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READ:

Philemon 1:7

⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

EXHORTATION:

These words of the apostle Paul are a testimonial to the far-reaching effects of Christian charity exhibited by Philemon, a rich Christian man who lived in Colossae. Philemon’s love for Christ was demonstrated in his expressions of love towards fellow Christians. He was joyful and ready to communicate to fellow Christians who were in need.

Paul mentioned that because of Philemon’s deeds, “the bowels of the saints are refreshed”. The word “bowels” here denotes deep-seated affections. The saints who were ministered to by Philemon were much encouraged in their hearts, for he had “refreshed” them. The Greek word for “refreshed” suggests that he made provisions for the saints’ physical and spiritual rest from toils of life and work. The kindness he had shown to Christians had done much to make them happy. It appears that he was helpful not only to Christians who lived in his place, but even to the travelling preachers and brethren who passed through his city.

Acts of kindness and love, no matter how small they may be, can have enormous impact on the lives of people. Charity shown towards one needy individual can also become a help to many others who are associated with him. The fragrance of Christian love will reach far beyond one’s area of life and ministry. Philemon little dreamed that his help and support to some suffering brethren in Colossae would find their way across the sea and would cause the apostle Paul and his fellow labourers in the Roman prison to rejoice greatly.

Like Philemon, let us delight ourselves in the duty of Christian hospitality and charity. To seek the well-being of fellow Christians around us would result in the strengthening of the Lord’s work everywhere. When we strengthen the faithful, in times of their needs and difficulties, with the good things we possess, we cheer their hearts and minds to press on in their service for the Lord. So, may we give ourselves to comfort the godly according to the ability that God has given us.

Moreover, Paul’s commendation of Philemon shows how important it is to appreciate and encourage those who attend to the needs of others. When we see God’s grace working through other Christians, let us rejoice and give thanks to God on their behalf.

READ:

1 Peter 1:15

¹⁵ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

EXHORTATION:

Christians, as children of God, ought to imitate their Father in heaven. If we are God’s children, then we ought to be like our Father. Peter’s exhortation here is: “as he… is, so be ye…” We, being His children, must exhibit His virtues. How wonderful it would be if the familiar saying, “Like father, like son” be true of every Christian!

We are to look to God as our Pattern, because we are told that “he... hath called you”. God calls His people to be holy because He is holy. The Scriptures emphatically speak about God’s holiness more than any other attribute of God. God is sinless and He cannot be influenced by sin. Being perfectly holy, He hates sin. So, we who are called must strive to be holy as He is. God calls us out of a world of sin to a life of holiness. He expects all that we do and say and think to be holy.

Peter knew the greatness of God’s call. Decades before he wrote this epistle, Peter and his brother Andrew had heard Christ’s call – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). When he responded to that call, his life was completely changed! He left his boat and net, and followed Christ. This marvellous epistle is one of countless evidence of the wonderful things God will do through those who faithfully follow His call.

The blessing that comes through God’s call can be ours only if we follow Him like Peter. That is why we are here challenged to be “holy in all manner of conversation”. In every aspect of our lives, we must follow the holiness of our God who called us. Our every behaviour (“conversation”) must reflect God’s holiness. In other words, holiness must characterise our daily conduct. All those who responded in faith to God’s call must strive to be holy like Him. Let us make holiness our trademark.

Since the word “holiness” suggests “being set apart”, we must keep ourselves from all that are inconsistent with God’s holy character so that we may become more and more like Him. There should not be anything that is ‘secular’ in our lifestyle; everything we do must be sacred. We should not participate in anything our Lord would not have participated. As a matter of spiritual guideline, it is good for us to always ask: “Is this thing agreeable to God’s holy will?” If the answer is not a clear “yes”, then do not commit yourself to it.

READ:

1 Peter 1:14

¹⁴ As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.

EXHORTATION:

Here Christians are urged to be God’s obedient children. True faith produces obedience. According to Paul’s description in Ephesians 2:2, before our conversion, we were “the children of disobedience”. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to Romans 16:26, is “made known to all nations for the obedience of faith”. Christians’ grand principle for their life on earth is: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The apostle Peter’s advice is that as obedient children of God, we should not be fashioning ourselves according to the former lusts. The Greek word, translated as “fashion” (susch?matíz?) here, appears only twice in the New Testament – here and in Romans 12:2. In Romans 12:2, the word is translated as “conform”. In both occurrences, they indicate a prohibition.

Our past conformity to lust must be broken. Our lust must not be allowed to fashion our lives. Peter calls us to be stringent and unrelenting non-conformists. Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to be unyielding to the promptings of lust and worldliness so that we may live in holiness and unto God’s glory. Pay attention to the following Scriptural admonitions, which echo Peter’s advice:

• “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12).
• “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).
• “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24).
• “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22).
• “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

The lust-filled life before conversion was evidence of our ignorance about God and His commandments. But now we who have believed in Christ to become God’s children have no excuse for living in lust, because we are no more ignorant of God’s Word. Christians are called not only to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, but also to obey it and thereby to overcome lust.

READ:

1 John 3:3

³ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

EXHORTATION:

Every genuine Christian possesses a certain hope in Christ concerning his future restoration to the image of Christ. The apostle John mentioned it in an earlier verse – “But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (v. 2). This hope of being made like unto Christ at His coming has a great influence on every Christian’s thinking and practice.

