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1 Thessalonians 3:5—“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.”

Paul’s pastoral concern for the Thessalonian believers was intense. He knew that they were enduring persecution, and he also knew that Satan would seek to use those trials to weaken their faith. Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Paul sent Timothy “to know” their spiritual condition.

Here Satan is called “the tempter”. His work is to entice believers away from steadfast trust in God. He may use fear, suffering, discouragement, false teaching, or worldly attraction to unsettle the soul. Paul did not underestimate this danger. Though the Thessalonians had sincerely received the Gospel, they still needed watchfulness and strengthening.

Paul feared that “our labour be in vain”. He did not mean that God’s saving purpose could finally fail. Rather, he feared that the fruit of his ministry among them might be seriously damaged if they yielded to temptation and abandoned their profession of faith. Gospel labour seeks not merely initial response but enduring faithfulness.

This verse reminds us that spiritual danger is real. A good beginning in the Christian life must be followed by perseverance. We must therefore watch over our hearts, resist the devil, remain in God’s Word, pray continually, and seek the fellowship of faithful believers.

Pastors and Christian friends must also care about one another’s spiritual condition. Paul did not merely ask whether the Thessalonians were comfortable; he wanted to know about their faith. Likewise, our greatest concern for one another should be that, amid every trial and temptation, we continue steadfastly believing, obeying, and following Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:3—“That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.”

Paul wrote these words because he was deeply concerned that the young Thessalonian believers might be shaken by the sufferings that had come upon them. Their faith was genuine, but persecution was severe. Timothy had therefore been sent to “establish” and “comfort” them concerning their faith (v. 2), so that none would be “moved by these afflictions”.

The word “moved” conveys the idea of being unsettled or shaken from one’s steadfast position. Affliction can tempt believers to question God’s goodness, doubt His promises, or retreat from faithful obedience. Paul therefore reminds them of something they already knew: “we are appointed thereunto”. Christian suffering is not necessarily evidence that something has gone wrong. Often it is part of the path God has ordained for those who follow Christ.

Our Lord plainly warned His disciples, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul likewise taught that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). God does not delight in the pain of His children, yet in His sovereign wisdom He uses trials to strengthen faith, produce patience, purify our affections, and conform us to Christ.

Therefore, believers must not measure God’s favour by the absence of trouble. Affliction cannot separate us from His love, cancel His promises, or defeat His saving purpose. When trials come, we should not be surprised or spiritually displaced. Rather, knowing that our lives are under God’s gracious appointment, we must remain steadfast, trusting that He will sustain us and use every trial for our spiritual good and His glory.

Remembering God’s Calling as We Prepare for the 21st Thanksgiving Anniversary of TGCM

God has graciously called and equipped our church to bring the Gospel, biblical counsel, and Christian fellowship to ex-convicts and those delivered from addictions. For this purpose, The Gethsemane Care Ministry was established twenty-one years ago. Through the years, hundreds have received care, instruction, encouragement, and the ministry of God’s Word.

As an extension of this ministry, we have also been given opportunities to bring the Gospel to prisons through our preachers and brethren, who make weekly visits to minister to inmates. We are now prayerfully considering another avenue of ministry, a special Gospel and fellowship meeting for ex-convicts, perhaps once a month, with the aim of encouraging them to continue steadfastly in the Lord and in the fellowship of His people.

This Tuesday, a Thanksgiving Service for the 21st Anniversary of TGCM will be held in conjunction with our weekly church prayer meeting at 8.00pm. I warmly encourage all our brethren to come and join us in giving thanks to God for His sustaining grace, and in praying for the future of this ministry. May the Lord renew in us a compassionate concern for those struggling with the consequences of sin, and strengthen our confidence in the transforming power of the Gospel.

As we prepare for this thanksgiving, Philippians 2:15 provides a fitting exhortation: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

The opening words, “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke”, describe what God expects His children to be in a world darkened by sin. There ought to be a discernible difference between the conduct of God’s children and that of those who remain without Christ. Christians are called to shine as lights, and such shining requires a life consistent with the Gospel we proclaim.

