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READ:

Psalm 119:140

¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

EXHORTATION:

David always had the highest regard for Scripture. He always considered it as belonging to God; hence he referred to it as “Thy word”. In Psalm 119 alone, 35 times David used the phrase “Thy word” to refer to the Holy Scriptures.

We too must read the Scriptures in the belief that we are listening to the words of our God. Through the Scriptures, God communicates with us. So with great reverence and joy, we must attend to God’s Word. We must receive the truths it teaches as divine and glorious. Nowhere else have we such a perfect body of divine truths revealed for our blessing.

We have no reason to doubt what God’s Word says, for it is “very pure”. The Hebrew words “very pure” literally means “much tried or refined”. As David said in Psalm 12:6, “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” God’s Word has been utterly tried and has been proven to be absolutely pure and perfectly righteous. Its purity is the purity of its Author, the infinitely holy God.

Like David, many men, who have repeatedly relied on all that Scripture says throughout their lives, have testified unto us with utmost certainty and joy that all that it says are pure. David also confessed, “therefore thy servant loveth it.” Would anyone declare his unabated, unbounded love for God’s Word if it has ever been found defective, deceptive or unreliable? David’s open declaration of his love for God’s Word is a grand testimony to its trustworthiness. Those who trust all that it says shall not be ashamed, as it has already been tested and proven pure.

Because God’s Word is pure, it will also purify and preserve those who trust and obey its unpolluted words. Earlier in this psalm, David said, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). It could very well have been David’s own experience, for he confessed later that “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). He also testified, “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word” (Psalm 119:101). The beauty of God’s holiness shines through every word of His Word. Those who walk in the light of His Word shall have the joy of walking in the beauty of His holiness. The pure Word of God shall keep us away from all defiling ways. So, let us love it as David did.

READ:

Psalm 12:6

⁶ The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth,  purified seven times.

EXHORTATION:

The excellence of the Holy Scriptures is powerfully presented here by David. Firstly, the phrase “the words of the LORD” points out that all the words of the Scriptures are the LORD’s. Every word of the Bible proceeds from the LORD Himself. He used men, who were His servants, to write them down. As 2 Peter 1:21 declares, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God”. The LORD is the actual author of the Bible.

Secondly, we are told that all the words of the Bible are “pure words”. The Hebrew word for “pure” has also been translated as “clean”. It points out that the Scriptures are absolutely free from all impurities of falsehood and error. Proverbs 30:5 also declares, “Every word of God is pure”.

The purity of the Word of God is illustrated and affirmed by these words, “as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times”. This evidently refers to the ancient process of purifying silver. The “furnace of earth” is where the metal was tried and refined. It refers to something like a crucible placed on the ground, around which a fire of intense heat was made. Such structures were found near the mines where ore was obtained. The ore was then purified by smelting it repeatedly till all the dross was removed from it. Here it is said that the ore was purified “seven times”. In other words, time-consuming and meticulous efforts were made to ensure the purity of the silver. Likewise, the LORD had seen to it that every word of His is pure in His infinitely pure eyes. He shall also keep every word of the Scriptures pure through all ages. So the next verse says, “Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm 12:7). We can be absolutely sure that every word in the Holy Scriptures is kept pure in all ages. Today, just as David has pronounced in Psalm 119:140, so can we also assuredly say, “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it”!

The Holy Scriptures need no updating, editing, or refining. It is eternally pure and faithful. It is God’s infallible, inerrant and perfect Word. It is eternally true, relevant and enduring. It is God’s revelation kept pure for every generation. Because it is pure, it shall purify all those who live by it.

READ:

Psalm 18:30

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

EXHORTATION:

David looks back at his experience of God’s unerring guidance and protection in his endurance of many dreadful troubles, and now declares, “As for God, his way is perfect”. David does not complain against God for all his troubles, but glorifies Him with his testimony that God’s ways are perfect. He stands up for God, declaring the perfection of the divine providence.

Whatever be the circumstances through which God would lead us, He will do it perfectly. We may not always understand why He would lead us through certain situations and may even be startled at His ways, just like the psalmist who said, “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known” (Psalm 77:19). However, we can trust Him that His ways will lead us perfectly to His glorious purpose and that we will be able to see the perfection of His way in hindsight. As it is said, “providence reads best backwards.” But let us not hesitate to walk in His way, which is unerringly perfect.

