The Biblical Person of the Day

---

Abner – the Commander Between Power and Reconciliation

---

Profile

• Name: Abner
• Time of birth: approximately the 11th century BC
• Place of birth: Israel
• Time of death: approximately the 10th century BC
• Age: unknown
• Occupation: commander of Saul’s army and later a supporter of Ish-bosheth

---

Short Story

Abner was a powerful military commander during the time of Saul and David. He belonged to Saul’s family and had great influence in the kingdom of Israel.

When Saul was king, Abner commanded the army. He was an experienced soldier, a man of strategy, and an important pillar of Saul’s rule.

After Saul’s death, Abner supported Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and made him king over Israel. As a result, he initially stood on the opposing side from David, who had already been recognized as king in Judah.

A long struggle for power arose between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner played a central role in it.

Later, however, he came into conflict with Ish-bosheth. Abner then decided to support David and lead the tribes of Israel to him.

In this way, he could have become an important mediator for the unity of Israel. But Joab, the commander of David’s army, killed Abner in revenge for the death of his brother Asahel.

Abner’s story shows how dangerous struggles for power, revenge, and political tensions can be. It also makes clear that even decisions made late in favor of reconciliation can have great significance.

---

The Decisive Moment

Abner decides to support David and open the way toward the unity of Israel.

---

7 Special Facts About Abner

1. He was a relative of Saul
2. He was the commander of Saul’s army
3. After Saul’s death, he supported Ish-bosheth
4. At first, he opposed David
5. He played a central role in the power struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David
6. Later, he wanted to support David
7. He was killed by Joab in revenge

---

Strengths & Weaknesses

strong
experienced
influential
capable of changing political direction
involved in struggles for power
served for a long time within a divided government

---

The Mistake That Shaped Him

Abner remained loyal to the house of Saul for a long time and became part of a struggle for power that divided Israel.
His story shows that power and loyalty without God’s clear guidance can lead to dangerous conflicts.

---

Key Verse

“Now then, I will go and make a covenant with David.” (2 Samuel 3:21)

---

The Life Lesson

Influence can divide or unite—the decisive question is how a person uses his power.

---

Application for Today

Do not use your influence to prolong conflicts, but to promote peace, order, and reconciliation.

---

Question for You

Where could you use your influence today to create connection instead of division?

---

Context

Abner lived during the period of transition between Saul’s reign and David’s final establishment as king over all Israel.

---

Connection

Abner was the commander of Saul’s army, supported Ish-bosheth, and later negotiated with David concerning the unity of Israel.

---

Conclusion:

Abner shows that influence carries great responsibility and that power can either prolong conflicts or open the way toward unity.

See you tomorrow with the next biblical person!

---

The Story of His Life

The Life Story of Abner – Power, Loyalty, and a Lost Peace

---

A Man from Saul’s Inner Circle

Abner belonged to Saul’s family and stood at the center of Israel’s political and military power. As commander of the army, he was one of the most important men in the kingdom.

His responsibility required courage, experience, and determination. In a time filled with wars and threats, a military commander was not only a soldier, but also a key political figure.

Abner was a man whose decisions could influence the destiny of many people.

---

Commander of Saul’s Army

While Saul was king, Abner commanded the army of Israel. He stood beside the king and was part of a system increasingly marked by fear, jealousy, and internal tensions.

David’s rise in particular placed the house of Saul under growing pressure. David was respected by the people, while Saul increasingly regarded him as a threat.

During this time, Abner remained loyal to Saul and his house.

---

After Saul’s Death

After Saul’s death, the path might have seemed clear for David, but Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son.

He made him king over Israel, while David was already ruling in Judah. This created a divided kingdom and a struggle for power between two houses.

Abner thus became a decisive figure during a time when Israel needed unity but experienced division.

---

The Conflict with Joab

During this period, fighting broke out between David’s men and the men of Ish-bosheth. In one of these conflicts, Asahel, Joab’s brother, was killed by Abner.

Abner had warned Asahel and apparently did not want to kill him unnecessarily, but Asahel refused to stop pursuing him. In the end, Asahel died by Abner’s hand.

This death later became the trigger for a bitter story of revenge that would determine Abner’s own end.

