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READ:

Titus 2:7

⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

EXHORTATION:

In this chapter of his epistle to Titus, Paul gives Titus various instructions on what should be inculcated in the lives of believers of different age groups. He was to instruct the aged men to be sober, grave and temperate (v. 2); the aged women to be holy and be teachers of good things to younger women (vv. 3-4); the younger women to be homemakers who love their husbands and children according to God’s Word (vv. 4-5); and the younger men to be sober-minded (v. 6).

Having propounded the spiritual principles for Christian men and women of all ages to abide by, the apostle added a precept unto Titus himself. Because the instruction for Titus follows immediately the precept for young men, it is generally thought that Titus was a young man (as Timothy also was), serving the Lord in the pastoral ministry of the church. Every teacher of God’s Word to young men must pay heed not only to instruct them on their spiritual duties, but also to show by example how they ought to live out their spiritual obligations. Every teacher of God’s Word, whether to the adults, youths or children, must be a role model with regard to good works. This has been the chief difference between godly teachers and false teachers. Paul had earlier told Titus about false teachers who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (1:16).

Titus was further instructed to show “uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” in doctrine. In other words, he had to show “uncorruptness” (i.e. integrity), “gravity” (i.e. seriousness), and “sincerity” (i.e. purity) in the content and style of his teaching. Paul’s combined use of these terms in this phrase suggests that every teacher of God’s Word must faithfully and reverentially instruct the hearers on its doctrines. There must be a devout, solemn commitment to teach God’s Word truthfully, dutifully and submissively. Teachers of God’s Word must not only avoid distortions of its truth, but also eschew an irreverent attitude and conduct. Teachers of the Word must impart it in the right spirit. It is vital that sound doctrine is delivered with sanctified minds and irreproachable speech and conduct. Unwholesome and uncouth words, mannerisms and behaviour do not suit the preachers of God’s Word.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:16a

^16a Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them.

EXHORTATION:

Another of Paul’s admonition to Timothy, a young Christian leader and a pastor, was: “Take heed unto thyself”. It will be disastrous to have a man who tells people what to do but who never does the same on his own. Scripture must be carefully studied and applied in the pastor’s life before it is preached to others. A pastor should have this basic integrity to pay close attention to his life according to what he learns and preaches. Any man who falls short of this aspect is a hypocrite. The biblical integrity of a pastor requires both biblical knowledge and biblical character. The focal point of every pastoral ministry is biblical living and godliness.

This exhortation entails every Christian leader to be stringent in his self-examination to correct his shortcomings and make improvements in himself. There must be a passion for self-improvement. This counsel must be applied in matters of personal piety, manners, habits, appearance, speech, interactions with others, his skills, etc. Every Christian leader should be careful to avoid uncouth manners and offensive speech and behaviour. The influence of the Gospel that he preaches should be apparent in all aspects of his life. The Gospel refines those who have received it; it makes them refined in their appearance, habits and conduct. No boorish manner or habit that gives offence to others should be found in Christian leaders.

He also needs to take heed unto “the doctrine” that he preaches. He must pay attention to his teaching to ensure that it is thoroughly Scriptural. He should hold and teach only the truths of God’s Word. He must, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” In 2 Timothy 3:13-14, Paul further cautioned, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”

We are also exhorted to “continue in them”. A Christian leader must be a man who would persevere in purity of life and doctrine. He cannot be a quitter. He should overcome temptations, endure all kinds of trials, opposition and persecution, and remain faithful to God and His Word, yea, even unto death.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:13

¹³ Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

EXHORTATION:

This is the apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy concerning how he should fulfil his pastoral duty, as the apostle would be away from the church at Ephesus for a while. This exhortation defines the main tasks of anyone who enters the pastoral ministry of the church. The Greek verb translated as “give attendance” is a present active imperative; hence it issues to all the ministers a continuing command. The duties delineated in this exhortation ought to become every pastor’s way of life.

In Greek, the word for “give attendance” (proséch?) is often used as a nautical term to refer to controlling a ship to sail towards a definite direction. Paul’s emphasis here is that Timothy should see to it that his ministry in the church is heading towards the fulfilment of the tasks mentioned hereafter. Every pastor must prepare himself to effectively carry out the Scriptural duties outlined here.

