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READ:

Colossians 3:17

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

EXHORTATION:

This is an immensely concise divine precept that applies to every word and action of a Christian. It is a succinct, yet comprehensive rule for a victorious Christian life. In any circumstance of life, it will serve as a golden rule for a God-honouring life. All of life’s scope is addressed with the words “whatever you do” and “in word or deed.”

Though the principle specifically mentions every word and deed, it also concerns our thought and motive. It presents to us the purest motive for every word and action – “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. If this motive would govern every speech and action, our life will be holy and acceptable to God. Only when we do all things in our Lord Jesus Christ’s name can we dispel selfishness and ungodliness from our conversations and activities.

The “name of the Lord Jesus” provides us with the blessed assurance that all matters of our relationship with God (i.e. worship and prayer) and all matters of our daily activities, are acceptable and pleasing to God. Living our lives in Christ’s name will grant us the confidence that the Lord is pleased with us, and that our ways will redound to His glory.

Let us also take note that “the name of the Lord Jesus” concerns His authority, His character, His truth, His will, His purposes, His pleasure and His glory. So living in accord with His name means to live in harmony with His revealed will, in subjection to His authority, and in dependence on His power. In other words, we are most concerned about His repute and glory. We will thus do nothing apart from His approval and blessing.

We are also exhorted here to say and do all things, “giving thanks to God and the Father by him”. In all our conversations and activities, let us thankfully remember that it is His grace that helps us to live and progress in life. A thankful spirit will enable us to be happy in all our enterprises, brave in all difficult circumstances and patient in adversities. Thanksgiving must pervade all realms of our lives. Let us also take note that it is by Jesus Christ that we are expected to render our gratitude to God. He is the channel by which all God’s goodness is poured upon us. Our thanksgiving will not be genuine and acceptable to the Father if we exclude Christ, who is His only begotten Son whom He has given unto us.

READ:

Colossians 3:16c

^16c Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

EXHORTATION:

The singing of Christians ought to rise from their hearts unto the Lord. It cannot be heartless singing. Our sacred songs ought to be the vocal expressions of our inner devotion to the Lord. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, once said, “I will praise thee with my whole heart” (Psalm 138:1). Heartfelt singing must characterise all our singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

We sing not to show off our voices, singing techniques or abilities. We sing to communicate. Earlier in this verse, we were taught that our psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are for teaching and admonishing one another. So when we sing, our voices must express our heartfelt messages to one another. We sing not to entertain, but to edify one another. We also sing to express our heartfelt gratitude and worship to God.

When we sing, it is necessary to pay attention to the melody of the song and our rendition of it. However, our singing will be in vain if we do not sing it from our hearts with genuine feelings and understanding. The point that must not be ignored is this: our songs must be sung in a thankful spirit. The songs must be poured forth sincerely, rising from the humble and grateful hearts of believers. Let our singing be a very effective vehicle for the outpouring of our confession of sins, gratitude, faith, consecration, and joy before the Lord.

Hearty Christian singing can only be possible when our understanding is filled with the working of God’s grace in our lives. An understanding of God’s grace reminds singers that their salvation and all other blessings are not of themselves but from the gracious God who bestowed them freely. There is no room for self-praise, ambition, or high-mindedness when we sing with an awareness of His grace. Only when we sing with full understanding of the grace that is bestowed upon us can we genuinely sing praises to God.

Whether we sing with the congregation in the regular worship service on the Lord’s Day, in a mid-week meeting, in a fellowship gathering, in family worship, or privately, let us sing from our hearts to promote the glory of our gracious God. When we are totally dedicated to grow and serve in the beauty of His grace, our hearts shall render their songs to His glory. Let us sing “for the praise of the glory of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

READ:

Colossians 3:16b

^16b Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

EXHORTATION:

The songs that Christians sing must have marked difference from that of the world. Our music cannot be like the music of the world. While we sing unto the glory of God, the world sings to the pleasure of man. Most of the world’s music reflects the worldly thinking, passions and pursuits. The character of Christians’ songs and music must reflect the spiritual purposes for which the Lord has ordained singing in the church. Our songs should not be chosen for their entertainment value. We ought to sing not for sensory pleasure, but for mutual edification and for the glory of God.

