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READ:

John 4:24

²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

EXHORTATION:

No Jew or Samaritan – in fact, no one at all – is a true worshipper if wrong notions about God are conceived in his heart. True worship of God is built on the truth about God. How could anyone worship God when he has an erroneous concept of God? Without the truth concerning God, no heart can render honour and praise to Him.

One of the great truths about God which Jesus declared in our text is that “God is a Spirit”. God is not flesh and blood. He is not confined by a corporeal body. He is an invisible, intelligent, immortal, infinite, independent Spirit. This is one of the cardinal truths of God that is foundational for true worship. Every true worshipper must fully concur with this truth about God.

It is abject and abominable conduct to bow before any idol in worship. God, who is a Spirit, has prohibited man from worshipping any image or idol. God, who is an infinite Spirit, cannot be compared with anyone or anything. The Holy Scriptures repeatedly ask us: “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One” (Isaiah 40:25). “To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like” (Isaiah 46:5)? “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD” (Psalm 89:6)? So the LORD declares in Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” In Acts 17:29, we read: “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” True worshippers should never bow before any image or idol, realising that it is God who has created all things and redeemed His people. Rendering worship before an image or an idol is a spurious worship that controverts the truth that God is a Spirit.

Those who genuinely worship God, believing that He is a Spirit, must worship Him in spirit and in truth. True worship occurs only when our souls abandon all false thinking about God and sincerely acknowledge the truth about God that His Spirit has revealed in His Word. Only then can genuine, sincere and appropriate worship be rendered unto God.

Sermon Text: Psalm 99
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 19th January 2025

Here are the testimonies of brethren in the ministries, who join Pastoral Biblical Studies held on Mondays as part of Gethsemane Bible Institute (Online). This is a 2-hour study on theology and various relevant topics provided for pastors and preachers from around the world. Last week, we published some of the testimonies received. Today, we print the remaining testimonies of PBS participants below.

Pastor Sujith Samuel

I am thankful for the opportunity to study God’s Word as part of Pastoral Biblical Studies under GBI. Unlike traditional courses, there is much time for discussion and clearing of doubts. This allows me to clarify doubts on doctrines and interpretation of verses in Scripture. In addition to the learning, it’s also an opportunity to meet pastors, missionaries, and preachers serving the Lord in different countries. The experiences and difficulties they share occasionally in classes also encourage me. This helps us also to pray for them meaningfully. I am encouraging all graduates of GBI in Vizag, who are in the ministry, to join this course. I pray that more students will join and be blessed by the teaching provided. Thank God for enabling Pastor Koshy to set apart this time in his busy schedule. May the Lord continue to strengthen him as he prepares to teach in the upcoming semesters in GBI and FEBC. Thank God also for the help of Pr Samson, Dn Norefel, Bro Andronicus, Bro Yeh Wen, and others for their help in administrative and technical matters of live online courses offered in GBI.

Pr Anand Taneti

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Prabhudas Koshy and Gethsemane Bible Institute for conducting such an enriching Biblical class. It has truly been a privilege to sit under the teaching of someone who has been drinking deeply from the treasures of God’s Word for years. 

Pastor Koshy brought the Bible alive to me through his practical, life-transforming applications. His pastoral wisdom is clearly shown forth in his teaching and in the way he interacts with his students in the class. He is not just concerned about our doctrine, but also about our practice. He sets a good example of what it means to be a true man of God, and indeed, we are very happy to have him as our beloved teacher. 

The class on Covenants was like a new revelation to me. I learnt how the covenants in the Bible, such as the Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic and New Covenants, reflect God’s unchanging faithfulness and His unfolding plan of redemption for His people. It clarified how each covenant reveals a deeper understanding of God’s relationship with His people and His ultimate promise of salvation through Christ. 

The recent studies on Eschatology and last semester’s lessons on Tribulation were equally profound. They illuminated me concerning the trials and judgments that will precede Christ’s return to this earth, as described in Scripture. I was struck by God’s assurance of His sovereignty even in the midst of such intense suffering, and the hope He offers to His faithful believers who endure until the end. 

