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READ:

James 1:17a

^17a Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.

EXHORTATION:

In the earlier verses, James has taught his readers that God does not send temptations of sin. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (1:13). He also said that sin and death originate from our own lust that entices us (1:14-15). So he warned that no one should err concerning the truth that evil proceeds not from God, but from our own lust (1:16). Having declared unmistakably that temptations do not come from God, James now asserts that every good gift and perfect gift is from God above.

The word “gift” that appears two times in our text is translated from two different Greek words (dosis and dōrēma). However, they both point to that which is given to us by God. God’s gift to us is good, without any taint of evil. It is also perfect, without any flaw or defect. They truly reflect the goodness and holiness of the Giver. In its origin and in its bestowing, the gift of God is good and perfect. We, therefore, know that anything that comes as a temptation of sin cannot be from God.

Every man walking after the flesh is filled with much temptations and lust, and is desperately in want of good and perfect things. But God is most delighted to grant us that which is good and perfect as a “gift”. The good things which we cannot produce or achieve on our own, He will give to us as gifts. How wonderful it is that God bestows on His people good and perfect gifts, which they do not deserve or are able to have them on their own! Every pure and perfect influence on the soul comes directly from God. The holy desires, passions and pursuits are divine bestowments in our hearts. Christian virtues are bestowed upon us by the Divine Spirit. Divine promises, counsels, rebukes, corrections, instructions and commands are all His gifts from above.

Now, one might be prompted to ask: “Is everything God gives good?” "Does not He give us trials, sorrows, sickness, bereavement and death? Are these good gifts?” As Romans 8:28 assures us, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He who is “the Father of lights” will fill our lives with His abundant goodness as He dispels all sorts of dark and dreary feelings, thoughts and deeds. His Word and His Spirit will give us light.

READ:

1 Peter 4:16

¹⁶ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

EXHORTATION:

Christians often have to endure society’s rejection, ostracism, violence and even official persecution. The unbelieving world hates every genuine Christian. Jesus had forewarned, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13; cf. Matthew 5:11; 10:22; 24:9; Philippians 1:29).

Should a Christian feel embarrassed or weakened or abandoned by the opposition and troubles that he suffers? The verse for our meditation today tells us that the Christian who is afflicted has no reason whatsoever to be embarrassed, but has every reason to exult in God and praise Him.

All have troubles, but it makes a very great difference when one suffers for his faith in Christ. The man who bears sorrow for the Lord is an honourable man in the sight of God. He has no reason to be ashamed of his sufferings because as a Christian, his life is marked by devotion to Christ and His righteousness. He is not persecuted for the evil he has committed, but for the devotion to Christ that he exhibits.

Why is it that a Christian who suffers should not be ashamed? Because his suffering proves that he is a lover of Christ, His truth and His righteousness. Because his suffering is not meted out for a crime that he has committed, but for doing Christ’s will. Because his suffering is inflicted on him not for a mean and damnable thing he has done, but for the noble and blessed cause of exalting Christ, his Saviour.

Ironically, a genuine Christian often suffers for his actions in spite of the purest motives that proceed from his love for the blessed Master. Nevertheless in his suffering, he shall be the brightest of examples that others can imitate. So, the suffering Christian is exhorted to glorify God – “but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Even under suffering circumstances, a Christian’s duty is to glorify God (cf. John 21:18-19). He must rejoice and worship God, like Paul and Silas who sang and praised God in the Philippian jail (cf. Acts 16:22-25; 1 Peter 4:13). When the suffering Christian boldly clings onto his faith in his Saviour and testifies of Him to those who ask about his faith, he glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). He who remains faithful to God even in the midst of suffering truly glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 4:14).

READ:

James 1:14

¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

EXHORTATION:

So often we point at the devil, the world, unbelieving friends, disobedient Christians, etc. as the source of our temptations. Though these are common sources of evil temptations, the above Scripture points out that there is a more subtle and dangerous fountainhead. It lies within every one; it is identified as “his own lust”.

