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READ:

1 John 3:2b

^2b But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

EXHORTATION:

Referring to Jesus’ return, John says that “when he shall appear, we shall be like him”. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Jesus shall appear again for His people, in order to take them to Himself.

Paul described Christ’s appearing in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 thus – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

It is revealed to us that at Christ’s appearing, we shall be made like Him because we shall see Him as He is. Philippians 3:21 declares that the Lord Jesus Christ “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 also reveals how glorious we shall be at His coming – “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

According to 1 Corinthians 15:49, “As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Our body that is like unto Adam, who was made from the dust of the earth, shall be changed to bear the image of the heavenly, even Christ. Even though we die, we shall rise at His coming and put on a new celestial body. Concerning our resurrection body, Paul wrote that “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

To be like Christ in character and appearance is our grandest hope. As we live, toil and endure our trials on earth, we cherish a supreme hope that we shall be like the glorified Son of God, sharing His image and honour. We shall delight in the appearance of our glorious Saviour.

Sermon Text: Psalm 94:1–23
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 10th November 2024

READ:

1 John 3:2a

^2a Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be.

EXHORTATION:

Christians’ present glorious right is that they are “the sons of God”. To be regarded by God as His children is an immense privilege of eternal proportions. It means that God Himself has chosen us to be in His family. The apostle John emphasises this present reality of our sonship in verse 1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God”. It is in love that God has called us His children.

In his Gospel, John has explained how we received this privilege of being God’s children. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). In other words, to all who receive the Son of God, Jesus Christ, by faith, divine authority is given to become children of God. We are able to receive Christ by faith only because God has bestowed upon us His love. As the apostle John has said, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our present reality of sonship assures us of God’s love towards us. We are loved by God today as His own children.

No matter how the world would treat us, God loves us as His dear children. No experience of hostility in this world can change the fact that we are God’s beloved children. Our being called as the children of God is a present reality. We can approach God at all times, as a child would run to his loving father. Paul says in Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Paul further tells us in Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Our present privilege of being God’s children is also a token of great and wondrous things that are yet to be our experience. John further says, “and it doth not yet appear what we shall be”. There are glorious and wondrous things that await every child of God, hence Paul’s declaration in expectancy as he faced death: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Though the exact details of our glorious experiences in heaven are still a mystery, our glorification is, however, guaranteed (Romans 8:30; Colossians 3:4).

DVBS 2024 (to be held 27-29 Nov) is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to host an exciting and enriching vacation programme designed to help our children grow strong in their understanding of the Gospel and Scriptural truths of our Lord Jesus Christ. With only two weeks to go, it is high time for you to invite and register children for DVBS 2024, which is an excellent opportunity to let them hear and learn of the Biblical promise of “Joy Unspeakable”!

DVBS’s Theme: “Joy Unspeakable”!

In recent years, an increasing concern about the mental health of children and youths in Singapore has been reported. A report in 2020 read: “In just under three years, there has been a fivefold increase in the number of children between the ages of five and nine calling in to their (IMH’s) hotline to seek help.”¹  Another very recent report mentioned: “A significant proportion of youth in Singapore has experienced severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, the first nationwide survey on youth mental health by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) found. Nearly a third of young people aged 15 to 35 reported symptoms that included feeling empty, tense or upset most of the time, according to the National Youth Mental Health Study.” 

Our children need to know how they can be joyous amidst life’s complex and challenging experiences. There is nothing more vital than that they grow with ‘joy unspeakable’ that God alone provides. Let us pray and bring our children to grow in a close, joyful relationship with God, which He offers to all who come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all who trust in Him.

No level of academic excellence, worldly achievements, comfort, wealth, luxury, entertainment, or recreation can free our children and youth from the grip of sin and its resulting guilt, frustration, fear, and sorrow. Only a life grounded in God’s truth offers true liberation from these burdens. Only when our children grow with the assurance of salvation and a loving relationship with God can they be strong and tenacious overcomers of sin and the trials of this life.

The words of Scripture testify of the divine, supreme, unmitigated joy that God gives to all, both young and old, who trust and walk obediently with Him.  

