Servias Ministries Blog

We are to develop our “spiritual eyes”!

Paul recounts what Jesus spoke in Acts chapter 26:

18  “To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

This verse is part of Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa. Paul is recounting what the risen Jesus told him on the road to Damascus. This verse is one of the clearest summaries in the New Testament of the purpose of the Gospel and Christian ministry.

This verse unfolds in a beautiful progression.

1. “To open their eyes”

Jesus begins with spiritual sight.

Before a person comes to Christ, they are spiritually blind.

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 says the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.
• Ephesians 1:18 speaks of “the eyes of your heart” being enlightened.
• Jesus frequently healed physical blindness as a picture of spiritual blindness.

Paul’s mission was not merely to give people information but to proclaim Christ so that the Holy Spirit would open their spiritual eyes.

Many people are intelligent yet cannot perceive spiritual Truth because Spiritual realities are Spiritually discerned.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 2:

13 And we articulate these realities with the Words imparted to us by the Spirit and not with the words taught by human wisdom. We join together Spirit-revealed Truths with Spirit-revealed Words.

14 Someone living on an entirely human level rejects the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit.

15 Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God.

This is why prayer is essential in evangelism.  We must pray that FATHER open their eyes and ears to The Word.

2. “That they may turn from darkness to light”

Once eyes are opened, a decision follows.

Darkness in Scripture represents:

• ignorance
• sin
• deception
• separation from God

Light represents:

• Truth
• Holiness
• life
• God’s Presence

Jesus said: “I am the Light of the world.” (John 8:12)

Coming to Christ is not merely adding religion.  It is leaving one kingdom for another.

3. “From the power of Satan to God”

This is one of the Bible’s clearest statements that humanity exists under one of two spiritual kingdoms.

Before salvation:

• Satan exercises influence over mankind.
• People may not realize it, but Scripture describes unbelievers as under his dominion.

After salvation: Believers are transferred into God’s Kingdom.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 1:

13 He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the Kingdom realm of His Beloved Son.

Notice that salvation is deliverance before it is merely improvement, it is a rescue.

4. “That they may receive forgiveness of sins”

Forgiveness is one of the immediate blessings of faith.  God does not merely overlook sin but instead, He removes its guilt because Christ bore it on the cross.

King Davide recorded by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 103:

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Forgiveness restores fellowship with God.

5. “And a place among those who are sanctified”

Some translations read:

“an inheritance among those who are sanctified.”

The Greek word refers to an inheritance.

Believers receive:

• Eternal life
• adoption as God’s children
• citizenship in Heaven
• every Spiritual blessing in Christ
• a future inheritance with Christ

This inheritance begins now but is fully realized in Eternity.

6. “By faith in Me”

Everything in the verse depends upon this final phrase.

Notice what Jesus does not say.

He does not say:

• by works
• by religious effort
• by ceremonies
• by law-keeping

Instead, He says:

By faith in Me.

Faith is the means through which God’s grace is received.

Jesus Himself is the object of that faith.

The progression of salvation

Acts 26:18 lays out salvation in order:

1. Eyes are opened (God reveals truth.)
2. A person turns from darkness to light (repentance and faith.)
3. They leave Satan’s dominion and come under God’s rule.
4. Their sins are forgiven.
5. They receive an eternal inheritance among God’s holy people.
6. All of this comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is one of the most concise summaries of the Gospel in the New Testament.

This verse ties together several writings recently posted:

• Developing Spiritual eyes and ears begins with God opening our eyes to His Truth. Once opened, believers continue to grow in Spiritual discernment through the Holy Spirit.
• The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Christ, convict of sin, and lead people into Truth (John 16:8–15).
• Compassion, which we focused on in the life of Jesus, is reflected in this commission. Jesus sent Paul not merely to preach information but to rescue people from darkness into light.
• The Gifts of the Spirit and Christian character both serve this mission. Spiritual gifts can demonstrate God’s power, but Christlike character helps people see His Love and Truth.

Ultimately, Acts 26:18 describes the heart of Christian ministry: God uses His people to proclaim the Gospel, the Holy Spirit opens blind eyes, people are delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God, their sins are forgiven, and they become heirs of an Eternal inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ!

You and I are integral in expanding the Kingdom of GOD on the earth.

Forgiveness is one of the highest expressions of Agape Love!

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 23:

34 While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, Jesus prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified Him, gambled over His clothing.

