choices rooted in love — just as we are called to do today. When our decisions flow from love for God, love for others, and even a healthy love for ourselves as God’s creation, we make choices that we are far less likely to regret later. Decisions that may not please everyone, but they will align with God — and that alignment is what produces sincerity, purity, and the “fruits of righteousness” Paul speaks of.

Are not these the exact traits most people seek for their own lives?

Why Praying for Spiritual Wisdom, Understanding, and Love Aligns Your Heart With God’s Will

Colossians 1:9-12 encompasses all of the previous prayers, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.”

Although Paul prayed these prayers to those he ministered to, he was also instructing them on what to pray for themselves — and we too should pray in the same way — for spiritual wisdom, understanding, and love. Spiritual wisdom to discern the path God has prepared for us, that we may receive our blessings and hearts desires. We pray for spiritual understanding so we can learn God’s ways and grow to be Christ like. And we pray for love, so that by producing the fruit of the Spirit, others see God shining through us.

Timeless Prayers in a Temporal World

We do not need to pray for God to give us material things in this temporal world that He has already provided for us in the spiritual realm. Instead, we pray for the spiritual wisdom and guidance to manifest what He has already promised. When our prayers align with His will, His blessings unfold in our lives, effortlessly by walking in the Spirit.

Paul’s prayers are timeless and remain spiritually relevant to the believer’s walk with Christ today. Through them we learn to petition God for peace in times of tribulation, for love to be rooted in our hearts, and for strength in Christ during seasons of adversity.

A Prayer for Spiritual Enlightenment

Father God in Heaven, I thankfully pray for all that You are and how wonderfully and fearfully You made me to be. I pray that my heart grows in love so that in me You are seen. I pray that my spiritual understanding deepens giving me greater understanding of Your ways, and into Christ Jesus who lives in me. I pray for abounding wisdom in Your Word and into your path for my life, so that I may be a good and faithful servant, and a blessing to others. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Amen

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing

The Apostle Paul: From Persecutor to Prayer Warrior

Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, nor was he one of the seventy-two Jesus sent out on missions to minister, his zeal for following Jesus Christ is unparalleled. He openly admitted that he had been the chief sinner and, as a Pharisee, the chief persecutor of those who followed Christ. Yet after being chosen by Jesus, Paul became one of the greatest examples of what it means to be born again. If Paul were alive today, he would rightly be called a prayer warrior.

His devotion to prayer provides us with one of the shortest and most profound verses in the Bible: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He taught us to let our requests be made known to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). It was Paul who instructed followers of Christ to pray for all people—including political leaders—because when society is at peace, the Gospel can spread more freely (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But what is it about Paul’s prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians that align them with the will of God — and can do the same for us today?

Paul shows that prayer forms the foundation of the church—the body of Christ—by opening each of the aforementioned epistles with prayer. Regardless of the issues that prompted his letters to these churches, even though verse divisions were not a part of the original letters, we see that each begins with Paul praying. This shows how important he felt prayer was in correcting the course of a congregation. The modern church teaches that prayers should be made in order to correct the course of a person’s life, it even teaches to pray for others. There is a stark contrast between modern prayer and what we read in Paul’s Epistles.

Why Modern Prayers and Expectations May Not Align With God’s Will

Modern prayer takes “making requests known to God” and with it forms the sole foundation of prayer—focusing on material desires. Turning the promise that “God will supply all your needs through His riches in Christ Jesus”, into a service, rather than receiving it as a gift of grace. Another prayer that is common today is the “why me” prayer. Even though scripture teaches that trials, tribulations, and afflictions will come, many believers still find it strange when they do. Much worse, wavering faith has become common when prayers are not answered according to personal expectation. But if all of God’s promises are true, why aren’t more prayers met with the expectations they are made with?

The answer is shockingly simple. Paul’s prayers are faith-centered—driven by a desire to understand God, learn to be Christlike, and effortlessly receive God’s promises to His children. In Ephesians 1:17-19 he prays “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”

Paul Prayed for Spiritual Enlightenment, Godly Discernment, and Christlike Love

When you pray for spiritual wisdom (James 1:5), the Holy Spirit can enlighten you to God’s will for your life—”the hope of His calling.” Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13). God has a plan for each of His children, and He provides them with the gifts needed to fulfill that plan. A deeply rooted faith is what positions us to receive “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe”—the glory of God shining through the child of God. Not works, nor wishful thinking, only true faith aligned with God’s will.