These classes have not only deepened my understanding of the Scriptures, but also encouraged me to reflect on God’s eternal promises, that I may remain steadfast in faith. Thank you once again for these amazing teachings, which have truly transformed my spiritual journey. May God continue to bless this ministry abundantly.

Pr Bujji Babu

I sincerely thank Gethsemane Bible Institute and Pastor Koshy for hosting such an inspiring Biblical study for those in the ministry. I count it a special joy and absolute honour to learn God’s Word under Pastor Koshy, who has been deeply soaking up the riches of God’s Word for years.

Pastor Koshy has given me pastoral wisdom in the practical application of the Bible. This is evident in his teachings and interactions with students, setting an example of being a true man of God. Whenever I attended the classes, I learned many new things that I did not know, making me happy. The teachings that I received were inspirational to me. He is an excellent teacher of God’s Word. I count it a blessing from God to have the opportunity to study His word through the PBS course of GBI.

One enlightening subject that I have learned from PBS is on Biblical Covenants (Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace and Redemption), which run through God’s covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Mosaic, David, as well as the New Covenant. These covenants in the Bible reflect God’s faithfulness concerning His redemption plan for and His relationship with His chosen people. It gave me clarity that all the covenants are centred on Christ’s salvation. In the past, I misunderstood that the Old Testament covenants had no connection to the New Covenant. But through PBS, I learnt there is a connection between the New Covenant and all of the Old Testament Covenants, even Christ. All the Old Testament Covenants are fulfilled in the New Covenant, for they look forward to the Messiah of the New Covenant.

Last year, I learned Eschatology, the Biblical doctrine of “Last Things”. The lesson on the Rapture and Tribulation provided profound insight. The trials and judgments of God in the Tribulation emphasise how God exercises His rule over His Creation and uses them as tools of His judgment upon this wicked world. Amidst all those calamities and chaos, God will still redeem His people, even the nation of Israel, and secure them for His eternal kingdom. 

The classes have significantly enhanced my understanding of the Scriptures, and encouraged me to reflect on God’s promises that pertain to the ministry’s blessings.

Pr Abhishek Raju

Studying the courses offered through Pastoral Biblical Studies of GBI has helped me to gain a thorough understanding of the topics taught. This enables men to teach God’s Word more clearly.

First, through this course, I learned how important it is to always strive to live a righteous life like Christ, so that I will be a genuine pastor who leads people in God’s way. The lessons taught in this course pointed out my errors, and corrected me with Scriptural wisdom and truth.

This course also showed me how to teach God’s people biblically, and how to strengthen them with Scriptural passages in their critical situations. I also learned how to lead them on the right path with Scriptural proofs. Through this course, I benefited a lot, and God willing, I will be a faithful pastor in His church. Truly, I must lead a biblical life to be an example to my church members. 

I really thank God for the doctrines and practical lessons I received. They are great gifts from God in my life. I am sure that through studying His Word in GBI’s PBS, God is preparing me for His service.

Pr D Shyam Kishore Babu

Praise God for the opportunity to learn and grow through PBS. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom I gained during my theological studies at GBI, Vizag. By His grace, I have recently completed my studies and entered the church ministry. I look forward to serving Him and His people, trusting He will continue to guide me in this journey.

I am especially grateful for the opportunity to study Eschatology, focusing on the Book of Revelation, under the guidance of Pastor Prabhudas Koshy. Through his teachings, I have gained invaluable insights and a deeper understanding of Scripture’s profound eschatological truths. His wisdom and clarity have greatly enriched my spiritual life; hence, I am thankful for all I have learned from him.

In addition to his insightful teaching, Pastor Koshy has set a wonderful example through his own life and ministry. He has not only imparted deep biblical understanding, but also shown me how to apply these truths effectively in practical life and ministry. His guidance has shaped my approach to serving God and His people.

I look forward to discovering even greater truths from the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit through the teaching received in PBS. Thank God for Pastor Koshy’s tireless dedication to teaching us and helping to shape our lives and ministry.