His way is according to the counsel of His Word. To walk according to His Word is to walk in His way. Hence David prayed, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth” (Psalm 86:11). David also testified, “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me” (Psalm 119:30). Like David, if we walk according to God’s Word, we shall experience His perfect providence, no matter what circumstances He may lead us through.

“The word of the LORD is tried”. The Bible has been tested and proven perfectly triumphant. God’s servants, who have put their trust in all that it says and stayed the course that it charters, have found it to be the perfect guide to follow. The Bible has stood the test of time. Those who mocked at it and those who sought to destroy it, have all perished; but none of its words has fallen to the ground. All its truths continue to prove faithful and unerring. “The word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Peter 1:25).

To trust God’s Word is to trust in God Himself. To walk according to His Word is to walk in His perfect providence. Everyone who trusts God and His Word shall experience His good providence – “he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” He will shield all who walk in His perfect way.

READ:

Psalm 16:5

⁵ The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

EXHORTATION:

After denouncing those who seek after other gods in the previous verse, David declares that “The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup”. Unlike those who wander away from the LORD, seeking the idols of this world, his heart is joyfully settled in the LORD. This is the reason why he separates himself from the idolatrous pursuits of other men.

By calling God “the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup”, David declares that he finds his total satisfaction and delight in the LORD alone. He considers none and nothing else to be more desirable than his God. The LORD is the supreme good that his soul has found. The LORD is his true treasure.

When God gave inheritance to the Israelites, He said to Aaron, “Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel” (Numbers 18:20). David also gladly accepts the LORD as his portion of inheritance; in so doing, he needs no other.

David also refers to the LORD as his “cup”. The word “cup” refers to that which is assigned to him to drink or experience. The LORD is not only his wonderful possession, but also his enjoyment and nourishment. Nothing gives him satisfaction and delight, assurance and strength in life as much as the LORD Himself.

The LORD has not only given Himself to be David’s supreme joy and satisfaction, but has also secured it for him. So David said, “thou maintainest my lot.” No one can speak assuredly of anything as his true inheritance if he is sure to lose it. Furthermore, no man can be absolutely confident that he can secure all his possessions perpetually. However, the LORD will make sure that He will always be the lot of His servants.

All those who put their complete trust in the LORD can assuredly say, “Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living” (Psalm 142:5). If we would rest in the knowledge that the LORD shall remain as our perpetual inheritance and cup, it would hush our souls amidst life’s challenges and trials. The LORD is our inexhaustible portion of blessing. We shall never reach the limit of the fullness of God. He is our secured lot.

READ:

Psalm 10:16

¹⁶ The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.

EXHORTATION:

The whole of Psalm 10 is an appeal to the LORD to intervene and deliver His afflicted people from their enemy, who is characterised as a proud boaster who persecuted the poor, showed no fear of God and lived an openly defiant and fraudulent life. The psalmist calls on the LORD to punish the wicked in verses 12-15, praises the LORD’s greatness in verse 16, and closes the psalm in verses 17-18 by expressing his confidence in the LORD’s willingness to rescue the helpless.

The verse for our meditation today expresses the grateful recollection of the LORD’s sovereignty by the poor man in his persecution and affliction. His declaration that the LORD is King for ever and ever, is a token of his confidence and joy. He remembers who the LORD is and rises up from his sufferings to engage in holy rejoicing and thanksgiving.

When the wicked men of the earth afflict the godly, let it not be thought that the LORD has ceased to reign. It is absurd to reason that the LORD and His greatness are confined by time and space. Indeed, the Lord is King for ever. He has, and ever will have, the supreme power.

The psalmist was terribly unsettled and despondent in his heart by the ungodly, merciless conduct of the enemy. However, he taught his heart to think of the greatness and everlasting majesty of God. Likewise, we also should instruct our hearts to believe and affirm the eternal greatness of our God in the midst of our affliction. Let us not think for a moment that the LORD would aid and establish those who live wickedly. Such men may seem to flourish, but the Lord will see to it that they meet their destruction. The LORD’s kingdom shall never be thwarted. His authority shall be vindicated, His absolute rule over all men shall be made manifest in His chosen time. He shall overcome all His foes.