In Philippians 1:9-11 Paul prays, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment. That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere, and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.”

This aligns perfectly with the will of God because God is love. Jesus even commands His followers to love each other as He loves them (John 13:34). When we pray to learn how to love — and that love begins to grow in us — we naturally start producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance. These traits keep us from being offensive, angry, or easily stressed. And when these traits emanate from us, others are far less likely to be offensive, angry, and stressful toward us.

Judgment in this prayer is not the judgment of people or situations. Instead, it refers to the judgment we use in our everyday lives when we make decisions. Paul is praying that the Philippians would make choices rooted in love — just as we are called to do today. When our decisions flow from love for God, love for others, and even a healthy love for ourselves as God’s creation, we make choices that we are far less likely to regret later. Decisions that may not please everyone, but they will align with God — and that alignment is what produces sincerity, purity, and the “fruits of righteousness” Paul speaks of.

Are not these the exact traits most people seek for their own lives?

Why Praying for Spiritual Wisdom, Understanding, and Love Aligns Your Heart With God’s Will

Colossians 1:9-12 encompasses all of the previous prayers, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.”

Although Paul prayed these prayers to those he ministered to, he was also instructing them on how to pray for themselves—and we too should pray in the same way—for spiritual wisdom, understanding, and love. We pray for spiritual wisdom to discern the path God has prepared for us, positioning us to receive His promises and our heart’s desires. We pray for spiritual understanding so we can learn God’s ways and grow to be Christ like. And we pray for love, so that by producing the fruit of the Spirit, others see God shining through us.

Timeless Prayers in a Temporal World

We do not need to pray for God to give us material things in this temporal world that He has already provided for us in the spiritual realm. Instead, we pray for the spiritual wisdom and guidance to manifest what He has already promised. When our prayers align with His will, His blessings unfold in our lives, effortlessly by walking in the Spirit.

Paul’s prayers are timeless and remain spiritually relevant to the believer’s walk with Christ today. Through them, we learn to petition God for peace in times of tribulation, for love to be rooted in our hearts, and for strength in Christ during seasons of adversity. The following Scriptures represent only a few of his prayers—timeless reminders of God’s grace and presence in our lives, and our duty to one another in the body of Christ.

Paul’s Prayers for Peace, Love, and Strength in Christ for God’s Children

Romans 15:5-6
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9
“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

Galatians 1:3-5
“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4-6,7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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A Prayer for Spiritual Enlightenment

Father God in Heaven, I thankfully pray for all that You are and how wonderfully and fearfully You made me to be. I pray that my heart grows in love so that in me You are seen. I pray that my spiritual understanding deepens giving me greater understanding of Your ways, and into Christ Jesus who lives in me. I pray for abounding wisdom in Your Word and into Your path for my life, so that I may be a good and faithful servant, and a blessing to others. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

As you petition God according to your season, may His grace settle your heart.
May the strength of Christ enable you to overcome temptation and tribulation.
And may the Holy Spirit lead you into truth, love, understanding and compassion.

14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he with an infidel.

Yoke: A Word Rarely Used Today, Yet Rich With Meaning for the Believer

In Paul’s day farming was a well-respected and essential way of life. Eating from the land wasn’t taken for granted as it is today, so it was common practice to use farming metaphors when teaching spiritual truths. In fact, the word “yoke” appears 49 times in the Bible, showing that who the children of God attach themselves to is of great importance to Him. Jesus has specific instructions about His own yoke in Matthew 11:29-30 stating, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What we read as the New Testament was not written at the time of Paul’s ministry. When Jesus spoke of His yoke, Paul was still a pharisee so it is unlikely that he would have heard or respected any of Jesus’ teachings. This just adds weight to the significance of the yoke as a metaphor for the believer. It is a picture God intentionally preserved — one the Holy Spirit inspired writers to use across scripture, to teach His people how to walk in unity with Him.

When two oxen are “unequally yoked” there is a shorter or weaker ox teamed with a taller or stronger ox. The shorter or weaker ox slows down the two, even leading them to walk in circles instead of moving forward. In the same, way the unbeliever acts as a counterbalance to the faith of the believer. Being unequal spiritually is what Paul is warning against, not stature or strength. Unequally yoked spiritually leads to confusion, frustration, misunderstanding, and misdirection.

