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READ:

Job 28:28

²⁸ And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

EXHORTATION:

Job was, according to God’s testimony, “one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). However, Satan challenged the genuineness of Job’s fear of God, saying, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” Satan was suggesting that the reason for Job’s fear of God was the divine protection and blessings he enjoyed; but if God would remove His protection, Job would deny God. Similarly, Job’s friends also accused him of not having the fear of God. One of them said to Job, “Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God” (Job 15:4). But the truth of the matter was Job feared God and hated evil, and his accusers did not! Therefore he, not they, had wisdom and understanding.

According to the verse for today, Job held firm in his conviction that the essence of God’s message to man is that the fear of the LORD secures wisdom and holiness for oneself. One’s wisdom and holiness are not based on one’s cleverness or power of reasoning. In fact, Scripture warns us, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). This is a strong prohibition against intellectual pride which promotes self-sufficiency, self-conceit and self-reliance. To be self-contented with one’s own wisdom will cause a person to forsake and forget the LORD, who is the source of true wisdom. To trust in oneself and one’s own wisdom is a terrible folly. God denounces this attitude in Isaiah 5:21, saying, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Proverbs 26:12 also vehemently condemns self-conceit: “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Likewise, Proverbs 28:26 cautions: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool”. No man is wise enough to conduct all the affairs of his life by his own knowledge and discretion.

Far from being confident about our own thoughts and ideas, we must examine their genuineness, motive, accuracy, etc. We must not accept them without first evaluating them under the light of God’s perfect wisdom as revealed in His Word. We must always be predisposed to referring all our thoughts to God first. We must fear the LORD as such fear is the best corrective to our own wisdom, which engenders arrogance, presumptuousness of mind, self-deception and proneness to sin. The wisdom coming from the fear of the LORD always teaches us to resist sin.

READ:

Proverbs 1:7

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

EXHORTATION:

The fear of the LORD is not just an initial attitude necessary for obtaining wisdom. Neither is it represented as an attitude that can be ignored later in life. It is expected to be a permanent attitude, as it is always a prerequisite for wise living.

Though the word “fear” is often used in a negative sense, it is also portrayed in the Scriptures as a positive attitude that we must have towards God. While the phrase “the fear of the LORD” denotes the sense of dread and terror of His wrath against sin and rebellion, it also denotes the idea of reverence, worship, submission and filial confidence that His people expresses towards His greatness and glory. So, “the fear of the LORD” indicates the right attitude of heart towards God, as opposed to the unbelieving and disobedient attitude towards Him.

“The fear of the LORD” is then the reverential attitude that keeps us submissive to the LORD, and away from all wickedness which He hates. The covenant name of God, “the LORD”, in the phrase further enhances this understanding, for it demands a reverential, submissive, loyal response from His people.

We are urged in Proverbs 23:17 to maintain the fear of the LORD all through the day – “but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” The fear of the LORD must be a habitual influence upon our thoughts, ambitions, relationships, communications and activities. This holy frame of mind should characterise us in all of our lives’ private and public affairs all the day long, not just during times of prayer and worship.

When we fear the LORD, our minds will be attuned to the good and perfect will of God. It will keep us in reverence of His Word, which is the source of His wisdom, truth and power for our daily Christian living. It will restrain us from the follies and corruptions that accompany all defiant and godless minds. It will direct us to all good and glorious virtues that are promoted by God’s wisdom. Hence, the fear of the LORD is the root of wise conduct and right living. Only a fool would think that fearing the LORD is unwise; only a fool would show his contempt for divine wisdom and truth. Not to fear God is to wallow in the corruption and foolishness of a defiant, unbelieving, unrestrained and disobedient mind.

READ:

Romans 12:16b

^16b Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

EXHORTATION:

Having commanded Christians to “Be of the same mind one toward another”, the apostle Paul then further advises them on how to maintain such a harmonious co-existence with fellow Christians. According to this apostolic advice, the Christian unity within the church is largely dependent on how each would think of himself in relation to others.

Hence Christians are told: “Mind not high things”. In other words, no Christian should be thinking of high things for himself. Seeking or aspiring honour, rank, wealth, company of wealthy men, etc. would lead to self-aggrandisement at the expense of others. Being too ambitious prevents one from accepting humble positions and tasks for the glory of God and for the betterment of others. Being high-minded or snobbish prevents one from stooping down to serve ordinary people or those who are of low degree. Thinking too highly of oneself can lead one to despise others and even to engage in “smear campaigns” to damage others’ reputations.