The first duty of a pastor that is mentioned here is “reading”. It could mean either private or public reading of the Scriptures. The private reading of the Scriptures is of great necessity in preparing oneself for the next two duties of “exhortation” and “doctrine”. This duty is necessary for one to be thoroughly furnished for the work of a pastor to which one is called. Scripture is the fount of all wisdom and spiritual knowledge that a pastor ought to have in carrying out his pastoral duties. Though Timothy had known the Scriptures from a child and had been trained up in them, he still needed to give diligent attention to the reading of them. The continual careful reading of the Scriptures is of utmost importance to a pastor’s faithful and effective ministering of God’s Word in the church. He must also ensure that the Scriptures are read in the public gathering of the church, for everyone’s edification.

The pastor’s next two duties of “exhortation” and “doctrine” (or teaching) refer to the public expounding of Scripture to the advantage of believers. “Exhortation” (parákl?sis) is the act of encouraging, comforting and also admonishing from the Word of God. “Doctrine” denotes the teaching and instructing of the church from God’s Word. His duty is thus to disseminate and explain the Scriptures to edify the believers, defend the truth against all opponents, and refute errors and heresies contrary to them. To these duties, every minister of the Word should give his unreserved attention.

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:81–96
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd November 2025

READ:

1 Timothy 4:12b

^12b But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

EXHORTATION:

Though Timothy was a young man, he had been given a very responsible task of being a minister of God’s Word. His close association with the apostle Paul and the other early church leaders as a devout disciple, had equipped him for the solemn tasks required of a minister of God’s Word in Ephesus. His appointment was not haphazardly carried out. Even after his appointment, the apostle Paul paid attention to encourage him to rise above his fears and struggles to be an excellent minister of Jesus Christ.

Timothy was here challenged to be an “example” to God’s people. Paul used the Greek word tupos, which means “model” or “pattern”. Artists often use a model so that its features may be reproduced in his work. A tailor will usually lay a pattern on top of the material and cut the material to match the pattern. Likewise, a Christian leader ought to be an example for the people of God to follow. His life should demonstrate how one should live a life that pleases the Lord.

Paul then exhorted Timothy to be exemplary in six areas of spiritual life which are pertinent to Christian leadership. Firstly, “in word”. A Christian leader’s speech must be exemplary. His words and attitude in speech must be worthy of emulation. Secondly, “in conversation”. A Christian leader’s conduct must be exemplary; it must be built upon biblical principles. He must be a model of biblical living. There must be a sincere concern for personal and pervasive holiness in all aspects of the leader’s life. Thirdly, “in love”. A Christian leader ought to love others. It does not mean he must tolerate everything without discernment. Love is best expressed through serving others according to God’s truth and holiness. Fourthly, “in spirit”. A Christian leader must exhibit the control, leading and filling of the Holy Spirit. Every servant of God must seek “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). Fifthly, “in faith”. The Greek word used here can also mean “faithfulness”. His faith in the perfection, authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures is inviolable. His message and life must show his absolute confidence and loyalty to God’s Word. Sixthly, “in purity”. The Greek word used here (hagneía) refers not only to sexual chastity, but also the intents of heart. When one’s heart is pure, one’s behaviour will also be pure. A Christian leader should never adopt a lifestyle that his people should not practise.

As announced in recent weeks, our church’s 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM) will be held today at 4:00 p.m. in the SingPost Level 5 Auditorium. We encourage all members to attend prayerfully, and participate in this important gathering.

Necessity of ACM

ACM is not merely an administrative necessity, but an expression of the church’s biblical order and faithfulness. Scripture calls God’s people to accountability and orderly governance. 

The early church likewise gathered regularly to deliberate and report God’s work among them. Paul and Barnabas reported to the church – “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). Such purposeful gatherings helped in the recounting and discerning of God’s guidance and work among churches through the brethren. Likewise, Acts 15:4 records, “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.”  Such assemblies also encouraged accountability, and demonstrated that church decisions flow from prayerful reflection on God’s providence.

The Bible admonishes Christians to demonstrate stewardship – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2) – as well as to endeavour “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). 

In our ACM, let us express our obedience to Christ’s headship of the church, our fellowship as a covenantal community of God’s people, and our commitment to conduct His work faithfully and orderly. Scripture teaches that “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, every church assembly, especially the ACM, must reflect the decency and order that honour Christ, the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). 

The church is a spiritual body of believers governed by Christ through His ordained officers, namely pastors and elders (cf. 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). Preachers and deacons co-labour with them faithfully in the shepherding of the flock, and in overseeing the various ministries of the church, both in Singapore and abroad. The ACM provides an annual opportunity for the congregation to give account, renew unity, and reaffirm their shared commitment to God’s work. 