Interaction is Unavoidable, but Unions Can Be Costly

It is impossible to avoid interacting with unbelievers; they are in our workplaces, communities, online spaces, and even in the social gatherings believers attend. Lukewarm believers can find themselves thinking and acting like unbelievers without even realizing it. So while the unbelievers will be among us until the end of the age, it remains our duty to protect our faith by limiting the influence we allow them to have over us. Building close relationships with unbelievers risks being subtly led into sin. Gradually, the norms of the world begin to feel acceptable. “Jesus turned water into wine” becomes the justification that leads from casual to excessive drinking. “Try it before you buy it” becomes the excuse for fornication. Believers do stumble and commit sin, but being yoked together with unbelievers increases the danger of drifting into a sin-filled life.

Light cannot fellowship with darkness because of the power its gravity holds in this fallen world. The god of this world is Satan, and he uses unbelievers to spiritually blind those who are not firmly rooted in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). God has commanded the light to shine out of darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6), but for the believer’s light to shine onto the unbeliever does not require communion with them. It means that in our interactions, the way we carry ourselves and live our lives should influence them toward Christ. Light shines and can influence from a distance. Darkness, however, does not illuminate; it must draw its subject close in order to exert influence.

Light has nothing in common with darkness, Christ has nothing in common with Belial — a name meaning “worthlessness” referring to Satan himself. Just as Jesus separated Himself from the ways of Satan, God’s children must separate themselves from the ways of this world. We are commanded to form no union with the ungodly — this is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

Unholy Unions Lead to Discipline and Chastisement From God

The moral infrastructure that forms the foundation for the unbeliever is built on a completely different framework than that which forms the beliefs of the child of God. Forming a union with the ungodly will undoubtedly shake the framework your foundation is built on — leading to losses that only a complete course correction can regain. It is the kind of spiritual detour that requires being grafted back in again (Romans 11:23) — and the spiritual discipline and chastisement that comes with that process is no small matter. I speak from experience.

Choose your unions wisely and ask God for wisdom when forming them. This covers romantic relationships, friendships, and even business partnerships. When it comes to family, although we cannot choose them, we can choose to distance ourselves from family members who are not Christ-centered. Do not overlook ungodly ways for the sake of family ties — risking separation from God. Following Christ is not a walk handed down automatically from generation to generation, though a Christ-centered upbringing can be a powerful influence. This is why we must teach the young among us to follow Christ, not only with our words but expressed in the way we live. Our example becomes the yoke they learn to walk under.

Father God in Heaven, although I am surrounded by unbelievers in this world, Your light shines through their darkness, giving me the hope of the promise of your Kingdom — the inheritance I have received through your only begotten Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rest in the work of the Cross, knowing that my faith is my bond to You. Let your Spirit guide me and show me how to be a vessel of Your light. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Amen

14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he with an infidel.

Yoke: A Word Rarely Used Today, Yet Rich With Meaning for the Believer

In Paul’s day, farming was a well-respected and essential way of life. Eating from the land wasn’t taken for granted as it is today, so it was common practice to use farming metaphors when teaching spiritual truths. In fact, the word “yoke” appears 49 times in the Bible, showing that who the children of God attach themselves to is of great importance to Him. Jesus has specific instructions about His own yoke in Matthew 11:29-30 stating, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What we read as the New Testament was not written at the time of Paul’s ministry. When Jesus spoke of His yoke, Paul was still a Pharisee, making unlikely that he would have heard or respected any of Jesus’ teachings. This just adds weight to the significance of the yoke as a metaphor for the believer. It is a picture God intentionally preserved—one the Holy Spirit inspired writers to use across scripture, to teach His people how to walk in unity with Him.

When two oxen are “unequally yoked” there is a shorter or weaker ox teamed with a taller or stronger ox. The shorter or weaker ox slows down the two, even leading them to walk in circles instead of moving forward. In the same way, the unbeliever acts as a counterbalance to the faith of the believer. Being unequal spiritually is what Paul is warning against, not stature or strength. Unequally yoked spiritually leads to confusion, frustration, misunderstanding, and misdirection.

