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READ:

James 1:20

²⁰ For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

EXHORTATION:

Here we are given the reason for James’ earlier admonition that every Christian ought to be slow to wrath. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

A great number of Christians are in need of this reminder, for many seem to be ignorant of this truth or have conveniently forgotten about it. Christians so often foolishly fly into a rage without having full understanding of a matter, or worse, after having misunderstood or misjudged a matter. One’s impatience and ungoverned temper often numb his mind from exercising proper reasoning and righteous judgment. A volatile temperament will also certainly hinder one from exercising Christian graces such as patience, mercy and forgiveness.

Every Christian ought to take seriously the caution that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God”. Scripture does teach us abundantly how the wrath of man works against the righteousness of God. Proverbs 27:4 warns us that “wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous”. When anger is unchecked, it produces merciless and hurtful conduct. The anger kept within the heart will soon become uncontrollable, suddenly ventilating itself by yelling at others, shouting insults and vulgarities, hurting and injuring others, throwing things around and destroying them, etc.

Proverbs 15:18 states, “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension and easily picks up a fight. In this proverb, he is set against the peacemaker, which demonstrates how quarrelsome an angry person could be. Anger and hatred will cause strife in the family or at the workplace or in the church (cf. Proverbs 10:12; 29:22).

Proverbs 29:22b points out that “a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” There is no stopping the offences by an angry person. Mischief will flow from an angry, passionate, furious disposition. Furthermore, “He that is soon angry”, warns Proverbs 14:17, “dealeth foolishly”. Verse 29 of Proverbs 14 affirms this fact by pointedly declaring that “he that is hasty of spirit (i.e. to anger) exalteth folly.” So let us restrain our wrath at once, and refrain from sin.

READ:

James 1:19

¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

EXHORTATION:

This verse begins with the connective particle “wherefore”, which refers us to James’ discussion in the preceding verse that God begat Christians according to His will by the truth of His Word. All genuine Christians are the children of His family. In this regard, James addressed fellow believers as “my beloved brethren”. Then he exhorted them as to how they should conduct themselves as children of God’s family.

The first conduct of a child of God that James teaches, is that he ought to “be swift to hear”. The primary emphasis of this advice is that every Christian ought to be eager and ready to hear God’s Word. Listening attentively to the instructions of the divine truth, by which every Christian is begotten, is crucial in the life of God’s child. His foremost calling is to be a student, rather than a teacher, of God’s Word. He must be teachable and have a great appetite to feed on God’s truth. A holy curiosity and a receptive spirit are paramount if he is to grow in the knowledge of God.

The second conduct of a child of God that James teaches, is that he ought to be “slow to speak”. This is certainly not an advice to promote some kind of unsociable reserve. There is no virtue in being uncommunicative. We are not forbidden from speaking altogether. We are not taught to abstain from speaking entirely, but to be slow to speak. The admonition is against talkativeness and hastiness to be a teacher. Such restraint in speech has been taught in the wisdom books of the Bible. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words”. In Ecclesiastes 5:2, we are warned: “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God”.

The third conduct of a child of God that James teaches, is that he ought to be “slow to wrath”. Quick-temperedness and fiery outbursts will lead to many great and heinous offences and sins. So we are to control our temper. Moreover, to be a good learner of God’s Word, one needs to be patient in spirit. Let us not be angry, especially when we are rebuked and corrected by His Word. Proverbs 14:29 reminds us, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding”. He who is slow to anger shall attain wisdom and honour, but the wrathful man, only foolishness and shame.

The Word of God is not merely a book to be read; it is to be a treasure cherished in our hearts, transforming our lives to be witnesses of its saving and sanctifying power. Such was the case with the believers of the Thessalonian church. The apostle Paul commended them for their fervent faith in the Word and their dedication to sharing the Gospel. He wrote, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8). Despite their sufferings, their faithfulness to the Word became an example and a witness to its truths.

Paul emphasised that the Word of God was actively at work in the Thessalonian believers, transforming their lives and compelling them to spread the truth they embraced. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Thessalonians 2:13-14a). 

All believers are joyful recipients of God’s Word who will be grateful for its saving and sanctifying truths, and be responsible for obeying and proclaiming it everywhere. 

