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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”.

READ:

Revelation 20:15

¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

EXHORTATION:

This is a divine declaration about those whom God will cast into the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment. This is certain to happen. Let not the strident voices of the unbelieving ones – that God will not cast anyone into eternal hell – ever cause us to doubt the certainty of His judgment, which is mentioned so clearly here. God will execute the judgment of the unrepentant and the unredeemed, just as He has said here.

We are told that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The word “whosoever” means all persons, irrespective of their ranks, worldly achievements, age or social status. It is an all-encompassing word. The only group of people who will be delivered from the lake of fire will be those whose names are “found written in the book of life”. Kings, princes, statesmen, judges, philosophers, religious men, rich men, poor men, the young, the aged, and all whose names are not found written in the book of life, will be doomed to the lake of fire for eternal punishment!

In the New Testament, “the book of life” is the sacred register of all those who are saved (cf. Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 22:19). This book belongs to Christ, the Lamb who was slain for the redemption of the people whose names are written in the book from the foundation of the world (cf. Revelation 13:8; 17:8). At the last judgment, everyone not listed in the book of life is consigned to the fiery lake (Revelation 20:12, 15).

How can you know whether your names are written in the book of life? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be an overcomer of sins and trials by His grace, you can be assured that your name is in the book of life. In Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” He will never blot out the names of those who have trusted Him for the forgiveness of their sins. The comfort of the believers is that their names are recorded in the book of life and that they shall remain secure in the possession of the Lamb who was slain for them.

But all those who are not found in the Book of Life will be doomed to an eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

READ:

Revelation 20:14

¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

EXHORTATION:

This is a description of what follows the great white throne judgment. All the wicked dead shall be brought to life again and be judged according to their works by the Lord who sits upon the Throne. According to the previous verse, Revelation 20:13, “the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” The mention of “the sea” giving up its dead makes it clear that regardless of how far a body has disintegrated, it will nevertheless be resurrected for this judgment. The physical bodies of the unsaved will be joined with their souls; then they will be cast into “the lake of fire”!>

The phrase “lake of fire” occurs only in Revelation, and that for a total of five times (19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). In our text, the casting of the wicked dead into the lake of fire is referred to as “the second death”. It does not denote, as some say, annihilation or complete destruction of a person. According to their teaching, the soul and body of the wicked will be completely destroyed such that they will not suffer the eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. That teaching of annihilation is unscriptural.

The lake of fire is the place where the wicked will suffer eternally the torments of hell. It is the place in which the wicked spend eternity in torment. John the Baptizer referred to hell as “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). Jesus referred to hell as “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8), and “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46). He also described hell as “the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43b-44; cf. 9:46, 48).

This is the place where Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will also be cast into forever. Revelation 20:10 says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The epistle of Jude also testifies to the eternality of the hellfire, which is reserved for the wicked. Hell’s torment is referred to by Jude as “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).

Those who repent from their sin and trust in Christ do not have to fear the eternal hell. In Revelation 20:6, it is said concerning the believers that “on such the second death hath no power”.

READ:

1 Corinthians 10:31

³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

EXHORTATION:

The chief purpose for which God’s people should live is God’s glory. It is also the chief rule by which they decide what they should do. They should do only that which will honour God.

To act for the glory of God is to act so that His glory is acknowledged, admired and accomplished. Whatever is done to advance the glory of God is right; and whatever is done without the purpose of His glory is wrong.

The rule that we must glorify God extends to everything in our lives, not just in the activities of the church. Not only on the Lord’s Day, but every day we ought to exalt His name. Even as we eat and drink daily, we must glorify God. In other words, the honour of God must be our constant passion in life.

In order to glorify God in all aspects of our life, we must be preoccupied with His glory. We must be wholly dedicated to His glory at all times. A fascination with His glory is paramount in every Christian’s life. Hence, we are commanded, “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

If we should seek to honour God in so small matters as eating and drinking, how it ought to be our singular motive behind all our actions, endevaours and relationship. Whatsoever we do must tend to His glory.

It must also be noted that when we are asked to do all things for God’s glory, we are not asked to help to add to His glory. Nothing we do add to His glory. He is “the King of glory” (Ps. 24:7-10). “His glory is great” (Ps. 21:5). “The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens” (Ps. 113:4). “Great is the glory of the LORD” (Ps. 138:5). Our duty is simply to yield ourselves to be vessels of His glory.

We must declare and live for His glory. Like David, who avowed himself to the praise of His glory, let us also joyfully say, “I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Ps. 145:5).

Let us also live to exalt His glory. Nothing in our conduct should obstruct God’s glory from being reflected in us. In everything we do and say, no matter how insignificant, the world should be able to see that we are God’s people committed to His glory.

READ:

Proverbs 16:25

²⁵ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

EXHORTATION:

This verse has been mentioned once before in Proverbs 14:12. Since it is being repeated, we stand alerted twice to its warning. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to its admonition.

We are warned here concerning the delusive and seductive nature of our self-will. Alas, even a destructive way may seem right unto a man if he simply follows his passion and self-will, which have been darkened by sin. If a man’s thoughts and feelings are not guided by the wisdom of God’s Word, what is harmful may seem right to him, being warped by his mind that is predisposed to sin and disobedience. Without the light of God’s Word, our minds are prone to choose the destructive ways of sin.

Under the influence of sin, man’s conscience loses its power to discern and to make right judgment. It “seemeth right” to him, but only in its appearance. Things are not what they seem. On the surface, the path would appear easy, pleasant and quite safe. Many may be walking along that same road, but without the wisdom of God’s Word. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13b, “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”. Fashions of the world further fuel the follies of a generation misguided by their sin-plagued conscience. As Proverbs 30:12 says, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Let us be wary of the social conscience of our times, which is often misshaped and misled by man’s sinful passions. It is utterly perilous to think that our ways are the best and most desirable. Our perverted minds and passions will lead us astray, like a moth that is attracted to the flame.

Even when we render our service to God, we cannot follow our thoughts blindly. Oftentimes, by the very act which we think will please God, we actually provoke Him to anger. In Isaiah 29:13, “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men”.

Man without God is prejudiced, confused, ignorant and self-deceiving; he walks inexorably to a ruinous end. So let us examine our ways and be sure to follow Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).