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READ:

Romans 15:11

¹¹ And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

EXHORTATION:

Paul was particularly mindful of his special calling as “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), and hence his joy in seeing thousands and thousands of Gentiles turning from idols to worship the living and true God through the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He rejoiced that God had shown such great mercy towards the Gentiles and received them into His kingdom. He wanted the believing Jews also to rejoice in the salvation of Gentiles and receive them into the church to worship God together with them.

So Paul said in verses 8-9, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.” Though Jesus Christ was “a minister of the circumcision” (i.e. being born a Jew according to the promises of God to the forefathers of the Jews and ministered among the Jews), His atoning death benefited not only the Jews but also the Gentiles. Paul then reasoned that the Old Testament Scriptures pointed out that God had always planned to call the Gentiles unto the worship of God. The apostle did so by referring to four Old Testament portions: Psalm 18:49 in verse 9, Deuteronomy 32:43 in verse 10, Psalm 117:1 in verse 11, and Isaiah 11:1, 10 in verse 12. All of those verses show that it was God’s design that the Gentiles should join the Jews to worship God.

The verse for our meditation cites Psalm 117:1, where the Gentiles are beckoned twice to praise the LORD. The word “laud” means praise. All people, both Jews and Gentiles, must gather to praise the LORD. He is worthy of the praise of all the peoples of the world. There is no other Saviour for man (whether Jew or Gentile) to be saved from his sins so that he may be reconciled to God.

The blessing of salvation comes with the responsibility of glorifying God among all people. We must declare His Gospel so that people from all nations, tribes and languages may call on His name and praise Him. Let us therefore serve the Lord, with the prayer “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee” (Psalm 67:2-3).

READ:

Romans 15:7

⁷ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

EXHORTATION:

In the early churches, disagreement and disputes did arise for varying reasons. Tensions were caused by Jewish and Gentile differences in matters such as dietary practices and other ceremonial observances. With the growth of Christianity, problems inevitably also increased. Unpleasant disturbances did arise in the life of the early church from time to time. It was not easy to get every new believer to understand and cast aside the errors of his traditions and habits. So often the apostles had to deal with discord and strife, even as they pressed forward with the preaching of the Gospel near and far.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he was very concerned about the peace and unity of their fellowship. He would have all believers show mutual love and care. He wanted the brethren to please one another instead of staying aloof and distant from one another.

Christians must be warm and friendly. We must interact with people in the church with a welcoming, approving disposition. Warm-hearted treatment of others will help us quell any anxiety, suspicion or even resentment. Though trivial differences can at times estrange us from one another, let us not become hostile and unfriendly. Let us be conciliatory and seek to resolve matters with the guidance and help of fellow brethren, if necessary.

Our mutual acceptance must be pivoted on our adoration and emulation of Christ, our blessed Saviour and Lord. The exhortation is that we receive one another “as Christ also received us to the glory of God”. Our treatment of others is to resemble Christ’s behaviour towards us. Christ’s tender affection towards us must be the pattern, motivation and inspiration for our conduct towards one another. When we feel rather uncertain about being friendly to someone, let us consider how our Lord has first shown mercy and love towards us.

Christ has accepted us freely and heartily, though we were once hostile and guilty. He welcomed us right away into all His glorious inheritance and has made us joint-heirs with Him. So let us deal with others kindly, with a willingness to forgive and overlook their infirmities and offences. May we always be ready to show Christ-like receptiveness to fellow believers.

READ:

Romans 15:2

² Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

EXHORTATION:

No Christian is exempted from the exhortation given in this verse. Every Christian is urged to “please his neighbour”. In the light of the context of this verse, the word “neighbour” denotes a fellow church member or a Christian brother. To “please” another is to conduct oneself in a polite or courteous manner towards another.

Many biblical admonitions, if carefully implemented, will enable us to be “pleasing” towards one another. Some of such admonitions are briefly enumerated below:

• We must greet one another, showing respect and love. 1 Corinthians 16:20 says, “Greet ye one another with an holy kiss” (cf. Romans 16:16; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14).
• We must be kind-hearted to all, showing love and compassion. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10; cf. John 13:34).
• We must show respect to all, even to those who are younger and immature, as we are admonished: “in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10; cf. Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5).
• We must be welcoming to others in the church. Romans 15:7 urges us, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (cf. Romans 14:1-3; Matthew 10:40).
• We must be helpful and caring towards one another, even to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
• We must be patient towards others. Ephesians 4:2 instructs us, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (cf. Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
• We must “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
• We must encourage and edify one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (cf. Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:16, 29; 1 Thessalonians 4:18).