---

The Break with Ish-bosheth

Later, a dispute arose between Abner and Ish-bosheth. Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, and Abner felt deeply insulted.

At that moment, Abner decided to withdraw his support from the house of Saul and turn toward David.

This decision was politically significant. Abner had enough influence to lead the tribes of Israel to David and thereby prepare the way for the unity of the kingdom.

---

The Way to David

Abner came to David and negotiated with him. He wanted to make a covenant and bring all Israel to David.

David received him peacefully and allowed him to leave. For a moment, it seemed that Abner could change from a man of power struggles into a man of reconciliation.

His influence, which had previously prolonged the division, could now have contributed to unity.

---

Joab’s Revenge

But Joab did not trust Abner. Above all, he still carried the pain and anger over the death of his brother Asahel.

Joab called Abner back and killed him in secret. By doing so, he not only destroyed Abner’s life, but also burdened Israel’s path toward unity with new guilt.

David publicly mourned for Abner and made it clear that this death had not happened according to his will.

---

The Lasting Message of His Life

Abner shows how great the influence of a strong person can be. His story makes clear that power can prolong conflicts for a long time when it is used wrongly.

But it also shows that a late change toward unity can be meaningful. The tragedy is that Abner could no longer complete this new path because revenge proved stronger than reconciliation.

---

Closing Thought

Abner was an experienced military commander, a man of influence and considerable political weight. For a long time, he served within a struggle for power that divided Israel.

When he finally sought the way to David, his influence could have promoted peace and unity. But old bloodguilt and revenge caught up with him.

His life story shows that influence is a responsibility—it can prolong division or prepare reconciliation, but revenge destroys what could have become peace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%a4-the-biblical-person-of-the-day-07-23-2026-%e2%9a%94%ef%b8%8f-abner-the-commander-between-power-and-reconciliation/

FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS

Lesson 4: Sin in the Church

---

4.5 Marriage and Singleness

Living in Purity in Marriage and in Devotion to Christ

---

1. Introduction

Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 7 about marriage and singleness because the church in Corinth had specific questions concerning sexuality, relationships, and purity. After making it clear that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, he now shows how Christians can live out this truth in practical ways. According to God’s plan, marriage is a protected space for love, faithfulness, and sexuality. At the same time, singleness is not an inferior condition, but can be a special opportunity to serve God with undivided devotion. Paul places both ways of life under the lordship of Christ. What matters is not whether someone is married or single, but whether that person lives in purity, faithfulness, and devotion to God.

---

2. The Biblical Foundation

Paul writes:

“Flee from sexual immorality!” 1 Corinthians 6:18

Then he reminds the believers:

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Concerning marriage, Paul says:

“But because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:2

And he continues:

“To the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to remain as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.” 1 Corinthians 7:8–9

These verses show that God’s will is purity, whether in marriage or in the single life.

---

3. Connection to Our Time

Sexuality is still one of the most challenging subjects for Christians today. Our culture often separates sexuality from faithfulness, responsibility, marriage, and the will of God. Many people regard sexual self-determination as the highest value, while biblical purity is viewed as old-fashioned or restrictive. Paul shows, however, that Christian sexual ethics are not based on repression, but on belonging to Christ. Both marriage and singleness must be understood in the light of God. The church therefore needs a clear, loving, and healing message about sexuality, faithfulness, and devotion.

---

4. Central Message of the Lesson

Both marriage and singleness are under God’s authority; Christians are called to live out their sexuality in purity, faithfulness, and devotion to Christ.

---

5. Theological Emphasis

The central thought of this lesson is that the body belongs to the Lord. Paul does not speak about marriage and singleness apart from his statement in 1 Corinthians 6 that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Our sexuality therefore does not lie outside our faith, but belongs at the very heart of our relationship with God.

Paul begins with the command: “Flee from sexual immorality.” This means that sexual immorality is not to be minimized or merely managed, but decisively avoided. In this context, Paul shows that marriage is a God-given place of protection in which sexuality has its proper place.

Paul does not devalue marriage. Some statements in 1 Corinthians 7 may at first appear as though Paul had a low view of marriage. But that is not the case. He is responding to specific questions and problems in Corinth. Elsewhere, the Bible speaks very positively about marriage, faithfulness, and marital fellowship.