The word “lust” (epithumía) indicates “strong desire” or “longing” in a bad sense. It depicts man’s inordinate and impure desire or appetite. The King James Bible has translated it also as “concupiscence.” It is often used with words that connote materialism and sensuality. The New Testament speaks of “lust” as “evil concupiscence” (Colossians 3:5), “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22), “foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9), “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22), “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12), “fleshly lusts” (1 Peter 2:11), “ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18), etc. Hence, “lust” represents the corrupt inclinations of the human heart.

“Lust” is not a dormant, harmless curiosity or idea of the heart. Quite the reverse – it is a very powerful feeling that can numb one’s moral and spiritual senses, drawing one to corrupt and damaging activities. James reveals to us lust’s powerful ploy with the two verbs he used in the above verse. The first verb translated “drawn away” (exélkō) conveys the idea of being “dragged out” or “forcibly hauled or compelled”. The second verb translated “enticed” (deleázō) comes from a root word (délear) that means “bait”; it signifies being beguiled and lured into a trap or snare. Powerful enticements and deceptions are at play when lust is at work in our hearts. Our thinking and feelings will be so desensitised that we can be wheedled into destructive conduct. Like the bait on the fisherman’s hook that entices the fish, lust also would entice a man into sin’s temptations. And once hooked, like the fish, he would be dragged away!

There is a great need for us to realise that our own lust is a great danger to us. We must recognise and act against our own lust, lest it drags us into shameful and hurtful mischief of sin. Our temptations are often self-inflicted perils. So, let us be vigilant against ourselves. Peter gravely cautions: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

READ:

James 1:13b

^13b For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.

EXHORTATION:

Though our trials are permitted by God, He is not the author of the temptation of sin that may come simultaneously with those trials. No temptation of sin is designed or discharged by God. As James says, “for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”.

God will never cajole and coax us to sin. God will never influence us to sin by infusing evil thoughts, inclinations, or desires. Nothing God does is evil; His ways with His people will never lead them to sin. The tempter is the devil (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:3, 13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). God is holy, and He leads only into the paths of righteousness. As David unhesitatingly confessed, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Let none think that God, through the trials, lays upon one an unavoidable compulsion to sin. The trials that God permits in one’s life are never to compel one to sin, but to sanctify and strengthen that one. All that God does is good and perfect (cf. James 1:16, 17). Therefore, do not yield to the temptations of sin, saying, “God has tempted me!” It is very impious of anyone to make such a dreadful assertion.

God’s design in all our sufferings is to purge us from all impurities. He rebukes and chastises us so that we may produce the fruit of righteousness. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). The apostle Peter tells us that the ultimate design of our trials is to lead us to God’s glory – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). God influences us only unto righteousness while Satan, the world and our own lust tempt us with sin unto unrighteousness.

The Lord never tempts us with sin. On the contrary, He is ever ready to protect and deliver us from sin’s temptation. So the Lord taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). God will aid every one of His children who yearns to be delivered from evil temptations. Did not Jesus say, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Matthew 6:13; cf. Mark 14:38)?

READ:

James 1:13a

^13a Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God.

EXHORTATION:

It is important that we take note of James’ caution: “Let no man say … I am tempted of God”. Some believers tend to misinterpret God-sent trials as God tempting them with opportunities to sin. Such a notion is far from the truth. So, James gives a stern warning to those who may try to pin the blame on God and hold God responsible for their temptation to sin. James is very concerned about such an idea of God and desires that his readers will reject the suggestion that God has a hand in inducing people to sin.

One’s thoughts about God affect one’s decisions and responses to life’s experiences. If one presumes that the temptations of sin that he experiences are from God, he will then have an ill-conceived excuse for the sins he would commit. As James noted, he would then say impious and despicable things, such as “God tempted me with sins.”

To say that “I am tempted of God” is, first of all, to make a false claim about God. It is a heresy to say that God tempts us with sin. Any thought or statement that depicts God as the author of sin is contrary to the unmistakable teaching of the Holy Scriptures that all of God’s works are holy. In Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses avows that God “is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Psalm 145:17 declares that “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Likewise, Psalm 92:15 affirms that “the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (cf. 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalms 111:3; 119:137; Zephaniah 3:5; Revelation 4:8).