Every Christian ought to be humble and not try to grasp things which are out of his reach, or too high for him, or beyond his capacity. In order to serve everyone equally, he has to get off his “high horse” and get low to attend to their needs. We are also advised to “condescend to men of low estate”. We must not disdain to take notice of, or greet, or commune with, men of lowly (temporal or spiritual) condition. We must make special efforts to humbly mingle with the lowly.

Moreover, we are also warned to “be not wise in your own conceits”. No one should conduct himself as though he has all the wisdom while others have none. It is ungodly to think of oneself as socially and intellectually superior to others. Such an one is not so in the eyes of God and others. Self-conceit is often attended with bad consequences. It spoils a man’s usefulness and prevents his improvement in knowledge. It induces him to reject wise counsels given to him and to treat fellow Christians contemptuously, eventually bringing shame and pain upon himself. Proverbs 3:7 warns us, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Likewise, Isaiah 5:21 cautions: “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” So, let us avoid being wise in our own minds.

READ:

Romans 12:16a

^16a Be of the same mind one toward another.

EXHORTATION:

The original Greek words used by the apostle Paul can also be translated as “thinking the same thing to one another”. It is not an exhortation to think on the same thing, but a call to think of everybody in the same way. We must treat everyone equally. In the church, we are not to show favouritism or to prefer one group over another.

The church should not be divided along racial or cultural or economical or educational lines. The church must be united, irrespective of the differences in members’ backgrounds. The church is a place where people of diverse backgrounds ought to come together as God’s people united in truth and love. Every member of the church must sincerely endeavour to communicate with other members of the church with respect and love.

Paul exhorted the Philippian church, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Paul also instructed them, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

Major causes of disunity and conflict within a church (though she may be united in doctrine and purpose) can be traced to sin, pride, selfcentredness, selfishness, anger, bitterness, jealousy, competitive spirit, power play, unforgiveness, vengeance, etc. We must guard our hearts against all these destructive feelings and conduct, lest we become vehicles of schism within the church.

Internal discord is shattering to the church. Every church member must have a commitment to peace and unity within the church. Each of us must strive to be a peacemaker. We must pray that we will not be a troublemaker. A sincere commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation must characterise every Christian. The apostle Peter instructed in 1 Peter 3:11, “Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” We must not let unhappiness and hurt caused by others to grow into bitterness and vengeful behaviour. We must pursue the path of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Likewise, we must cease from being jealous of and hostile to those whom God has been using increasingly. Let us pray that God will make us promoters of godly unity in the church.

READ:

Romans 12:15

¹⁵ Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

EXHORTATION:

The church being one, there should be common empathy in both sad and joyful experiences of her members. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul said, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” Likewise, in Philippians 2:4, Paul exhorts, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” We must show friendly concern in the good and ill that happens to other persons. Our mutual interest in members’ happiness and sorrow would enhance the bond of fellowship in the church. Two aspects are involved here.

Firstly, we are exhorted to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice”. We must truly rejoice at the well-being of fellow brethren. We should not frown at the heartfelt and godly rejoicing of those who have been endowed with good providence. Disapproving or condemning such divinely favoured joy is not befitting of a Christian. We should appreciate their happiness and share in their joy with appropriate words and actions. It is the Christians’ duty to spread happiness and God-given enjoyments everywhere.

Here are some biblical examples of “Rejoice with them that do rejoice”. In Luke 1:57-58, we read, “Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” Jesus also spoke of a woman who found her lost silver coin and then “calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost” (Luke 15:9). It must be our joy to participate in others’ rejoicing, and also to welcome others to participate in our joys.

Secondly, we are exhorted to “weep with them that weep”. Sympathising with those who are afflicted and grieving is a solemn act of true Christian charity. Inability to grieve for another’s misfortune is both unfeeling and unchristian. A strong warning is further given against gloating over others’ misfortune in Proverbs 17:5, “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”

Be that as it may, this exhortation to mutual encouragement does not sanction Christians’ participation in sinful mirth or inconsolable mourning; it pertains only to just and reasonable joy and sorrow of fellow believers.