• Jesus promises, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
• The apostle Paul testifies in Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost”; and in Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith”.
• The apostle Peter affirms the early Christians’ experience: “Whom (Jesus) having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
• The ancient saints of the Old Testament also spoke of the exuberant, divine joy they enjoyed: 
• “Thou hast put gladness (joy) in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased” (Psalm 4:7); 
• “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11); 
• A forgiven sinner said, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5); 
• “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

When Peter wrote about “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:8), he was talking about the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, even though we can’t see Him with our eyes. Although we haven’t seen Jesus face-to-face, we believe in Him wholeheartedly. We know He loves us, saves us from our sins, and is always with us, no matter where or what we go through. This faith in Jesus brings a joy that is so deep; nothing else in the world can compare to it!

When we love and follow Jesus, His Spirit lives in our hearts and fills us with His joy. This joy shines through us like a light in the darkness, showing others that God is real and His love is incredible. It is the kind of joy we desire for our children and youth as they grow immersed in God’s Word, devoted to prayer, consecrated to His praise, and serving others according to His will.

The teachers of God’s Word in the DVBS will explain to children how to experience “Joy Unspeakable”, and how to “Overcome Sadness” through stories of God’s saints in the Bible. Please pray for the teachers of God’s Word to the children during the DVBS to be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister to them effectively.

DVBS’s Activities

The Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) has been planning and actively working for several months to organise DVBS 2024. The programmes are designed for children to explore Biblical truths in an engaging and interactive way. They will include a unique blend of creative lessons, singing of spiritual songs, fun activities and meaningful fellowship to help children grow in their faith and build friendships.

Please pray for and cooperate with the GCM committee, that their efforts to nurture our children in a joyful relationship with God may be fruitful.

¹ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/1-3-adolescents-depression-anxiety-only-1-10-parents-spot-symptoms

² https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/depression-anxiety-stress-1-in-3-youth-in-s-pore-had-had-very-poor-mental-health-says-imh-survey

READ:

3 John 1:4

⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

EXHORTATION:

The overriding sentiment with which the apostle John wrote this epistle is joy. From the outset of this epistle to Gaius, John was not hesitant to convey to Gaius his joy concerning him. He wrote in verses 1-3, “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” The apostle’s joy was immense, for he said, “I rejoiced greatly”.

The apostle John’s joy reminds us of a father’s joy mentioned in Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.” Proverbs 10:1 also mentions that “a wise son maketh a glad father”. Such familial joy should also exist in the church, which is the “household of faith” (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19), where pastors and elders function like “fathers” to the congregation. In Hebrews 13:17, members of the church are told how they can bring joy to their spiritual fathers who care for their souls. It says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

It was Gaius’ obedience to the truth of God that caused the apostle John to greatly rejoice. Gaius had been careful to “walk in the truth”. To “walk in the truth” means that one has the truth constantly in one’s mind to influence one’s life, so as to always act according to its counsels. Besides embracing the Scriptural teachings mentally, one ought to live by them.

The word “walk” also denotes progress or advancement; hence “walking in truth” also means that one is progressing or growing spiritually according to the Scriptural truths. The desire of every faithful pastor is that the church members advance in their knowledge, sanctification and fruitfulness. He prayerfully wishes for every member of the church to be like Gaius, whose life had been a cause of the joy of leaders and Christians who had come to know him. Testimonies of his commitment and obedience to the truth had been heard in far places. Christians who are committed to know and live by the truth will have the special privilege and “joy” of being the cause of their pastor’s and fellow Christians’ “joy”.

READ:

Titus 2:13

¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

EXHORTATION:

God’s grace, which brings salvation to us (v. 11), teaches us to live a sanctified life in this present world (v. 12) in anticipation of Christ’s glorious appearing (v. 13). As we live on earth in this present age, we anticipate our “blessed hope”, which is “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”.

