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READ:

Jeremiah 1:8

⁸ Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

EXHORTATION:

The LORD expected His servant, Jeremiah, to embolden himself against all that was terrifying his heart. Fear was preventing Jeremiah from enrolling in the prophetic ministry to which the LORD had called him. Fear was destabilising him and almost dispossessing him of the resolve and readiness needed to be an obedient and effective preacher of God’s Word.

Courage and fearlessness are much needed to a live a life of faith and righteousness in this wicked world. Fear will make us falter, and disobedience to God will then characterise our lives. So, fear should not be allowed to remain in our hearts. This especially applies to those who are called to be preachers of God’s Word to rebuke the sins of the people.

The LORD said to Jeremiah, “Be not afraid of their faces”. It is now apparent from the LORD’s words that the actual fear Jeremiah had in his heart was the disapproval and retaliation of the people to whom he would be sent to rebuke, correct and instruct according to God’s Word. There was a greater hindrance in Jeremiah’s heart than his earlier reasoning that he was an inexperienced, ill-equipped, ignorant “child” (1:6). That was a flimsy, unconvincing excuse before the LORD. The real reason for his hesitation is now addressed by the LORD, i.e. his fear of people’s unhappiness with the message.

Thus, the LORD told Jeremiah to disregard the frowning brows, stern looks and angry countenances of his hearers. Sinful men would express their disapproval of and disgust for God’s truth by snarling at the preacher. Cowardice has no place in the preaching ministry. If one is to faithfully communicate the divine message to the people, one must overcome their menacing looks, slanderous words and hurtful actions.

The best remedy against fear of man is in the form of the promises of God, such as “I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” The LORD is His servant’s ever-present Protector and Deliverer. Steadfast faith in God’s promises and presence will help us to conquer fear and be filled with boldness. Faith draws us to God and all His purposes, but fear insidiously draws us away from God and all His purposes. God has committed Himself to be with us and deliver us, so why fear? Only believe!

READ:

Jeremiah 1:7b

^7b For thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

EXHORTATION:

Jeremiah, a fearful, reluctant young prophet, is here being encouraged and instructed by the LORD. Jeremiah’s protest was overruled and his divine commission reiterated. It had pleased God to employ a weak and timid Jeremiah to dispense His Word. It is not a man’s self-confidence or volunteerism that matters in the LORD’s work, but his divine call and commission. No one should thrust himself into the role of a minister of the Word. To take upon oneself the office of the ministry is to be brazen, presumptuous and irreverent in the work of the LORD. Many of the men who filled the prophetic office of Israel were men whom God had not called. The LORD spoke concerning them, “I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you” (Jeremiah 27:15). Hananiah was a pretentious prophet whom the Lord rebuked through Jeremiah, saying, “Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie” (Jeremiah 28:15). When a man enters the sacred office of a preacher without being commissioned by God, he is akin to being a deceiver who misleads the people with a self-conceived message that destroys the souls of the people.

Here, upon reiterating His divine call, the LORD stipulates Jeremiah’s task as a prophet of Judah. Firstly, he was to go to all that the LORD would send him. Everyone whom God calls will have a divinely appointed place and people to minister His truth. The LORD’s servant must comply with the divine deployment (wherever it may be), even though he would experience hatred, persecution and even death in the course of his ministry. The choice of where one ought to minister is not a personal prerogative. This great lesson can be seen from Jonah’s story; the LORD will certainly reprimand any who neglects his appointed place of ministry.

Here the LORD also delineates Jeremiah’s message to the people. The LORD demanded, “whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak”. The LORD’s messenger is not allowed to speak his mind, but to declare only that which the LORD has revealed as His Word. No preacher should ever craft a sermon to please his own or the hearers’ thoughts and feelings. God’s charge is: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).

READ:

Jeremiah 1:7a

^7a But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child.

EXHORTATION:

The LORD is teaching Jeremiah, the young preacher, to overcome his timidity, sense of inadequacy and reluctance to enter the ministry to which he had been called. His response to the LORD’s call was: “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). Jeremiah feared that his inexperience and lack of knowledge would render him ineffectual in the ministry.

Such a situation is common even today in the church. The sense of unworthiness has caused some to dread the duties and responsibilities of the ministry. They become timorous and unwilling to accept any duty in the church. The feeling of incompetency has compelled many to decline responsibilities in the Lord’s work.

However, we notice that the LORD’s word to Jeremiah (who feared the call of duty) was: “Say not, I am a child”. The LORD would not let Jeremiah sink into despondency and remain unfruitful in the ministry. The LORD graciously addressed his fear and prevented him from further sliding into his sense of inadequacy.