Pastor Klepa Awale

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for Pastor Koshy’s dedication and passion for teaching Pastoral Biblical Studies. These classes have been a great blessing to me personally and ministerially. The study of Eschatology, in particular, has been life-changing. For years, I longed to study this subject deeply, especially as my “Pre-Tribulation Rapture” view often seemed out of place among the more common Amillennial perspectives prevalent within the Reformed Faith, until I attended the PBS class last year. The teaching, filled with Scriptural and pastoral wisdom, has brought clarity and strengthened my understanding in ways I never imagined. Praise the LORD!

READ:

James 1:17a

^17a Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.

EXHORTATION:

In the earlier verses, James has taught his readers that God does not send temptations of sin. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (1:13). He also said that sin and death originate from our own lust that entices us (1:14-15). So he warned that no one should err concerning the truth that evil proceeds not from God, but from our own lust (1:16). Having declared unmistakably that temptations do not come from God, James now asserts that every good gift and perfect gift is from God above.

The word “gift” that appears two times in our text is translated from two different Greek words (dosis and dōrēma). However, they both point to that which is given to us by God. God’s gift to us is good, without any taint of evil. It is also perfect, without any flaw or defect. They truly reflect the goodness and holiness of the Giver. In its origin and in its bestowing, the gift of God is good and perfect. We, therefore, know that anything that comes as a temptation of sin cannot be from God.

Every man walking after the flesh is filled with much temptations and lust, and is desperately in want of good and perfect things. But God is most delighted to grant us that which is good and perfect as a “gift”. The good things which we cannot produce or achieve on our own, He will give to us as gifts. How wonderful it is that God bestows on His people good and perfect gifts, which they do not deserve or are able to have them on their own! Every pure and perfect influence on the soul comes directly from God. The holy desires, passions and pursuits are divine bestowments in our hearts. Christian virtues are bestowed upon us by the Divine Spirit. Divine promises, counsels, rebukes, corrections, instructions and commands are all His gifts from above.

Now, one might be prompted to ask: “Is everything God gives good?” "Does not He give us trials, sorrows, sickness, bereavement and death? Are these good gifts?” As Romans 8:28 assures us, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He who is “the Father of lights” will fill our lives with His abundant goodness as He dispels all sorts of dark and dreary feelings, thoughts and deeds. His Word and His Spirit will give us light.

READ:

1 Peter 4:16

¹⁶ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

EXHORTATION:

Christians often have to endure society’s rejection, ostracism, violence and even official persecution. The unbelieving world hates every genuine Christian. Jesus had forewarned, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13; cf. Matthew 5:11; 10:22; 24:9; Philippians 1:29).

Should a Christian feel embarrassed or weakened or abandoned by the opposition and troubles that he suffers? The verse for our meditation today tells us that the Christian who is afflicted has no reason whatsoever to be embarrassed, but has every reason to exult in God and praise Him.

All have troubles, but it makes a very great difference when one suffers for his faith in Christ. The man who bears sorrow for the Lord is an honourable man in the sight of God. He has no reason to be ashamed of his sufferings because as a Christian, his life is marked by devotion to Christ and His righteousness. He is not persecuted for the evil he has committed, but for the devotion to Christ that he exhibits.

Why is it that a Christian who suffers should not be ashamed? Because his suffering proves that he is a lover of Christ, His truth and His righteousness. Because his suffering is not meted out for a crime that he has committed, but for doing Christ’s will. Because his suffering is inflicted on him not for a mean and damnable thing he has done, but for the noble and blessed cause of exalting Christ, his Saviour.

Ironically, a genuine Christian often suffers for his actions in spite of the purest motives that proceed from his love for the blessed Master. Nevertheless in his suffering, he shall be the brightest of examples that others can imitate. So, the suffering Christian is exhorted to glorify God – “but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Even under suffering circumstances, a Christian’s duty is to glorify God (cf. John 21:18-19). He must rejoice and worship God, like Paul and Silas who sang and praised God in the Philippian jail (cf. Acts 16:22-25; 1 Peter 4:13). When the suffering Christian boldly clings onto his faith in his Saviour and testifies of Him to those who ask about his faith, he glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). He who remains faithful to God even in the midst of suffering truly glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 4:14).