Secondly, such a statement deceives the heart to consider sin as an unavoidable matter that God has laid on him. Such a belief stands contrary to all the counsels and admonitions of God in His Word. God commands us to depart and be separate from everything unholy. For instance, 2 Corinthians 6:17 admonishes us, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” The LORD God would have nothing to do with those who follow the way of sin. He calls all His people to “come out” away from all sorts of unclean and false people and their ways.

How scandalous and diabolical it is then to say, “I am tempted of God”!

READ:

James 1:12a

^12a Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.

EXHORTATION:

There is a widespread misconception that a person blessed by the Lord with happiness and peace shall not have any temptation or trial in life. Many modern-day false teachers claim that genuine faith would guarantee a life that is free from sickness, financial trouble and all other kinds of distress. However, the Word of God here teaches us that the blessedness of a man of faith is not in the absence of temptation and trial in his life, but in his endurance in the midst of them.

A believer should not frown on the divine providence that permits trying circumstances in his life. Instead, he must persevere happily even when his faith and commitment to God is tested, knowing that God’s providence is giving him an opportunity to prove the genuineness of his faith. This is why James beckoned believers in an earlier verse, saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).

A person who is undergoing trials may not feel “blessed” or happy at all. The difficulties would affect him emotionally, causing him to feel frustrated, fearful or forlorn. Nonetheless, if he steadfastly believes in the promises and presence of God while remaining committed to doing His will, he will experience the great spiritual joy of an overcomer.

Every Christian needs to know that all sorts of circumstances will test his faith and devotion to Christ. So he is required to be ready to endure temptation that will inevitably come his way. In order to endure testing, one must cultivate a spirit of total dependence on and total obedience to God. Temptations and trials can conspire to make one falter in one’s faithfulness to Christ. It is only with a spirit of unflinching devoutness and undaunted fortitude that one prevails over one’s temptations and trials.

Let us take note that the blessed man is not the one who just suffers, but the one who endures his suffering and testing. He “shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12b). The word “crown” conveys the idea of reward, and the word “life” indicates that the reward is life evermore. Jesus also said to the suffering Christians, “… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

READ:

Psalm 32:2

² Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

EXHORTATION:

What an astounding truth it is to a sinner that when the LORD forgives him, He will not impute unto him his iniquity! Certainly, it is joyous news to every contrite sinner that his sins will not be held against him by the LORD. What a blessing it is that the LORD will not remember the sins of the repenting sinner! That man will never again be charged in the divine court for his sins.

When a sinner fearfully approaches God, being fully conscious of his sins and guilt, the LORD mercifully assures him that he will henceforth be treated as if he has no guile whatsoever. God had blotted out the record of the indictment of your sins. The apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:13-14, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.

Dear reader, like David, you may be praying to the LORD, “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities” (Psalm 51:9). His answer to you is that He will not impute your sins against you.

You may wonder why God would forgive you of all your sins. In His Word, He tells all repenting sinners, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Hear what God is actually saying – “I am not forgiving you for your own sake, but for My own sake.” The forgiveness He gives you is not a reward for your goodness. You are not worthy to merit His forgiveness. But He assures you of His forgiveness for the glory of His mercy and compassion towards you.

You may still retort, “But, Lord, I have been an ungrateful person. I know that Thou has been patient with me and has not dealt with me in Thy wrath. Yet, all the while I have not humbled myself and repented. Would Thou still forgive me?” The LORD still tells you, “I will forgive you for My name’s sake.” We can truly trust in His promise of forgiveness, and return to Him to serve Him. It is His joy that we rejoice in the blessing of His forgiveness.

Sermon Text: Judges 8:22–32
Speaker: Pr Ho Kee How
Date: 12th January 2025

According to the Scriptures, the church is vital in training men for ministry. Below are some key aspects of the church’s role in preparing men for ministry.

Spiritual moulding of men for ministry is one of the essential functions of the local church. This process encompasses discipleship and character formation. Through the faithful preaching of the Word, fervent prayer gatherings, and the fellowship of the saints, the church serves as a divine instrument for shaping and nourishing believers’ lives, especially those whom God calls to the ministry (Ephesians 4:11–13; cf. 1 Timothy 4:6-13; 1 Tim 5:22). Men for the ministry ought to be spiritually shaped within the church, with the help of Biblical teaching and example of godly leaders. Regular evaluations and spiritual “check-ins” ensure accountability and a strong foundation for a faithful ministry.