Today we do experience all kinds of torments by people who live in their sin and unbelief. Even in the church, we often see carnal men upsetting the peace and unity of the church. The apostle Paul has warned in Acts 20:29 that “grievous wolves (will) enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Their perverse ways often afflict the hearts of those who seek to live godly and faithful lives. Yet as the apostle Peter declares, such will be damned and shall “bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).

READ:

Exodus 18:11

¹¹ Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

EXHORTATION:

These are the words of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he arrived in the camp of the Israelites. Jethro was the priest of Midian, a heathen nation. However, he must have surely heard in the past from Moses about the LORD God of Israel. Now, having listened to the news of the LORD’s great deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, Jethro had come to see for himself what the LORD had done for Moses and His people, Israel. Upon his arrival, Moses greeted him and invited him into his tent and “told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them” (Exodus 18:8).

Then Jethro “rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 18:9). Jethro also blessed the LORD for delivering Moses and Israel from the hand of the mighty Egyptians (Exodus 18:10). He then confessed, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods”.

Jethro, like most of the heathen, could have believed in many gods; in fact, he had hitherto regarded the God of the Israelites as merely one among many equals. He now rejects that “creed” and unequivocally declares his newfound faith in the LORD God of Israel who is above all other gods. Having heard Moses rehearse at length all the great things that the LORD had done in delivering and bringing Israel out of Egypt till “the mount of God”, which is Mount Horeb (cf. Exodus 18:5), Jethro was moved to renounce his heathenism, and proclaim the LORD as greater, higher and stronger than all other gods.

In declaring the matchless superiority of the LORD God, Jethro also said, “for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.” In other words, though the Egyptians dealt with Moses and Israel scornfully and tyrannically, the LORD showed Himself to be above them and their magicians, above their chariots and horses, above their mighty army, above their king and above their god. The LORD dealt with the proud Egyptians and drowned them in the sea. The proud dealings of the Egyptians were easily defeated by the LORD. He emphatically put them to shame as He triumphed over their arrogant deeds against His people.

Sermon Text: Luke 14:25–35
Speaker: Pr Kelvin Lim
Date: 6th July 2025

READ:

Romans 8:1

¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

EXHORTATION:

The Christian’s freedom from condemnation is declared here – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1a).

The phrase, “There is therefore”, refers us back to the previous chapter, where the Christian’s spiritual struggles against the flesh are discussed. However, it ended with a great shout of victory and joy – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:25).

After reminding us of our spiritual conflicts, the apostle Paul declares: “now no condemnation”. In this great statement, Paul seeks to eradicate whatever doubt a Christian may have concerning salvation, which has started the reality of the spiritual battle within every Christian. What does our present struggle with the flesh and its lust prove? Does it mean that we are not saved yet? Are we still under the bondage of sin and the curse of the law? Amidst our present struggle against the temptations of the flesh, it is unequivocally declared unto us for our comfort and strengthening – “There is therefore now no condemnation”!

The word “no”, though it appears as the fifth word in our translation, is the first in the Greek text. Paul placed it at the front in order to emphasise in the strongest possible way that there is no condemnation. Moreover, Paul used a stronger word of negation than is typically employed in the Greek language. So one might translate: “No condemnation – none whatsoever”. The word “condemnation” (katakrima) indicates a “damnatory sentence”. There is no sentencing or punishment for those who have believed on Christ. The just penalty incurred by our sins has been paid for by the death of Christ.

The freedom from the condemnation of sins belongs “to them which are in Christ Jesus”. All those who are joined to Christ by faith are declared to be absolutely free from God’s judgment. Every Christian is “in Christ Jesus” spiritually. Those who are in Christ Jesus are also described as those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He who has first of all been freely justified, is to thereafter walk after the Spirit to be a sanctified vessel. Justification leads to sanctification – and not to further moral and spiritual degeneration or corruption (cf. v. 4).

It may surprise some to learn that some of the fiercest attacks against God’s Word arise not from secular critics, but from within the church itself. When unbelievers scoff at Scripture, we expect it. But when pastors, leaders, and professing Christians disregard, distort, or diminish the Bible’s authority, the damage is severe, the betrayal more grievous. In such times, the church must not retreat, but rise—humbly and courageously—to defend the unchanging truth she has been entrusted to uphold. As 1 Timothy 3:15 declares, the church is “the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Yet, in doing so, we must ask ourselves: can frail, fallen men truly “defend” the Word of the living God? Scripture itself portrays the Word not as something fragile needing rescue, but as fire, as a hammer that shatters rock (Jeremiah 23:29). It is not God’s Word that needs us; rather, we desperately need the Word. The Lord is our Defender, and His truth is our shield (Psalm 91:4). To presume that the Bible will fail without our help is both proud and perilous. We are not called to uphold it as if it were weak, but to declare it faithfully, for it stands forever (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25).

