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READ:

Exodus 18:11

¹¹ Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

EXHORTATION:

These are the words of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he arrived in the camp of the Israelites. Jethro was the priest of Midian, a heathen nation. However, he must have surely heard in the past from Moses about the LORD God of Israel. Now, having listened to the news of the LORD’s great deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, Jethro had come to see for himself what the LORD had done for Moses and His people, Israel. Upon his arrival, Moses greeted him and invited him into his tent and “told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them” (Exodus 18:8).

Then Jethro “rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 18:9). Jethro also blessed the LORD for delivering Moses and Israel from the hand of the mighty Egyptians (Exodus 18:10). He then confessed, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods”.

Jethro, like most of the heathen, could have believed in many gods; in fact, he had hitherto regarded the God of the Israelites as merely one among many equals. He now rejects that “creed” and unequivocally declares his newfound faith in the LORD God of Israel who is above all other gods. Having heard Moses rehearse at length all the great things that the LORD had done in delivering and bringing Israel out of Egypt till “the mount of God”, which is Mount Horeb (cf. Exodus 18:5), Jethro was moved to renounce his heathenism, and proclaim the LORD as greater, higher and stronger than all other gods.

In declaring the matchless superiority of the LORD God, Jethro also said, “for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.” In other words, though the Egyptians dealt with Moses and Israel scornfully and tyrannically, the LORD showed Himself to be above them and their magicians, above their chariots and horses, above their mighty army, above their king and above their god. The LORD dealt with the proud Egyptians and drowned them in the sea. The proud dealings of the Egyptians were easily defeated by the LORD. He emphatically put them to shame as He triumphed over their arrogant deeds against His people.

READ:

Romans 8:1

¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

EXHORTATION:

The Christian’s freedom from condemnation is declared here – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1a).

The phrase, “There is therefore”, refers us back to the previous chapter, where the Christian’s spiritual struggles against the flesh are discussed. However, it ended with a great shout of victory and joy – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:25).

After reminding us of our spiritual conflicts, the apostle Paul declares: “now no condemnation”. In this great statement, Paul seeks to eradicate whatever doubt a Christian may have concerning salvation, which has started the reality of the spiritual battle within every Christian. What does our present struggle with the flesh and its lust prove? Does it mean that we are not saved yet? Are we still under the bondage of sin and the curse of the law? Amidst our present struggle against the temptations of the flesh, it is unequivocally declared unto us for our comfort and strengthening – “There is therefore now no condemnation”!

The word “no”, though it appears as the fifth word in our translation, is the first in the Greek text. Paul placed it at the front in order to emphasise in the strongest possible way that there is no condemnation. Moreover, Paul used a stronger word of negation than is typically employed in the Greek language. So one might translate: “No condemnation – none whatsoever”. The word “condemnation” (katakrima) indicates a “damnatory sentence”. There is no sentencing or punishment for those who have believed on Christ. The just penalty incurred by our sins has been paid for by the death of Christ.

The freedom from the condemnation of sins belongs “to them which are in Christ Jesus”. All those who are joined to Christ by faith are declared to be absolutely free from God’s judgment. Every Christian is “in Christ Jesus” spiritually. Those who are in Christ Jesus are also described as those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He who has first of all been freely justified, is to thereafter walk after the Spirit to be a sanctified vessel. Justification leads to sanctification – and not to further moral and spiritual degeneration or corruption (cf. v. 4).

READ:

Proverbs 1:10

¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

EXHORTATION:

This is a very necessary fatherly advice to all young people against the lure of sinners. With tenderness and gravity of heart, the young person is addressed: “My son”. It is vital that parents and those who minister to young people maintain an affectionate and yet vigilant spirit, to offer them timely advice that would guard them against the lure of sinners.

There is always something alluring about the ways of sinners. They who walk in sin also seek to entice others into their path. They aggressively promote their evil ways among young people, not even sparing those who are being brought up in godly homes. Sin is unduly glamorised and blatantly propagandised in the societies in which we live.

We cannot trust the world to bring up our children in godly ways. Whether it be in schools or universities, sports or arts centers, there are sinners constantly seeking to coax our children into wickedness. The word “sinners” emphasises their commitment to practise and promote sin. They are habitual sinners who have no qualms about pursuing a life of sin. They are not only persistent in their sins, they also constantly persuade others to follow their ways. So we must, with all seriousness, lovingly admonish children about the dangers of the allurement of sin and sinners.

The word “entice” implies a deceptive attempt to capture another’s imagination that involves portraying their ways as profitable and pleasurable. They masterfully conceal the perilous nature of their sin; they misguide their “prey” into thinking there is no evil or danger in what they do. They bait their hook and “package” their sinful ways as “great fun”, “entertainment”, “freedom”, etc. They promise to show their victim what real life is all about. They deceive the young ones with their flashy appeal.