Biblical Principles for Orderliness

Order in church governance and our meetings is not a matter of convenience, but of obedience to Christ’s revealed will. The following principles ensure biblical orderliness:

a. The Authority of Scripture:

Every report, motion, and decision must conform to the Word of God. The church does not legislate new truth, but administers the revealed will of Christ (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

b. The Role of Elders:

According to the Church Constitution, the Pastor, on behalf of the Elders, presides over the ACM (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17). The Elders supervise the meeting not as executives, but as shepherds, “taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3). The Elders ensure that all proceedings are conducted in a manner that is decent, charitable and edifying, with the help of deacons and other brethren appointed to assist in practical arrangements and the orderly facilitation of the meeting.

c. Church Members’ Participation:

Members of the church are called to participate responsibly, asking questions with respect, voting prayerfully when elections or other matters arise, and supporting the church’s decisions with a spirit of unity and mutual commitment to glorify the LORD. This reflects the harmony of 1 Corinthians 12, where every member contributes to the body’s health.

d. The Spirit of Prayer and Grace:

The ACM begins and concludes with prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for the meeting and for all the affairs of the church conducted under His sovereign care. The meeting should reflect a spirit of order, peace and mutual encouragement, remembering Scripture’s call that “all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26b).

Practical Suggestions to Maintain Order

a. Preparation:

Review the distributed reports and agenda, and pray thoughtfully. Submit your queries early to the BOE Secretary (ng_pohkok@hotmail.com) or to Pastor (pastor.gbpc@gmail.com). Preparation prevents confusion and impulsive debate.

b. Moderation:

The chairman (pastor) will moderate discussions firmly yet pastorally, ensuring that the business of the meeting is conducted decently and without disorder.

c. Transparency and Integrity:

Financial statements, ministry reports, and membership records shall be presented with honesty, accuracy and transparency, and received in a spirit of gratitude and trust, thereby strengthening accountability and unity in the church.

d. Spiritual Focus During the Meeting:

The portion of the meeting designated for thanksgiving and exhortation shall be used to give due recognition to God’s faithfulness, and to reaffirm the congregation’s commitment to the mission and ministry of the church. Throughout the meeting, every participant shall conduct himself with reverence towards God, and with brotherly love towards one another, in keeping with the spirit of Christian fellowship.

Conclusion

An orderly ACM is not a mere institutional formality; it is an act of worship. When conducted in submission to Scripture, guided by the elders, and characterised by humility and truth, it glorifies God, strengthens unity, and models the heavenly order of Christ’s kingdom. The church that honours the biblical orderliness in her meetings reflects the beauty of divine order, where grace governs, peace prevails, and Christ is exalted among His people.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:12a

^12a Let no man despise thy youth.

EXHORTATION:

From these words of Paul, it is clear that Timothy was then a young man, though no reference to his exact age is found. He was ministering God’s Word to the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). It was an enormous task to be a pastor, particularly to a large and vibrant church like that in Ephesus. It must have been a tall order for the young Timothy. It is apparent from Paul’s words in this epistle that he was ploughing his way through the difficulties he faced in the ministry.

Some people in the church must have been hard to deal with. They might not have accepted him as a leader and teacher due to his youthfulness. So Paul advised Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth”. Paul wanted him to give no occasion for anyone to accuse him as a frivolous, facetious young man. He ought to act in such a way that men will respect him in all aspects as a minister of the Word. His habits, his mannerisms, his practices and his demeanour should be above reproach. No occasion should be given for anyone to despise him, or to perceive him as an indiscreet, unwise, unsuitable person for the ministry of the Word.

A man in the ministry must see to it that he conducts himself in a manner worthy of the office to which he has been called. The respect that he receives is closely attached to his conduct and abilities. Such respect is not attained by “acting big” or bragging about one’s credentials, but by humility, prayerfulness, faithfulness, friendliness, industriousness, cheerful countenance, practical wisdom, etc.

Paul’s counsel to Timothy was meant to mould him to be a “good minister” (1 Timothy 4:6). His corrections and instructions were for his betterment. In fact, Paul had a high regard for Timothy. In his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul commended Timothy as “our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Every Christian young man who desires to progress in his Christian life and service must be open to godly counsel from mature Christian men around him. It is a great blessing to have a godly man with biblical knowledge and plenty of experience in the Lord’s work to provide necessary correction and counsel. Young men who are submissive and willing to be corrected and instructed, will make excellent progress in both life and ministry.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:7

⁷ But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

EXHORTATION:

It was with profound concern for Timothy’s pastoral ministry that the apostle Paul had written this epistle. Instructions concerning a faithful and fervent pastoral ministry abound in this epistle. Timothy had just been instructed in the previous verse that “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” In other words, it is the declaring of God’s truth and being nourished in His Word, which make one a good minister.