First, we are to be “blameless”. The Greek word carries the idea of being above reproach. This does not mean that Christians will never be falsely accused. Our Lord Himself was falsely accused, as were His apostles. Rather, our conduct should give no legitimate occasion for accusations of wrongdoing. We must not be professing Christians while living contrary to the faith.

Paul could testify of himself, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Such ought to be our desire to maintain a conscience that is clear before God and men. Especially when we seek to help those whose lives have been scarred by sin, our own testimony must commend the holiness and grace of the Saviour whom we proclaim.

Secondly, believers are exhorted to be “harmless”. The same Greek word appears in Matthew 10:16, where Christ commanded His disciples to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”. The word conveys the idea of purity, sincerity, and freedom from corrupt mixture. There should be no deceitful or harmful spirit in the children of God. Our testimony must be sincere and untainted.

Those who have been justified by faith will desire a sanctified life. Salvation is entirely by grace through faith, but the grace that saves also begins the work of holiness in the believer. God’s children do not become sinless in this life, yet the Holy Spirit produces in them an increasing hatred of sin and desire for righteousness. They seek to put away “the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Hebrews 12:1) and to walk in a manner pleasing to their heavenly Father.

We are also commanded to be “without rebuke”. Christians ought to take great care that their words, conduct, relationships, dealings, and attitudes do not bring legitimate reproach upon the name of Christ. We live in a world filled with temptations, provocations, and opportunities for compromise. Therefore, watchfulness and prayer are indispensable to every Christian. A careless Christian can easily damage, in a few moments, a testimony that took years to establish.

Paul then reminds us where this holy testimony must be maintained: “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation”. Those words are striking. They echo Moses’ description of a rebellious generation in Deuteronomy 32:5: “They have corrupted themselves… they are a perverse and crooked generation”. Scripture does not flatter the moral condition of a fallen society. Human philosophies may speak confidently of moral progress, but God’s Word describes a world whose thinking, desires, values, and ambitions have been utterly distorted by sin.

Christians therefore must not blend in with the world so completely that no one can recognise them as Christians. If our ambitions, entertainment, speech, morality, values, and conduct are indistinguishable from those of the unbelieving world, how shall we fulfil the command to “shine as lights”?

God calls us to something altogether different. The word “light” in Scripture is rich with spiritual significance. It is associated with divine truth, holiness, wisdom, salvation, joy, and the glory of God. To shine as lights is therefore to manifest something of God’s truth and holiness in a darkened world. Through our words and deeds, we are to point others away from sin and towards Christ.

Our Lord Jesus declared: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

Notice that Christ does not command us to manufacture light of our own. We shine because we have received His light. The Gospel has opened our eyes, brought us out of darkness, and called us into fellowship with Christ. Therefore, the light we bear must direct attention not to ourselves, but to our heavenly Father and to the saving grace of Christ.

Neither does shining as lights require us to withdraw from society. Christianity does not call us to live as hermits, avoiding all contact with sinners. Light is most needed where darkness is greatest. Our calling is not isolation, but a holy engagement with sinners. We enter the world without becoming like the world. We speak to sinners without embracing their sins. We show compassion without compromising truth. We extend friendship without abandoning holiness.

This principle lies at the heart of ministries such as TGCM. Men and women who have suffered the consequences of crime, addiction, broken relationships, and destructive habits do not need merely social assistance. They need the light of the Gospel. They need to hear that Jesus Christ saves sinners, breaks the dominion of sin, forgives the repentant, and gives newness of life. They also need to see that Gospel displayed through patient Christian love, faithful counsel, examples of holy living, and steadfast fellowship with like-minded brethren in the church.