Those who treasure the Word they receive will spread its truths around. The phrase “sounded out” in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 suggests a loud, clear message that echoed across regions. They boldly declared the Gospel, ensuring that people in Macedonia and Achaia heard the good news of Christ.

Today, we have even more opportunities to proclaim God’s Word through diverse and innovative methods. Here are some ways we can actively spread the message of Christ to those around us:

One-on-One Evangelism and Discipleship: Personal conversations can lead to deeper matters of faith, where people can ask questions and grow in understanding of God’s Word, which you share with them. When you live Christ-like lives and honour God’s Word, there will be opportunities to speak about Biblical truths to relatives, friends, fellow students, army buddies, colleagues, etc. You can also mentor younger believers to grow in faith through meaningful discussions on Biblical doctrines and living,  

Community Outreach and Acts of Service: By engaging in acts of kindness and service, we can reflect the love of Christ and create opportunities to share the Gospel. Be willing to reach out to those around you, offering help in practical ways while sharing the Gospel of Christ.

Utilise Digital Platforms for Evangelism: The digital age has opened doors to reach people globally. Through social media, blogs, and video content, believers can share Biblical teachings, personal testimonies, and words of encouragement. Consider posting (or reposting) daily Scripture reflections on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. (Other examples of such effort can be short videos on YouTube, or hosting online Bible studies and prayer meetings via Zoom or other virtual platforms.)

Supporting Missionaries and Global Evangelism: Not everyone is called to go to foreign lands, but everyone can contribute to global missions. You can start getting involved by praying for unreached people groups and those labouring in the mission field. As the Lord enables, you can financially support the Gospel enterprises and those who labour there. As you mature in faith and knowledge, you can consider participating in short-term mission trips to share the Gospel firsthand and even support the workers with your skills.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 60:1–4
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd March 2025

READ:

Philippians 4:7

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

EXHORTATION:

The first word “and” takes our attention to what has been discussed in the preceding verse. In the light of the earlier verse, we learn that while anxiety destroys the peace of heart, prayer restores and maintains peace in our hearts. To everyone who in everything prays with thanksgiving (v. 6), the peace of God is promised!

The “peace of God” is the peace which God gives. The peace referred to here is the blessed assurance that God bestows upon a praying soul in the midst of his needs and troubles. No one else can grant us peace, but the Possessor of peace, our Lord Himself. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The peace of God is not a wish or prayer, but a promise of God; it is guaranteed.

The peace that God promises is incomprehensible to man, for it “passeth all understanding”. No person could ever imagine or device it. There is nothing in this world that can offer such a noble and superior peace as that which God offers. This is not the result of self-esteem or selfconfidence. This cannot be secured by the schemes and powers of man. This is not what man achieves through the practice of some meditation techniques. No psychologist or psychotherapist can offer such peace and tranquillity as God promises. Though unfathomable to men, it is the Christian’s experience. God’s peace will be powerfully at work in the lives of those who rely on Him in prayer.

The human reasoning often leads to doubt and anxiety. When man’s desperate ingenuity fails to alleviate his problems, he falls further into anxiety and depression. However, God’s peace is effective in removing all disquietude. It “shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Our hearts and minds, our affections and thoughts need to be guarded; here we are promised that the peace of God will protect them. Unguarded passions and imaginations will destroy our testimony and effectiveness. Unwise decisions and foolish speculations can wreck our and others’ lives. But when our hearts and minds are guarded by God’s peace, we shall be safe and sound. Such protective peace from God comes through Christ, who is the source of our salvation and all divine blessings.

READ:

Philippians 4:6b

^6b But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

EXHORTATION:

Herein we have the remedy to the terrible malady of anxiety. Prayer helps us to battle anxiety and get rid of it from our hearts. By praying to God, we can repress anxiety. Prayer frees us from anxiety.

Prayer is the expression of our faith in the Lord. We tell the Lord all our needs and troubles in prayer because we trust in His help, which He has promised. When we pray, we affirm that God cares for us, and that His care for us is the best. Every praying man declares that no one ever cares for him like his God. When the heart is taught to believe in the good providence of God and encouraged to express that faith by communing with God in prayer, anxiety will naturally be resisted and driven out.