God’s word to the prophet – “Say not, I am a child” – implies that Jeremiah should not linger any more. He must ignore his own feelings and get into action, just as the LORD had spoken to him. He must believe that the LORD would be able to supply him with wisdom and strength fully equal to the task he had been commissioned to do.

The LORD is able to take a timid man, such as Jeremiah, and equip him for His work so that the glory may be His. By calling and empowering such “ill-adapted tools” for the accomplishment of His purposes, the LORD manifests His great wisdom and power. When God takes a man, who is plagued by a debilitating sense of utter inadequacy, and accomplishes His design through him, all human reasoning shall be thrashed and the magnificence of His wisdom and power shall be exalted.

Many children and young people have been called by the LORD to accomplish His purposes. Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, Timothy, and many more had been called and separated by the LORD from their childhood or youth, in order to accomplish His great purposes which far surpassed their stature. No one is too small that God cannot use him.

READ:

Colossians 4:6

⁶ Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

EXHORTATION:

A Christian’s speech, as much as his conduct, must befit his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our speech must not be like that of the unregenerate people. Our speech should never be channels of boasting, arrogance, lies, deceit, lust, profanity, hatred, curse, intimidation, violence, vanity, flattery, foolishness, idle talk, swearing, slander, gossip, or false teaching.

Our Lord’s speech was impeccable. There was never an imperfect or condemnable word that had proceeded from His mouth. In Luke 4:22, we have a record concerning Christ’s speech: “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” Yet, His enemies were “laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him” (Luke 11:54; cf. Matthew 22:15; Mark 12:13). In the end, they could not find anything wrong with His speech, and resorted to engaging false accusers against Him. Our conformity to Christ demands our conformity to His speech, hence the divine imperative: “Let your speech be alway with grace”. This is an exhortation to cultivate speech that is spiritually wholesome, fitting, truthful, loving, kind, sensitive, encouraging and gracious as well. Our speech must demonstrate the grace of God that is operative in our hearts.

At all times, we must maintain gracious speech. Gracious speech must be a habitual characteristic in our interactions with fellow men. In all circumstances of life, we must learn to maintain gracious speech. Whether it be a casual conversation with family members or friends, a stressful situation at home or work, a time of provocation and persecution, a time of Bible Study, a time of giving counsel, or a time of play, let us be careful to maintain gracious speech. Our speech should never be abrasive, rash, vitriolic or nasty.

Now, this does not mean that our speech must be “dripping” with undue words of niceties. But as Paul adds, it must be “seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man”. Our speech ought to be not only gracious, but also effective like the seasoning effect of salt. As salt penetrates the meat to give it taste and prevent decay, so must our speech be reproving, correcting and instructing. We must speak wisely, with spiritual discernment, in order to answer every man appropriately.

READ:

Colossians 4:5

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

EXHORTATION:

Christians are instructed here concerning their conduct “toward them that are without” the church. Relating to people outside the household of faith poses peculiar challenges to the Christians. Unbelieving family members, colleagues at work, fellow students, neighbours and other associates – all have principles or philosophies of life and conduct that are contrary to the biblical counsels that God has given for believers to live by. Many things that are lawful in this world are unlawful according to God’s Word. For example, while there exist legalised gambling and prostitution in our societies, Scripture prohibits them completely. While many think that participating in different religious worship ceremonies / activities is good, such conduct is condemned in the Bible as abomination. Christians cannot join those who practise things that are prohibited in the Bible.

So, Christians are admonished to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without”. Our lives must be guided by the highest wisdom of God’s Word. God has said in Deuteronomy 4:6, “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” In the same manner, Psalm 111:10 instructs His people, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” By living wisely according to His Word, we seek not the honour and praise that cometh from man, but from God (cf. John 5:44; 12:43). The praiseworthy conduct of a Christian is that he walks in the wisdom of God’s Word.

In Romans 16:19, the apostle Paul commended the Roman Christians who walked in obedience to God’s Word as wise. He said, “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” Christians’ conduct must always be a testimony to the righteousness and goodness of their Lord and His counsels.

We also should not give opportunity to the unbelieving to malign our faith because of our unwise conduct. But we must “buy up” (“redeem”) every opportunity to bear a good testimony for the Lord. Let us not just wait for opportunity to fall into our lap. Let us arise and shine for Christ!