The designated place for light is darkness. May God therefore keep us from shrinking back from difficult ministries or difficult people. May He give us a courage and compassion without pride and self-righteousness. May we shine before those who are struggling in the darkness of sin, directing them to the Saviour who declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

As we commemorate twenty-one years of TGCM, let us thank God for every life touched by His Word through this ministry and every opportunity He has given us to minister to those in need. There are still many who need the Gospel, many who need encouragement after release from prison, many who need Christian fellowship to help them resist old temptations, and many who need brethren willing to walk patiently with them. Therefore, let us also look forward to more opportunities of ministry. 

May the Lord make us faithful luminaries in this dark world, shining through our words, our conduct, our compassion, and our steadfast proclamation of Christ. And may many who presently grope in darkness be led, through the light of the Gospel, into the salvation, wisdom, joy, and peace that are found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon Text: Psalm 141:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th August 2026

Esther 4:14—“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Mordecai spoke these words when Haman’s decree threatened the destruction of all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther hesitated to approach King Ahasuerus because entering his presence uninvited could result in death. Mordecai therefore urged her to consider that her elevation to the throne might be God’s appointed means for delivering His people.

The words “who knoweth” do not suggest uncertainty in God. The Lord’s purpose is always certain, though it is often hidden from His servants. Mordecai could not fully discern the divine plan, but he recognised that Esther’s remarkable position was not the result of chance. Though God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, His sovereign providence governs every event in the book.

Esther had “come to the kingdom” not for personal honour, security, or comfort. Her privilege carried a sacred responsibility. God had placed her where she could speak for those whose lives were threatened. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48).

Likewise, the Lord appoints the circumstances, abilities, relationships, and opportunities of His people. We may not immediately understand why He has placed us in a particular family, church, occupation, or position of influence. Yet we must be ready to serve when duty becomes clear.

Fear may urge us to remain silent, but faith trusts God and obeys. Our opportunities may be brief and costly. Therefore, let us prayerfully consider whether God has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.”

Esther 4:13—“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.”

Haman’s decree threatened the destruction of all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. Esther, however, lived within the royal palace and might have imagined that her position as queen would protect her. Mordecai warned her not to assume that privilege could separate her from the suffering of God’s people. Mordecai’s words confronted Esther with the danger of false security. 

His words were not cruel but necessary. Esther had been raised to a place of influence, yet that honour brought responsibility. God-given opportunities must not become occasions for self-preservation while others suffer. 

This verse reveals the emptiness of earthly security. Palaces, titles, wealth, and political favour cannot protect anyone apart from God’s providence. “Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Esther’s safety did not ultimately rest in the king’s affection but in the sovereign Lord who rules kings and kingdoms.

Mordecai also reminded Esther that she remained inseparable from God’s covenant people. She could not deny her identity merely because she occupied a privileged place. Likewise, believers must not distance themselves from suffering Christians when loyalty to Christ becomes costly.

God may place us in positions of influence precisely so that we may defend truth, help the afflicted, and serve His people. We must therefore resist fear and selfish silence. Privilege is not for self-protection alone; it is stewardship entrusted to us for God’s glory and the good of others.

Esther 2:20—“Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.”

Esther had become queen of Persia, yet her exalted position did not cause her to despise the godly counsel of Mordecai, who had raised her as his own daughter. According to his earlier instruction, she had not revealed her Jewish identity. The reason for this concealment is not fully explained, but within God’s providence it prepared the way for Esther’s later intervention on behalf of her people.

The verse especially commends Esther’s continuing teachability. Though she now possessed royal honour and influence, she still obeyed Mordecai “like as when she was brought up with him.” Prosperity had not made her proud or independent. She remembered the faithful care she had received and continued to respect the one who had guided her from childhood.

Scripture repeatedly associates wisdom with a willingness to receive counsel: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction” (Proverbs 13:1). This obedience, however, is never absolute. Human authority must always remain under God’s Word. Yet where counsel is lawful and wise, humility gladly receives it.

Esther’s hidden identity also displays God’s sovereign providence. Neither Esther nor Mordecai could yet see the full purpose, but the Lord was arranging circumstances for the deliverance of His covenant people.

