Sermon Text: Psalm 130
Speaker: Reverend Sujith Samuel
Date: 9th July 2023
Sermon Text: Psalm 130
Speaker: Reverend Sujith Samuel
Date: 9th July 2023
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
The whole of Psalm 10 is an appeal to the LORD to intervene and deliver His afflicted people from their enemy, who is characterised as a proud boaster who persecuted the poor, showed no fear of God and lived an openly defiant and fraudulent life. The psalmist calls on the LORD to punish the wicked in verses 12-15, praises the LORD’s greatness in verse 16, and closes the psalm in verses 17-18 by expressing his confidence in the LORD’s willingness to rescue the helpless.
The verse for our meditation today expresses the grateful recollection of the LORD’s sovereignty by the poor man in his persecution and affliction. His declaration that the LORD is King for ever and ever, is a token of his confidence and joy. He remembers who the LORD is and rises up from his sufferings to engage in holy rejoicing and thanksgiving.
When the wicked men of the earth afflict the godly, let it not be thought that the LORD has ceased to reign. It is absurd to reason that the LORD and His greatness are confined by time and space. Indeed, the Lord is King for ever. He has, and ever will have, the supreme power.
The psalmist was terribly unsettled and despondent in his heart by the ungodly, merciless conduct of the enemy. However, he taught his heart to think of the greatness and everlasting majesty of God. Likewise, we also should instruct our hearts to believe and affirm the eternal greatness of our God in the midst of our affliction. Let us not think for a moment that the LORD would aid and establish those who live wickedly. Such men may seem to flourish, but the Lord will see to it that they meet their destruction. The LORD’s kingdom shall never be thwarted. His authority shall be vindicated, His absolute rule over all men shall be made manifest in His chosen time. He shall overcome all His foes.
Today we do experience all kinds of torments by people who live in their sin and unbelief. Even in the church, we often see carnal men upsetting the peace and unity of the church. The apostle Paul has warned in Acts 20:29 that “grievous wolves (will) enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Their perverse ways often afflict the hearts of those who seek to live godly and faithful lives. Yet as the apostle Peter declares, such will be damned and shall “bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).
11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
These are the words of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he arrived in the camp of the Israelites. Jethro was the priest of Midian, a heathen nation. However, he must have surely heard in the past from Moses about the LORD God of Israel. Now, having listened to the news of the LORD’s great deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, Jethro had come to see for himself what the LORD had done for Moses and His people, Israel. Upon his arrival, Moses greeted him and invited him into his tent and “told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them” (Exodus 18:8).
Then Jethro “rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 18:9). Jethro also blessed the LORD for delivering Moses and Israel from the hand of the mighty Egyptians (Exodus 18:10). He then confessed, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods”.
Jethro, like most of the heathen, could have believed in many gods; in fact, he had hitherto regarded the God of the Israelites as merely one among many equals. He now rejects that “creed” and unequivocally declares his newfound faith in the LORD God of Israel who is above all other gods. Having heard Moses rehearse at length all the great things that the LORD had done in delivering and bringing Israel out of Egypt till “the mount of God”, which is Mount Horeb (cf. Exodus 18:5), Jethro was moved to renounce his heathenism, and proclaim the LORD as greater, higher and stronger than all other gods.
In declaring the matchless superiority of the LORD God, Jethro also said, “for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.” In other words, though the Egyptians dealt with Moses and Israel scornfully and tyrannically, the LORD showed Himself to be above them and their magicians, above their chariots and horses, above their mighty army, above their king and above their god. The LORD dealt with the proud Egyptians and drowned them in the sea. The proud dealings of the Egyptians were easily defeated by the LORD. He emphatically put them to shame as He triumphed over their arrogant deeds against His people.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The Christian’s freedom from condemnation is declared here – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1a).
The phrase, “There is therefore”, refers us back to the previous chapter, where the Christian’s spiritual struggles against the flesh are discussed. However, it ended with a great shout of victory and joy – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:25).
After reminding us of our spiritual conflicts, the apostle Paul declares: “now no condemnation”. In this great statement, Paul seeks to eradicate whatever doubt a Christian may have concerning salvation, which has started the reality of the spiritual battle within every Christian. What does our present struggle with the flesh and its lust prove? Does it mean that we are not saved yet? Are we still under the bondage of sin and the curse of the law? Amidst our present struggle against the temptations of the flesh, it is unequivocally declared unto us for our comfort and strengthening – “There is therefore now no condemnation”!
The word “no”, though it appears as the fifth word in our translation, is the first in the Greek text. Paul placed it at the front in order to emphasise in the strongest possible way that there is no condemnation. Moreover, Paul used a stronger word of negation than is typically employed in the Greek language. So one might translate: “No condemnation – none whatsoever”. The word “condemnation” (katakrima) indicates a “damnatory sentence”. There is no sentencing or punishment for those who have believed on Christ. The just penalty incurred by our sins has been paid for by the death of Christ.