Teaching and admonishing are two purposes of our songs and our singing. We ought to sing songs that provide Scriptural instructions for our souls. Our singing must be calculated to help us to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. Though not everyone is called to the office of a pastor-teacher or preacher in the church, everyone is nevertheless exhorted to teach himself and one another through the singing of songs. How important it is then that we do not choose our songs merely for their pleasant tunes, but more importantly, for their sound biblical content! Through our singing, may the Word of Christ dwell in us richly with all wisdom.

Another purpose of our singing ought to be “admonishing”. This implies that we sing songs that will minister to each other’s moral and spiritual welfare. Our songs must be those that will urge and strengthen our resolve to live holy lives. So, it goes without saying that we must avoid songs that have a propensity for spiritual and moral corruption, or are of no particular spiritual and moral value.

Paul exhorts us to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”. “Psalms” refer to the book of Psalms and other psalms in the Old Testament. “Hymns” refer to songs or odes in honour of our God. Through hymns, we praise God for His greatness, His wonderful attributes, His truths, His mighty acts, etc. “Spiritual songs” refer to songs relating to spiritual things as opposed to carnal and worldly things. In spiritual songs, there will be testimonies of God’s goodness, prayers, spiritual encouragement, corrections, instructions, etc. May our songs and music always be sacred unto God’s glory and conducive to our growth in knowledge and holiness.

READ:

Colossians 3:16a

^16a Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.

EXHORTATION:

What is “the word of Christ”? It refers to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Christ is their Author and their subject matter. The Scriptures testify of Him. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

So, when we listen to the words of the Bible, we are listening to Christ Himself. It should surprise no one that Christ has such titles as “the Word” (John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1-2; 5:7; Revelation 19:13), “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Colossians 2:3), and “the truth” (John 14:6). He was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14); in fact, “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17)!

We honour Christ by honouring the Scriptures which testify of Him and His will. So Paul exhorts us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you”. His Word must not be like a guest, a visitor, an acquaintance or a stranger with whom we cherish no special, devout and abiding relationship. His Word must not be like a friend whom we seldom meet up with, but rather, His Word should be as a resident member of our family with whom we are in constant and loving communication.

Let the Word of God dwell in you. To be sure, it is not enough for God’s Word to be on your study-tables, in your bags, in your hands or in your digital communication devices. Rather, you must yield yourselves as sacred “dwellings” to be occupied by His Word. It should be allowed to control and direct your lives at all times.

We are exhorted not only to let the Word of Christ dwell in us, but also to let it dwell richly in all wisdom. It must be allowed to teach, rebuke, correct, instruct, comfort and guide us, so much so that all its wisdom may be seen pre-eminently in all aspects of our lives.

Simply put, no other “occupant” is allowed to remain in us unless it is in full agreement with this chief dweller. Any other human thought, idea, ambition or craving that is contrary to the Word of Christ must be expelled at once. All our thoughts are to be vetted and approved by its wisdom. All our ambitions must be made hallowed by its wisdom. The wisdom of Christ’s Word must guide us all day long, and all the days of our earthly life. Christ’s Word must fully occupy us always. Let its glorious wisdom illumine us within, so that its splendour might shine through us.

READ:

Psalm 19:13a

^13a Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.

EXHORTATION:

This was a prayer that David, the king of Israel, made to God. In this prayer, he presented himself to God as “thy servant”. Though David was a mighty king on earth, he was never ashamed to think of himself as God’s servant. He acknowledged, at the height of his reign, that it was God who had placed him on the throne in order to do His will. So he humbly confessed before the Lord, “I am thy servant.”