Interaction is Unavoidable, but Unions Can Be Costly

It is impossible to avoid interacting with nonbelievers; they are in our workplaces, communities, online spaces, and even in the social gatherings believers attend. Lukewarm believers can find themselves thinking and acting like unbelievers without even realizing it. So while nonbelievers will be among us until the end of the age, it remains our duty to protect our faith by limiting the influence we allow them to have over us. Building close relationships with nonbelievers risks being subtly led into sin. Gradually, the norms of the world begin to feel acceptable. “Jesus turned water into wine” becomes the justification that leads from casual to excessive drinking. “Try it before you buy it” becomes the excuse for fornication. Believers do stumble and commit sin, but being yoked together with nonbelievers increases the danger of drifting into a sin-filled life.

Light cannot fellowship with darkness because of the power its gravity holds in this fallen world. The god of this world is Satan, and he uses nonbelievers to spiritually blind those who are not firmly rooted in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). God has commanded the light to shine out of darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6), but for the believer’s light to shine onto the nonbeliever does not require communion with them. It means that in our interactions, the way we carry ourselves, and live our lives should influence them toward Christ. Light shines and can influence from a distance. Darkness, however, does not illuminate; it must draw its subject close in order to exert influence.

Light has nothing in common with darkness; Christ has no alignment with Belial—a name meaning “worthlessness” referring to Satan himself. Just as Jesus separated Himself from the ways of Satan, God’s children must separate themselves from the ways of this world. We are commanded to form no union with the ungodly—this is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

Unholy Unions Lead to Discipline and Chastisement From God

The moral infrastructure that forms the foundation for the nonbeliever is built on a completely different framework than that which forms the beliefs of the child of God. Forming a union with the ungodly will undoubtedly shake the framework your foundation is built on—leading to losses that only a complete course correction can regain. It is the kind of spiritual detour that requires being grafted back in again for spiritual restoration after repentance (Romans 11:23)—and the spiritual discipline and chastisement that come with that process is no small matter.

Choose your unions wisely and ask God for wisdom when forming them. This covers romantic relationships, friendships, and even business partnerships. While we cannot choose our earthly family, we can choose to distance ourselves from family members who are not Christ-centered. Do not overlook ungodly ways for the sake of family ties—those who are prideful, critical of others, bitter, or angry—they can be just as damaging to you as a friend or associate who shares the same traits. Following Christ is not a walk handed down automatically from generation to generation, though a Christ-centered upbringing can be a powerful influence. This is why we must teach the young among us to follow Christ, not only with our words but expressed in the way we live. Our example becomes the yoke they learn to walk under.

Scriptures That Warn Against Unholy Unions

Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

Proverbs 29:27
“The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.”

Romans 1:29-32
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”

1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

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A Prayer to Walk in Faith as a Child of Light

Father God in Heaven, although I am surrounded by nonbelievers in this world, Your light shines through their darkness, giving me the hope of the promise of Your Kingdom—the inheritance I have received through your only begotten Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rest in the work of the Cross, knowing that my faith is my bond to You. Let your Spirit guide me and show me how to be a vessel of Your light. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

As darkness tries to overtake you, may God’s light shine brighter through you.
May you find strength in Jesus your savior when your flesh grows weak.
And may the Holy Spirit lead you away from every temptation.

12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

After the fall of man to sin, earth came under the influence of the evil one. 2 Corinthians 4:4 declares “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not”, the god of this world being Satan. In John 8:44, in no uncertain terms, Jesus tells the pharisees that their spiritual father is Satan. These may be reasons that Paul felt it necessary to enlighten the believers in Corinth, that once they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they inherited the Spirit of God — the Holy Spirit dwelling within them (1 Corinthians 3:16).

The unbelieving world is completely spiritually blinded to the ways of God. Unfortunately, even some who claim to believe in God have taken to a watered-down Gospel — one that depicts Jesus as a great teacher, orator, or philosopher, rather than the Son of God. This completely diminishes the work of the Cross and plays right into the hands of the evil one. In the same way, prosperity preachers have turned worship services into motivational speaking events, cherry-picking the scriptures and portraying God as one who exists to serve His people.

These false wisdom’s of man blind the spiritual understanding of many even further, preventing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit from taking place. Prior to His ascension, Jesus explained to the disciples the role the Holy Spirit would play. In John 16:13, He taught that when the Spirit comes to those who believe, He will guide them to all truth. The guidance of the Spirit leads to the ability to “compare spiritual things with spiritual” — the ability to discern righteous from worldly, what is of God’s truth, from what is of man.