We must therefore approach the defence of God’s Word with deep reverence, not misplaced confidence. Scripture warns that those who speak for God must be sanctified by Him. “What hast thou to do to declare my statutes?” God asks the unclean in Psalm 50:16. None of us, by nature, is worthy to handle His Word. It is only by His mercy that we are made fit.

So the right posture is not pride but petition: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, that I may serve You.” Let every preacher, teacher, singer, and giver say, “God has helped me.” As Paul testified, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). All our labours for the truth must be grounded in grace.

We do not defend the Word because it is weak, but because we have been entrusted with it. And we do so not in our own strength, but in humble dependence on the God whose Word endures forever.

Worthy Defenders of God’s Word

The record of Jeremiah 23 is a sobering reminder that even those who profess to be God’s people can become miserable custodians of His truth. Israel’s failure to uphold God’s Word stands as a warning to the church today. Some precious lessons gleaned from Jeremiah 23 are shared below that we, who are called to be “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), must consider carefully to be worthy defenders of God’s Word.

Be Faithful Believers

God’s displeasure towards the people of Judah was powerfully expressed in the words of Jeremiah: “Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD” (vv. 9-11).

The people, prophets and priests in God’s house, who were meant to uphold God’s truth, are declared profane because they are even found with their wickedness within God’s house. The land is described as mourning and drying up because it is “full of adulterers”, symbolising widespread moral and spiritual decay. Those who fail to obey and honour God’s Word become enemies within the house of God.

Even today, passive, indifferent, and disobedient believers undermine the testimony of the church. Faithful defence of God’s Word begins not with grand arguments but with simple, unwavering obedience. When God’s Word commands, we obey. Whether He calls us to rebuke sin, forsake worldliness, or abandon personal ambitions for His sake, our response must be immediate and complete. Obedience is the most basic and robust defence of God’s truth.

Faithfulness to Scripture is essential. The church must uphold truth, pursue holiness, and reject compromise. Without this, even places meant for worship become corrupted. God’s people must remain vigilant, obedient, and reverent.

Be Faithful Preachers

Jeremiah also denounces false prophets who speak “a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:16). God’s Word concerning those false prophets: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”

Preachers who substitute their own opinions for God’s truth corrupt their sacred office. They are deceivers of God’s people, certainly not proclaimers and defenders of God’s truth, for they give credence to their thoughts over God’s thoughts.

The pulpit is not a stage for personal display; it is a platform sanctified for proclaiming the unadulterated Word of God. Preachers must renounce all pride and pray: “O LORD, teach me and make me to know what Thou hast spoken in Thy Word.” True defenders of the Word are those who humble themselves under its authority and declare only what God has said.

We must learn to discern truth carefully, test all teaching by Scripture, and reject flattering lies. True spiritual guidance comes from God’s mouth, not human imagination. God’s people must value truth over personal prosperity, prestige, pleasure and popularity.

Be Rebukers of Ungodliness

God abhorred prophets who told evildoers, “Ye shall have peace.” Unmasking their role in promoting sin, Jeremiah declared, “They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. (Jeremiah 23:17). Instead of confronting sin, they comforted the rebellious. Such tolerance of sin invites God’s wrath.

The church today must resist the temptation to soften God’s standards for the sake of acceptance. Pastors and elders must courageously call sin what it is. Fathers must lead their families in righteousness. Every believer must take up the sword of the Spirit to fight off sin. The refusal to rebuke sin is not compassion; it is compromise, and it undermines the authority of God’s Word. 

Be Steadfast in His Counsels

God asked through Jeremiah, “For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?” (Jeremiah 23:18). Those words reveal that not all who claimed to know God truly listened to Him. They may outwardly profess loyalty to His Word by reading it, quoting it, even preaching it. But their lives tell another story. Their conduct, choices, and priorities show an insulting indifference to God’s commands.