Believers should not allow advancement, education, success, or influence to produce pride. Those whom God raises up must remain humble, grateful, and teachable. True maturity does not reject wise counsel; it receives it while trusting God to unfold His purposes in His appointed time.

Esther 2:15—“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.”

Esther entered the king’s palace during a dark and uncertain period in Israel’s history. The Jews were living in exile under Persian rule, and Esther herself was an orphan raised by Mordecai. Yet the hidden providence of God was directing every circumstance for the preservation of His covenant people.

When Esther’s turn came to appear before the king, she “required nothing” beyond what Hegai advised. Her conduct reveals modesty, humility, and teachability. Unlike those who might have sought attention through excessive adornment or self-promotion, Esther did not insist upon her own preferences. She accepted wise counsel and carried herself with quiet dignity.

Her favour with others did not arise merely from outward beauty. Scripture repeatedly shows that humility and gracious conduct commend a person before others. “Before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33). Esther’s restrained and teachable spirit prepared her for the significant role God had appointed.

Although God’s name is not mentioned in this book, His sovereign hand is evident. Esther’s favour was not accidental; it was part of God’s providential preparation for the deliverance of His people.

Believers should not seek usefulness through pride, self-display, or personal ambition. God often prepares His servants through humility, submission to wise counsel, and faithfulness in ordinary circumstances. We may not yet understand His purpose, but we should trust His providence and seek to possess “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).

2 Kings 5:15—“And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.”

After Naaman obeyed Elisha’s command and washed seven times in Jordan, his leprosy was completely healed. He returned to the prophet and declared, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel”. His cleansing produced more than physical restoration; it brought him to acknowledge the LORD as the only true God.

Naaman had come from Syria, where many false gods were worshipped. At first, he approached Elisha with wealth, military dignity, and his own expectations. Yet neither his position nor the gods of Syria could cure him. Only when he humbled himself before God’s Word did he receive cleansing. His confession therefore arose from personal experience of the LORD’s sovereign power and undeserved mercy.

The phrase “but in Israel” does not mean that God was merely a local deity confined to Israel. Rather, Naaman recognised that the God who had revealed Himself to Israel was the only living and true God over all the earth. His grace reached beyond the covenant nation to a Gentile who came in humble faith.

Naaman’s testimony reminds us that God’s blessings should lead us to worship, gratitude, and open confession. Yet the greatest cleansing is not from bodily disease but from sin. Through Jesus Christ, God cleanses guilty sinners who cannot save themselves.

Have we merely received God’s benefits, or have they brought us to know and confess Him? True faith declares that there is no other God and therefore turns from every idol to worship, trust, and serve the LORD alone.

2 Kings 5:13—“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do somegreat thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Naaman was angry because Elisha had instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy. He had expected the prophet to perform an impressive ceremony and was offended that the rivers of Israel were preferred above those of Damascus. As he turned away in rage, his servants respectfully reasoned with him: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Their words exposed Naaman’s pride. He was willing to accomplish some difficult or heroic task, but he resisted a simple command that required humble submission. The difficulty was not in washing in Jordan; it was in surrendering his own expectations and obeying God’s word through the prophet.

This incident demonstrates that divine grace cannot be earned by human greatness, wealth, or achievement. Naaman could neither purchase his cleansing nor merit it through some extraordinary deed. He had to receive God’s mercy in the way God Himself had appointed. His healing came only when he humbled himself, laid aside his pride, and submitted to the Lord in obedient faith.

The gospel likewise confronts human pride. Sinners often prefer religious achievements or personal merit, but God commands us to repent and believe in Christ. Salvation is not obtained by great works, but received through humble faith in the Saviour and His redemptive work.

The servants’ gentle counsel also teaches us to receive wise correction, even from those of lower position. God may use unexpected people to expose our folly. Let us not reject His Word because it appears simple or humbling. True faith submits to God’s command and discovers that His appointed way brings cleansing and life.