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READ:

Hebrews 13:8

⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

EXHORTATION:

Nothing is permanent in this world. Even good and faithful church leaders will one day be gone. This could have been implied in the last phrase of the preceding verse, when the writer mentioned “the end of their conversation” (v. 7). In this fast-changing world, nothing seems dependable and permanent. Leaders come, and leaders go. One Leader, however, is unchangeable – Jesus Christ.

First, note that the writer uses both names, “Jesus” and “Christ”. The name “Jesus” embraces the work of God’s Son on earth as our Saviour. He has come to save His people from their sins. The name “Christ” is the official title that expresses the divinity of the Son. The double name occurs only three times in Hebrews (10:10; 13:8, 21).

Not only Christ’s divinity, but also His changelessness, is emphasised here – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” In the beginning of this epistle, the author has already explained this truth of Christ. “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (1:8-12).

Christ is essentially divine. There might have been changes of position and circumstances in our Lord’s life on earth, but He is God for ever! Of His divine attributes, He is unchanging. He is perfect and blessed in His righteousness and faithfulness, love and mercy, goodness and forbearance, etc. In His Word, Christ is unchanging. His words are true for ever. Of His offices, He is also unchangeable.

On the contrary, we are ever changing in many respects. Our outward appearances, our health, our economic condition, our abilities – all these change. But He is sublimely unchangeable, eternally and infinitely perfect. Through the changing scenes of our lives, He remains unchanged as our compassionate and loving divine Saviour.

READ:

Titus 2:7

⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

EXHORTATION:

In this chapter of his epistle to Titus, Paul gives Titus various instructions on what should be inculcated in the lives of believers of different age groups. He was to instruct the aged men to be sober, grave and temperate (v. 2); the aged women to be holy and be teachers of good things to younger women (vv. 3-4); the younger women to be homemakers who love their husbands and children according to God’s Word (vv. 4-5); and the younger men to be sober-minded (v. 6).

Having propounded the spiritual principles for Christian men and women of all ages to abide by, the apostle added a precept unto Titus himself. Because the instruction for Titus follows immediately the precept for young men, it is generally thought that Titus was a young man (as Timothy also was), serving the Lord in the pastoral ministry of the church. Every teacher of God’s Word to young men must pay heed not only to instruct them on their spiritual duties, but also to show by example how they ought to live out their spiritual obligations. Every teacher of God’s Word, whether to the adults, youths or children, must be a role model with regard to good works. This has been the chief difference between godly teachers and false teachers. Paul had earlier told Titus about false teachers who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (1:16).

Titus was further instructed to show “uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” in doctrine. In other words, he had to show “uncorruptness” (i.e. integrity), “gravity” (i.e. seriousness), and “sincerity” (i.e. purity) in the content and style of his teaching. Paul’s combined use of these terms in this phrase suggests that every teacher of God’s Word must faithfully and reverentially instruct the hearers on its doctrines. There must be a devout, solemn commitment to teach God’s Word truthfully, dutifully and submissively. Teachers of God’s Word must not only avoid distortions of its truth, but also eschew an irreverent attitude and conduct. Teachers of the Word must impart it in the right spirit. It is vital that sound doctrine is delivered with sanctified minds and irreproachable speech and conduct. Unwholesome and uncouth words, mannerisms and behaviour do not suit the preachers of God’s Word.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:16a

^16a Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them.

EXHORTATION:

Another of Paul’s admonition to Timothy, a young Christian leader and a pastor, was: “Take heed unto thyself”. It will be disastrous to have a man who tells people what to do but who never does the same on his own. Scripture must be carefully studied and applied in the pastor’s life before it is preached to others. A pastor should have this basic integrity to pay close attention to his life according to what he learns and preaches. Any man who falls short of this aspect is a hypocrite. The biblical integrity of a pastor requires both biblical knowledge and biblical character. The focal point of every pastoral ministry is biblical living and godliness.

