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READ:

1 John 2:15a

^15a Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

EXHORTATION:

This is not a prohibition against Christians being enterprising and industrious in their work or business. After all, the Scriptures encourage us to be diligent in our occupations. The Scriptures give us commands, such as “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:23), and also “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough” (Proverbs 28:19).

However, nothing in this world, whether it be education, or business, or job, or hobby, or family, or friends, etc., should ever be loved more than God. Nothing and no one should be given first place in our hearts, which is rightfully the Lord’s. Though many things in the world are not sinful in themselves, nonetheless if not checked, they will stifle our love for God.

Our hearts’ supreme affection must be reserved for the Lord, who has loved us and given His life to save us. Our affection for our blessed Saviour must surpass all other relationships and commitments we have. He must be exalted, adored and loved above all else in this world. Everything in our life must remain in subjection to His supremacy. In our hearts, the Lord should always be enthroned, and all else be subservient to His glory and authority. Whatever comes in competition with the supremacy of Christ in our lives must be discarded. All that demand our devotion at the expense of the Lord are unworthy of our consideration.

Unfortunately, worldliness is very prevalent among Christians of our time. Materialism, carnal behaviour, immodesty, ungodly entertainment, intimate friendships with the unregenerate, and many other forms of worldliness are increasing among churchgoers. Very few pastors and preachers warn against this spiritual ‘disease’ of worldliness that affects their congregations. Because of the hesitation of preachers to warn against worldliness, it has become a very deep-rooted spiritual problem in the lives of the church people. To make matters worse, pastors and preachers, and their own families are now promoters of worldly fashions!

Have you ever wondered why many professing Christians are infatuated with the world? When their love for Christ wanes, they become ruinously attracted to the things of this world. So let us be vigilant, lest we too lose our first love for the Lord and be lost in our worldly pursuits.

READ:

Romans 12:2c

^2c That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

EXHORTATION:

The calling of all true Christians in this world is that by their lives, they may “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. Their daily mission on earth is to show forth by their words and actions what the will of God is.

The word “prove” (dokimázō) refers to testing and ascertaining the authenticity and quality of a thing. Christians, who are committed to the renewing of their minds by yielding to the Spirit and God’s Word, will be able to ascertain and demonstrate God’s will. Those who are conformed to the world will never be able to know, affirm or demonstrate what the will of God is. That is why the apostle Paul told us earlier in this verse, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”. In a world that ignores the will of God, Christians are exhorted to know and do His will. What a solemn duty we have as Christians!

No other sect or group of people on earth is commissioned by God to uphold and show forth His will. Jesus defined true Christians as doers of His Father’s will in Matthew 7:21 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” He also taught His followers to pray, “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2; cf. Matthew 6:10). In Matthew 12:50, Jesus affirmed that “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Christ, who is the ultimate pattern for Christians, lived with an all-consuming passion for God’s will. He said, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). So, like Christ, may we also be fully consecrated to know and do His will.

In our verse for today, the apostle gives further reasons to be excited about God’s will by enumerating its three excellent attributes - “good, and acceptable, and perfect”. Other than God’s will, nothing in this world can help us inherit that which is “good” (agathós – virtuous), “acceptable” (euárestos – well-pleasing) and “perfect” (téleios – wholesome) in God’s sight. God’s will is immeasurably good because it prevents us from sin, helps us to please Him and grants us spiritual growth and maturity.

READ:

Romans 12:2b

^2b But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.

EXHORTATION:

Christians are here exhorted to live a transformed life. In the past, we lived according to the lust of our flesh and enjoyed the pleasures of the world. But now as Christians, we ought to be “transformed”. To be transformed is to be metamorphosed, or changed in nature and form. Christians demonstrate a real change in their conduct. They are no more the same as before their conversion.

Their spiritual and moral transformation is effected by what Paul referred to as “the renewing of your mind”. When people turn from their sins to Christ by faith, a radical change in their thinking occurs. They are no more thinking and living for themselves or the world, but for Christ who now lives in them. Their thoughts and feelings are now influenced by the Spirit and truth of Christ. As genuine followers of Christ, they surrender their mind to the renewing influence of the Spirit and truth of Christ.

Paul rhetorically asked the Corinthian Christians, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:16). Paul wants Christians to continue to renew their minds by taking heed to God’s truth brought to their minds by His Spirit.

Christians should not give themselves to think like the unrepentant and unbelieving people who walk in the vanity of their mind. The apostle tells us in Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” A Christian’s motivation, desires and ambitions should not be according to carnal and materialistic views of life.

So Paul urged Christians, “But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:20-23). Let us not allow our minds to be corrupted, but rather let our minds be renewed to pursue a life that is according to the knowledge of His will.