Jesus expressed forgiveness to those who nailed Him to the cross.  Jesus never denied forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 6:

14–15 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, Your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will Your Father forgive your trespasses.”

These verses immediately follow the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus taught His disciples to pray:

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

Jesus then pauses to emphasize this one petition above all the others. That alone tells us how important forgiveness is in the Kingdom of God.

What does Jesus mean?

At first glance, these verses can seem to say that we earn God’s forgiveness by forgiving others. But when viewed alongside the rest of Scripture, Jesus is teaching something deeper.

Salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). We cannot purchase God’s forgiveness through our own actions.

Instead, Jesus is teaching that:

• A forgiven heart becomes a forgiving heart.
• Refusing to forgive reveals a heart that has not fully embraced God’s mercy.
• Our willingness to forgive is evidence that God’s grace is actively working within us.

In other words, forgiveness from God produces forgiveness toward others.

Why is forgiveness so important?  Every believer has been forgiven an immeasurable debt.

Jesus illustrated this in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew chapter 18:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’

29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.

32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.

33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’

34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 “So My Heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

The servant owed the king an impossible amount—equivalent to many lifetimes of wages. The king completely forgave the debt.  Yet that same servant refused to

forgive another man who owed him a comparatively tiny amount.

Jesus’ point is clear:

• Our sins against God are infinitely greater than anyone’s sins against us.
• Since God has shown us such mercy, we are expected to extend mercy.

What happens when we refuse to forgive?

Jesus says,

“Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

This does not mean God withdraws salvation every time a believer struggles with forgiveness.  Rather, unforgiveness damages our fellowship with God.

Note the difference between:

• Relationship (being God’s child)
• Fellowship (walking closely with Him)

A child remains a child even after disobeying his father.  But fellowship is strained until the issue is addressed.  Persistent unforgiveness creates a barrier to intimate communion with God.  It hardens the heart, hinders prayer, and quenches the work of the Holy Spirit.

Forgiveness is not saying the offense was acceptable

Many people confuse forgiveness with:

• pretending nothing happened
• trusting someone again immediately
• removing all consequences
• approving of evil

Biblical forgiveness means:

Choosing to release the debt to God instead of demanding personal vengeance.

Justice may still occur.  Boundaries may still be necessary.  Trust often must be rebuilt over time. 

Forgiveness simply relinquishes the right to revenge.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 12:

19 “Beloved, never avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Forgiveness is an act of the will and it is not a feeling.  It is a decision made in obedience, feelings frequently follow later.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 7:

59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Neither Jesus nor Stephen waited until the offenders apologized.

Why is unforgiveness so dangerous?

Unforgiveness often produces:

• bitterness
• resentment
• anger
• spiritual blindness
• lack of peace
• difficulty hearing God’s Voice
• broken relationships

Satan often uses unforgiveness as an entry point to divide families, churches, and friendships.

People who truly understand God’s mercy become people who extend mercy.

Forgiveness is not the price we pay to receive God’s grace; it is one of the clearest evidences that we have received it.  As Jesus later said: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

In the end, Jesus is inviting His followers into freedom. Unforgiveness keeps us chained to the offense and the offender. Forgiveness does not erase the past, but it releases us from being controlled by it, allowing us to walk in the same mercy that God has lavishly shown us through Christ.

Jesus walked in compassion and so should we!

Biblical compassion is the God-given ability to see people through His Eyes, be deeply moved by their need, and Lovingly act to bring relief, healing, hope, or restoration.

Compassion is much more than feeling sorry for someone. Biblically, compassion is Love that is deeply moved by another person’s suffering and is motivated to relieve it.

The English word “compassion” comes from Latin:

• com = with
• passio = suffering

Literally, it means “to suffer with.”

In Scripture, compassion is one of God’s defining characteristics.

When God revealed Himself to Moses, the first attribute He mentioned was compassion.

Moses recorded by The Holy Spirit in Exodus chapter 34:

6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and Truth;

King David recorded by The Holy Spirit in Psalm chapter 103:

13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

God’s compassion is not merely emotional. He sees our need and acts to rescue, forgive, heal, and restore.

Jesus perfectly demonstrated compassion.  The Gospels repeatedly say that Jesus was “moved with compassion.”

The Greek word is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι), it comes from a word meaning the inward organs—the bowels, heart, or deepest inner being. In the ancient world, these were considered the seat of deep emotions.