READ:

James 1:14

¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

EXHORTATION:

So often we point at the devil, the world, unbelieving friends, disobedient Christians, etc. as the source of our temptations. Though these are common sources of evil temptations, the above Scripture points out that there is a more subtle and dangerous fountainhead. It lies within every one; it is identified as “his own lust”.

The word “lust” (epithumía) indicates “strong desire” or “longing” in a bad sense. It depicts man’s inordinate and impure desire or appetite. The King James Bible has translated it also as “concupiscence.” It is often used with words that connote materialism and sensuality. The New Testament speaks of “lust” 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.

“Lust” is not a dormant, harmless curiosity or idea of the heart. Quite the reverse – it is a very powerful feeling that can numb one’s moral and spiritual senses, drawing one to corrupt and damaging activities. James reveals to us lust’s powerful ploy with the two verbs he used in the above verse. The first verb translated “drawn away” (exélkō) conveys the idea of being “dragged out” or “forcibly hauled or compelled”. The second verb translated “enticed” (deleázō) comes from a root word (délear) that means “bait”; it signifies being beguiled and lured into a trap or snare. Powerful enticements and deceptions are at play when lust is at work in our hearts. Our thinking and feelings will be so desensitised that we can be wheedled into destructive conduct. Like the bait on the fisherman’s hook that entices the fish, lust also would entice a man into sin’s temptations. And once hooked, like the fish, he would be dragged away!

There is a great need for us to realise that our own lust is a great danger to us. We must recognise and act against our own lust, lest it drags us into shameful and hurtful mischief of sin. Our temptations are often self-inflicted perils. So, let us be vigilant against ourselves. Peter gravely cautions: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

READ:

James 1:13b

^13b For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.

EXHORTATION:

Though our trials are permitted by God, He is not the author of the temptation of sin that may come simultaneously with those trials. No temptation of sin is designed or discharged by God. As James says, “for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”.

God will never cajole and coax us to sin. God will never influence us to sin by infusing evil thoughts, inclinations, or desires. Nothing God does is evil; His ways with His people will never lead them to sin. The tempter is the devil (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:3, 13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). God is holy, and He leads only into the paths of righteousness. As David unhesitatingly confessed, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Let none think that God, through the trials, lays upon one an unavoidable compulsion to sin. The trials that God permits in one’s life are never to compel one to sin, but to sanctify and strengthen that one. All that God does is good and perfect (cf. James 1:16, 17). Therefore, do not yield to the temptations of sin, saying, “God has tempted me!” It is very impious of anyone to make such a dreadful assertion.

God’s design in all our sufferings is to purge us from all impurities. He rebukes and chastises us so that we may produce the fruit of righteousness. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). The apostle Peter tells us that the ultimate design of our trials is to lead us to God’s glory – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). God influences us only unto righteousness while Satan, the world and our own lust tempt us with sin unto unrighteousness.

The Lord never tempts us with sin. On the contrary, He is ever ready to protect and deliver us from sin’s temptation. So the Lord taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). God will aid every one of His children who yearns to be delivered from evil temptations. Did not Jesus say, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Matthew 6:13; cf. Mark 14:38)?

READ:

James 1:13a

^13a Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God.

EXHORTATION:

It is important that we take note of James’ caution: “Let no man say … I am tempted of God”. Some believers tend to misinterpret God-sent trials as God tempting them with opportunities to sin. Such a notion is far from the truth. So, James gives a stern warning to those who may try to pin the blame on God and hold God responsible for their temptation to sin. James is very concerned about such an idea of God and desires that his readers will reject the suggestion that God has a hand in inducing people to sin.

One’s thoughts about God affect one’s decisions and responses to life’s experiences. If one presumes that the temptations of sin that he experiences are from God, he will then have an ill-conceived excuse for the sins he would commit. As James noted, he would then say impious and despicable things, such as “God tempted me with sins.”