According to the biblical understanding, marriage is a binding relationship between a man and a woman. It is a covenant in which love, responsibility, faithfulness, and mutual devotion belong together. Within this covenant, sexuality is not dirty or inferior, but a good gift from God.

Paul also shows that spouses have responsibilities toward one another. Marriage is not a place for selfish gratification, but for mutual love and consideration. In marriage, the husband does not belong only to himself, and the wife does not belong only to herself. Both are joined to one another in faithfulness and devotion.

At the same time, Paul speaks positively about singleness. He sees in it an opportunity to serve God with special freedom and focus. Singleness is therefore not a spiritual deficiency or an inferior way of life. Single people can also live full, valuable, and fruitful lives in the service of God.

This is theologically important because both marriage and singleness can be gifts from God. Not everyone has the same calling, the same circumstances, or the same abilities. Paul recognizes these differences and calls each person to live faithfully before God in his or her own situation.

The standard for both ways of life is holiness. Married people are to be faithful. Single people are to live in purity. No one is outside God’s will for the body and sexuality. Christ lays claim to the whole of life.

Paul’s teaching protects us from two extremes. One extreme despises marriage and sexuality as something inferior. The other turns sexuality into an idol and separates it from God’s order. The gospel leads to a healthy view: sexuality is good, but it belongs within the framework God has established.

The theological core is this: our body, our relationships, and our sexuality are to honor God. Because we were bought at a great price, we do not live by the standards of culture, but according to the truth of Christ. Purity is not merely a rule, but an expression of our belonging to Jesus.

---

6. Spiritual Deepening

This lesson invites us to view marriage and singleness spiritually. Both ways of life are often distorted by cultural expectations. Some people see marriage as the only path to a fulfilled life. Others see independence and sexual freedom as the highest goal. Paul shows another way: fulfillment is found first not in a relationship status, but in Christ.

For married people, this lesson means viewing marriage as a holy covenant. Marriage is not merely a private relationship, but an area in which God’s character is to become visible. Faithfulness, patience, forgiveness, consideration, and love all belong to the spiritual life.

A Christian marriage should not be governed by selfishness. Paul speaks of mutual responsibility. This means that husband and wife do not live against one another, but for one another. Marital love does not merely ask, “What do I get?” but rather, “How can I serve, protect, honor, and love?”

For single people, this lesson means that their lives are not incomplete. The Bible does not regard singleness as a second-class condition. Paul himself was unmarried and saw in it an opportunity for special service. A single person can serve God with wholehearted devotion and lead a rich spiritual life.

At the same time, Paul recognizes the reality of human temptation. He speaks honestly about the fact that not everyone is called to celibacy. This is not a flaw. Marriage is a good and legitimate path for living out purity and love within God’s order.

The church should therefore neither idealize marriage nor overlook single people. Both need encouragement, support, and spiritual appreciation. Married people need help to live their relationship in faith. Single people need community, dignity, and support without constantly being reduced to their relationship status.

It is especially important to understand that purity does not concern outward behavior alone. Purity begins in the heart. Our thoughts, desires, media habits, conversations, and relationships shape our sexual lives. That is why we need a living relationship with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph is a powerful example of what purity can look like in practice. When he was tempted, he did not remain there to negotiate with temptation. He fled. This shows that sometimes the most spiritual step is not discussion, but distance.

We too need clear boundaries. In a world full of images, stimulation, and temptation, it is naïve to think that we can remain pure without vigilance. Purity requires decisions: What do I look at? What conversations do I have? What situations do I avoid? To whom do I open my heart?

Yet purity must not be understood only negatively. It is not merely about avoiding something. It is about honoring God with the whole of life. Those who love Christ want to place their body, relationships, and sexuality under His blessing as well.

For people who have failed in this area, there is hope. The gospel offers forgiveness, cleansing, and a new beginning. Paul wrote to a church with serious problems, yet he could still say: “You were washed.” God’s grace is greater than our past.

This grace, however, is not a license to sin. It is power for transformation. Christ not only forgives; He renews. The Holy Spirit dwells in us so that we no longer have to be ruled by old patterns.