This means Jesus wasn’t simply thinking, “I feel bad for these people.”  Rather, He was deeply stirred from His innermost being, and that inner movement resulted in action.

Whenever the Gospels mention Jesus’ compassion, something usually follows:

• He healed the sick.
• He fed the hungry.
• He taught those without spiritual guidance.
• He raised the dead.
• He forgave sinners.
• He restored outcasts.

Compassion always moved Him toward people.

There is an important difference between compassion versus sympathy.

Sympathy means you:

• Feels sorry.
• Acknowledges suffering.
• May remain passive.

Empathy means you:

• Understands what another person is experiencing.
• Shares emotionally in their pain.

Compassion:

• Feels another’s pain.
• Moves toward the person.
• Takes action to help.

Jesus did not merely notice suffering; He entered into it and responded.

Compassion reflects God’s Heart.  Compassion sees people as God sees them.

Instead of asking, “What do they deserve?”, compassion asks, “What do they need?”

This is why Jesus loved:

• lepers,
• widows,
• children,
• the poor,
• tax collectors,
• sinners,
• the demonized,
• the grieving.

He saw people through the Father’s Eyes, and we are meant to see them in the same way!

Compassion and mercy are closely related but distinct.

• Compassion is the inward movement of the heart.
• Mercy is compassion expressed in action.

For example: a hungry person asks for food.

• Compassion says, “My heart is moved.”
• Mercy says, “Here is something to eat.”

Jesus consistently turned compassion into mercy.

Compassion and Love

Compassion is one expression of biblical Love (agapē).  Love is the decision to seek another person’s good. Compassion is what that Love looks like when it encounters suffering.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 3:

12 You are always and dearly Loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been Divinely chosen to be Holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

14 For Love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Compassion is evidence that God’s Spirit is shaping our character. It protects us from becoming hard-hearted, indifferent, or self-centered. It also reflects the character of Christ.

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:

36 Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your Heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”

As we grow in Christ, we begin to notice what He notices. We become moved by the needs of others—not merely with emotion, but with a willingness to serve, encourage, give, forgive, and help.

This is why the Gospels so often say Jesus “was moved with compassion.” His miracles were not displays of power alone; they were expressions of the Father’s Heart toward people in need.

Servias Ministries expresses compassion for the kids in need as well as their families.  Love in action is what it is all about!

Father chose us before the foundation of the world to be His Holy Children!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 1:

3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every Spiritual blessing in Heavenly places in Christ.”

Paul begins with worship. Notice the progression:

• We bless God with praise.
• God blesses us with spiritual blessings.

“Every spiritual blessing”

Paul is not referring primarily to material prosperity but to everything necessary for Eternal Life and fellowship with God.

These blessings include:

• Forgiveness
• Adoption
• Redemption
• The Holy Spirit
• Access to God
• Peace
• Righteousness
• Eternal Life
• An inheritance
• Spiritual gifts
• Authority in Christ

Notice Paul says every Spiritual blessing—not “some.”  Nothing essential for your relationship with God is missing.

“In Heavenly places”  This phrase appears five times in Ephesians.

It refers to the spiritual realm where:

• Christ reigns (1:20)
• Believers are seated with Christ (2:6)
• Angels observe God’s Wisdom (3:10)
• Spiritual warfare occurs (6:12)

Paul is reminding believers that although they live on earth, their true citizenship and resources are Heavenly.

“In Christ”  This phrase (or similar expressions like “in Him”) occurs over 30 times in Ephesians.  It is the key to the whole book. Every blessing comes because we are united to Christ—not because we deserve it.

4  “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and without blame before Him in Love.”

This verse contains several profound Truths.

“He chose us”

The Greek word means: “to select for oneself.”  God took the initiative.  Salvation did not begin when we believed but it began in God’s Eternal purpose.

“In Him”  Notice carefully, God did not choose isolated individuals apart from Christ but He chose a people in Christ.  Jesus Himself is God’s Chosen One and everyone united with Christ shares His election.

“Before the foundation of the world”

Before:

• Creation
• Adam
• Sin
• History

God already knew His redemptive plan and nothing surprised Him.  Christ was never God’s “Plan B.”

Why did God choose us?  Not merely to go to Heaven.

Paul says: “That we should be Holy and blameless.”

Election has a purpose:

Transformation.