The Christian’s hope of Christ’s return is called “blessed”. The word “blessed” denotes all the blessings of His divine presence (cf. 1 Timothy 1:11; 6:15). What a blessing it is to have such a hope! Eternal blessings await Christians at His coming. When He comes, we shall be eternally delivered from all the temptations and trials of this world, and shall enter into eternal sinless perfection, joy, bliss, rewards and glory. We live every day with that sure hope. So we long for His return. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

There has been some debate as to whether “that blessed hope” and “the glorious appearing” of Christ are two different events, namely Rapture (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-17) and His return to this earth at the end of the seven-year Tribulation (cf. Revelation 19:11-21). But there is little in this verse’s context to suggest that Paul was distinguishing those future events in connection with Christ’s return. Paul was simply saying that we are looking for the blessed hope, which is the appearing of the Lord. Although we understand those events of Rapture and His subsequent glorious return to rule the world for a thousand years (cf. Revelation 20:1- 10; Isaiah 2:1-4; 11; Ezekiel 37; Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Zechariah 14) as distinct, Paul is here referring to the return of Christ as a whole, and not its various stages. The blessed hope is a fixed historical reality which we long for.

Yet another great truth is mentioned by the apostle in this verse. It is Christ’s divinity. He is “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”. Jesus’ life on earth, His claims about Himself, His doctrines and His works – all prove Him to be God. If one rejects His deity, one can only think of Christ as a deceiver and demonic person, like the Jews who killed Him. One can have Christ only as the divine Saviour – or not have Him at all.

READ:

Hebrews 12:2a

^2a Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

EXHORTATION:

In the previous verse, we were exhorted: “let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (v. 1). Now we are told the secret of running our Christian race well — “Looking unto Jesus”. The Greek word for “looking” (aphorá?) literally means looking away from one thing to some other thing in a steadfast or intent manner. It has been used to denote the fixing of the mind upon something. It expresses the mental posture that all Christians should maintain in relation to Jesus, as they run their Christian race. It should be a holy habit of our souls to keep the Lord Jesus in our view.

Looking at Jesus at the beginning of the race and then totally keeping him out of view, is not the right kind of faith that Scripture teaches us. We should never lose focus of Christ in our Christian race. The reality is, some of the people who started the race with us may drop out of the race altogether while some others may be distracted and refuse to keep up, thus leaving us disappointed and troubled. But we must not let our minds be affected by their quitting. We must look away and fix our thoughts upon Christ. Even if all around us are a constant encouragement to us in our Christian race, it could well be our own lethargy and lust that hinder our race. Only when our minds are steadfastly fixed on Christ can we then overcome all distractions and obstacles, and complete our Christian race.

We look away from all else to Jesus only, for He is “the author and finisher of our faith”. The Greek word for “author” was translated earlier as “captain” in chapter 2, verse 10. There it was said of Christ, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Christ has set the path and He calls us to follow Him. It is Him, not the crowd, that we follow. The course of our race is shown by Him. He leads and we follow. He is our Guide, Strength and Motivation in our Christian race.

Jesus, the author of our faith, has entered the heavenly sanctuary as our forerunner (6:19-20) and has opened “a new and living way” for us that leads to this sanctuary (10:20). He is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:17; 21:6; 22:13). He is our perfect Saviour and Captain who is able to perfect all who have placed their trust in Him.

READ:

Hebrews 13:8

⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

EXHORTATION:

Nothing is permanent in this world. Even good and faithful church leaders will one day be gone. This could have been implied in the last phrase of the preceding verse, when the writer mentioned “the end of their conversation” (v. 7). In this fast-changing world, nothing seems dependable and permanent. Leaders come, and leaders go. One Leader, however, is unchangeable – Jesus Christ.

First, note that the writer uses both names, “Jesus” and “Christ”. The name “Jesus” embraces the work of God’s Son on earth as our Saviour. He has come to save His people from their sins. The name “Christ” is the official title that expresses the divinity of the Son. The double name occurs only three times in Hebrews (10:10; 13:8, 21).

Not only Christ’s divinity, but also His changelessness, is emphasised here – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” In the beginning of this epistle, the author has already explained this truth of Christ. “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (1:8-12).