In a word, it is for the expressed purpose of edification that we ought to “please” one another.

READ:

Romans 15:1

¹ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

EXHORTATION:

Every Christian is called to be a member of the church, where he renders himself for the edification of other Christians. Paul stated this truth earlier in Romans 12:5 – “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” In 1 Corinthians 12, he further emphasised “that the members should have the same care one for another” (v. 25). It is God’s design that we edify one another through mutual care.

The first counsel that Paul gives in our text is let the strong help the weak. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak”. Paul’s use of the word “ought” (opheilo in Greek), which means “owe” or “be a debtor”, suggests that the strong ones must feel an indebtedness to God to help His weak children. The word “bear” (bastazō in Greek) has meanings such as “carry”, “endure” and “support”. Hence, it is the duty of every Christian to bear patiently with the weaker ones around him and help them to walk and grow along with him. He who is spiritually strong should neither despise nor neglect those who are weak. Instead, he graciously renders himself available to support and help them. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye” (Romans 14:1). In 1 Corinthians 12:22- 24 we read, “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked”.

Paul’s second counsel for Christians is “not to please ourselves”. A Christian should not be self-centred if he is to help others as God expects. A person’s spiritual maturity is evidenced in his willingness to give up his rights so that others may be helped. We must be willing to deny ourselves if we can promote others’ happiness in doing so. Our conduct should not be motivated by our personal happiness or gratification, but rather by the welfare of others. We must, like Paul, be able to sincerely say, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more... To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19, 22).

READ:

2 Corinthians 5:9

⁹ Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle Paul had been explaining the future glory that awaits all Christians. He also spoke about how Christians ought to bear their bodily afflictions on this earth as they awaited their heavenly abode. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2).

Having persuaded his readers of their blessed hope, Paul here said, “Wherefore we labour”. The Greek word for “labour” (philotiméomai) has the idea of exerting oneself out of a love or sense of honour. We endure all our hardships and serve our LORD, who shall receive us soon to His glorious presence. Our future glory is a great motivation for enduring afflictions as we strive to do all His will on this earth.

When the Lord returns, all our works, be they good or bad, will be revealed before Him. At that time, He will reward us according to our deeds. So Paul said in Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

In a similar vein, Paul exhorted in Hebrews 10:35-37, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Furthermore, in Hebrews 12:28, he reassured the believers, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear”.

We look forward to be “present” (or be at home) with the Lord. However, now being “absent” (or away from home) from the Lord, our greatest desire is that He may be well-pleased when He examines our works at His second coming. The Greek word for “accepted” has the idea of “well-pleasing”. May the Lord “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21).

READ:

Acts 5:29b

^29b We ought to obey God rather than men.

EXHORTATION:

These were the words of Peter and other apostles who were brought before the Jewish council that prohibited them from preaching the name of Jesus Christ. The high priest who headed the council charged them, saying, “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5:28). However, on an earlier occasion, Peter and John had already told the very same council that “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

The apostles’ bold and forthright reply was a much-needed spiritual lesson for the self-promoting, self-seeking, unreasonable Jewish religious leaders, who exhibited their utter defiance to God by crucifying Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Their hatred for the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the main reason for their ungodly demand that the apostles be banned from speaking about Christ.

Man’s greatest obligation or duty in life is to obey God. So the apostles said, “We ought to obey God”. We owe to God our obedience. It is a requirement abundantly set forth in the Scriptures and in our conscience. For instance, in Deuteronomy 13:4, the LORD commanded, “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him” (cf. Deuteronomy 27:10). The prophet Samuel taught that obedience to God’s Word is more important than sacrifices: “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus also taught that obedience is the proof of one’s love for Him: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15; cf. Exodus 20:6).

So by declaring their commitment “to obey God rather than men”, the apostles exalted God above all human authorities, whether it be secular or religious. They and all other Christian martyrs chose death rather than a disobedient life. They were men committed to obey the Lord at any cost. Making the ultimate sacrifice in obedience to the Lord should be the Christian’s highest honour and privilege.