Recognising and developing spiritual gifts suitable for ministry are done within the context of the church. The Holy Spirit works through the church so that the spiritual gifts of His chosen men for ministry are identified, cultivated, and deployed for the glory of God, and the building up of the body of Christ (Acts 13:2; cf. 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6). Pastors and elders should assess spiritual gifts, character, and a genuine desire to serve.

Biblical instruction and theological training have been through the sound teaching of godly men within the church, helping prospective ministers understand Scripture deeply and apply it effectively in their lives (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2; 3:14–17). Sunday schools, Bible studies, and dedicated ministry training programmes of the church can serve as platforms to equip men for the ministry.

Practical ministry experience should be intentionally provided by experienced pastors and preachers of the church through one-on-one discipleship and pastoral care. It enables aspiring ministers to model themselves after godly examples, equipping themselves to effectively apply sound doctrine to the lives of God’s people, thereby fostering spiritual growth. The mentoring process allows young leaders to learn through example, receiving correction and encouragement. Furthermore, churches should provide opportunities for hands-on ministry, such as preaching, teaching, evangelism, pastoral care, and administration. Real-life involvement helps refine skills and build godly courage under the guidance of seasoned leaders (Luke 10:1–11; 2 Timothy 1:7-14).

Ordaining and sending out of men who are called to the ministry are done by the godly pastors of the church. They lay hands on those called, prepared and equipped to be ordained to the ministry, commissioning them with prayer and affirmation, as seen in the early church (Acts 6:6; 13:3). Prayer and encouragement strengthen men for the challenges of the ministry (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The church’s support must continue even after sending, through ongoing relationships and resources. By faithfully carrying out these roles, the church ensures that men entering the ministry are well-prepared to lead, serve, and shepherd God’s people according to His will. 

Testimonies of Pastoral Biblical Studies (PBS)

Pastor Michael Zhu

I am deeply grateful to the Lord for the precious opportunity to study and be equipped further in my pastoral ministry. The recent course on Eschatology has profoundly enriched my understanding of Biblical truths on this subject, and brought significant blessings to my personal spiritual growth, family life, and church ministry.

Through the study of Eschatology, I gained a deeper appreciation of God’s sovereignty over history and His ultimate plan of redemption. This unwavering hope in God’s promises has strengthened my patience and confidence in shepherding the flock, especially during challenging times. It has equipped me to guide the congregation to fix their eyes on God’s eternal kingdom and live faithfully in the light of Christ’s return. The course also helped me teach the congregation how to embody an eschatological faith—serving diligently in the present while eagerly anticipating the glory of Christ’s second coming.

In my family life, the hope of eternity has encouraged me to cherish relationships more deeply. It has inspired me to nurture my children with a focus on eternal values, and to pray and serve together with my spouse in unity. Within the church, this course has motivated me to prioritise the spiritual growth of my brethren, helping them face today’s challenges with their hearts anchored in the unshakable hope of God’s kingdom.

I sincerely thank Rev. Koshy for his dedication and the immense wisdom he imparted to us through this course. May the Lord continue to bless this programme, using it to strengthen more servants of God and bless His church for His glory. Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Donald Dela Cruz

If one reads the newspaper, he will be aware of the events of the world; but if one reads the Bible, he will understand why those events are happening. The world’s current events make sense after learning about end-time events. Biblical prophecy asserts that plagues and wars will intensify as the second coming of the Lord Jesus draws nearer. Thus, COVID-19 and the wars around the world happening today are confirmations of God’s infallible Word. Even God’s beloved Israel is in the midst of war and conflict, as declared in His Word.

In the church setting, I praise the Lord for giving me a clearer understanding of the end times. This more precise understanding will translate into profound teachings / doctrines which the congregation will receive from teachers, who have been PBS students. After all, God’s teaching must reach His people with all purity. I am praying that I can clearly impart and explain the lessons that I have learned to the brethren.

Personally, I see God’s sovereignty and faithfulness amid these events. It is true that the world will not get better; nevertheless, it brings comfort to me because all events have been ordained by God even before they happen. This simply means that my Heavenly Father is in full control. Praise the Lord that He is in control to preserve and protect His people for Himself. 