Christ is essentially divine. There might have been changes of position and circumstances in our Lord’s life on earth, but He is God for ever! Of His divine attributes, He is unchanging. He is perfect and blessed in His righteousness and faithfulness, love and mercy, goodness and forbearance, etc. In His Word, Christ is unchanging. His words are true for ever. Of His offices, He is also unchangeable.

On the contrary, we are ever changing in many respects. Our outward appearances, our health, our economic condition, our abilities – all these change. But He is sublimely unchangeable, eternally and infinitely perfect. Through the changing scenes of our lives, He remains unchanged as our compassionate and loving divine Saviour.

READ:

Titus 2:7

⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

EXHORTATION:

In this chapter of his epistle to Titus, Paul gives Titus various instructions on what should be inculcated in the lives of believers of different age groups. He was to instruct the aged men to be sober, grave and temperate (v. 2); the aged women to be holy and be teachers of good things to younger women (vv. 3-4); the younger women to be homemakers who love their husbands and children according to God’s Word (vv. 4-5); and the younger men to be sober-minded (v. 6).

Having propounded the spiritual principles for Christian men and women of all ages to abide by, the apostle added a precept unto Titus himself. Because the instruction for Titus follows immediately the precept for young men, it is generally thought that Titus was a young man (as Timothy also was), serving the Lord in the pastoral ministry of the church. Every teacher of God’s Word to young men must pay heed not only to instruct them on their spiritual duties, but also to show by example how they ought to live out their spiritual obligations. Every teacher of God’s Word, whether to the adults, youths or children, must be a role model with regard to good works. This has been the chief difference between godly teachers and false teachers. Paul had earlier told Titus about false teachers who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (1:16).

Titus was further instructed to show “uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” in doctrine. In other words, he had to show “uncorruptness” (i.e. integrity), “gravity” (i.e. seriousness), and “sincerity” (i.e. purity) in the content and style of his teaching. Paul’s combined use of these terms in this phrase suggests that every teacher of God’s Word must faithfully and reverentially instruct the hearers on its doctrines. There must be a devout, solemn commitment to teach God’s Word truthfully, dutifully and submissively. Teachers of God’s Word must not only avoid distortions of its truth, but also eschew an irreverent attitude and conduct. Teachers of the Word must impart it in the right spirit. It is vital that sound doctrine is delivered with sanctified minds and irreproachable speech and conduct. Unwholesome and uncouth words, mannerisms and behaviour do not suit the preachers of God’s Word.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:16a

^16a Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them.

EXHORTATION:

Another of Paul’s admonition to Timothy, a young Christian leader and a pastor, was: “Take heed unto thyself”. It will be disastrous to have a man who tells people what to do but who never does the same on his own. Scripture must be carefully studied and applied in the pastor’s life before it is preached to others. A pastor should have this basic integrity to pay close attention to his life according to what he learns and preaches. Any man who falls short of this aspect is a hypocrite. The biblical integrity of a pastor requires both biblical knowledge and biblical character. The focal point of every pastoral ministry is biblical living and godliness.

This exhortation entails every Christian leader to be stringent in his self-examination to correct his shortcomings and make improvements in himself. There must be a passion for self-improvement. This counsel must be applied in matters of personal piety, manners, habits, appearance, speech, interactions with others, his skills, etc. Every Christian leader should be careful to avoid uncouth manners and offensive speech and behaviour. The influence of the Gospel that he preaches should be apparent in all aspects of his life. The Gospel refines those who have received it; it makes them refined in their appearance, habits and conduct. No boorish manner or habit that gives offence to others should be found in Christian leaders.

He also needs to take heed unto “the doctrine” that he preaches. He must pay attention to his teaching to ensure that it is thoroughly Scriptural. He should hold and teach only the truths of God’s Word. He must, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” In 2 Timothy 3:13-14, Paul further cautioned, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”

We are also exhorted to “continue in them”. A Christian leader must be a man who would persevere in purity of life and doctrine. He cannot be a quitter. He should overcome temptations, endure all kinds of trials, opposition and persecution, and remain faithful to God and His Word, yea, even unto death.