God did not choose believers because they were Holy, He chose them to become Holy.

Holiness is evidence of God’s work.

5 “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His Will.”

“Predestined”, this word literally means: “to determine beforehand.”  Here Paul specifically connects predestination with:

Adoption.  He does not merely say people were predestined to salvation, he emphasizes our future status as God’s children.

In Roman culture, adoption was extremely significant.

An adopted son received:

• Full legal rights
• A new family
• A new inheritance
• A new name
• Equal standing with natural-born children

The old family relationship was legally terminated.

Paul says God has done exactly this spiritually.  We are not merely forgiven criminals, instead, we become God’s Sons and Daughters.

“Through Jesus Christ”, no one becomes God’s child apart from Jesus.

Christ makes adoption possible through:

• His death
• His resurrection
• His righteousness

“According to the good pleasure of His will”

God delights in saving His people.

This wasn’t done reluctantly.  It pleased Him.  The Father’s Heart has always desired a redeemed family.

6 “To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.”

Here Paul explains the ultimate purpose.  Everything God does ultimately displays His glory.  The goal is:

“the praise of the glory of His grace.”  Grace becomes visible through redeemed people.

“Accepted”  Some translations say: “bestowed grace upon us”.  The Greek literally means: “highly favored.”  The same root appears when the angel greeted Mary in Luke 1:28.  God has lavished His favor upon believers.

“In the Beloved”  This title refers to Jesus.  At Jesus’ baptism the Father declared:

“This is My beloved Son.”

God accepts believers because they are united with His beloved Son.

The Father Loves believers with the very Love He has for Christ (see John 17:23).

Our acceptance rests entirely on Christ’s righteousness—not on our own performance.

The Flow of Paul’s Thought

Paul presents a beautiful progression:

1. God blessed us with every Spiritual blessing (v.3)
2. God chose us before creation (v.4)
3. God’s purpose is our Holiness (v.4)
4. God predestined us for adoption (v.5)
5. Everything comes through Jesus Christ (vv.3–5)
6. Everything magnifies God’s glorious grace (v.6)
7. We are fully accepted in God’s Beloved Son (v.6)

This passage provides profound assurance and direction for believers.

• Your identity is rooted in Christ. Your worth is not determined by achievements, failures, or the opinions of others, but by your union with Christ.
• Holiness is your calling. God chose you not simply to escape judgment but to reflect His Character in everyday life.
• You belong to God’s family. Adoption means you can approach the Father with confidence, knowing you are a Son or Daughter rather than merely a servant.
• Grace is the foundation of your relationship with God. Your acceptance is based on Christ’s finished work, not on fluctuating Spiritual performance.
• Your Life has an Eternal purpose. God intends your life to display “the praise of the glory of His grace,” so that His mercy and goodness are seen through you.

Before Paul prays in Ephesians 1:17–18 that believers would have “the eyes of your understanding enlightened,” he first reminds them of who they already are in Christ (vv. 3–14).

Spiritual revelation rests on identity.

The pattern is:

• God blesses us (v. 3).
• God chooses us (v. 4).
• God adopts us (v. 5).
• God accepts us in Christ (v. 6).
• Then God opens the eyes of our hearts to understand these realities more deeply (vv. 17–18).

In other words, Spiritual maturity is not about trying to earn God’s favor or attain a special status. It is about the Holy Spirit progressively revealing the blessings, identity, and inheritance that are already ours “in Christ.”

As these Truths move from intellectual knowledge into lived conviction, they shape our worship, our confidence in prayer, and our ability to discern God’s Voice.

Don’t allow yourself to be deceived!

The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st John chapter 2:

24 So you must be sure to keep the message burning in your hearts; that is, the message of Life you heard from the beginning. If you do, you will always be living in close fellowship with the Son and with the Father.

25 And He Himself has promised us the never-ending Life of the ages to come!

26 I’ve written these things about those who are attempting to lead you astray.

27 But the wonderful anointing you have received from God is so much greater than their deception and now lives in you. There’s no need for anyone to keep teaching you. His anointing teaches you all that you need to know, for it will lead you into Truth, not a counterfeit. So just as the anointing has taught you, remain in Him.

28 And now, dear children, remain in Him, so that when He is revealed we may have joyful confidence and not be ashamed when we stand before Him at His appearing.