This exhortation entails every Christian leader to be stringent in his self-examination to correct his shortcomings and make improvements in himself. There must be a passion for self-improvement. This counsel must be applied in matters of personal piety, manners, habits, appearance, speech, interactions with others, his skills, etc. Every Christian leader should be careful to avoid uncouth manners and offensive speech and behaviour. The influence of the Gospel that he preaches should be apparent in all aspects of his life. The Gospel refines those who have received it; it makes them refined in their appearance, habits and conduct. No boorish manner or habit that gives offence to others should be found in Christian leaders.

He also needs to take heed unto “the doctrine” that he preaches. He must pay attention to his teaching to ensure that it is thoroughly Scriptural. He should hold and teach only the truths of God’s Word. He must, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” In 2 Timothy 3:13-14, Paul further cautioned, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”

We are also exhorted to “continue in them”. A Christian leader must be a man who would persevere in purity of life and doctrine. He cannot be a quitter. He should overcome temptations, endure all kinds of trials, opposition and persecution, and remain faithful to God and His Word, yea, even unto death.

Our sovereign God calls individuals to church offices so that they may lead, guide, and build up the church according to His divine will. Scripture clearly affirms this divine appointment and the establishment of godly leaders to serve His purposes within the body of Christ.

• Acts 20:28 – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
• 1 Cor 12:28 – “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…” 
• Eph 4:11-12 - “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.

We thank God for providing Gethsemane with faithful and capable men to lead and nourish the church according to His Word over the years. Let us also praise the Lord for the ongoing work of His Spirit among us, preparing those He has chosen for leadership in the coming three years. It is crucial that we, as a congregation, pray for those standing for election to the Board of Elders. Your support and prayers are integral to the election process. 

Below is a summary of the candidates’ prior service in our church. While not exhaustive, many of you are well-acquainted with their dedicated service to the Lord as committed members and seasoned leaders over the years. Let us continue to commit them and their families to the Lord, praying that they remain humble and diligent in their lives and ministries, and be effective instruments in His hands. Our prayers can support them in being faithful and zealous in fulfilling His purposes.

Rev. Dr Prabhudas Koshy

Since 1990, Pastor Koshy has been preaching God’s Word in Gethsemane, and was ordained as the Pastor of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church in 1994. Since 1999, he has been leading the Church Session as its Chairman. 

His primary areas of ministry include preaching and teaching God’s Word during Sunday worship services, Tuesday prayer meetings, and various fellowship gatherings, seminars, retreats, and camps of Gethsemane B-P Church. He regularly offers pastoral counselling to members and worshippers, and leads the Pastoral Visitation Ministry. Additionally, he provides pastoral supervision and leadership for the Bible Witness Media Ministry, serving as the editor of the Bible Witness Magazine, and overseeing The Gethsemane Care Ministry and all church fellowship groups. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Gethsemane Bible Witness Limited (GBWL).

He also actively trains men for ministry through the Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) and Gethsemane Bible Institutes in the Philippines, Ethiopia, and India. He conducts lectures on Theology, Book Studies of the Bible, and other topics for GBI Online. Pastor Koshy also holds a special course in Pastoral Biblical Studies for those in preaching and pastoral roles. He maintains correspondence with our missionaries, and visits our church’s mission stations from time to time.

He is married to Carolyn, who serves the Lord by assisting him in church ministries and providing her services in various ministries like GLF, Bible Witness Web Radio, GCM, etc. 

They have three married children: their eldest son, Pr Cornelius, serves as a preacher of the Word in our church, leading youth and choir ministries. Bro. Andronicus works as a media personnel with the Bible Witness Media Ministry (BWMM). Sis. Dorcas is married to Pastor Sujith Samuel, and they serve in Vizag, India. Pastor Koshy is also blessed with four grandchildren: Theophilus, Ahava (children of Cornelius and Abigail), Olivet (child of Andronicus and Esther), and Jedidiah (child of Sujith and Dorcas).

Elder Mah Chin Kwang

Since Gethsemane BPC’s inception in 1988, Elder Mah has been serving in the leadership of Gethsemane as an elder. He served as the Chairman of the Church Interim Committee till 1994, and of the Church Session (1995-1999).