READ:

Romans 12:13

¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle Paul gave this instruction to the Roman Christians while he was discussing the tribulation of God’s people. He told them how they should show their love towards the persecuted Christians.

Terrible persecution was unleashed by the Roman emperor Nero and his people against Christians. Many were driven out of their homes and stripped of their occupations, leaving them destitute and homeless. The unbelievers around them were reluctant to help the suffering Christians. With the number of helpless Christians on the rise, the urgent need for “relief” was all too obvious. Here in Romans 12:13, the apostle Paul called Christians’ attention to the plight of the needy saints. He exhorted them to provide two types of aid, namely finance and lodging.

Firstly, he exhorted them to take heed of “distributing to the necessity of saints”. The word “distribute” means to communicate or share or contribute. Paul encouraged those who had enough or more, to share their abundance with those who were in need. In 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, Paul gave this advice, “For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality”. The instruction to Christians is that let those who are blessed with material goods relieve the needs of the poor and needy. In Galatians 6:10, Paul said, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Christians are divinely mandated to help those who are poor in the society, especially poor Christians.

Secondly, Paul advised Christians to give themselves to hospitality. Finding a good and safe place to stay was by no means easy at that time. Not only the homeless, but the travelling missionaries as well, were in need of lodging. So, Paul instructed Christians to become thoroughly involved in the business of supplying good lodging places. Scripture commands Christians to practise hospitality gladly, not grudgingly. 1 Peter 4:9 exhorts, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Church leaders are expected to be hospitable persons (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). Likewise, every believer should be hospitable. It is God’s will for every Christian to readily and cheerfully extend his help to needy Christians.

Give Thanks

Above all, we give glory and thanks to the Lord God Almighty for Singapore’s journey over the past 60 years. Scripture reminds us, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Every advancement, from stability to prosperity, is ultimately the fruit of God’s gracious providence.

On this momentous occasion of Singapore’s 60th National Day celebration, heartfelt commendation is due to the leaders, citizens, and residents who have laboured tirelessly for the nation’s progress. Visionary leadership has laid the foundation, wise policies have charted the course, and the diligence of countless hands have built the Singapore we know today. From the earliest struggles to today’s global stature, every sacrifice, innovation, and act of service has shaped a city-nation admired worldwide. 

Let us remember that it is the LORD our God who has blessed us in all the works of our hands! We acknowledge, as Moses declared, that “the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness… the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7). Through seasons of trial and testing, His gracious hand has sustained the nation.

May Singapore’s leaders, citizens, and residents ever remember: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Let thanksgiving be matched by a humble resolve to walk in justice, mercy, and truth. 

As Christian citizens of Singapore, we echo the psalmist: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). May God continue to grant peace within her borders and prosperity in her gates, for His glory alone.

Real Challenges

Over the past six decades, Singapore has been transformed from a vulnerable island nation into a global city admired for its resilience and visionary leadership. Once lacking natural resources, it built prosperity through strategic trade, innovation, and disciplined governance. Its skyline reflects modern ambition, while its multicultural harmony embodies unity in diversity. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure stand among the world’s best.

However, challenges remain, not just in economic shifts, ageing population, and social pressures, but worryingly in the troubling prevalence of youths’ mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Materialistic tendencies of society negatively affect family cohesion. A culture where success is often measured by academic credentials, career advancement and visible wealth, the idol of prosperity subtly redefines the worth and security of human relationships in purely financial terms. 

As a church, we acknowledge with deep concern the pervasive moral decline and growing spiritual apathy that characterise much of our society, and which, tragically, have also crept into the life of the church itself. The erosion of biblical convictions, the casual treatment of worship, and the neglect of prayer and God’s Word reveal hearts drifting away from the Lord in the pursuit of earthly goals. 

Stand Firm, Church, Amidst Compromises!

In an age where truth is often compromised and eternal realities are neglected, Scripture exhorts us to “stand fast in the faith”, and “quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are called to proclaim “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2), living as faithful witnesses in word and deed. With humble repentance and renewed devotion to our Lord, let us “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). May we dedicate ourselves to boldly declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and ordering our lives by the wisdom and truth of His Word (Psalm 119:105). Let us pray earnestly for our church, that we may be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58), and that the light of Christ may shine through us in a darkened world, to the glory of God alone.