The natural person cannot receive the truths taught by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit convicts, the natural person calls it “feeling guilty” and soon talks themselves into the next sin. Divine intervention they call intuition or wisdom, never giving thought that the outcome may not have been for their benefit at all — but for one of God’s children who may be affected by their worldly decisions. Without being able to discern spiritually, divine moments are misinterpreted, and spiritual truths are dismissed as foolishness.

To the contrary, the spiritual mind judges all things spiritually, according to its walk with Christ. Jesus teaches in John 16:13,14 that the Spirit “will not speak of himself” and that he will glorify Jesus,“He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and show it unto you.” The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer enabling them to discern all things with the mind of Christ. For this reason, the spiritual mind is a highly coveted target of the evil one — because once a believer learns to think with the mind of Christ, the enemy loses his influence.

The Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ are gifts given freely from God to all who believe. Satan thought he had won once he was able to lead Adam and Eve into sin by doubting God’s instruction. This is the same temptation he uses on God’s children today, to draw them away from His truth. Yet even though Jesus has defeated Satan, the Holy Spirit restrains his evil influence by giving divine guidance and instruction to the believer — until the end, when Satan meets his final judgment and is cast into the lake of fire with the unbelievers. Because of this, it is our responsibility to guard our minds against worldly temptation by staying spiritually inclined through prayer and reading the Word, daily. Ensuring our place in eternity, the new Heaven and new earth, as God has promised (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1).

Father God in Heaven, you have freely given me Your Spirit and the mind of Christ to guide and strengthen me. You knew the evil one would tempt my weak flesh, so You made my spirit strong through Yours. You knew my natural mind would cause me to stumble, yet through Christ I will not fall. While I may be judged by others according to my foolish past, you only see the new creation you’ve made. I am forever grateful that Your ways are higher than worldly ways, and Your understanding is not that of man. I give You thanks in the name of Jesus. Amen.

12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

The Evil Elohim

After the fall of man to sin, earth came under the influence of the evil one. 2 Corinthians 4:4 declares “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not”, the god of this world being Satan. In John 8:44, in no uncertain terms, Jesus tells the Pharisees that their spiritual father is Satan. This could be one of the reasons the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to enlighten the believers in Corinth—and us—that once Jesus is accepted as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within, making the body the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Without knowing this, the believer’s mind is more likely to remain in a natural state and susceptible to evil influences.

Believers must also recognize there are other dark forces in the spiritual realm besides Satan. These evil entities are continually trying to control and separate mankind from God. After God dispersed the people into nations at the Tower of Babel, He also placed angels over the nations to guide them (Deuteronomy 32:8-9)—but these angels, like Satan, went against Him. This is revealed in Psalm 82:1-2, “God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”: ‘How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?‘” In the original Hebrew writing, the word Elohim is used for the English, God or gods. Elohim is not the name of God, but is a word used to describe divine or heavenly beings. God presides over lesser gods (divine beings), but there is no other God like Yahweh.

This gives complete understanding to, and the weight of, Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

What the Spiritually Blind Cannot See

The unbelieving world is spiritually blinded to the ways of God. Unfortunately, even some who claim to believe in God have taken to a watered-down Gospel—one that depicts Jesus as a great teacher, orator, or philosopher, rather than the Son of God. This completely diminishes the work of the Cross and plays right into the hands of the evil one. In the same way, prosperity preachers have turned worship services into motivational speaking events, cherry-picking the Scriptures and portraying God as one who exists to serve His people.

These false wisdoms of man blind the spiritual understanding of many even further, preventing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit from taking place. Prior to His ascension, Jesus explained to the disciples the role the Holy Spirit would play. In John 16:13, He taught that when the Spirit comes to those who believe, He will guide them to all truth. The guidance of the Spirit leads to the ability to “compare spiritual things with spiritual”—discerning righteous from worldly, and distinguishing God’s truth from worldy deception.

The natural person cannot receive the truths taught by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit convicts, the natural person calls it “feeling guilty” and soon rationalizes the next sin. Divine intervention they call intuition or wisdom, never giving thought that the outcome may not have been for their benefit at all—but for one of God’s children who may be affected by their worldly decisions. Without being able to discern spiritually, divine moments are misinterpreted, and spiritual truths are dismissed as foolishness.