The Bible Witness Bible Land Study Tour was truly unforgettable, marked by God’s providence and grace from beginning to end. One day before departure, we were shocked to learn of our flight cancellation! Helpless, we turned to God in prayer, and He enabled us to reschedule our departure flight the following day. With the help of our tour agent, Immanuel Tours, our site visits were rearranged. This early trial reminded us to trust Him continually for a smooth and safe journey.

Among the 45 participants were elderly individuals, toddlers, and some with health struggles. Yet the Lord’s grace proved sufficient, strengthening and guiding us throughout our journeys in Greece and Turkey, the very lands where the Gospel first spread from Jerusalem to the nations. Walking in the footsteps of the apostles, we were freshly reminded that God’s Word is living, powerful, and still shaping lives today.

In Thessaloniki, we stood where Paul had reasoned with the Jews out of the Scriptures. In Philippi, by the riverside where Lydia’s heart was opened, we gave thanks that God has also opened our hearts to believe. In Troas, Pergamum, Smyrna, Ephesus, and Assos, we reflected on the stedfast apostles and the early churches that stood firm amid trials, and we prayed for grace to remain faithful ourselves too. On Patmos, where John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we marvelled at God’s eternal plan and rejoiced in the hope of Christ’s return. In Athens and Corinth, where Paul bore bold witness, we were challenged to greater courage in proclaiming the Gospel.

This journey was far more than a tour, it was a spiritual pilgrimage. Our faith has been strengthened, our love for Christ has deepened, and our hearts have been stirred with renewed devotion. We return with joy and gratitude, giving all glory to God, who was with us every step of the way. 

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:33–48
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st September 2025

READ:

Galatians 1:10b

^10b Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

EXHORTATION:

Christianity is not about following any man-made philosophical system or way of life. Neither is it about winning the approval of men at any cost. The Christian ministry’s main concern is to follow Christ and please God.

The Gospel that Paul preached was “according to the will of God” (Galatians 1:4). He warned the Galatian Christians that those who preached a different Gospel from what they had heard from him were attempting to “pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7). He even pronounced them as “accursed”! “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). The apostle’s pronouncement of curse on the perverters of the Gospel proves abundantly that he was not a man-pleaser.

In fact, he repeatedly condemned such who perverted the Gospel. Paul was firm in guarding the truth: “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Galatians 2:4-5). He was uncompromising when it came to false teaching – “he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be” (Galatians 5:10); “I would they were even cut off which trouble you” (Galatians 5:12). Evidently, Paul was not a flatterer. He was not the kind of preacher who cajoles a congregation by playing on their vanity.

Many churches nowadays, being driven by the marketing principles of the secular world, have sought to be “seeker-friendly”. Such churches do not take firm doctrinal positions based on God’s Word. They view strong doctrinal convictions as unhelpful to the growth of the church. Neither do they rebuke worldliness and sin among their people. Any man-pleasing approach that compromises the biblical truths is contrary to the service of Christ. Man-pleasers are not Christ-pleasers. Anything that pleases man which displeases the Lord is accursed conduct in the Christian ministry. Thus Paul advises us, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).

READ:

Galatians 1:4a

^4a Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world.

EXHORTATION:

Herein Paul declares in a sentence the grand plan of God concerning our salvation. He begins with Christ’s self-sacrifice for our salvation. He says that Christ “gave himself for our sins”. Christ’s death on the cross was voluntary. He came into this world for that purpose. On numerous occasions, our Lord declared that His mission on earth was to lay down His life for the redemption of sinners. He had Himself said, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The apostle John recorded Jesus as saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). His death was neither accidental nor forced upon Him. Prior to His death, Jesus said, “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18).

Christ’s giving of Himself for our sins was the perfect and final divine act of redemption. His death appeased God’s just wrath against sinners, reconciled people to God, and provided for their redemption. So Paul said in Titus 2:14 that Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

One purpose of Christ’s death is to deliver us from the present evil world. By His death, Christ delivers believing sinners from the power of the present world system. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an emancipating message. His death draws us to Him and separates us from the governing power and influence of this present world’s wickedness. It is deliverance from the power of this world, fuelled by its threefold seductiveness “in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16)!

Unsaved persons live under the corrupting influence of this world and its god, Satan. As 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” But Christ’s death frees all who have trusted Him from the defiling world. Those whom Christ has saved by His death will have His saving power that liberates them from the pollutions of this evil world. We are saved to love Christ and His righteousness, certainly not this world and its ungodly ways of life.