READ:

Romans 12:2a

^2a And be not conformed to this world.

EXHORTATION:

Having exhorted Christians in the previous verse to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”, the apostle now urges them not to conform to the world. In other words, if Christians desire to please God, they must not be worldly. It is impossible to serve the Lord in a holy and acceptable manner, if one is conformed to the world.

Christ and the world do not coalesce. Jesus clearly said that the world hates Him and all His disciples (cf. John 7:7; 15:18-19). The world neither believes nor yields to the Lord Jesus. It has its own prince, even the devil (cf. John 12:31; 14:30). Its ideologies are carnal and materialistic, while Christ’s is spiritual and eternal (cf. 1 John 2:15-17). Hence, Christians should not be shaped by the worldly habits, philosophies, trends, styles and all that are contrary to God’s will for His people. Biblical Christianity and the world do not merge. Christians ought to be nonconformists in this world.

The word “conform” (suschēmatízō) conveys the idea of fashioning or moulding one’s conduct in accordance with a particular pattern or set of standards. To conform to the world is to shape one’s behaviour according to the world’s ideologies and principles; that is totally unacceptable and displeasing to the Lord. While we live on earth, it is very easy for us to be influenced by the world. Hence, we must watch our steps to make sure that we are not being led away by ungodly philosophies and trends of the world. Our choices, our ambitions and our pursuits are to be constantly vetted to eliminate any conformity to the world that would displease the Lord and hinder our service to God.

Many who profess to be Christians follow the crowd rather than Christ. Crowd-pleasers cannot be Christ-pleasers. The epistle of James cautions us that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God”, and “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Either we live under the influence of Christ and His righteousness, or we live under the influence of the world and its ungodliness. Christians cannot have it both ways if they desire to please the Lord.

Let us remember that Christ “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4).

Despite receiving sound teachings and having numerous opportunities for prayer and fellowship, some individuals fail to grow spiritually. Over time, their passion for God wanes, and their commitment to His people weakens. Why do the hearts of church members not experience spiritual joy and enthusiasm, even in a church that faithfully and fervently provides for its members’ spiritual growth? 

Will things change if they change churches? Will things be better if they listen to new preachers? Changing churches or listening to new preachers might bring a temporary sense of renewal, but if the underlying cause is personal rather than external, the problem will likely persist. Here’s why:

Spiritual growth is primarily dependent on a personal relationship with Christ. A believer’s spiritual development is deeply rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasised in John 15:4-5 – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” This passage illustrates the necessity of remaining in Christ. Just as a branch depends on the vine for sustenance, believers must stay connected to Christ to grow spiritually and bear fruit. Spiritual growth is not merely about gaining knowledge or engaging in religious activities, but about abiding in Christ, being transformed by His Spirit, and living in obedience to His Word. 

The Bible repeatedly emphasises that true spiritual maturity comes from an intimate, lively, ongoing relationship with the Lord. In Colossians 2:6-7, the apostle Paul insists, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Spiritual growth happens when we are firmly rooted in Christ, walking in faith, and continually being built up in Him.

There is a real need for all of us to examine ourselves to see whether we abide in Christ continually. The apostle Paul urged the Christians in Corinth to examine their faith, rather than to place undue emphasis on their allegiance to different preachers, leading to division within the church. He exhorted them, saying, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is a call for self-examination to ensure genuine faith and authentic spiritual growth in every Christian’s life.

So let every church member (including leaders) humbly and sincerely examine himself in the following areas recommended in the Scriptures, to see the cause for one’s experience of spiritual dullness and fruitlessness, and then seek to eradicate those spiritual maladies. 

Examine Your Faith in Christ: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith …” (2 Cor. 13:5a). If you truly trust in Jesus alone for salvation and believe that “Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Cor. 13:5b), your life must be lived according to “the faith”, the divine standard revealed in His Word. Does your life demonstrate confidence in and submission to God’s truth? Or are you placing your trust in emotions, experiences, relationships, wealth, careers, rather than in His grace? A life rooted in faith continually seeks His truth through persistent prayer. As 2 Peter 3:18 urges, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” Spiritual growth leads to a life that radiates God’s glory through His grace and truth.

Examine Your Obedience to God’s Word: Jesus confronted His hearers, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). He expected His followers to prove their genuineness through obedience. In John 15, Jesus insisted repeatedly that spiritual vitality and fruitfulness come to those who abide in His Word through obedience. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (v. 10). Earlier He said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (v. 7). Are there areas where you consistently resist God’s will?