This passage is one of John’s strongest exhortations to remain steadfast in Christ amid deception. The central word is “abide” (μένω, menō), which appears repeatedly throughout John’s writings and means to remain, continue, dwell, or stay connected.

Verse 24 refers to the original Gospel that the apostles preached:

• Jesus is the Son of God.
• He came in the flesh.
• He died for our sins.
• He rose again.
• Salvation comes through Him alone.

John is warning against accepting “new” teachings that alter the Gospel.

Notice that John does not tell them to seek a new revelation. Instead, he tells them to hold firmly to the revelation they already received.

The relationship

John presents a sequence of Truth:

• The Gospel remains in you.
• Therefore you remain in Christ.
• Therefore you remain in fellowship with the Father.

Truth and relationship cannot be separated.

Everything John has discussed points toward one promise: Eternal life.  Eternal Life is not merely living forever.

It is:

• knowing God,
• sharing His Life,
• enjoying fellowship with Him now,
• and ultimately dwelling with Him forever.

Jesus defined Eternal Life as He prayed in John chapter 17:

1 Jesus spoke these Words, lifted up His Eyes to Heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,

2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give Eternal Life to as many as You have given Him.

3 And this is Eternal Life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.

Have you considered the opposite of Eternal Life?  Eternal death!

In verse 26, John explains exactly why he is writing.

False teachers were:

• denying Jesus as the Christ,
• denying His humanity,
• claiming special spiritual knowledge,
• leading believers away from the True Gospel.

John does not encourage curiosity about every new teaching.  Instead, he says: “Remain in what you already know is True.”

Verse 27 is vital to our understanding and pursuits.

“But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you…”

The anointing refers to the Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament anointed:

• priests,
• prophets,
• kings

for God’s service.

Now every believer has been spiritually anointed by receiving the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit teaches believers!

John says:

“His anointing teaches you concerning all things.”

This does not mean:

• Christians automatically know everything.
• Christians never need pastors.
• Christians never study Scripture.

After all, John himself is teaching them through this letter.

Instead, the Spirit:

• confirms the Truth,
• exposes falsehood,
• illuminates Scripture,
• continually points believers to Christ.

Jesus promised exactly this in John 16:13:

“When He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all Truth.”

The Holy Spirit never teaches something that contradicts the Scriptures He inspired.

Verse 28 provides us with John’s conclusion:

“And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”

This is John’s practical conclusion:

Christ will return.

The issue is not whether believers belong to Christ.

The issue is:

Will they be living faithfully when He comes?

John describes two possible responses:

Confidence

Those walking closely with Christ will welcome His appearing with joy.

Like Paul, they can say:

“I have fought the good fight…”

Their lives will reflect ongoing fellowship with Him.

Shame

John is not describing Eternal condemnation.

Rather, he speaks of the shame a believer would feel whose life has drifted from faithful obedience when standing before the Lord.

In summary:

1. Hold fast to the original Gospel. Don’t chase every new doctrine. Truth doesn’t change.

2. The Holy Spirit lives in every believer

The Spirit:

• teaches,
• convicts,
• guides,
• protects,
• reminds believers of Christ’s Words.

3. Abiding is continuous

Abiding is not a one-time event.

It is a daily life of:

• trusting Christ,
• obeying Him,
• remaining in His Word,
• walking with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus illustrated this in John 15 using the image of the vine and branches. A branch bears fruit only as it remains connected to the vine.

4. Christ is coming again

John wants believers to live today in a way that produces joy—not regret—when Christ appears.

This passage provides a simple pattern for the Christian life:

• Let God’s Word abide in you. Fill your mind and heart with Scripture so the Gospel remains your foundation.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to illuminate Scripture, expose error, and shape your character into Christ’s likeness.
• Test every teaching. Compare every sermon, book, prophecy, or spiritual experience against the written Word of God. The Spirit and the Scriptures never disagree.
• Abide daily in Christ. Through prayer, worship, obedience, repentance, and fellowship, cultivate an ongoing relationship with Him.
• Live with Christ’s return in view. Every decision can be made with the question, “Would I be glad for Jesus to find me doing this if He returned today?”

Don’t allow yourself to be deceived, especially by social media!

The condition of your heart determines what Truth you can receive!

Jesus often spoke in parables.  Why?

In Matthew 13:14–15, Jesus explains why He taught in parables. These verses are both a judgment and a mercy. They quote the prophecy of Isaiah and reveal that a person’s response to God’s Truth depends largely on the condition of their heart.