In this real spirit of a true servant of God, the king sought God’s help to enable him to remain faithful and holy unto Him. Being God’s servant, he knew how culpable he would be if he were to sin against his God. So he detested displeasing God by trespassing His laws. His earnest desire and prayer in life was that he would not commit sin against his God.

In the preceding verse, he prayed, “… cleanse thou me from secret faults” (v. 12b). The “secret faults” refer to sins he had not yet recognised, and which remained hidden to him and others. Some sinful passions, thoughts and actions can be so ingrained in one’s way of life that one may fail to identify them as sins, which may furthermore remain hidden to all. Every servant of God, like David, would not like to see such secret sins remain in him, but that he would be purged of them all.

Then David also wanted God’s help to deal with what he called “presumptuous sins”. The word “presumptuous” translates a Hebrew word (zed) that literally means boiling, swelling or inflated. This Hebrew word has often been translated in the Bible as “pride”. So David was particularly referring to sins which proceed from self-confidence, selfreliance and self-exaltation. Such sins would inevitably lead to contempt of God’s majesty and glory. Rebellion and defiance of God’s holy will, instead of submission to service, would eventually characterise the one who commits presumptuous sins.

Unless God restrains us, our hearts will violently boil with a proud and insolent contempt of God. That is why David prayed that God would keep him back from presumptuous sins and not let them have dominion over His servant. Only divine power can restrain such loathsome sins from overpowering us. So, let us earnestly pray that God would prevent sin from dominating and ruining our lives of service unto Him.

READ:

Psalm 119:11

¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

EXHORTATION:

This confession of David to the LORD reveals to us that he was very conscious of the possibility of being overpowered by temptation of sin. Temptation of sin is a terrible evil that lurks around every man to seek to destroy his testimony, peace and spiritual well-being. There is also a propensity in man to fall into this evil. So David sought for an effective precaution against sin. It was a very wise act by David to safeguard himself against sin. What a good desire it was to fight off sin! Sin will weaken and degrade every man. Sin will ruin his nature and destroy his happiness. We are all in danger of falling into it, especially if left to ourselves, and to our own ideas, inclinations and desires. We need to be ever on our guard. We must always be vigilant and pray for the Lord’s help to safeguard ourselves against sin’s assault.

David had found for himself an excellent precaution against sin in the Word of God. By its very nature, the Word of God is a counter-remedy against sin. Because it is God’s revelation of His truth and wisdom, it promotes holiness and prevents sin. It is the source of everything good and holy, which equips us to stand against sin.

Like David, we must hide God’s Word in our hearts. Having a copy of the Bible or occasionally listening to its preaching is not enough. We must lay it upon our hearts. It must be allowed to cast its light upon our desires, passions, motives and ambitions. If we give it the most prominent place in our hearts, it will teach us what is holy and acceptable to God, and thus will fortify our resolve against every sin.

God’s Word hidden in our hearts will alert us to sins’ stealthy invasions. If we know God’s Word well, we will be able to recognise those things that God abhors and detests. It will not only reveal what God’s will concerning us is, but will also expose the presence of sin. In fact, it will warn us before sin starts its assault. It will sound the alarm before sin intrudes into our life – so we will have enough time to resist and thwart its attack. It will also teach us how to avoid sin and escape before it strikes. It will point us to the “secret” door of escape through which we may flee and be safe. God’s Word will also strengthen our resolve in times of sin’s threats. So, let us hide God’s Word in our hearts like a sword in its sheath, ready to be drawn out at a moment’s notice to fight off sin’s attacks!

Sermon Text: Psalm 108:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th May 2025

(Edited excerpts from the message preached during last Tuesday night’s Prayer Meeting)

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). 