READ:

Colossians 4:2

² Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

EXHORTATION:

All believers are here commanded to pray with earnest perseverance. The Greek word translated as “continue” (proskarteré?) has the idea of “to continue to do something with intense effort, even with the possibility of difficulties along the way, until one has brought it to the wished-for end”. Firstly, our prayers must be earnest before God. Prayer should never be perfunctory. A casual or superficial attitude in prayer is akin to being irreverent before God. An indifferent heart in prayer is tantamount to mocking God’s holy and solemn presence. Wandering hearts and sleepy prayers are not befitting the majestic presence of our gracious God. Secondly, there must be devoutness and commitment to prayer. Jesus said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint”. Not that we are to be always on our knees, but that the spirit of prayer should never be laid aside. We must have a prayerful spirit all the time. We must also delight in frequent prayers, whether they be short or protracted prayers. God must be frequently sought, for He alone is our help.

Scripture records many examples of men and women who frequently prayed. In this chapter, the apostle mentions his co-labourer, Epaphras, as “always labouring fervently for you in prayers” (Colossians 4:12). Such constancy in prayer has been the secret of God’s servants who are Godhonouring. We must take care not to be drawn away from prayer by laziness, pleasure, business, etc.

We are also called unto watchfulness in prayer – “watch in the same”. The word rendered “watch” has the idea of “refrain from sleep”, “stay awake”, “be alert”, “be vigilant”. When physical tiredness and sleepiness prevented Peter, James and John from being awakened unto prayer, Jesus rebuked them: “What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:40-41). Even physical fatigue is not a satisfactory excuse for failing in prayer. Christians must be awake unto the pressing matters of life and ministry, so as to bring them to God in prayer.

Whenever we pray, we must not fail to be thankful towards God. We are more prone to ask or complain than to give thanks. When we pray, we must be grateful for the blessings already granted and for the promises He has given unto us. Beware: ungrateful men are not fit to pray.

This is a testimony written by Pastor Reggor Galarpe (Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, the Philippines), following the completion of his fifth chemotherapy session. Let us continue to uphold him, his family, and the congregation in Cebu in our prayers, that they may grow stronger in faith, love, and steadfast devotion to God even in the midst of their unique trials. – Pastor Koshy

As many of you know, I went for my 5th session of chemotherapy this week. It was originally scheduled last week, but was postponed as we were not able to secure a slot for the PET Scan that my oncologist ordered, to assess the progress of my treatment before proceeding with my next session. 

I was supposed to undergo the procedure at least a week before October 28 (the date for my 5th session), but with so many patients (some coming from other cities and provinces), I got booked only on the 27th. Prior to my PET Scan, I have to go for a series of lab tests (Executive Panel – C) and thereafter, secure a clearance from the cardiologist for me to proceed with the treatment. 

Last Monday, we had our appointment with the oncologist who was expecting that we have with us the scan result. But because the procedure was done towards the weekend, the staff could not assure us that it would be released before Monday. Just the same, we went ahead to see the doctor. And while we were at the clinic, we received a message that the result was ready for collection. Carol quickly rushed towards the PET Scan Department to pick it up, just in time when it was our turn to go in to see the doctor (no doubt it was God’s timing!).

We handed over the scan result, anxious to hear what the doctor would say. There was brief silence as she glanced through, then gladly burst out saying that it showed a remarkable improvement! She was so excited to explain, comparing the recent result with the previous one (printed alongside) that showed the location of the lesions and mass which are no longer visible in the recent scan result. Praise God!

Five sessions done, three more to go! We just have to take it one at a time, trusting in God’s mercy and grace to sustain us. As Preacher Edsel would say, “Doctor treats, God heals!” 

As we (my family) go through this very difficult period of our life, we continue to look up to the Lord and in His Word for comfort and strength. Thanks be unto God that instead of asking why these things happen, we realised that it’s better for us to keep on trusting; instead of wondering like the psalmist (in his momentarily dejected state): “Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?” (Ps. 77:9), we chose to yield our all to the sovereign will of God, believing that His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Truly, no matter what happens, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

I thank the Lord for His provision through the loving support and prayers of the church – Gethsemane BPC, Singapore, our mission churches, as well as like-minded churches and brethren from both near and far.

Also, I thank the Lord for all your prayers, support and encouragement; those acts of kindness and love, going the extra mile, filling in the gap, and just being there for the work of the ministry.  “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

Let us all rejoice in the Lord’s goodness in our lives!

Beware the Inner Lure

Prabhudas Koshy

James 1:14 warns us, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

When we face temptation, we often point to the devil, the world, or the influence of others. Yet Scripture reminds us that there is a more subtle and dangerous source of temptation which lies within our own hearts. James teaches that a person is tempted when “he is drawn away of his own lust”.