Jesus spoke:

14 “Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
‘You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.'”

Jesus had been preaching openly throughout Galilee. He had:

• Healed the sick.
• Cast out demons.
• Raised the dead.
• Fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.
• Performed countless miracles.

Yet many religious leaders rejected Him despite overwhelming evidence.

In Matthew 12 they even accused Him of casting out demons by Satan’s power.

After this rejection, Jesus began teaching in parables (Matthew 13). The disciples asked why.

He answered them and us:

Those who genuinely seek Truth will understand.

Those who have hardened their hearts will hear only stories.

The parables became both:

• a revelation to believers
• a concealment from the unwilling.

“Hearing, they do not hear”

This doesn’t mean they couldn’t physically hear.  It means they heard the Words without allowing them to penetrate.  It is like someone listening while already deciding they won’t believe and this still happens today.

A person can hear hundreds of sermons without ever surrendering to Christ.

Knowledge alone doesn’t change a heart.

“Seeing, they do not perceive”

They watched Jesus perform miracles.

They saw:

• blind eyes opened
• lepers cleansed
• storms calmed
• demons flee
• Lazarus raised

Yet many still concluded, “He cannot be the Messiah.”

The issue was never a lack of evidence, but it was unwillingness to believe!

“This people’s heart has grown dull”

The Greek word means:

• calloused
• insensitive
• thickened

Imagine hands that have developed thick calluses where they no longer feel what they once felt.  Spiritually, repeated resistance to God produces a calloused heart and this rarely happens overnight.  Usually, it develops through repeated rejection.

Paul also went into great detail as he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 1:

20 Opposition to Truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s Nature have been made visible, such as His Eternal power and transcendence. He has made His wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.

…

26-27 For this reason God gave them over to their own disgraceful and vile passions. Enflamed with lust for one another, men and women ignored the natural order and exchanged normal sexual relations for homosexuality. Women engaged in lesbian conduct, and men committed shameful acts with men, receiving in themselves the due penalty for their deviation.

28 And because they thought it was worthless to embrace the True Knowledge of God, God gave them over to a worthless mind-set, to break all rules of proper conduct.

Persistent rejection of Truth. leads God to “give them over” to the path they have chosen.

Jesus said of the pharisees, “Their ears are hard of hearing”  Again, not physical deafness, they only heard what fit their own expectations.

Many wanted:

• political freedom
• national power
• earthly prosperity

Jesus offered:

• repentance
• humility
• forgiveness
• surrender

That message was offensive.

“Their eyes they have closed”

Notice something important, Jesus does not say God closed their eyes.  He says:

They have closed them.

There is human responsibility.  People choose whether to respond to God’s Light.

Repeatedly refusing the

Truth makes it increasingly difficult to recognize it.

“Lest they should turn”

The word turn means repent.  Repentance is more than feeling guilty.

It means:

• changing direction
• changing allegiance
• returning to God

God’s desire was always, “I would heal them.”  His Heart is restorative, not destructive.

Why didn’t Jesus simply force everyone to believe?

Love cannot be forced.  God reveals Himself sufficiently for those willing to receive Him.  Jesus’ miracles were undeniable and His teaching was unmistakable.

Yet God allows people to reject Him if they insist.

This Principle Still Applies.

There is a Spiritual law seen throughout Scripture.  When people respond to truth…

God gives greater understanding.  When they reject truth… understanding gradually diminishes.

Jesus had just said in Matthew 13:12:

“Whoever has, to him more will be given… whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

This refers to Spiritual receptivity.  Faithfulness with the revelation we have opens the door to more revelation, a sign of maturing in THE SPIRIT.

The passage in Matthew 13:15 ends with God’s promise: “I would heal them.”

God’s purpose isn’t merely to expose hardness but to bring healing.

Throughout Scripture, He promises to replace a hardened heart with one that is tender and responsive (see Ezekiel 36:26). Jesus came not only to reveal Truth but to restore those who turn to Him in faith.

We must ask ourselves these questions:

• Do I approach Scripture expecting God to speak, or merely to gain information?
• When God convicts me, do I respond quickly or explain it away?
• Am I cultivating a tender heart through prayer, worship, and obedience?
• Is there any area where I have become Spiritually calloused?