The church must therefore be a place where truth and grace meet. It should teach biblically, but also bring healing. It should clearly name sin, but never leave people without hope. It should strengthen marriages, honor single people, and help everyone live faithfully for Christ.

---

7. Application in Everyday Life

Practical steps:

• Consciously regard your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• Examine your thoughts, media habits, and relationships in the light of God.
• If you are married, invest in faithfulness, love, communication, and mutual respect.
• If you are single, live out your devotion to Christ consciously and with dignity.
• Set clear boundaries where temptation is strong.
• Seek spiritual help if you are struggling in the area of sexuality.
• Speak honestly, biblically, and lovingly in the church about marriage, purity, and sexuality.
• Remember that your identity does not depend on your relationship status, but on Christ.

---

8. Reflection Question

How can I, in my current situation—married or single—live with my body, my relationships, and my sexuality in a way that honors God?

---

9. Closing Thought

Paul shows that both marriage and singleness stand under the lordship of Christ. Sexuality is a good gift from God, but it belongs within the framework God created for it. Married people are called to faithfulness, love, and mutual responsibility. Single people are called to purity, dignity, and devotion to Christ. What matters most is not relationship status, but a life that honors God. Because our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, we may belong completely to Christ in this area as well.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%b1living-faith-%e2%9a%a0%ef%b8%8f-lesson-4-sin-in-the-church-%f0%9f%92%8d-4-5-marriage-and-singleness-%e2%9c%89%ef%b8%8f-first-and-second-corinthians/

July 23, 2026

---

BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

Daily Bible Reading: Job 27

---

Holding Fast to the Truth

Remaining Faithful Even When No One Understands You

---

Read online here

---

Introduction

Job brings the dispute with his friends to a close without giving up his conviction. Despite all the accusations, he holds fast to his integrity and refuses to make a false confession of guilt. At the same time, he affirms that God will ultimately judge the wicked with justice. Job chapter 27 reveals the steadfastness of a faith that refuses to bow to human pressure.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯◆⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯

Commentary

Job begins his speech with a solemn oath. Although he feels misunderstood by God and his suffering continues, he refuses to give up the truth. As long as he lives, he will not speak a lie merely to satisfy his friends.

He declares unmistakably that he will hold fast to his righteousness. He does this not out of pride, but because he knows that the accusations against him are not true. His conscience does not condemn him, and therefore he refuses to confess guilt for something he has not done.

In this way, Job makes it clear that true integrity does not depend on the opinions of others. Even if everyone condemns him, he wants to remain honest before God. He would rather continue to suffer than deny himself through a false confession.

Job then describes the end of the wicked. In doing so, he does not contradict his earlier statements that many wicked people enjoy temporary success. Rather, he emphasizes that their apparent prosperity will not last. Wealth, power, and security cannot prevent God’s final judgment.

Those who live without God ultimately build on ground that will not endure. Houses, possessions, and reputation can disappear in a single moment. What people gather through injustice will not remain theirs forever.

Job therefore shows that God’s justice may sometimes seem delayed, but it never fails to come. The difference between Job and his friends is that Job does not misuse God’s judgment as a simple explanation for every present suffering.

The chapter ends with the serious reminder that no one can deceive God. Outward success cannot replace a genuine relationship with Him, and a clear conscience is more valuable than any human approval.

Job chapter 27 encourages us to hold fast to the truth even under pressure. God knows the hearts of His children better than any human being and will reveal His justice at the right time.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯◆⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯

Summary

Job 27 reveals Job’s unwavering faithfulness to the truth. He rejects a false confession of guilt and holds fast to his integrity. At the same time, he affirms that God’s judgment upon the wicked is certain, even when it is not immediately visible.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯◆⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯

Message for Us Today

Integrity becomes especially visible when we are under pressure. God calls us to hold fast to the truth even when others misunderstand or judge us unfairly. Our hope is not based on human approval, but on the righteous Judge who knows every heart.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯◆⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯

Thought for Reflection

Do you remain faithful to the truth even when honesty brings disadvantages and others misunderstand you?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%93%9cbelieve-his-prophets-%f0%9f%93%96-bible-study-07-23-2026-%f0%9f%99%8f-job-%f0%9f%9b%a1%ef%b8%8f-chapter-27-holding-fast-to-the-truth/

The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End

---

July 23 – Living the Gospel in Everyday Life

Monthly theme: The Three Angels’ Messages – The Final Message of Grace
2026 annual theme: “The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End”

---

Central Bible Text for the Day

“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16

---

Devotional for the Day

The three angels’ messages are not only meant to be understood, explained, and proclaimed. They are meant to be lived. God’s final message of grace becomes credible when it is visible in everyday life. People hear our words, but they also observe our lives. They see how we react, how we treat others, how we make decisions, and whether our faith is more than a conviction in our minds.

Living the Gospel in everyday life means that Christ has a place not only on the Sabbath, in worship services, or in spiritual conversations, but also in the midst of ordinary life. In the family, at work, in the church, in our relationships with neighbors, in difficult conversations, in small decisions, and in quiet moments, it should become visible that Jesus is our Lord.

The three angels’ messages call us to worship, truth, and faithfulness. Yet true worship is not seen only in songs and prayers. It is seen when God has first place in our hearts. Truth is not revealed only by knowing correct doctrines, but by living truthfully. Faithfulness is not shown only in great trials, but also in the small moments of daily life.

Jesus said that our light should shine before others. This light is not self-glorification. It is not about making people admire us. They are to glorify the Father in heaven. Our lives should point to God. When patience, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and hope become visible in us, the Gospel is not only heard, but also seen.

The final message of grace needs people whose lives reflect that grace. People who not only warn against Babylon, but who themselves live free from confusion. People who not only speak about the Creator, but entrust their time, their bodies, and their hearts to Him. People who not only call for faithfulness, but who themselves remain faithful in love.

A Living Testimony

The strongest testimony often does not come through many words, but through a life shaped by Christ. A calm spirit in a restless world, an honest word in an age of falsehood, and a forgiving heart in a culture of harshness can touch people more deeply than lengthy explanations.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.”

(The Ministry of Healing, p. 470)

This means that our character can open doors that arguments alone cannot open. When people recognize something of Jesus in us, the message of truth becomes attractive and credible.

Making Grace Visible

Living the Gospel in everyday life also means passing grace on to others. Those who have received forgiveness should learn to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s patience should be patient with others. Those who have been carried should help carry others.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church.”

(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69)

These words show what truly matters. The world should see Christ. Not only our opinions, not only our knowledge, not only our convictions, but His character. When He becomes visible in us, the final message of grace receives a living voice.

Faithfulness in Small Things

When many people think about the end time, decision, and faithfulness, they immediately think of great events. Yet faithfulness begins today. It begins in the tone of our words, in the purity of our thoughts, in the honesty of our work, in the way we treat the weak, and in the decision to follow Christ even where no one is watching.

Living the Gospel in everyday life means asking daily: Lord, how can I make Your love visible today? How can I honor Your truth? How can I give someone hope? How can my life show that the King is coming soon?

The three angels’ messages are not only a prophetic message for the world. They are first a call to our own hearts. When Christ fills our lives, our everyday life becomes a testimony. Then the message is no longer only a topic, but a way of life.

---

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,

Help me not only to know the Gospel, but to live it in everyday life.

Let my words, decisions, and encounters be shaped by Christ.

Keep me from merely explaining Your truth without embodying it myself.

Give me love, patience, honesty, and faithfulness in the small things of life.

Let my life be a light that leads people to You and points to the coming King.

Amen.

---

Thought for the Day

The final message of grace becomes credible when it is visible in our everyday lives.

---

Personal Application

1. Read Matthew 5:14–16 and Titus 2:10.
   How can your everyday life reveal the beauty of the Gospel today?
2. Pray: “Lord, let my life reflect Your grace.”
3. In practice: Consciously choose one small action today through which someone can recognize God’s love, truth, or hope.

---

Closing Verse

“So that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
— Titus 2:10

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%91-the-king-is-coming-soon-07-23-2026-%f0%9f%8c%b1-living-the-gospel-in-everyday-life/