“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.” — Galatians 6:13 (NASB 1995)
Paul exposes something we still see today: people trying to boast in others’ religious performance, while failing to obey themselves.
This is not the Spirit’s way.
The Spirit leads us into authentic obedience, not rule-keeping for applause. He exposes prideful motives and calls us to humbly follow Christ—because the goal is not to boast in results, but in the Redeemer.
Reflection: Am I following the Spirit—or performing for others’ approval?Prayer: Holy Spirit, protect me from religious pride. Let my obedience be sincere and Spirit-born—not for show. Amen.
“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.” — Galatians 6:13 (NASB 1995)
Some people say we have to follow certain rules just to make them happy—but even they don’t always follow them!
The Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus from our hearts, not just to look good.
Try This: Ask: “Am I doing this because I love Jesus—or just so others will like me?”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me do what’s right because I love You—not to show off. Amen.
“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.” — Galatians 6:13 (NASB 1995)
It’s wild: Paul calls out the people who enforce rules but don’t live by them.
Some want you to live a certain way—not because it honors God—but because your performance makes them look good.
Let the Spirit lead your life—not other people’s expectations.
Challenge: Break free from one area where you’re following others for appearance—not conviction.Prayer: Holy Spirit, I don’t want to be fake. Help me live for You—not for someone else’s pride. Amen.
“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.” — Galatians 6:13 (NASB 1995)
Children notice when adults say one thing and do another. Paul warned of this hypocrisy in Galatians 6—people demanding obedience they didn’t live themselves.
In our homes, let’s model Spirit-led humility. Teach not by pressure, but by example. The Spirit leads us in truth, not show.
Family Talk:
Have you ever felt pressured to do something just because someone said so?
Why is it better to follow Jesus from the heart?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, make us a family of integrity. Let us walk what we teach and honor You above appearances. Amen.
“All who want to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” — Galatians 6:12 (NASB 1995)
There will always be those who pressure us to look the part—to meet religious expectations rather than walk by the Spirit.
Paul saw through the motive: they wanted to avoid persecution, not pursue Christ. Spirit-led women resist shallow appearances in favor of deep obedience—even when it costs.
Let the cross offend. But never let your life be shaped by the fear of man.
Reflection: Am I more concerned with what others think, or what Christ desires?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, protect me from performance-based faith. Give me courage to walk by the cross, not by fear. Amen.
From the Series: The Ark of the Covenant as a Prophetic Game Changer
“Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” — Revelation 11:19 (NKJV)
For centuries, people have searched for the Ark of the Covenant — from caves in Qumran to tunnels beneath Jerusalem. But Revelation reminds us that even if the earthly Ark remains hidden, there is a greater reality: the Ark of His covenant is in heaven. This heavenly vision reminds us that God’s covenant is unbreakable, His throne unshakable, and His judgment unavoidable.
The Ark in Heaven
John’s vision does not point to the earthly artifact but to the reality it foreshadowed. The Ark represented:
God’s throne — where mercy and judgment meet (Exodus 25:22).
God’s covenant — His Law, His provision (manna), and His priesthood (Aaron’s rod).
God’s presence — dwelling in the midst of His people.
In Revelation 11:19, heaven itself opens to reveal that God has not forgotten His covenant promises — or His warnings.
A Warning of Judgment
The heavenly Ark is revealed with “lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” This imagery recalls Sinai (Exodus 19:16–19), when God descended in holiness and judgment.
In the last days, the Ark in heaven declares that:
God’s covenant is intact, even as nations rage.
God’s judgments are real, not symbolic.
God’s presence is unshaken, no matter what happens on earth.
The world may exalt relics or institutions, but heaven reveals the true Ark — the place where God’s covenant and glory remain forever.
From Shadow to Substance
The earthly Ark was a shadow; Christ is the substance.
The mercy seat points to His sacrifice (Romans 3:25).
The manna points to Him as the Bread of Life (John 6:48–51).
Aaron’s rod points to His resurrection life (Hebrews 7:16).
The Ark in heaven is not a box of relics but the eternal reality of God’s covenant fulfilled in Christ.
Our Comfort and Confidence
As deception grows, believers can rest in this truth: the Ark in heaven cannot be stolen, hidden, or corrupted. It reminds us that God rules from His throne, that His promises are certain, and that Christ will return to reign.
Reflection Questions
How does Revelation 11:19 shift our focus from earthly relics to heavenly realities?
What does the Ark in heaven reveal about God’s faithfulness to His covenant?
How can this vision strengthen us to endure in hope until Christ’s return?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your throne is in heaven and Your covenant cannot be broken. When the world rages and deceives, lift our eyes to the heavenly Ark — the true place of mercy and judgment fulfilled in Christ. Strengthen our faith to endure until the day He returns in glory. Amen.
The Man of Lawlessness (Antichrist) is a prophetic certainty (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). The Ark of the Covenant is seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19).