The central message of Matthew 13:14–15 is that the greatest barrier to understanding God is not a lack of intelligence but a resistant heart. Jesus invites everyone to come to Him, but those who continually reject His Words can become increasingly unable to recognize it. By contrast, those who humbly receive His Word find that He opens their eyes, deepens their understanding, and brings the healing and transformation He desires for all who turn to Him.

Your words will ultimately express your inner life!

We can express words to project an image of who we want people to believe but, in the end, our words will reveal who we really are.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 5:

4“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

This verse is part of Paul’s instruction on how believers are to live as those who belong to Christ. The surrounding context (Ephesians 5:1–8) contrasts the old sinful way of life with the new life of holiness.

Paul begins by saying:

“Be imitators of God… and walk in Love” (Ephesians 5:1–2).

He then warns against behaviors that are inconsistent with a Holy life:

• Sexual immorality
• Impurity
• Greed
• Corrupt speech

Verse 4 shifts from sinful actions to sinful speech.

Three Types of Speech to Avoid

1. “Filthiness”

The Greek word refers to shameful or obscene speech.

This includes:

• Vulgar language
• Dirty stories
• Speech intended to stir up lust
• Words that degrade God’s gift of sexuality

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 12:

34 But you who are known as the Pharisees are rotten to the core like venomous snakes. How can your words be good if you are rotten within? For what has been stored up in your hearts will be heard in the overflow of your words!

35 “When virtue is stored within, the hearts of good, upright people will produce good fruit. But when evil is hidden within, those who are evil will produce evil fruit.

36 You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he has spoken.

37 Your very words will be used as evidence, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.”

In Ephesians chapter 5, Paul isn’t merely policing vocabulary; he is addressing the condition of the heart.

2. “Foolish Talk”

This means speech that is:

• Empty
• Morally senseless
• Spiritually unprofitable

It doesn’t necessarily mean humor or casual conversation.

Instead it refers to speech that reflects someone who has no regard for God.

Examples:

• Constant gossip
• Meaningless arguments
• Boastful talking
• Conversations centered only on worldly pleasures

Proverbs repeatedly warns about this type of speech.

3. “Crude Joking”

The Greek word (eutrapelia) originally described someone who could turn a conversation quickly or cleverly.

Over time it came to describe:

• Double meanings
• Sexual innuendo
• Sarcastic ridicule
• Clever jokes that entertain by dishonoring others or glorifying sin

Paul is not condemning laughter.

The Bible actually encourages joy.

Examples include:

• Sarah laughing (Genesis 21)
• “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22)

Rather, Paul warns against humor that:

• Makes sin seem funny
• Humiliates people
• Desensitizes the conscience
• Normalizes impurity

Many modern comedians build entire careers around exactly the type of humor Paul warns against.

“Which Are Out of Place”

Paul says this type of speech is not fitting for someone who belongs to Christ.

The Greek idea is that it is inconsistent with your new identity.

A believer has become:

• A child of God
• A temple of the Holy Spirit
• A representative of Christ

Our words should reflect that identity.

“But Rather Giving of Thanks”

This is the positive replacement.

Christianity doesn’t simply say:

“Stop talking this way.”

It says:

“Replace it with something better.”

Thanksgiving transforms speech because it focuses the heart on God.

A thankful person naturally speaks:

• Blessing instead of cursing
• Encouragement instead of tearing down
• Worship instead of vulgarity
• Gratitude instead of complaining

Notice that Paul doesn’t merely prohibit; he redirects.

Why Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving changes perspective.

Instead of:

• Craving more
• Entertaining sin
• Complaining

the believer remembers:

• God’s grace
• Christ’s sacrifice
• Eternal hope
• Daily blessings

Gratitude leaves less room for corrupt speech because it fills the heart with worship.

A Biblical Principle

This verse fits a larger New Testament teaching:

• Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.”
• Colossians 3:8 — Put away “obscene talk.”
• Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
• James 3:9–10 — The tongue should not both bless God and curse people made in His image.

Paul consistently teaches that transformed hearts produce transformed speech.

Before speaking, it can be helpful to ask:

• Does this honor Christ?
• Does this build someone up?
• Would I say this if Jesus were physically present?
• Does this make sin seem attractive or Holiness more desirable?
• Does this reflect gratitude to God?

If the answer is no, it is worth reconsidering.

Our words reveal what fills our hearts. When Christ shapes our inner life, our conversations increasingly become marked by Truth, purity, kindness, Wisdom, and thankfulness.