Examine Your Repentance and Separation from Sins: The Lord warned the Christians in the church of Ephesus, “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16; cf. 2:5). Likewise, He exhorted the church in Ephesus, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). If you do not repent of the sins that entangle you, God Himself will stand against you, and this will certainly rob you of spiritual joy and victory. Have you confessed and turned away from the sin in your life? (cf. 1 John 1:9). Do you grieve over sin and desire holiness, or do you excuse and justify sinful habits? Every believer must regularly examine himself for unconfessed sin (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:28). True repentance not only acknowledges sin, but also turns away from it, seeking to live as a vessel of honour for the Lord’s service (cf. 2 Timothy 2:21). Repent, walk in holiness, and experience the fullness of joy and victory in Christ.

Examine Your Love for God and Others: Do you love God above all else (Matthew 22:37-38)? Do you love fellow believers and even your enemies (1 John 4:20; Matthew 5:44)? Are you growing in kindness, patience, and forgiveness? Notice Paul’s comment that the brotherly love exhibited by the Thessalonian Christians was evidence of their spiritual increase - “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).

In conclusion, spiritual coldness can stem from various factors. Some become distracted by worldly pursuits, allowing materialistic concerns, personal ambitions, or entertainment to take precedence over their relationship with God. Others may struggle with hidden sin, guilt, or unresolved doubts, which create a barrier between them and the Lord. Still, others might grow weary due to trials, disappointments, or unanswered prayers, leading to spiritual discouragement and apathy.

Without an intentional pursuit of God—through prayer, studying His Word, and genuine fellowship with other believers—spiritual stagnation sets in. The fire of faith dims, and what was once a vibrant walk with God turns into a mere religious routine. This is why Scripture urges believers to guard their hearts, remain steadfast in the faith, and actively cultivate their relationship with God.

A new church or preacher can inspire, but lasting transformation comes from a heart fully surrendered to Christ. Some people switch churches to avoid accountability and commitment, which will only lead to more spiritual apathy. Changing church is necessary only when a church teaches false doctrine, is unfaithful to Scripture, compromises on biblical truths, or fails to promote holy living. Then, seeking a biblically sound church is needed.

Sermon Text: Psalm 102
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th February 2025

READ:

Romans 12:1b

^1b That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

EXHORTATION:

Herein we have the solemn instruction of the apostle Paul concerning what entails genuine worship of God. Two words here, “sacrifice” and “service”, evoke the idea of worship. The word “sacrifice” (thusía) is used here in the sense of an offering rendered to the Lord in worship. Likewise, the word “service” (latreía) denotes a service rendered in worship of God.

All Christians are exhorted to “present your bodies a living sacrifice”. The Greek word for “present” is also translated as “yield”. We are to yield our bodies not as a dead sacrifice on the altar (as in Old Testament sacrifices), but as a living sacrifice. We need not offer our body or anything else as our substitute on the altar. Christ has offered Himself on our behalf as a perfect sacrifice to redeem us. So, no more substitutionary sacrifice is required of us. Here, we are exhorted to yield our bodies not as carcasses on the altar to be burned, but as lives consecrated to God.

Our bodies are to be consecrated to God as “holy”. As Paul exhorted earlier in chapter 6, verse 13, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” True worshippers of God ought to consecrate themselves to live holy lives before the Lord. Our bodies must be instruments of righteousness. Only when we yield ourselves and our bodies to live in holiness, can we glorify God. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We must strive to order our lives so that “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” (Philippians 1:20).

The worship that is acceptable and pleasing to God can only be rendered by those who live holy lives as true children of God. It is a despicable thing for a worshipper of God to continue to live in sin. Unholy living is most displeasing and outrageous to God. No true worship exists in hearts that have no commitment to live in obedience to His holy Word. Any offering of worship presented by unholy hands is an outrageous act in His presence. It is unthinkable and illogical to think that the Most Holy God can be served with unholy hands. The reasonable service to God can only be rendered when our bodies are His holy temples (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18-19).

READ:

Romans 12:1a

^1a I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God….

EXHORTATION:

Though the apostle Paul was a firm, uncompromising teacher and defender of God’s Word, his exhortations were affectionate and gentle. Teachers of God’s Word, whether at home or in the church, while unwavering in their commitment to God’s truth, must nonetheless teach it with tenderness and longsuffering.

The word “beseech” can mean “to call alongside, summon” and thus “exhort” or “encourage”. It is a word that carries both the firmness and affection expressed in one’s communication. The apostle’s language does not give a hint that compliance to his exhortations is an optional matter. The great doctrines of the Bible are not static, but dynamic. They produce great acts of godliness in those who were once indifferent to the Lord and wallowing in sin.

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul has hitherto been teaching them the unchangeable truths about salvation by grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has taught them that in Christ, all their condemnations are removed, and that they stand justified and accepted before God. Their glorification is guaranteed, even though they have been persecuted and maligned by the wicked world.