The freedom from the condemnation of sins belongs “to them which are in Christ Jesus”. All those who are joined to Christ by faith are declared to be absolutely free from God’s judgment. Every Christian is “in Christ Jesus” spiritually. Those who are in Christ Jesus are also described as those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He who has first of all been freely justified, is to thereafter walk after the Spirit to be a sanctified vessel. Justification leads to sanctification – and not to further moral and spiritual degeneration or corruption (cf. v. 4).
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
This is a very necessary fatherly advice to all young people against the lure of sinners. With tenderness and gravity of heart, the young person is addressed: “My son”. It is vital that parents and those who minister to young people maintain an affectionate and yet vigilant spirit, to offer them timely advice that would guard them against the lure of sinners.
There is always something alluring about the ways of sinners. They who walk in sin also seek to entice others into their path. They aggressively promote their evil ways among young people, not even sparing those who are being brought up in godly homes. Sin is unduly glamorised and blatantly propagandised in the societies in which we live.
We cannot trust the world to bring up our children in godly ways. Whether it be in schools or universities, sports or arts centers, there are sinners constantly seeking to coax our children into wickedness. The word “sinners” emphasises their commitment to practise and promote sin. They are habitual sinners who have no qualms about pursuing a life of sin. They are not only persistent in their sins, they also constantly persuade others to follow their ways. So we must, with all seriousness, lovingly admonish children about the dangers of the allurement of sin and sinners.
The word “entice” implies a deceptive attempt to capture another’s imagination that involves portraying their ways as profitable and pleasurable. They masterfully conceal the perilous nature of their sin; they misguide their “prey” into thinking there is no evil or danger in what they do. They bait their hook and “package” their sinful ways as “great fun”, “entertainment”, “freedom”, etc. They promise to show their victim what real life is all about. They deceive the young ones with their flashy appeal.
Let us also note that sin’s greatest influence comes through “sinners”. It will often be a collective effort by sinners to entice a naive person into sin. They will work together to cajole their victim into wicked ways. The word “consent” denotes the beginning of a positive reaction to an appeal made. So, the admonition is that one should not even bother to consider the invitation of the sinners. A willingness to consider their alluring words will inevitably lead to a disastrous end. Thus, the young person must be convinced that he should totally ignore the counsel of the “sinners”.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
This is a divine declaration about those whom God will cast into the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment. This is certain to happen. Let not the strident voices of the unbelieving ones – that God will not cast anyone into eternal hell – ever cause us to doubt the certainty of His judgment, which is mentioned so clearly here. God will execute the judgment of the unrepentant and the unredeemed, just as He has said here.
We are told that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The word “whosoever” means all persons, irrespective of their ranks, worldly achievements, age or social status. It is an all-encompassing word. The only group of people who will be delivered from the lake of fire will be those whose names are “found written in the book of life”. Kings, princes, statesmen, judges, philosophers, religious men, rich men, poor men, the young, the aged, and all whose names are not found written in the book of life, will be doomed to the lake of fire for eternal punishment!
In the New Testament, “the book of life” is the sacred register of all those who are saved (cf. Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 22:19). This book belongs to Christ, the Lamb who was slain for the redemption of the people whose names are written in the book from the foundation of the world (cf. Revelation 13:8; 17:8). At the last judgment, everyone not listed in the book of life is consigned to the fiery lake (Revelation 20:12, 15).
How can you know whether your names are written in the book of life? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be an overcomer of sins and trials by His grace, you can be assured that your name is in the book of life. In Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” He will never blot out the names of those who have trusted Him for the forgiveness of their sins. The comfort of the believers is that their names are recorded in the book of life and that they shall remain secure in the possession of the Lamb who was slain for them.
But all those who are not found in the Book of Life will be doomed to an eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
This is a description of what follows the great white throne judgment. All the wicked dead shall be brought to life again and be judged according to their works by the Lord who sits upon the Throne. According to the previous verse, Revelation 20:13, “the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” The mention of “the sea” giving up its dead makes it clear that regardless of how far a body has disintegrated, it will nevertheless be resurrected for this judgment. The physical bodies of the unsaved will be joined with their souls; then they will be cast into “the lake of fire”!>
The phrase “lake of fire” occurs only in Revelation, and that for a total of five times (19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). In our text, the casting of the wicked dead into the lake of fire is referred to as “the second death”. It does not denote, as some say, annihilation or complete destruction of a person. According to their teaching, the soul and body of the wicked will be completely destroyed such that they will not suffer the eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. That teaching of annihilation is unscriptural.