We are instructed that “in every thing” we must pray. “Don’t be anxious about anything, but pray about everything!” is the divine counsel. There are some who pray only when great needs or troubles come upon them. If we do not pray in everything, even what appears to be a “small matter” can fill our heart with anxiety and wreck our peace. Nothing is too small to destabilise our life; hence, nothing is too small to bring to God. If we are ready to believe that nothing is too great for God to care for, then let us also believe that nothing is too small for us to confide in Him. God, who made this gigantic universe, also cares for the tiny sparrows.

Prayer is the soul’s believing and reverential approach unto God. It consists of supplication, thanksgiving, etc. The word “prayer” denotes general prayer, which is a humble and reverential approach to God for help. The word “supplication” denotes a plea for a specific matter, thus expressing one’s craving for divine supply in his life. The word “thanksgiving” denotes grateful expressions of joy and confidence in God which honour and please God.

It is with thanksgiving that we ought to make our requests known to God. A prayer without thanksgiving is a selfish prayer. Can it be right to pray for benefits and never honour our Benefactor? Thanksgiving will prevent us from being preoccupied with our wants, and it will fill our minds with the praise of our benevolent God. Do not offer a formal prayer to submit a wish list. Let your prayers be “perfumed” with praise. In our sufferings, let us sing His praise and pray. Take the hymn book and sing as you pray.

READ:

Philippians 4:6a

^6a Be careful for nothing.

EXHORTATION:

Well, that is an old way of saying, “Be not anxious about anything”. The Greek word (merimnáō) translated “careful” does not indicate that we should not exercise care in carrying out our responsibilities. The same word is used to teach us to care for one another (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:25). We are also taught in the Scriptures to provide for our families (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). The advice here is that we should free our minds from anxiety and worry.

An incessant concern for our temporal affairs is an evil that we should avoid. Firstly, it expresses a lack of faith in God’s goodness and mercy. Anxiety proceeds from a heart that refuses to accept God’s good providence. Our Lord Jesus has assured us, saying, “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:32). Jesus also warned that to worry about daily necessities of life is to be like the Gentiles who know not the goodness of our God (cf. Matthew 6:32a). Let us not dishonour our God by worrying about our needs, our responsibilities, our troubles, etc. Anxiety equals distrust of God’s care for His own people. Anxiety is a sin, for it refuses to trust God’s gracious and good providence.

Secondly, the evil of anxiety is also seen in its effects on oneself. Anxiety will lead to self-destructive conduct and attitudes. Anxiety weakens a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. An anxious mind produces nothing good, only added trouble. Anxiety causes a person to be unhappy, moody, grumpy, ill-tempered and depressed. It has even turned some into maniacs! Anxiety is also known to cause severe physical trauma, resulting in migraine, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, etc. Worse still, many have abandoned Christ because of their anxiety for material gain. Jesus said in Mark 4:19, “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Anxiety will cause a person to be self-focused and worldly-minded.

One’s anxiety can also affect those who are around him. Obsessive mannerism caused by anxiety had wrecked many relationships and filled homes with unhappiness and quarrels. So, let us cast off anxiety from our hearts. Whenever it assaults us, let us go to the LORD in prayer, and take hold of all His promises. Get rid of anxiety, and be more cheerful and productive by the grace and knowledge of the LORD.

READ:

Isaiah 26:4

⁴ Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

EXHORTATION:

Dark clouds of calamities were gathering over the people of Israel. The peril that the LORD had warned for so long was almost upon them. However, the prophet encouraged the genuine believers among them with these words: “Trust ye in the LORD for ever”. He was urging the believers to keep and rest their confidence in the LORD at all times, even in times of adversity, affliction, persecution, poverty, ridicule or any kind of trial.

Trusting in the LORD always, come what may, indicates our submission to His will. It means we are assured that whatever He wills to do in our lives is right. This was the spirit of the patriarch Job who (amidst all his trials) could say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). When besieged by many troubles, we must habitually put our trust in Him, cleaving to Him and seeking to please Him to prove our unwavering faith in Him. In pain, let us call on Him. In anxiety, let us hope in Him. In weakness, let us lean on Him for strength. Trust the LORD for everything and with everything.

The encouragement to trust in the LORD is also given in our text. It tells us, “for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength”. Our encouragement to trust the LORD at all times is based on the everlasting strength of God. In order to strengthen our confidence in the LORD, His name is here emphasised and exalted as “the LORD JEHOVAH”. In the original Hebrew text, we have a repetition of the name JEHOVAH (Yâhovah) – first, a contracted form of the name (yah), and then the name (Yâhovah). The purpose of employing both forms of the name is to call emphatic attention to all that His name implies – His glory, power, wisdom, holiness, mercy, faithfulness, etc. – and to excite the highest admiration and confidence. He is the unchanging covenantal God of His people in all circumstances.