Praise the Lord for sustaining GBI Online, and giving Pastor Koshy the strength to take up the tedious task of teaching theology to all of us every Monday morning. 

Pastor Jied

I would like to express my appreciation for Pastor Koshy’s service in the Lord’s vineyard, especially regarding the Pastoral Biblical Studies that we had with him. It has been a very encouraging and blessed time to learn from God’s Word. I appreciated the divine promise of things to come and how we, as a church, should be prepared and long to meet the Lord. The lessons we learned help us to serve the Lord more fervently, knowing that our labour will not be in vain in Him. Praying for the ministry and all the brethren – to Christ be the glory. Amen.

Pr Seraph McGregor

In His providence, the Lord brought me to Gethsemane Bible Institute in Vizag in 2021. I consider it a great blessing to be part of a ministry such as this, which strives to be faithful to the Word of God in every way. One of the areas in which this can be seen is in the fact that pastors, preachers and missionaries alike, who already are Bible college graduates, continue learning God’s Word with an objective to sharpen and deepen their understanding of Scripture in order to preach it effectively and with clarity for the benefit of the church. Therefore, I am very grateful to God for the Pastoral Biblical Studies (PBS) classes.

Over the past three and a half years, I have studied three topics in the PBS classes: Doctrine of Revelation and Scriptures, Covenant Theology, and Eschatology. The first course was helpful because it brought to my remembrance the very important doctrines of the inspiration, infallibility, inerrancy and preservation of Holy Scripture. It is inspired or God-breathed, and therefore, it is trustworthy and life-giving.

Studying Covenant Theology was another interesting part of PBS. It helped me not only better understand the covenants by studying each one in detail, but also to study and understand them from a premillennial standpoint, which I had not studied before.

The current topic which we are studying in the PBS class is Eschatology. The study of this topic has particularly helped me as I have gained a better and clearer understanding of Premillennial Eschatology, and I have come to respect this position. It also helped me better understand passages in the Book of Revelation and elsewhere in the prophets with a more literal approach to interpreting the text. This will also help me share what I have learnt with others more clearly. Furthermore, I initially leaned more towards the amillennial view of Eschatology, but that is now changing, and PBS classes have contributed to it. I sincerely seek to explore and learn more about this subject before arriving at a particular conclusion that is aligned to being taught and informed by the Word of God. May the Lord help me and guide me.

READ:

Psalm 32:1

¹ Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

EXHORTATION:

Only God can forgive sin. “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses” (Daniel 9:9). In Isaiah 43:25, the Lord declares, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Psalm 130:4 says, “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

The reason why only God can forgive sins is that all our sins ultimately defy God’s holiness and truth. Our sins violate His holy commandments. So, every sin offends God! David said in Psalm 51:4, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight”. The words of the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable best convey this fact – “Father, I have sinned against heaven (God), and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son” (Luke 15:21). Our greatest crime when we sin is that our sin offends the holiness and truth of God.

Also, our sins, which violate God’s holiness and truth, provoke God. He is angry with every sinner. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” Isaiah said to Israel which had sinned, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward” (Isaiah 1:4).

Thus, to be forgiven by God is a very great blessing that calls for much rejoicing. To be forgiven is to live without the terror of God’s fierce wrath bearing down on our sins. It is to live in peace with God and to have a heart full of peace ensuing from God’s favour and forgiveness.

David was a man rescued from God’s wrath against his sin, and his heart was full of relief, quiet joy and thanksgiving. Every forgiven sinner, being rescued from God’s wrath that would have fiercely raged against him, would certainly exclaim, “Oh, how fortunate I am to have this great escape! How thankful I am that my sins are forgiven and my soul delivered from utter condemnation!” It is such a feeling that finds expression in Psalm 32. He is glad that as a pardoned man, his transgressions are now “forgiven” (nasa’), i.e. all lifted and carried away, and “covered” (kasah), i.e. concealed. All his sins were blotted out, never again to be called into account! The sinner, being forgiven, is now accounted like one who has never sinned. Oh, how blessed it is to be a forgiven sinner!