He has laboured in various leadership roles at Gethsemane, such as Clerk-of-Session, Leader of Gethsemane Encouragers’ Ministry, Finance Committee Member, Building Committee Member, etc.

He teaches God’s Word in Catechism Class, Seniors’ Ministry, and The Gethsemane Care Ministry. He takes leadership in organising the Newcomers’ gatherings from time to time. Elder Mah has led several mission trips to places like Kuching, Pangasinan, Cebu, and India. He also serves as worship chairman on Sundays, and renders his advice and help in many areas of church administration. He has also been serving in GBWL’s Board of Directors as its Secretary. 

He is married to Lean Choo. She has been serving the Lord in GLF’s committee for many years, and participates in many of our fellowships and ministries with Elder Mah. They have two children, Melissa and Matthew. Melissa serves the Lord in BWMM, and Matthew serves in the GCM committee and other areas of the church ministries. Matthew is married to Fidelia, and they have two children, Ethan and Kate. 

Elder Ng Poh Kok

In 2008, Elder Ng and his family joined Gethsemane B-P Church. Prior to that, he served as a deacon in Sharon BPC (1978-2002) and as an elder (2002-2008). He also served in Sharon BPC as a Sunday School teacher and as its Superintendent.

Elder Ng was elected as an elder of our church in 2013. In the Session, he has served as the Treasurer. He has also served on the committees of Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship and Gethsemane Men’s Fellowship. He co-labours with Pastor in the leadership of the Pastoral Visitation Ministry, and actively participates in the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry. 

He also serves as worship chairman on Sundays, and renders his advice and help in many areas of church administration. He is a member of GBWL’s Board of Directors. 

His wife, Sis Dorothy, and their two daughters, Sarah and Sharon, are also members of Gethsemane BPC. Sarah is married to Samuel Yong, and they both actively serve the Lord in our church. Sharon, who was married to our late missionary Dominino dela Cruz Jr, serves the Lord in our midst, together with her son Nehemiah.

Elder Francis Lee Kek Gee

Elder Francis and his family joined Gethsemane as members in 2008. Before that, he was a member of Life B-P Church (since 1988), and True Life B-P Church (2003-2007). Upon joining Gethsemane, he rendered his services in various church ministries.

He became a deacon in Gethsemane in 2011 and diligently served in the Session till 2021. He has faithfully served in the Session as the Clerk-of-Session and also as the Treasurer. He has been a member of the church’s Finance Committee.

He has served as the Camp Master in annual church camps, and is currently leading the committees of Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship and Gethsemane Men’s Fellowship as their Advisor. He also leads the Gethsemane Defenders’ Ministry. He has also served along with Elder Mah in several past mission trips to our mission fields.

He sought theological learning through FEBC and graduated with a Certificate of Religious Knowledge in 2008 and a Certificate of Biblical Studies in 2010. Elder Francis has co-laboured with Elder Alan Choy to teach in our church’s Catechism Classes for the applicants for church membership. 

He served as a Project Owner on the Gethsemane Media Centre’s building renovation committee, and is now a member of GBWL’s Board of Directors.

His wife, Stephanie, and their four children, Sarah, Michelle, Samuel and Moses, worship and serve the Lord in Gethsemane BPC, and actively participate in various fellowship groups and ministries. Sis Sarah is married to Jordy Kay, who serves on the GCM Committee. God has blessed Elder Francis with two grandchildren, Elias and Ansel. 

Elder Low Boon Siang

Elder Low Boon Siang was saved and baptised in Gethsemane in the year 2001. As he grew spiritually, he served the Lord in various fellowships and ministries of the church: Youth Fellowship; Ushers’ Ministry; Young Adults’ Fellowship Committee; Audio-Visual Ministry; Men’s Fellowship Committee, and Church Camp Committees. He served the Lord in the Fundamental Christian Ministry of NTU and NIE (2006-2008), and the B-P Combined Youth Conference Committee (2007-2008).