But there will always be challenges to one’s commitment to the truth that must be decisively dealt with. So Paul admonished, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables”. “Fables” are myths or folk tales that are not founded on facts; “old wives’ fables” denote legends and folk tales, such as those found abundantly in heathen religions. There were also many Jewish fables which were contrary to the Word of God. Paul calls them “profane”, for they are blasphemous or impious in their character. They are devoid of truth and godliness. In 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul warned, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” To Titus, he wrote, “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:14).

Paul’s counsel to Timothy was to “refuse” them all. Christians must not entertain any unbiblical, superstitious stories. They have nothing to do with such baseless stories. Giving heed to such vain stories will have severe consequences. In 2 Timothy 2:16, Paul warned, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” Paul further warned that in the last days, many “shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Not only should one refuse such unprofitable, unfounded stories and claims that are being circulated, one must also “exercise thyself rather unto godliness”. Instead of wasting our time and efforts in conversations and friendships that corrupt us, we ought rather to pay attention to that which tends to piety and holiness. Let us seriously consider our progress in true godliness and give ourselves only to that which advances our piety.

READ:

James 1:8

⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

EXHORTATION:

The Greek words used by James for “double minded man” can be literally translated as a man of double souls. To pursue Christ and the world is to pursue both good and evil, which divides and defiles all the good in oneself. A believer ought to be single-minded in his allegiance to God. He cannot be divided in his loyalty to God. If a man who claims to be a believer is always in two minds, he will prove himself to be hypocritical.

The church in Corinth had many who lived a “double life”, which was sharply rebuked by the apostle Paul. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Sadly, many attempt to live a double-minded life in these days. They try in vain to blend contradictory pursuits of carnality and godliness, faith and doubt, the flesh and the Spirit, self and God, the wisdom from above and the wisdom from the earth. Double-mindedness will severely mar one’s life. One’s life will be smeared with stains of divided loyalties. If a man would ask God in prayer for a favour but would not submit to His Word, let him not think that God would accept his prayer. He who prays without surrendering to God’s will is disingenuous.

The apostle James says that such a life “is unstable in all his ways”. Unstableness of the double-minded man is not merely in regard to prayer, but in respect to “all his ways”! His character, conduct, friendship and all other pursuits of life will show his instability in faith and devotion. Although such a person claims to trust in God, all his ways will show otherwise.

Many such may profess to be Christians and claim to seek God in prayer, but their fickleness and instability will consume their lives in all respects. If a true Christian has been living without wholehearted devotion to God, he must repent of the folly of his double-mindedness and return to God at once! Why should such a person expect anything from God through prayer? Let every Christian yield to God with genuine, undivided faith so that God’s wisdom, favour and assurance may always attend his ways.

READ:

James 1:6

⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

EXHORTATION:

To obtain any favour from God, there must be faith in the asker. How can a person ask in faith if he has no faith in God? How can he ask in Christ’s name if he believes not in Him? Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

It is also crucial that the request made befits the faith in the Lord Jesus. If one has no good grounds to believe that God will be pleased with the request, then it would not be asking in faith. Scripture says in 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us”. In fact, asking for things that are inconsistent with Scripture is sin.

Faith in God also means submission and obedience to His good will. If we ask for anything from Him, let it be with a willing and ready heart to remain submissive to His answer. We must not ask with a covetous and grudging spirit, but rather with a quiet heart resolved to yield to His will. We must not be self-seeking but God-pleasing in our desires and requests.

Our faith in the wisdom, goodness and faithfulness of our God should fortify our assurance that whatever be His answer to our request, it will be certainly for our good and for His glory through us. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Asking in faith also means being fervent in our prayers. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). By our continual asking for a matter that is in our mind, we do not weary our gracious and compassionate God. He knows it is because of our total reliance upon Him that we return repeatedly to Him with prayers. Has not His Word reminded us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Jesus also said in Luke 18:1 “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”.

Thus, we must be unwavering in our faith in God when we pray. Let there be no hesitancy nor doubting. Otherwise, like in a troubled sea, our hearts will be filled with doubt and anxiety. So, let us commit our needs and troubles in prayer to God with utmost confidence and assurance.