Although not structured as a formal prayer, Galatians 6:14 conveys the apostle Paul’s deep godly aspiration and resolve out of a heart wholly submitted to God for the exaltation of Christ alone. Paul’s words in this verse contain several traits of genuine prayer: (i) they exhibit a worshipful resolve, (ii) they express the spirit of devotion, even a cry of deep allegiance to the cross of Christ and a forsaking of worldly and self glory, and (iii) they exemplify a heart dedicated singularly to the holy aspiration of magnifying Christ above all else.

A Prayer of Surrendered Boasting

“But God forbid that I should glory...”

Paul’s language (“God forbid”) is strong. “God forbid” translates a Greek phrase of strong rejection – “May it never be!” He was expressing a strong prayerful wish that it would never be found in him to boast in anything that exalts self. He desired to be stripped of every inclination to seek honour from his righteousness, success, or possessions. He wanted any desire or expectation of human praise out of his mind. His prayerful ambition was that he would be delivered from self-exaltation and spiritual pride. 

In the context of this verse, Paul exposed the motives of the Judaizers, teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the ceremonial laws to be fully accepted by God. Paul argued that they did so to avoid persecution and to boast in the outward conformity of their converts. Their focus was on external religion, not inner transformation. The false teachers boasted in the flesh – in outward marks of religiosity, such as circumcision.

We must be aware of our potential to succumb to subtle arrogance that can cause us to boast in our religious rites, roles, titles, performance, etc. So, like the apostle Paul, we must seek God’s help to cast down every trophy of flesh. A believer’s prayer must echo this rejection: a heart emptied of self, so it may be filled with Christ. 

“O Lord, forbid that I should glory in anything of myself, my intellect, my beauty, my success, or my religious heritage. Let all boasting be silent before the weight of Thy glory.”

A Prayer Anchored in the Cross

“... save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ …”

Paul’s prayer was that his soul would glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ alone – not just the wooden beam on which He was hung, but all that it means: the perfect atoning sacrifice Christ made for the forgiveness and justification of sinful, guilty, and condemned humanity. The cross was the symbol of God’s merciful provision for the removal of His wrath against us, that we may be eternally reconciled to God and be heirs of all His promised blessings, including heaven. The cross is not merely the entry point of salvation; it is the daily triumph and glory of the believer in all that God has provided for us through Christ (cf. Romans 8:32). 

This prayer acknowledges the centrality of the cross as the believer’s sole claim before God. Paul utterly rejected any grounds for boasting in himself, his achievements, or religious observances (like circumcision, which he has discussed earlier in the Book of Galatians). The cross is the heart of a Christian’s theology, ethics, worship, ministry and life. The desire and prayer of a Christian’s life and ministry ought to be enjoying and fulfilling the purposes for which Christ died on the cross.

So let us pray, “Lord, teach me to live under the shadow of the cross. In all duties and experiences of my life as a Christian, may I humbly live for the cross of Christ, and not for the honour of self and the world. May the cross be my identity, my song, my hope, and my anchor.”

A Prayer to be Separated from the World

 “... by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” 

To say that “the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”, is to declare that the world’s allure is dead and powerless to oneself. The world, in its rebellion against God, promotes self-exaltation and glory, so the believer ought to see through its dreadful spiritual state, and pray to God for maintaining a separation from it.  

Paul sees not only the world as dead to him, but also himself as dead to it. This is a two-way crucifixion! Like Paul, every Christian should consider the world to be crucified through Christ. The believer, living by Christ, has a new identity in the world. He is no longer a worldly citizen, but a citizen of heaven on earth. His loyalty is no longer to this world, but to Christ. He lives not for earthly gain, but for divine purposes in Christ. Because of our admiration for Christ, the world should grow dim in our minds. Its pleasures should lose their sweetness, its ambitions their shine, and its applause its value. 

Let us pray, “Lord, make me dead to the systems and values of this fallen world. Help me to detach myself from its pride, its lusts, its carnal passions. Guard me from loving what Thou hast taught us to hate in this world. May I be quick to sever the cords that tie my heart to worldly prestige, fleshly desires, and selfish ambition. Let Thy cross separate my soul from this present evil world, that I may always live for Thy glory.”