Upon his election as a deacon in 2015, he was appointed to be a member of the Finance Committee. He helped to organise the 5th Missionary Conference held in Kuching, Sarawak. In the Church Session, from 2017-2019, he served as the Treasurer, and from 2019 to 2021, he served as the Clerk-of-Session. 

 As an elder, he actively led as an Advisor to the Young Adults’ Fellowship and Ushers’ Ministry. Since 2021, he has served as BOE’s Secretary and as a member of GBWL’s Board of Directors.

Through part-time studies, he has pursued theological training at Far Eastern Bible College and obtained the Certificate of Biblical Studies (CertBS). He teaches God’s Word to our children in Junior Worship and GCM, and regularly contributes to BWTV’s programmes for children.

 His wife, Hui Lin, and their three children, Christopher, Caleb and Claire, are active members of Gethsemane BPC, and they participate and serve in many fellowship groups and ministries.

Dn Lim Ah Sang

He was saved in the year 2000 through a tragic event, when his son of 8 years old, Vance, suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and was hospitalised in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. He was led to the Foochow Methodist Church (FMC) by the 88-year-old Mdm Lim (mother of a good friend of his wife, Chow Lin), who was instrumental in his salvation. She ministered to Dn Ah Sang’s family while Vance remained critically ill. He was baptised on June 11, 2000. 

In 2005, a former drug addict and FMC’s pastor together invited him to share his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ in prison. By God’s grace, he has since served faithfully in the Prison Ministry. 

Dn Ah Sang and his family became members of Calvary Pandan BPC on July 4, 2010. He served two terms as a deacon from 2013 to 2019, during which he oversaw the Visitation Ministry and actively served in the Ushers’ Ministry.

Since January 2010, he has pursued part-time theological studies at FEBC, where he has accumulated 84 credits and graduated with both a Certificate of Religious Knowledge and a Certificate of Biblical Studies. Additionally, he regularly attends GBI courses to deepen his theological understanding. 

His family was led to join Gethsemane BPC on November 25, 2020. In Gethsemane, he regularly and actively participated in various fellowship groups and prayer meetings. He was appointed a deacon in Gethsemane BPC for 2021-2024. As a deacon, he served on the Pastoral Visitation team and was tasked with leading the Missionary Conference (June 2024). He also co-labours with our preachers and brethren in the Prison Ministry every Tuesday afternoon.

His wife, Sis Chow Lin, regularly participates in GLF and GAF. His son, Vance, also eagerly joins the prayer meetings, GAF and GMF with his parents, despite his severe health complications. As a family, they support the nomination of Dn Ah Sang as an elder of Gethsemane BP Church.

In preparation for his candidacy as an elder, the Board of Elders (BOE) conducted a comprehensive written examination and interview with him, covering all essential doctrines and practical matters. The pastor and elders have also provided him with guidance on effective service as an elder at Gethsemane. Having found him eligible according to Scriptural guidelines, the BOE has approved Dn Lim Ah Sang’s nomination as a first-time candidate for eldership at Gethsemane BPC. 

Sermon Text: Psalm 93:1–5
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 3rd November 2024

READ:

1 Timothy 4:13

¹³ Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

EXHORTATION:

This is the apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy concerning how he should fulfil his pastoral duty, as the apostle would be away from the church at Ephesus for a while. This exhortation defines the main tasks of anyone who enters the pastoral ministry of the church. The Greek verb translated as “give attendance” is a present active imperative; hence it issues to all the ministers a continuing command. The duties delineated in this exhortation ought to become every pastor’s way of life.

In Greek, the word for “give attendance” (proséch?) is often used as a nautical term to refer to controlling a ship to sail towards a definite direction. Paul’s emphasis here is that Timothy should see to it that his ministry in the church is heading towards the fulfilment of the tasks mentioned hereafter. Every pastor must prepare himself to effectively carry out the Scriptural duties outlined here.