Praise God for the Charity Fund!

We thank God for enabling us to extend help to our brethren affected by the recent typhoon in Pangasinan and La Union. By His grace, we were able to distribute rice and food packs to those who were less affected, while some received monetary assistance to help rebuild their homes, many of which had their roofs blown away by the strong winds. For nearly three weeks, several were also unable to work due to the severe weather. We are grateful for the Charity Fund, which allows us to respond quickly to such needs. With the Session’s approval, we disbursed ₱20,000 to support our brethren during this difficult time.—Pastor Donald dela Cruz

Sermon Text: Psalm 116:1–19
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 10th August 2025

READ:

Romans 12:9b

^9b Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

EXHORTATION:

Since we are commanded to love without dissimulation, should we love all and sundry indiscriminately? Does love demand that we need to accept all without discretion? Can a loving person refuse to receive another in view of sin, falsehood and non-repentance?

Most certainly! Concerning charity, Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 13:5-6 that it “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”. Clearly, Scripture teaches us that true love not only recognises the difference between truth and falsehood, good and evil, righteousness and sin, but it also clearly discriminates against and rejects those that are false, evil and sinful.

We are instructed to “Abhor that which is evil”. The word “abhor” means to hate, to turn from, or to avoid. The word “evil” here refers to malicious, ungodly belief and conduct. We must hate sin, no matter in what form it appears. Whether it is in thought or in action, be it trivial or great, personal or public, covert or overt, we must hate sin. No matter how sin may appear, we should not tolerate it.

It is not only unwise, but also incongruent with Christian charity, to even wish to accommodate sin. We are told to “Depart from evil, and do good” (Psalm 34:14). In Psalm 97:10, Scripture commands us, “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil”. Let us not condone sin in our thought, word or action. If we ever fall into sin, let us repent as soon as we realise the evil in our ways, and depart from it.

On the other hand, we are exhorted to “cleave to that which is good”. The word “cleave” denotes the act of attaching or uniting firmly to something or someone. It indicates active partaking and participation. We ought to adhere to all that God’s Word reveals as truth. We should love to cleave to all things that are good in the sight of God. We must relentlessly pursue truth and righteousness with increasing fondness. Steadfast, constant pursuit of truth and holiness must characterise every Christian. May our hearts and hands be always devoted to propagating His truth and doing His righteousness. Let us walk “in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:75).

READ:

Romans 12:9a

^9a Let love be without dissimulation.

EXHORTATION:

The Bible frequently commands us to be sincere and genuine in our love for others, as it is commanded here (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22). “Dissimulation” means “hiding under a false appearance”. The words “without dissimulation” is translated from a Greek word anupókritos, which literally means “not hypocritical”. In our English Bible, this word has been translated as “unfeigned” (4 times), “without dissimulation” (once), and “without hypocrisy” (once). So, Paul is teaching us that our love for one another ought to be undisguised and sincere. It is the Christian’s duty not to fake love, but to love one another genuinely.

The Bible records many sad and treacherous expressions of hypocritical love, which serve as a warning to us. Psalm 55:21 warns us against those who hypocritically speak loving words: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” Proverbs 26:25 cautions us likewise: “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.”

Sadly, hypocritical love has been found even among the followers of Christ. Judas is the archetype of all those who act with hypocritical love. When he betrayed the Lord Jesus, he sealed it with a kiss, the token of love. So, according to Luke 22:48, Jesus asked him, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Similarly, Ananias and Sapphira, who professed love and generosity towards the early church, were also exposed by the Holy Ghost as pretenders. The pretence of brotherly love, which is devoid of truthfulness and sincerity, is often the fruit of self-love.

Our hearts must be purged of self-aggrandisement and self-love so that we may love one another with sincerity. 1 Timothy 1:5 instructs us, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned”. Christians must love one another in a pure way out of a pure heart for the sake of Christ. Beware of play-acting when it comes to showing love for one another.

Hypocrisy (the epitome of ungodliness) and love (the chief of all good virtues) are diametrically opposite of each other. Anyone who acts in pretentious love will soon, by his own acts, manifest his malicious heart. May we love one another with unfeigned love.