READ:

Ephesians 4:30

³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

EXHORTATION:

Christians are exhorted here not to act in a way that would cause the Holy Spirit to be sorrowful. The word “grief” denotes pain or sadness felt in the heart of someone who deeply loves another. This is a reminder that we should always seek to please the Holy Spirit, who so affectionately and assiduously works in us.

The apostle Paul has mentioned the Holy Spirit about a dozen times in his epistle to the Ephesians, in connection with what He does for Christians. The Spirit of God has been at work within us to impart spiritual life, and to sanctify, strengthen, secure us for the Lord. By the Spirit, we are sealed unto the day of redemption (1:13; 4:30). He is “the spirit of wisdom and revelation” that gives us the knowledge of the Lord (1:17; 3:5). It is by the Spirit that we have access unto the Father through Jesus Christ (2:18). Through the Spirit, believers are built “together for an habitation of God” (2:22). We are strengthened with might in the inner man by His Spirit (3:16). The Holy Spirit helps us to keep the unity of the church in the bond of peace (4:3, 4). He fills us that we may sing and give thanks unto the Lord (5:18ff). He equips us with the Sword of the Spirit (6:17), and aids us in our prayers (6:18). When the Holy Spirit does all these and so much more to guide, empower and preserve us, how can we grieve Him?

Let us be cautious of our conduct lest we grieve and pain the blessed Spirit of God who dwells within us. An attitude of ingratitude and sin certainly would sadden Him. Paul had already warned in this epistle against theft, falsehood, anger, unwholesome words, etc. Our open and gross sins will grieve the Holy Spirit. Our carnal thoughts and desires will grieve Him. The Spirit of God is pure, ever working to create within us virtuous passions and goals. So, how can we expect Him to dwell in our soul if it is filled with desires and thoughts that are abominable to Him?

The words of Paul remind us of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit” (Isaiah 63:10). Let us not vex the Holy Spirit if we are genuinely thankful that He has “sealed” us for the final “day of redemption”. To seal the soul unto the day of redemption is to make our salvation sure. The only appropriate conduct in view of all that the Holy Spirit does for us is that we yield ourselves to please Him.

READ:

Ephesians 4:29b

^29b But that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

EXHORTATION:

Immediately after prohibiting corrupt communication, Paul encourages good speech. He advises Christians to see that their words are wellchosen, to the extent that they edify others. The conversation of Christians should be honourable and beneficial, so that it edifies, rather than harms or destroys others.

Speech is a special gift from God. We must use it as His Word directs us. Here we are exhorted to use it for edifying one another. The Greek word that Paul used for “edifying” (oikodómēsis) denotes the act of building a house. In Paul’s epistles, it is used to indicate spiritual nurture or advancement.

We must, through our speech, seek to build one another up. We must speak so as to do good to others. By relating our testimony of salvation and sharing the Gospel of Christ with the unsaved, we can point some souls to Christ our Saviour. Through friendly discussions, we can impart God’s truths to the young or less mature in faith, that they may grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. We can comfort those who are weary and sad with God’s promises. We can prevent some from going astray by providing timely and wise advice. We can correct and restore those who have erred in their ways by admonishing them in love.

There is a great need for us to engage in godly conversation that will bring edification to one another. Merely refraining from corrupt speech is not good enough. Great spiritual disaster will come upon our church, friends and family members, if we choose not to speak when there is a need to do so. Where there is a lack of godly conversation, the unhindered growth of spiritual maladies will take root and fester.

We must speak with wisdom and grace to impart spiritual blessings and protection to others. May our words provide spiritual benefits. As Paul said, we must strive to “minister grace unto the hearers.” Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Appropriate words spoken at the right time in the best manner are beautiful and precious, indeed. Let us remember that our words have power, either for good or evil. Let us, therefore, speak in such a way that will build up our hearers, and not tear them down.