The lake of fire is the place where the wicked will suffer eternally the torments of hell. It is the place in which the wicked spend eternity in torment. John the Baptizer referred to hell as “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). Jesus referred to hell as “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8), and “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46). He also described hell as “the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43b-44; cf. 9:46, 48).
This is the place where Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will also be cast into forever. Revelation 20:10 says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The epistle of Jude also testifies to the eternality of the hellfire, which is reserved for the wicked. Hell’s torment is referred to by Jude as “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).
Those who repent from their sin and trust in Christ do not have to fear the eternal hell. In Revelation 20:6, it is said concerning the believers that “on such the second death hath no power”.
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
The chief purpose for which God’s people should live is God’s glory. It is also the chief rule by which they decide what they should do. They should do only that which will honour God.
To act for the glory of God is to act so that His glory is acknowledged, admired and accomplished. Whatever is done to advance the glory of God is right; and whatever is done without the purpose of His glory is wrong.
The rule that we must glorify God extends to everything in our lives, not just in the activities of the church. Not only on the Lord’s Day, but every day we ought to exalt His name. Even as we eat and drink daily, we must glorify God. In other words, the honour of God must be our constant passion in life.
In order to glorify God in all aspects of our life, we must be preoccupied with His glory. We must be wholly dedicated to His glory at all times. A fascination with His glory is paramount in every Christian’s life. Hence, we are commanded, “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
If we should seek to honour God in so small matters as eating and drinking, how it ought to be our singular motive behind all our actions, endevaours and relationship. Whatsoever we do must tend to His glory.
It must also be noted that when we are asked to do all things for God’s glory, we are not asked to help to add to His glory. Nothing we do add to His glory. He is “the King of glory” (Ps. 24:7-10). “His glory is great” (Ps. 21:5). “The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens” (Ps. 113:4). “Great is the glory of the LORD” (Ps. 138:5). Our duty is simply to yield ourselves to be vessels of His glory.
We must declare and live for His glory. Like David, who avowed himself to the praise of His glory, let us also joyfully say, “I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Ps. 145:5).
Let us also live to exalt His glory. Nothing in our conduct should obstruct God’s glory from being reflected in us. In everything we do and say, no matter how insignificant, the world should be able to see that we are God’s people committed to His glory.
Sermon Text: Psalm 46
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd July 2023
(If you are asked to explain the Gospel briefly, do you know what to say? Learn from the article below, and be ready to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who ask of you).
The Gospel points sinners to the God-sent Saviour, Jesus Christ. His name, “Jesus”, denotes that “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). During His public ministry, Jesus declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Gospel is the message of God’s kingdom. It is conveyed with the great authority of God, the Almighty King. It is the message of His love and grace for the salvation of sinners. To neglect the Gospel message is to defy the only living and true God, and His gracious message of salvation.
In Luke 13, Jesus warned twice, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Some may even question whether such a statement should be considered “Gospel” (or “Good News”). However, when we consider it as a warning from our gracious Saviour, we will know it is good news. Jesus asserted to all His hearers, “repent ye” (Mark 1:15b). Likewise, the apostles declared, “now (God) commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30b).
Repentance involves: (i) one’s acknowledgment that he is a sinner; (ii) one’s confession of his sins; (iii) one’s admission of his guilt that he deserves God’s just wrath of eternal damnation in hell; and (iv) one’s pleading for God’s mercy and gracious provision of His forgiveness. Repentance is not a mere feeling of remorse about our sins, but a turning away from our sins to Christ.
True salvation occurs when we, in desperation, turn from sin to Christ with a willingness to have Him save and lead our lives. On our own, we are rendered helpless and doomed by our sins. So, when we are convicted of our sins and damnation, and are called by the Gospel, we must quickly repent and turn to Christ for salvation.
Jesus not only said, “repent ye”, but also to “believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15c). The Gospel is all about Jesus Christ and what He has done for our salvation on the cross of Calvary. The Gospel is depicted 11 times in the New Testament as “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16; 15:19, 29; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 9:13; 2 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 3:2).
Let us take note of the apostle Paul’s presentation of the Gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”.
The Bible commands and promises: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31); and “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Only Jesus Christ did act to deliver us from our sins and judgment. As Paul testified in Ephesians 5:2, “… Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Therefore, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Scripture says Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Our Lord Jesus, who died and rose again to redeem us, liberates us from the power of sin, world and Satan, that we may serve Him in righteousness. Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
As we follow Christ daily in confident trust, He will guide us away from our sins by His Word to do all His good pleasure (“good works” – Tit.2:14). Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He also promised, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).
All who are truly saved will turn from sin to Christ, so He may take control of their lives. They do not trust in themselves. They will not follow their own thoughts and ambitions, which are fleshly and worldly. Instead, they give themselves to know and do what the Lord has willed concerning them. They will yield their lives to Christ to worship and serve Him. Instead of sin, Christ’s good pleasure will characterise all saved lives.