The first duty of a pastor that is mentioned here is “reading”. It could mean either private or public reading of the Scriptures. The private reading of the Scriptures is of great necessity in preparing oneself for the next two duties of “exhortation” and “doctrine”. This duty is necessary for one to be thoroughly furnished for the work of a pastor to which one is called. Scripture is the fount of all wisdom and spiritual knowledge that a pastor ought to have in carrying out his pastoral duties. Though Timothy had known the Scriptures from a child and had been trained up in them, he still needed to give diligent attention to the reading of them. The continual careful reading of the Scriptures is of utmost importance to a pastor’s faithful and effective ministering of God’s Word in the church. He must also ensure that the Scriptures are read in the public gathering of the church, for everyone’s edification.

The pastor’s next two duties of “exhortation” and “doctrine” (or teaching) refer to the public expounding of Scripture to the advantage of believers. “Exhortation” (parákl?sis) is the act of encouraging, comforting and also admonishing from the Word of God. “Doctrine” denotes the teaching and instructing of the church from God’s Word. His duty is thus to disseminate and explain the Scriptures to edify the believers, defend the truth against all opponents, and refute errors and heresies contrary to them. To these duties, every minister of the Word should give his unreserved attention.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:12b

^12b But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

EXHORTATION:

Though Timothy was a young man, he had been given a very responsible task of being a minister of God’s Word. His close association with the apostle Paul and the other early church leaders as a devout disciple, had equipped him for the solemn tasks required of a minister of God’s Word in Ephesus. His appointment was not haphazardly carried out. Even after his appointment, the apostle Paul paid attention to encourage him to rise above his fears and struggles to be an excellent minister of Jesus Christ.

Timothy was here challenged to be an “example” to God’s people. Paul used the Greek word tupos, which means “model” or “pattern”. Artists often use a model so that its features may be reproduced in his work. A tailor will usually lay a pattern on top of the material and cut the material to match the pattern. Likewise, a Christian leader ought to be an example for the people of God to follow. His life should demonstrate how one should live a life that pleases the Lord.

Paul then exhorted Timothy to be exemplary in six areas of spiritual life which are pertinent to Christian leadership. Firstly, “in word”. A Christian leader’s speech must be exemplary. His words and attitude in speech must be worthy of emulation. Secondly, “in conversation”. A Christian leader’s conduct must be exemplary; it must be built upon biblical principles. He must be a model of biblical living. There must be a sincere concern for personal and pervasive holiness in all aspects of the leader’s life. Thirdly, “in love”. A Christian leader ought to love others. It does not mean he must tolerate everything without discernment. Love is best expressed through serving others according to God’s truth and holiness. Fourthly, “in spirit”. A Christian leader must exhibit the control, leading and filling of the Holy Spirit. Every servant of God must seek “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). Fifthly, “in faith”. The Greek word used here can also mean “faithfulness”. His faith in the perfection, authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures is inviolable. His message and life must show his absolute confidence and loyalty to God’s Word. Sixthly, “in purity”. The Greek word used here (hagneía) refers not only to sexual chastity, but also the intents of heart. When one’s heart is pure, one’s behaviour will also be pure. A Christian leader should never adopt a lifestyle that his people should not practise.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:12a

^12a Let no man despise thy youth.

EXHORTATION:

From these words of Paul, it is clear that Timothy was then a young man, though no reference to his exact age is found. He was ministering God’s Word to the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). It was an enormous task to be a pastor, particularly to a large and vibrant church like that in Ephesus. It must have been a tall order for the young Timothy. It is apparent from Paul’s words in this epistle that he was ploughing his way through the difficulties he faced in the ministry.

Some people in the church must have been hard to deal with. They might not have accepted him as a leader and teacher due to his youthfulness. So Paul advised Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth”. Paul wanted him to give no occasion for anyone to accuse him as a frivolous, facetious young man. He ought to act in such a way that men will respect him in all aspects as a minister of the Word. His habits, his mannerisms, his practices and his demeanour should be above reproach. No occasion should be given for anyone to despise him, or to perceive him as an indiscreet, unwise, unsuitable person for the ministry of the Word.

