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READ:

Matthew 6:33

³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

EXHORTATION:

Instead of being preoccupied with material provision for our daily lives, we are exhorted here by the Lord Jesus Christ to make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our primary object of attention. We must be deliberate to give preference to spiritual matters over worldly matters. Nothing should be allowed to take precedence over our commitment to seek the spiritual and moral excellence in our lives. Moreover, we must exert great care and diligence to live a consecrated life to God. It must be our chief business on earth. Our hearts, minds and bodies must be wholly dedicated to fulfilling our spiritual duties, both in public and in private.

There are those who seek to be religious for the sake of material gain. They appear to be very prayerful and devout. But let us not forget that the first things in their lives are not what they appear to do, but the motive of their hearts. When piety is expressed for temporal advantage, it is not the kingdom of God that is first sought after, but the material gain. Therefore they seek first the temporal advantages.

Let not our hearts be deceived into making spiritual matters subservient to earthly matters. Let us not seek God and His kingdom so as to become wealthier and healthier. In fact, we must let all our pursuits in life be subservient to our desire for God, His kingdom and His righteousness. Whatever be our engagements in life, we must remember that we have a higher goal. And in whatever relationship we have with men, we should never forget that we have a greater commitment to God.

We are specifically instructed by our Lord to seek first “the kingdom of God”. What is the kingdom of God? It is to have Him reign over our hearts. His will must be our highest concern. Our prayer always ought to be: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). It is also to serve Him in His kingdom. The Lord exercises His authority and will today through His church. So, we must serve the Lord in His church to exalt His greatness. We must give ourselves to the extension of His kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel. We must also live in obedience to His Word to promote His righteousness. Let us also look forward to His coming as King of kings. If these are our chief concerns of life, the Lord promises to take care of all our needs.

READ:

Matthew 6:31

³¹ Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

EXHORTATION:

Often we are very concerned about what we shall eat, drink or clothe ourselves with. Such concerns about our mundane provisions have seldom been thought of as an evil matter. But our Lord Jesus reproves us for being anxious about the provision of even basic necessities. If the Lord prohibits anxiety about gaining such essential things for our life, how much more condemnable would be our craving for luxuries of life. Uneasiness and displeasure created by an inordinate desire for material extravagance would surely be severely condemned by our Lord.

God’s children should live in quiet dependence and confidence in Him. This quiet dependence on God translates into our happiness, usefulness, strength and security. There are great spiritual advantages in not being fretful over our daily provisions but trusting God for them. When we depend on Him for our daily supplies, we will find ourselves strengthened and growing in faith. We will also experience greater confidence and courage to attempt great things which God would have us to undertake.

There is no advantage in excessive carefulness. Worrying not only destroys our happiness, but also proves us to be without faith and confidence in the goodness of our Lord. It will also lead us to many evils, such as bitterness, murmuring, covetousness, jealousy, envy and theft. Anxiety does us harm. It can numb our minds from conducting ourselves wisely, and push us into hurtful imaginations, speech and behaviour.

Christians ought to rely on God’s Fatherly care. They must exercise confidence in God and expect that He will bestow upon them whatever is necessary for them. If they do not constantly teach their hearts to look to God for help and provisions, they will fall into despair and gloom.

Brethren, believe in God’s promises and dispel your anxiety. If you truly believe in the goodness and faithfulness of God, you will not be tormented by unnecessary anxiety. It is incongruent to say that you believe in God and His promises, and yet worry whether He would grant you what He promises. The Lord forbids all His people from being anxious. Instead, He wants you to trust Him to protect you and provide for you. Remind yourself of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and stay happy in Him. Why worry when you can trust and pray to an ever-benevolent God?

READ:

Psalms 34:4

² I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

EXHORTATION:

The title of Psalm 34 indicates that it is “A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.” That particular incident is described in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Being pursued by a very jealous and angry King Saul, David knew his life was in danger and ran away to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. (By the way, Achish is referred to as Abimelech in this psalm’s title as Philistine kings were commonly known by that designation.) Despite trying to conceal his identity, David was soon recognised by Abimelech and his people, who said, “did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?” (1 Samuel 21:11). David was apprehensive that he might be betrayed and be delivered up by Abimelech to Saul, so he resorted to pretending to be mad, supposing that this would win pity and protection from Abimelech. However, Abimelech was unwilling to provide asylum to a madman; David soon left him, and sought refuge in the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 21:15; 22:1). In this psalm, David expresses thanksgiving and praise to God for being his help and deliverer. So he said, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

This fact tells us that David depended wholly on the LORD in his trouble. His heart was obviously ill at ease in those days, constantly devising ways of escape from his trouble. But he had not forgotten to seek the LORD, whom he trusted. Though his strategies were imperfect, he looked to the LORD in his difficulty. He earnestly and diligently sought the LORD in quiet, private prayers for divine protection and strengthening. Half the trouble is gone when God’s servant seeks Him in his troubles. In prayer, he can look to God for guidance, and submit his every thought and device to find the resolve to wade through all the overwhelming problems.

David here testifies that “he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” His prayers had helped to silence his fears, enabling him to leave his case with the LORD and wait for His deliverance with great composure. David was a great man of endurance and fortitude because he was a man of prayer. Prayer helps us to calm our frightened, anxious souls. The more we dwell on our troubles, the more fearful we become. But if we turn to and commune with God in our prayers, He blesses with His presence and we shall find freedom from the grip of fear. The presence of God is the best remedy to our disquietude and fear.

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.