However, the role of the earthly Ark in end-times prophecy is a matter of theory, not doctrine. Its rediscovery could align with prophecy (Temple rebuilding, Antichrist’s deception, global conflict), but Scripture does not require this for God’s plan to unfold.
We handle prophecy with reverence:
Certainties we hold tightly.
Theories we explore carefully.
Speculation we avoid.
Let Scripture remain our anchor as we watch and wait for Christ’s return.
“All who want to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” — Galatians 6:12 (NASB 1995)
Some people do things just to look good, but God wants our hearts to be real!
Even if others don’t like it, we should always follow Jesus—not try to fit in.
Try This: Ask: “Would this make Jesus happy—or just people?”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me follow You, not just pretend. I want to please You more than anyone else. Amen.
“All who want to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” — Galatians 6:12 (NASB 1995)
People may want you to blend in, play the part, or follow the crowd. But Spirit-led believers are marked by the cross—not trends.
Don’t trade faithfulness for acceptance.
You were made to stand out—because the cross stands alone.
Challenge: Think of one way you’ve been trying to please people more than God. Ask the Spirit for strength to stop.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I don’t want a surface faith. Help me follow Jesus, even when it costs popularity. Amen.
“All who want to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” — Galatians 6:12 (NASB 1995)
Children are impressionable—and the world pressures them to look right, act right, be liked.
But we are not raising people-pleasers. We are discipling Christ-followers.
Help them see that following Jesus isn’t about appearances—it’s about the Spirit leading us in truth, even when it’s not easy.
Family Talk:
Why do people sometimes do things just to “look good”?
What does it mean to do things that please God instead?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, shape our hearts, not just our image. Help our family follow Jesus without fear of what others think. Amen.
From the series: Understanding the End Times — A Biblical Framework
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV)
When people talk about the “signs of the last days,” they often point to wars, disasters, or technology. But Scripture places a different marker front and center: apostasy — a great falling away from the truth.
This isn’t about occasional doubt or a personal struggle in faith. It’s about a deliberate rejection of truth once professed. And according to the Bible, apostasy is the clearest sign that the last days are upon us.
What Is Apostasy?
The Greek word apostasia means “departure, rebellion, defection.” It’s used in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 to describe a turning away that must take place before the Antichrist is revealed.
Apostasy is not:
A believer stumbling into sin (backsliding).
A period of spiritual dryness or weakness.
Apostasy is:
A conscious rejection of God’s truth.
A shift from confessing Christ to denying Him.
A rebellion that paves the way for deception.
Apostasy in Scripture
The Bible repeatedly warns that apostasy will mark the end times:
Jesus — “Many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:10–12)
Paul — “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Peter — “There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them.” (2 Peter 2:1)
Jude — “Certain men have crept in unnoticed… ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
This is not a rare theme. It is one of the most consistent warnings across the New Testament.
Apostasy vs. Backsliding
It’s important to distinguish between these two:
Backsliding — a true believer who stumbles but later repents and is restored. Example: Peter denied Christ, but was forgiven and restored (John 21).
Apostasy — a person who abandons the faith altogether and rejects Christ. Example: Judas walked with Jesus, but betrayed Him and perished in rebellion.
Backsliding is weakness. Apostasy is willful rejection.
The Fruit of Apostasy
What happens when apostasy takes root? Scripture describes its fruit:
Corruption of truth — sound doctrine replaced by myths (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
Compromise with the world — truth exchanged for acceptance.
Hostility toward the faithful — persecution of those who stand firm.
Where God’s truth is abandoned, deception quickly fills the void.
Apostasy as a Prophetic Marker
2 Thessalonians 2:3 makes it plain: before the man of sin is revealed, the falling away must come. Apostasy prepares the soil for Antichrist.
A weakened, deceived church becomes vulnerable.
A world hungry for false unity opens its arms to lies.
Antichrist steps onto the stage in the vacuum left by truth.
This is not only a tragedy — it is prophecy being fulfilled.
Our Response
What can faithful believers do in a time of apostasy?
Cling to the Word — “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Test the Spirits — “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1)
Hold Fast — “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
Love the Truth — “…because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
The cure for apostasy is not clever arguments or cultural compromise. It is steadfast love for God’s Word.
Reflection
Apostasy is not a distant threat. It is the mark of the age we live in. The call of Scripture is not to despair but to stand firm. While many fall away, those who love the truth will endure to the end (Matthew 24:13).
Reflection Questions
How would you explain the difference between backsliding and apostasy?
Which warnings about apostasy in Scripture speak most strongly to you today?
How can you “contend earnestly for the faith” in your own sphere of influence?
Closing Prayer
Lord, in these last days, keep us from the great falling away. Anchor us in Your truth, guard our hearts from deception, and strengthen us to stand firm in the face of opposition. Give us a love for Your Word that cannot be shaken, and make us faithful witnesses until Christ returns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Leave a comment