A man in the ministry must see to it that he conducts himself in a manner worthy of the office to which he has been called. The respect that he receives is closely attached to his conduct and abilities. Such respect is not attained by “acting big” or bragging about one’s credentials, but by humility, prayerfulness, faithfulness, friendliness, industriousness, cheerful countenance, practical wisdom, etc.

Paul’s counsel to Timothy was meant to mould him to be a “good minister” (1 Timothy 4:6). His corrections and instructions were for his betterment. In fact, Paul had a high regard for Timothy. In his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul commended Timothy as “our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Every Christian young man who desires to progress in his Christian life and service must be open to godly counsel from mature Christian men around him. It is a great blessing to have a godly man with biblical knowledge and plenty of experience in the Lord’s work to provide necessary correction and counsel. Young men who are submissive and willing to be corrected and instructed, will make excellent progress in both life and ministry.

READ:

1 Timothy 4:7

⁷ But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

EXHORTATION:

It was with profound concern for Timothy’s pastoral ministry that the apostle Paul had written this epistle. Instructions concerning a faithful and fervent pastoral ministry abound in this epistle. Timothy had just been instructed in the previous verse that “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” In other words, it is the declaring of God’s truth and being nourished in His Word, which make one a good minister.

But there will always be challenges to one’s commitment to the truth that must be decisively dealt with. So Paul admonished, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables”. “Fables” are myths or folk tales that are not founded on facts; “old wives’ fables” denote legends and folk tales, such as those found abundantly in heathen religions. There were also many Jewish fables which were contrary to the Word of God. Paul calls them “profane”, for they are blasphemous or impious in their character. They are devoid of truth and godliness. In 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul warned, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” To Titus, he wrote, “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:14).

Paul’s counsel to Timothy was to “refuse” them all. Christians must not entertain any unbiblical, superstitious stories. They have nothing to do with such baseless stories. Giving heed to such vain stories will have severe consequences. In 2 Timothy 2:16, Paul warned, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” Paul further warned that in the last days, many “shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Not only should one refuse such unprofitable, unfounded stories and claims that are being circulated, one must also “exercise thyself rather unto godliness”. Instead of wasting our time and efforts in conversations and friendships that corrupt us, we ought rather to pay attention to that which tends to piety and holiness. Let us seriously consider our progress in true godliness and give ourselves only to that which advances our piety.

 

READ:

James 1:8

⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

EXHORTATION:

The Greek words used by James for “double minded man” can be literally translated as a man of double souls. To pursue Christ and the world is to pursue both good and evil, which divides and defiles all the good in oneself. A believer ought to be single-minded in his allegiance to God. He cannot be divided in his loyalty to God. If a man who claims to be a believer is always in two minds, he will prove himself to be hypocritical.

The church in Corinth had many who lived a “double life”, which was sharply rebuked by the apostle Paul. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Sadly, many attempt to live a double-minded life in these days. They try in vain to blend contradictory pursuits of carnality and godliness, faith and doubt, the flesh and the Spirit, self and God, the wisdom from above and the wisdom from the earth. Double-mindedness will severely mar one’s life. One’s life will be smeared with stains of divided loyalties. If a man would ask God in prayer for a favour but would not submit to His Word, let him not think that God would accept his prayer. He who prays without surrendering to God’s will is disingenuous.

The apostle James says that such a life “is unstable in all his ways”. Unstableness of the double-minded man is not merely in regard to prayer, but in respect to “all his ways”! His character, conduct, friendship and all other pursuits of life will show his instability in faith and devotion. Although such a person claims to trust in God, all his ways will show otherwise.

Many such may profess to be Christians and claim to seek God in prayer, but their fickleness and instability will consume their lives in all respects. If a true Christian has been living without wholehearted devotion to God, he must repent of the folly of his double-mindedness and return to God at once! Why should such a person expect anything from God through prayer? Let every Christian yield to God with genuine, undivided faith so that God’s wisdom, favour and assurance may always attend his ways.