Now, the apostle is about to urge the readers to act on the truths they have received, making the truth of God’s gracious salvation the foundation of their Christian practice. That is why he began by saying, “I beseech you therefore…” Then Paul adds a note of warmth and earnestness to his exhortation by addressing the readers as “brethren”. He expects that the believers will not only listen with high esteem, but also obey with enthusiasm.

To excite the believers to greater compliance to the truths of God, the apostle then proceeded to appeal to God’s mercy. The summon to an obedient life does not come in a vacuum; it is wrapped in God’s mercies. It is the outpouring of divine mercies that exhorts us to live a life that is adorned with the divine truths. We recognise that the word “mercies” (in plural) denotes all that God has done for us in His Son, which Paul has surveyed in chapters 1–11. Everyone who gratefully acknowledges the abundant mercies of God extended to him in Christ, would happily yield to every divine counsel and appropriate it.

READ:

Psalm 55:22

²² Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

EXHORTATION:

The LORD is our burden-bearer. When He permits a burden to fall upon us, He does not move away from us. He stays with us in our troubles. He is ever near us to bear our burdens. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Because He is by our side, ready to bear our burdens for us, we can cast all our burdens upon Him. So He urges us not to be worn down by our burdens, but to cast them upon Him. Often we tend to bear our burdens on our own for too long. Such an attitude is not pleasing to the LORD. He wants us to cast all our burdens on Him at once. It is stubbornness to refuse to lay our burdens on Him and stop worrying about them. It can also mean that we do not trust Him fully.

Let us remember that there is none like our LORD who Himself stooped to carry our load of sin and burdens. According to Isaiah 53:4, “Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” According to the apostle Peter, He has by “his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The guilt of sin has been our heaviest burden, for it has eternal consequences. But He has carried them all away for us.

How often we bear our own burdens, which we neither need nor ought to bear! It is being disobedient. We ought to cast them quickly on Him. If we have laid them on Him, we have nothing to be afraid of, for “he shall sustain thee”. The Hebrew word translated “sustain” has meanings like “measure”, “contain”, “nourish”, etc. Hence, it carries the idea that God will give such a measure of His grace, wisdom and strength as we would need in our trials, that we shall be sufficiently supported and sustained. His nourishment shall be abundant to all who turn to Him for help.

Also, we are assured that “He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” The greatest desire and purpose of the righteous is to be a vessel of His glory in good times and bad times. The LORD will not allow such a man to stagger or be shaken. Many trials may come upon him and even his own life may be threatened; but the LORD shall hold the righteous fast and grant him the strength to remain steadfast, unmoveable to the end.

READ:

John 15:6

⁶ If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

EXHORTATION:

Those words of Christ are most disconcerting, terrifying and unsettling to everyone who claims to be a Christian and yet does not abide in Christ. He who lives in sin habitually without genuine repentance, or he who lives without bearing spiritual fruit that Christ seeks to find in a Christian, is unequivocally declared damned for eternal fire. Those words are spoken with such absolute clarity and jurisdiction that a professing Christian has no room for assurance. Unless the pretentious man repents, he will be cast into the fire! What an unambiguous, thunderous voice of judgment upon professors of religion who have no heart to live for Christ!

When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, Judas had already gone out from among their midst to betray Christ. Those who live their lives like Judas, secretly cherishing materialism and other ungodliness while professing to love the Lord, will suffer the tragic end forewarned by Christ in this verse. Their attitude and actions will prove that they do not abide in Christ, and that they do not possess genuine faith in Him. If one claims to believe in Christ, and yet live without an abiding dependence on Him that produces spiritual fruit, he is not a Christian. In fact, Jesus said that if a man does not abide in Him, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered”. The word “withered” shows that he is dried up and without any evidence of life and fruit. In other words, an individual who does not abide in Christ may linger on in this life for some while, but he would not manifest any fruit of the life in Christ.

Every Christian ought to abide in Christ, like a branch that abides in the vine. Earlier Jesus had said, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2). In fact, Jesus said again that everyone who abides in Him will bring forth “much fruit” (v. 5). What is then “the fruit” that the one who abides in Christ would produce? From the subsequent verses of John 15, we learn something concerning the spiritual fruit of the one who abides in Christ. They are: (i) abiding in the Word and prayer (v. 7); (ii) glorifying the Father through a life of prayer (vv. 8, 16); (iii) continuing in His love (vv. 9, 10); (iv) obeying His commandments (vv. 10, 14); (v) rejoicing in Christ (v. 11); (vi) loving one another (vv. 12-13); and (vii) being a witness to the world (vv. 16, 27).