Moreover, we are reminded that there is everlasting strength in the LORD JEHOVAH. The phrase “everlasting strength” in the Hebrew text literally reads “the rock of ages”. The idea is that God is firm and unchangeable like an eternal rock, and therefore we can count on Him as our ever-present help. The LORD JEHOVAH is a safe refuge for us to run into when the storms and tempests of trouble blow hard against us. Let us find our strength in the Almighty, the LORD JEHOVAH. We are strong when we trust in our eternally mighty God. Let us cultivate an unflinching trust in an unchanging God!

READ:

Isaiah 26:3

³ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

EXHORTATION:

Have you ever considered, “What is it that hinders peace in your heart?” Whenever man fails to be in communion with God, he is unplugged from the true and ultimate source of peace. For God has revealed Himself in the Scriptures as “the God of peace” (cf. Romans 15:33; Romans 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:20). So, whatever hinders man’s communion with God also hinders his peace.

Because sin hinders man from enjoying God’s presence and communion (cf. Psalm 5:4; 1 John 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16), it also obstructs God’s peace from flowing unto him (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21; Romans 3:17). Besides sin, lack of faith in God disconnects one from peace. Isaiah the prophet foretold of great “woe” (not peace) that would come upon the Jews who would trust in wealth, human strength and idols instead of their God. He forewarned them in Isaiah 30:1, “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” Again in Isaiah 31:1, he said, “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots … but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” So Psalm 146:3 admonishes us, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”

Only genuine trust in God and His promises can secure peace. The mind that has confidence in God shall not be frantic or distraught when it is struck by severe trials like persecution, poverty, sickness, or bereavement. Isaiah was addressing the Jews who would in the near prophetic future be stripped of their possessions and be carried away to a far distant land as captives and slaves. Despite being humiliated and subjected to great reproaches and scorn, the remnant Jews’ confidence in God would not be shaken. They would still trust in Him and believe that He could and would make a way for them. Their mind would thus be kept in perfect peace. The phrase “perfect peace” in Hebrew is “peace, peace”; such a repetition of the word denotes emphasis, and here it evidently points to undisturbed, perfect peace. So it has been with thousands and thousands of the persecuted and afflicted people of God, including His martyrs. When they committed their cause to Him amidst the storms of persecution, in the prison and even at the stake, the Lord kept them all in perfect peace.

READ:

Ephesians 6:17

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

EXHORTATION:

The fifth piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the helmet of salvation”. The helmet protected the head, the most vital and most often targeted part of the soldier’s body. Scarcely would a warrior rush off to battle without taking his helmet with him. Even modern troops always have their helmets on when they report for duty, which is all the more needful when in the thick of battle.

But what is the helmet of salvation? To be sure, the helmet of salvation is not worn as a means to getting saved. Rather, it means being assured of one’s salvation. It is all about a Christian’s need to cultivate a strong assurance regarding his salvation though Satan’s attacks at times may seem so overwhelming. It is the assurance that he will neither be debilitated nor destroyed in the midst of battle.

In order to grasp the significance of “the helmet of salvation”, one must understand the three aspects of salvation as found in the Scriptures; i.e. those who are justified will be sanctified and ultimately, glorified. When Satan harasses and confronts us with numerous trials, let us look forward to the day when we shall be with our Lord Jesus forever. The day is coming when sin and Satan can no longer molest us. So let us never quit, no matter how malicious the devil’s threat is. We must fight on as we continue to don this helmet of salvation until the day of glorification.

The sixth piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the sword of the Spirit”. The first five components of God’s armour that Paul has enumerated thus far have been primarily for defensive purposes. This one last piece, however, gives both defensive and offensive might to those who carry it to battle. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit because it is the Holy Spirit who handed this sword over to God’s people for their use. Because the Word of God wields the omnipotent power of the Spirit, it helps us to put our enemy, the devil, to flight. That was what happened to Satan who came to tempt the Lord Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus merely brandished the Spirit’s sword by saying, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). Then the devil fled and the battle ended, just like that.