The word “lust” (epithumía) refers to a strong and sinful desire, what the Bible also calls “concupiscence”. The New Testament describes these desires as “evil concupiscence” (Colossians 3:5), “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22), “foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9), “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22), “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12), “fleshly lusts” (1 Peter 2:11), “ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18), etc. Hence, “lust” represents the corrupt inclinations of the human heart.

James further shows how lust works. The word “drawn away” pictures someone dragged out by force, while “enticed” speaks of being lured by bait into a trap. Lust deceives, dulls the conscience, and draws us into sin, like a fish biting a hook hidden beneath an attractive bait.

Therefore, we must be watchful, not only against outward temptations, but against the desires within that make us vulnerable to them. Many temptations are self-inflicted perils that arise from unchecked cravings. Peter gives this earnest exhortation: “Dearly beloved… abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

May the Lord help us to guard our hearts diligently, and flee the sinful desires that lead us into temptation.

Sermon Text: James 3:1–10
Speaker: Preacher Cornelius Koshy
Date: 16th November 2025

READ:

Philemon 1:7

⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

EXHORTATION:

These words of the apostle Paul are a testimonial to the far-reaching effects of Christian charity exhibited by Philemon, a rich Christian man who lived in Colossae. Philemon’s love for Christ was demonstrated in his expressions of love towards fellow Christians. He was joyful and ready to communicate to fellow Christians who were in need.

Paul mentioned that because of Philemon’s deeds, “the bowels of the saints are refreshed”. The word “bowels” here denotes deep-seated affections. The saints who were ministered to by Philemon were much encouraged in their hearts, for he had “refreshed” them. The Greek word for “refreshed” suggests that he made provisions for the saints’ physical and spiritual rest from toils of life and work. The kindness he had shown to Christians had done much to make them happy. It appears that he was helpful not only to Christians who lived in his place, but even to the travelling preachers and brethren who passed through his city.

Acts of kindness and love, no matter how small they may be, can have enormous impact on the lives of people. Charity shown towards one needy individual can also become a help to many others who are associated with him. The fragrance of Christian love will reach far beyond one’s area of life and ministry. Philemon little dreamed that his help and support to some suffering brethren in Colossae would find their way across the sea and would cause the apostle Paul and his fellow labourers in the Roman prison to rejoice greatly.

Like Philemon, let us delight ourselves in the duty of Christian hospitality and charity. To seek the well-being of fellow Christians around us would result in the strengthening of the Lord’s work everywhere. When we strengthen the faithful, in times of their needs and difficulties, with the good things we possess, we cheer their hearts and minds to press on in their service for the Lord. So, may we give ourselves to comfort the godly according to the ability that God has given us.

Moreover, Paul’s commendation of Philemon shows how important it is to appreciate and encourage those who attend to the needs of others. When we see God’s grace working through other Christians, let us rejoice and give thanks to God on their behalf.

READ:

1 Peter 1:15

¹⁵ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

EXHORTATION:

Christians, as children of God, ought to imitate their Father in heaven. If we are God’s children, then we ought to be like our Father. Peter’s exhortation here is: “as he… is, so be ye…” We, being His children, must exhibit His virtues. How wonderful it would be if the familiar saying, “Like father, like son” be true of every Christian!

We are to look to God as our Pattern, because we are told that “he... hath called you”. God calls His people to be holy because He is holy. The Scriptures emphatically speak about God’s holiness more than any other attribute of God. God is sinless and He cannot be influenced by sin. Being perfectly holy, He hates sin. So, we who are called must strive to be holy as He is. God calls us out of a world of sin to a life of holiness. He expects all that we do and say and think to be holy.

Peter knew the greatness of God’s call. Decades before he wrote this epistle, Peter and his brother Andrew had heard Christ’s call – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). When he responded to that call, his life was completely changed! He left his boat and net, and followed Christ. This marvellous epistle is one of countless evidence of the wonderful things God will do through those who faithfully follow His call.

The blessing that comes through God’s call can be ours only if we follow Him like Peter. That is why we are here challenged to be “holy in all manner of conversation”. In every aspect of our lives, we must follow the holiness of our God who called us. Our every behaviour (“conversation”) must reflect God’s holiness. In other words, holiness must characterise our daily conduct. All those who responded in faith to God’s call must strive to be holy like Him. Let us make holiness our trademark.

Since the word “holiness” suggests “being set apart”, we must keep ourselves from all that are inconsistent with God’s holy character so that we may become more and more like Him. There should not be anything that is ‘secular’ in our lifestyle; everything we do must be sacred. We should not participate in anything our Lord would not have participated. As a matter of spiritual guideline, it is good for us to always ask: “Is this thing agreeable to God’s holy will?” If the answer is not a clear “yes”, then do not commit yourself to it.