Let us also note that sin’s greatest influence comes through “sinners”. It will often be a collective effort by sinners to entice a naive person into sin. They will work together to cajole their victim into wicked ways. The word “consent” denotes the beginning of a positive reaction to an appeal made. So, the admonition is that one should not even bother to consider the invitation of the sinners. A willingness to consider their alluring words will inevitably lead to a disastrous end. Thus, the young person must be convinced that he should totally ignore the counsel of the “sinners”.

READ:

Revelation 20:15

¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

EXHORTATION:

This is a divine declaration about those whom God will cast into the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment. This is certain to happen. Let not the strident voices of the unbelieving ones – that God will not cast anyone into eternal hell – ever cause us to doubt the certainty of His judgment, which is mentioned so clearly here. God will execute the judgment of the unrepentant and the unredeemed, just as He has said here.

We are told that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The word “whosoever” means all persons, irrespective of their ranks, worldly achievements, age or social status. It is an all-encompassing word. The only group of people who will be delivered from the lake of fire will be those whose names are “found written in the book of life”. Kings, princes, statesmen, judges, philosophers, religious men, rich men, poor men, the young, the aged, and all whose names are not found written in the book of life, will be doomed to the lake of fire for eternal punishment!

In the New Testament, “the book of life” is the sacred register of all those who are saved (cf. Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 22:19). This book belongs to Christ, the Lamb who was slain for the redemption of the people whose names are written in the book from the foundation of the world (cf. Revelation 13:8; 17:8). At the last judgment, everyone not listed in the book of life is consigned to the fiery lake (Revelation 20:12, 15).

How can you know whether your names are written in the book of life? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be an overcomer of sins and trials by His grace, you can be assured that your name is in the book of life. In Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” He will never blot out the names of those who have trusted Him for the forgiveness of their sins. The comfort of the believers is that their names are recorded in the book of life and that they shall remain secure in the possession of the Lamb who was slain for them.

But all those who are not found in the Book of Life will be doomed to an eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

READ:

Revelation 20:14

¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

EXHORTATION:

This is a description of what follows the great white throne judgment. All the wicked dead shall be brought to life again and be judged according to their works by the Lord who sits upon the Throne. According to the previous verse, Revelation 20:13, “the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” The mention of “the sea” giving up its dead makes it clear that regardless of how far a body has disintegrated, it will nevertheless be resurrected for this judgment. The physical bodies of the unsaved will be joined with their souls; then they will be cast into “the lake of fire”!>

The phrase “lake of fire” occurs only in Revelation, and that for a total of five times (19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). In our text, the casting of the wicked dead into the lake of fire is referred to as “the second death”. It does not denote, as some say, annihilation or complete destruction of a person. According to their teaching, the soul and body of the wicked will be completely destroyed such that they will not suffer the eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. That teaching of annihilation is unscriptural.

The lake of fire is the place where the wicked will suffer eternally the torments of hell. It is the place in which the wicked spend eternity in torment. John the Baptizer referred to hell as “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). Jesus referred to hell as “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8), and “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46). He also described hell as “the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43b-44; cf. 9:46, 48).

This is the place where Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will also be cast into forever. Revelation 20:10 says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The epistle of Jude also testifies to the eternality of the hellfire, which is reserved for the wicked. Hell’s torment is referred to by Jude as “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).

Those who repent from their sin and trust in Christ do not have to fear the eternal hell. In Revelation 20:6, it is said concerning the believers that “on such the second death hath no power”.

READ:

1 Corinthians 10:31

³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

EXHORTATION:

The chief purpose for which God’s people should live is God’s glory. It is also the chief rule by which they decide what they should do. They should do only that which will honour God.

To act for the glory of God is to act so that His glory is acknowledged, admired and accomplished. Whatever is done to advance the glory of God is right; and whatever is done without the purpose of His glory is wrong.

The rule that we must glorify God extends to everything in our lives, not just in the activities of the church. Not only on the Lord’s Day, but every day we ought to exalt His name. Even as we eat and drink daily, we must glorify God. In other words, the honour of God must be our constant passion in life.

In order to glorify God in all aspects of our life, we must be preoccupied with His glory. We must be wholly dedicated to His glory at all times. A fascination with His glory is paramount in every Christian’s life. Hence, we are commanded, “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

If we should seek to honour God in so small matters as eating and drinking, how it ought to be our singular motive behind all our actions, endevaours and relationship. Whatsoever we do must tend to His glory.

It must also be noted that when we are asked to do all things for God’s glory, we are not asked to help to add to His glory. Nothing we do add to His glory. He is “the King of glory” (Ps. 24:7-10). “His glory is great” (Ps. 21:5). “The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens” (Ps. 113:4). “Great is the glory of the LORD” (Ps. 138:5). Our duty is simply to yield ourselves to be vessels of His glory.

We must declare and live for His glory. Like David, who avowed himself to the praise of His glory, let us also joyfully say, “I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Ps. 145:5).