Spiritually Enlightened Through the Mind of Christ

By contrast, the spiritually enlightened mind evaluates all things spiritually, according to its walk with Christ. Jesus teaches in John 16:13-14 that the Spirit “will not speak of himself” and that He will glorify Jesus,“He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine, and show it unto you.” The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer enabling the believer to discern all things with the mind of Christ. For this reason, the spiritual mind is a highly coveted target of evil spirits—because once a believer learns to think with the mind of Christ, the enemy loses his influence.

The Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ are gifts given freely from God to all who believe. Satan thought he had won once he was able to lead Adam and Eve into sin by doubting God’s instruction. This is the same temptation evil forces use on God’s children today, to draw them away from His truth. Yet even though Jesus has defeated Satan, the Holy Spirit restrains evil influences by giving divine guidance and instruction to the believer—until the end—when Satan and those like him receive final judgment and are cast into the lake of fire with the nonbelievers. Because of this, it is our responsibility to guard our minds against worldly temptation by staying spiritually inclined through prayer and reading the Word, daily—ensuring our place in eternity, the new Heaven and New Earth, as God has promised (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1).

The Greatest Gifts From God

Grace—God’s unmerited favor—is another gift He freely gives to His children. It is God’s grace, administered by the Holy Spirit, that manifests as real-world blessings in the believer’s life. The unexpected money that arrives at the perfect moment. The person who steps in to help when you never thought to ask. The times you prepared yourself to receive bad news, only to find it turned out good — or far better than you feared. These are glimpses of God working behind the scenes, quietly administering His grace. This is why Philippians 4:6 teaches, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

God’s grace—the unmerited favor that prepares people and situations to work in our favor—is the very reason boasting has no place in the Christian walk. Jesus taught this plainly in John 15:5 when He stated, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” When we walk in the Spirit, we bear the fruit of the Spirit, and God allows His grace to flow freely into our lives. The “much fruit” Jesus speaks of refers to the many blessings God bestows on the believer whose heart is aligned with His. We may bear the fruit, but every blessing is ultimately to bring glory to God. When we testify of these blessings we receive, we are to give all credit to God. In doing so, we express the spiritual wisdom the Holy Spirit has taught us, revealing how God works in the life of the believer (1 Corinthians 2:13).

There is one gift that rises above all others—a gift none of us deserves, yet one God freely offers to all who believe. His desire to give this gift is so deep that He sacrificed His only begotten. It is the gift of inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven and receiving eternal life—to never be separated from Him. Romans 8:7 states unmistakably, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” The carnal mind is natural, fleshly, and worldly in its thinking. Because of this, it is always at odds with God, doubts God, and cannot understand God—placing the unrepentant heart at risk of eternal separation from Him.

Turning God’s Pain Into His Glory

Jesus spoke plainly in Luke 13:3, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” The words of Jesus may sound harsh, but we must consider the pain God felt when Lucifer—His most perfectly created angel—and others, turned against Him. They now work tirelessly to turn every child of God away from Him. This is why God will not risk an unrepentant heart inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Peter 3:9 reveals the depths of God’s love: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” For over two thousand years since offering the gift of redemption, God has endured humanity’s evil and wickedness in the natural world. Every new day is an opportunity the unrepentant heart can use to turn to God and receive the gift of eternal life with Him.

As God’s children, we are to testify about the gifts He freely gives—both with believers and nonbelievers. We share with fellow because fellowship strengthens our shared faith. This is why Proverbs 27:17 declares: “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” And with nonbelievers so that our testimony may draw them to God. 1 Peter 3:15-16 instructs, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” We are God’s ambassadors, called to live righteously through Christ Jesus, being led by the Holy Spirit, as living testimonies of the love of God.

Scriptures That Reveal God’s Work in Us

John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

John 16:13
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

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A Prayer to Walk in the Spirit as a New Creation in Christ Jesus

Father God in Heaven, you have freely given me Your Spirit and the mind of Christ to guide and strengthen me. You knew evil forces would tempt my weak flesh, so You strengthened my spirit through Yours. You knew my natural mind would cause me to stumble, yet through Christ I will not fall. While I may be judged by others according to my foolish past, You only see the new creation You have made. I am forever grateful that Your ways are higher than worldly ways, and Your understanding is not that of mankind. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

As you walk among the fallen, may you see yourself as God sees you.
May your thoughts rest in Christ Jesus making every step steady.
And may the Holy Spirit be your guiding light, overcoming all darkness.