To say that “I am tempted of God” is, first of all, to make a false claim about God. It is a heresy to say that God tempts us with sin. Any thought or statement that depicts God as the author of sin is contrary to the unmistakable teaching of the Holy Scriptures that all of God’s works are holy. In Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses avows that God “is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Psalm 145:17 declares that “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Likewise, Psalm 92:15 affirms that “the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (cf. 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalms 111:3; 119:137; Zephaniah 3:5; Revelation 4:8).

Secondly, such a statement deceives the heart to consider sin as an unavoidable matter that God has laid on him. Such a belief stands contrary to all the counsels and admonitions of God in His Word. God commands us to depart and be separate from everything unholy. For instance, 2 Corinthians 6:17 admonishes us, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” The LORD God would have nothing to do with those who follow the way of sin. He calls all His people to “come out” away from all sorts of unclean and false people and their ways.

How scandalous and diabolical it is then to say, “I am tempted of God”!

READ:

James 1:12a

^12a Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.

EXHORTATION:

There is a widespread misconception that a person blessed by the Lord with happiness and peace shall not have any temptation or trial in life. Many modern-day false teachers claim that genuine faith would guarantee a life that is free from sickness, financial trouble and all other kinds of distress. However, the Word of God here teaches us that the blessedness of a man of faith is not in the absence of temptation and trial in his life, but in his endurance in the midst of them.

A believer should not frown on the divine providence that permits trying circumstances in his life. Instead, he must persevere happily even when his faith and commitment to God is tested, knowing that God’s providence is giving him an opportunity to prove the genuineness of his faith. This is why James beckoned believers in an earlier verse, saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).

A person who is undergoing trials may not feel “blessed” or happy at all. The difficulties would affect him emotionally, causing him to feel frustrated, fearful or forlorn. Nonetheless, if he steadfastly believes in the promises and presence of God while remaining committed to doing His will, he will experience the great spiritual joy of an overcomer.

Every Christian needs to know that all sorts of circumstances will test his faith and devotion to Christ. So he is required to be ready to endure temptation that will inevitably come his way. In order to endure testing, one must cultivate a spirit of total dependence on and total obedience to God. Temptations and trials can conspire to make one falter in one’s faithfulness to Christ. It is only with a spirit of unflinching devoutness and undaunted fortitude that one prevails over one’s temptations and trials.

Let us take note that the blessed man is not the one who just suffers, but the one who endures his suffering and testing. He “shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12b). The word “crown” conveys the idea of reward, and the word “life” indicates that the reward is life evermore. Jesus also said to the suffering Christians, “… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

READ:

Psalm 32:2

² Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

EXHORTATION:

What an astounding truth it is to a sinner that when the LORD forgives him, He will not impute unto him his iniquity! Certainly, it is joyous news to every contrite sinner that his sins will not be held against him by the LORD. What a blessing it is that the LORD will not remember the sins of the repenting sinner! That man will never again be charged in the divine court for his sins.

When a sinner fearfully approaches God, being fully conscious of his sins and guilt, the LORD mercifully assures him that he will henceforth be treated as if he has no guile whatsoever. God had blotted out the record of the indictment of your sins. The apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:13-14, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.

Dear reader, like David, you may be praying to the LORD, “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities” (Psalm 51:9). His answer to you is that He will not impute your sins against you.

You may wonder why God would forgive you of all your sins. In His Word, He tells all repenting sinners, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Hear what God is actually saying – “I am not forgiving you for your own sake, but for My own sake.” The forgiveness He gives you is not a reward for your goodness. You are not worthy to merit His forgiveness. But He assures you of His forgiveness for the glory of His mercy and compassion towards you.

You may still retort, “But, Lord, I have been an ungrateful person. I know that Thou has been patient with me and has not dealt with me in Thy wrath. Yet, all the while I have not humbled myself and repented. Would Thou still forgive me?” The LORD still tells you, “I will forgive you for My name’s sake.” We can truly trust in His promise of forgiveness, and return to Him to serve Him. It is His joy that we rejoice in the blessing of His forgiveness.