Let us also live to exalt His glory. Nothing in our conduct should obstruct God’s glory from being reflected in us. In everything we do and say, no matter how insignificant, the world should be able to see that we are God’s people committed to His glory.

READ:

Proverbs 16:25

²⁵ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

EXHORTATION:

This verse has been mentioned once before in Proverbs 14:12. Since it is being repeated, we stand alerted twice to its warning. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to its admonition.

We are warned here concerning the delusive and seductive nature of our self-will. Alas, even a destructive way may seem right unto a man if he simply follows his passion and self-will, which have been darkened by sin. If a man’s thoughts and feelings are not guided by the wisdom of God’s Word, what is harmful may seem right to him, being warped by his mind that is predisposed to sin and disobedience. Without the light of God’s Word, our minds are prone to choose the destructive ways of sin.

Under the influence of sin, man’s conscience loses its power to discern and to make right judgment. It “seemeth right” to him, but only in its appearance. Things are not what they seem. On the surface, the path would appear easy, pleasant and quite safe. Many may be walking along that same road, but without the wisdom of God’s Word. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13b, “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”. Fashions of the world further fuel the follies of a generation misguided by their sin-plagued conscience. As Proverbs 30:12 says, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Let us be wary of the social conscience of our times, which is often misshaped and misled by man’s sinful passions. It is utterly perilous to think that our ways are the best and most desirable. Our perverted minds and passions will lead us astray, like a moth that is attracted to the flame.

Even when we render our service to God, we cannot follow our thoughts blindly. Oftentimes, by the very act which we think will please God, we actually provoke Him to anger. In Isaiah 29:13, “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men”.

Man without God is prejudiced, confused, ignorant and self-deceiving; he walks inexorably to a ruinous end. So let us examine our ways and be sure to follow Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

READ:

Hebrews 13:7b

^7b Whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

EXHORTATION:

After instructing Christians to remember those who have the rule over them and have taught them God’s Word, the writer of Hebrews exhorted them to follow the faith of their faithful teachers. What could have been intended by the word “faith”?

Firstly, “faith” is the trust that one’s heart places in Christ and His Word. It is by such faith that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8 says, “by grace are ye saved through faith”. Secondly, “faith” can be a reference to the truths of God that we ought to believe. Thus, we are exhorted in Jude 1:3 to “contend for the faith”. Thirdly, “faith” also signifies fidelity or faithfulness. In Titus 2:10, the Greek word for “faith” (pisitis) is translated as “fidelity”. So the word “faith” here could encompass all of those Scriptural thoughts attached to it; it therefore indicates the leaders’ dependence upon and faithfulness unto God and His Word.

We are instructed to “follow” the faith and faithfulness of those godly men who have preached the Word of God unto us. The Greek word for “follow” (miméomai) literally means “imitate”. We ought to follow in the footsteps of faithful preachers who have taught God’s Word unto us. We must speak words of faith and perform deeds of faith as they have done.

We are also told to follow their faith, “considering the end of their conversation”. The word “consider” actually means “to look at again and again” or “to observe carefully”. The word “end” (ekbasis) means “a going out” or “an egress”; hence it refers to one’s going out from life or exiting from the world. It could be a reference to their death, when they are finally delivered from all their toil and suffering, which they have endured in living a life of faith and faithfulness.

We are here also reminded of how Paul has described his anticipation of the end of his life and ministry. He wrote, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul made Timothy aware of the anticipated end of his journey on earth, that he might be encouraged to live faithfully and make full proof of his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

READ:

Hebrews 13:7a

^7a Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God.

EXHORTATION:

This is an exhortation that is intended to guard our hearts against wandering away from the divine truths which God has given to us through men who faithfully serve Him among His people. It would be tragic if we forget God’s faithful servants who give us His truth and instead follow after those who teach contrary to the truth of God’s Word. This is why the apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-32, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

Human nature is very unpredictable. How many congregations have forgotten and neglected the labour and teachings of the faithful pastors who had laboured among them. Such forgetfulness is akin to sinful ingratitude. It is very much like the situation mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:15 – “Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city: yet no man remembered that same poor man.”

In order to protect Christians and churches from departing from faithful teachings of godly leaders, they are exhorted to “remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God”. The word “remember” denotes thankful recollection of the leaders and their preaching. It is an exhortation to treasure up their instructions in the heart, and call to mind their exhortations, counsels and warnings.

The leaders whom we ought to cherish are those “who have spoken unto you the word of God”. The men whom God has graciously called to rule the church are gifted by Him to expound and enforce the Scriptures. Every pastor must rule the church by carrying out the ministry of the Word with faithfulness and authority. The apostle Paul advised Titus, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15). The tireless labour of faithful preachers must not only be appreciated, but also heeded.

Sermon Text: Psalm 111:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 29th June 2025