Today, many profess to uphold the counsel of the LORD, yet their lives betray indifference to its commands. Marking our Bibles with underlines is not the same as marking God’s Word in our hearts. Some underline verses in their Bibles, memorise Scripture, or attend faithful churches, yet their hearts remain cold, their actions unchanged, and their wills unyielded. They treat God’s Word like information rather than divine instruction. This is not standing in His counsel; it is standing near it without being shaped by it. Such a disconnect is dangerous.

To truly stand in the counsel of the LORD means more than hearing His Word—it means submitting to it in reverent obedience. We must measure our love for God’s Word by our faithfulness to it. Have we truly stood in His counsel? Let us search our hearts and confess, “O LORD, we have heard Thy Word but have not stood in Thy counsel. Have mercy on us!” The evidence of true defenders of the Word is transformation, a people turning from evil and walking in truth.

Be Not Pretenders

The Lord declared, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21). These men claimed to speak for God without His calling or appointment. These prophets acted with zeal but lacked divine commission. The lesson is clear: not everyone who runs in God’s name is sent by Him.

Today, pulpits are filled with self-appointed preachers who lack divine calling. A true preacher must have an inward conviction of God’s call, visible spiritual maturity and the gifting affirmed by the church. Bible colleges cannot confer a divine call; only God can. Churches must be discerning and prayerful before ordaining anyone to ministry. It is dangerous and grievous to support a man whom God has not called. Pretenders will only lead the flock astray.

Ministry without divine commission dishonours God and misleads His people. Today, we must guard the pulpit and spiritual leadership from men of ambition-driven service. Ministry must be grounded in God’s calling, shaped by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit, not by personal desire or public approval.

Conclusion

How then do we become defenders of God’s Word? It begins with allowing the Word to defend and sanctify us. We do not fight for the Bible by our fleshly strength, but by the spiritual weapons God provides (2 Corinthians 10:4). We must be moulded by the truth we proclaim. Our confidence is not in our intellect or ability, but in God’s grace and calling.

Moreover, the church as a whole must submit to the authority of Scripture. Let every member be a Berean, testing what they hear against the Word. Let us never forget the tragedy of unfaithful men who publicly upheld the Bible while privately denying it. Anyone who disobeys the Word ridicules it and discards it with contempt.

As Jeremiah 23:22 says, “But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way.” The evidence of true defenders of the Word is transformation—a people turning from evil and walking in truth.

Finally, let us remember Paul’s words to Timothy: “That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Our identity as the church of the living God is proven in our role as the pillar and ground of the truth. We uphold the glory of God’s Word by living under its rule. Only then are we deemed worthy defenders of His truth.

READ:

Proverbs 1:10

¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

EXHORTATION:

This is a very necessary fatherly advice to all young people against the lure of sinners. With tenderness and gravity of heart, the young person is addressed: “My son”. It is vital that parents and those who minister to young people maintain an affectionate and yet vigilant spirit, to offer them timely advice that would guard them against the lure of sinners.

There is always something alluring about the ways of sinners. They who walk in sin also seek to entice others into their path. They aggressively promote their evil ways among young people, not even sparing those who are being brought up in godly homes. Sin is unduly glamorised and blatantly propagandised in the societies in which we live.

We cannot trust the world to bring up our children in godly ways. Whether it be in schools or universities, sports or arts centers, there are sinners constantly seeking to coax our children into wickedness. The word “sinners” emphasises their commitment to practise and promote sin. They are habitual sinners who have no qualms about pursuing a life of sin. They are not only persistent in their sins, they also constantly persuade others to follow their ways. So we must, with all seriousness, lovingly admonish children about the dangers of the allurement of sin and sinners.

The word “entice” implies a deceptive attempt to capture another’s imagination that involves portraying their ways as profitable and pleasurable. They masterfully conceal the perilous nature of their sin; they misguide their “prey” into thinking there is no evil or danger in what they do. They bait their hook and “package” their sinful ways as “great fun”, “entertainment”, “freedom”, etc. They promise to show their victim what real life is all about. They deceive the young ones with their flashy appeal.

Let us also note that sin’s greatest influence comes through “sinners”. It will often be a collective effort by sinners to entice a naive person into sin. They will work together to cajole their victim into wicked ways. The word “consent” denotes the beginning of a positive reaction to an appeal made. So, the admonition is that one should not even bother to consider the invitation of the sinners. A willingness to consider their alluring words will inevitably lead to a disastrous end. Thus, the young person must be convinced that he should totally ignore the counsel of the “sinners”.