What impact does the certainty of the Christian’s future transformation to the image of Christ have on him? The apostle John says that everyone who has this hope in Christ purifies himself. Being encouraged by the promise of his complete restoration at the coming of Christ, every Christian daily seeks his purification. The possession of this hope promotes personal holiness in every Christian. Being enthused by the hope of meeting Christ and of being like Him, the cultivation of personal purity is not an unpleasant obligation, but a delightful pursuit of life.

The hope of being like the Saviour stirs the Christian’s heart to hate every besetting sin. He not only confesses his sins and seeks the forgiveness of God, but also fights off the temptations of sin. Overcoming his evil propensities and maintaining purity are his chief pursuits of life. He then makes every effort to become pure. The apostle Peter exhorted in 2 Peter 3:14, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

Purity of thought and imagination are very crucial to every Christian who lives in the hope of Christ. Purity of word and purity of conduct are also pursued with uttermost diligence. With prayer, Christians exercise themselves unto godliness. The apostle Paul says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

The standard of purity for all Christians is Jesus Christ. So they strive to be pure, “even as he is pure”. John earlier exhorted every Christian that he “ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). Christ is pure, so all His followers strive for purity as they await His sudden appearance in the clouds. Hence Hebrews 12:14 exhorts us, “Follow … holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”.

READ:

1 John 3:2b

^2b But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

EXHORTATION:

Referring to Jesus’ return, John says that “when he shall appear, we shall be like him”. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Jesus shall appear again for His people, in order to take them to Himself.

Paul described Christ’s appearing in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 thus – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

It is revealed to us that at Christ’s appearing, we shall be made like Him because we shall see Him as He is. Philippians 3:21 declares that the Lord Jesus Christ “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 also reveals how glorious we shall be at His coming – “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

According to 1 Corinthians 15:49, “As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Our body that is like unto Adam, who was made from the dust of the earth, shall be changed to bear the image of the heavenly, even Christ. Even though we die, we shall rise at His coming and put on a new celestial body. Concerning our resurrection body, Paul wrote that “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

To be like Christ in character and appearance is our grandest hope. As we live, toil and endure our trials on earth, we cherish a supreme hope that we shall be like the glorified Son of God, sharing His image and honour. We shall delight in the appearance of our glorious Saviour.

READ:

1 John 3:2a

^2a Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be.

EXHORTATION:

Christians’ present glorious right is that they are “the sons of God”. To be regarded by God as His children is an immense privilege of eternal proportions. It means that God Himself has chosen us to be in His family. The apostle John emphasises this present reality of our sonship in verse 1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God”. It is in love that God has called us His children.

In his Gospel, John has explained how we received this privilege of being God’s children. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). In other words, to all who receive the Son of God, Jesus Christ, by faith, divine authority is given to become children of God. We are able to receive Christ by faith only because God has bestowed upon us His love. As the apostle John has said, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our present reality of sonship assures us of God’s love towards us. We are loved by God today as His own children.

No matter how the world would treat us, God loves us as His dear children. No experience of hostility in this world can change the fact that we are God’s beloved children. Our being called as the children of God is a present reality. We can approach God at all times, as a child would run to his loving father. Paul says in Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Paul further tells us in Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Our present privilege of being God’s children is also a token of great and wondrous things that are yet to be our experience. John further says, “and it doth not yet appear what we shall be”. There are glorious and wondrous things that await every child of God, hence Paul’s declaration in expectancy as he faced death: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Though the exact details of our glorious experiences in heaven are still a mystery, our glorification is, however, guaranteed (Romans 8:30; Colossians 3:4).

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:89–96
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th November 2025

READ:

3 John 1:4

⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

EXHORTATION:

The overriding sentiment with which the apostle John wrote this epistle is joy. From the outset of this epistle to Gaius, John was not hesitant to convey to Gaius his joy concerning him. He wrote in verses 1-3, “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” The apostle’s joy was immense, for he said, “I rejoiced greatly”.

The apostle John’s joy reminds us of a father’s joy mentioned in Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.” Proverbs 10:1 also mentions that “a wise son maketh a glad father”. Such familial joy should also exist in the church, which is the “household of faith” (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19), where pastors and elders function like “fathers” to the congregation. In Hebrews 13:17, members of the church are told how they can bring joy to their spiritual fathers who care for their souls. It says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

It was Gaius’ obedience to the truth of God that caused the apostle John to greatly rejoice. Gaius had been careful to “walk in the truth”. To “walk in the truth” means that one has the truth constantly in one’s mind to influence one’s life, so as to always act according to its counsels. Besides embracing the Scriptural teachings mentally, one ought to live by them.

The word “walk” also denotes progress or advancement; hence “walking in truth” also means that one is progressing or growing spiritually according to the Scriptural truths. The desire of every faithful pastor is that the church members advance in their knowledge, sanctification and fruitfulness. He prayerfully wishes for every member of the church to be like Gaius, whose life had been a cause of the joy of leaders and Christians who had come to know him. Testimonies of his commitment and obedience to the truth had been heard in far places. Christians who are committed to know and live by the truth will have the special privilege and “joy” of being the cause of their pastor’s and fellow Christians’ “joy”.

Bible Witness TV (BWTV) has been broadcasting a weekly series titled “The Holy One of Israel”, presenting key theological and pastoral insights (from the Book of Isaiah) related to that designation of the LORD. The prophet Isaiah employs that designation of God twenty-five times, far more frequently than any other biblical writer. By utilising this title, Isaiah integrates two essential characteristics of God: His complete holiness and His distinct covenant relationship with His people.

The series of studies on BWTV will help shape our minds to think and act in ways that reflect the holiness of our God in our own time. (For all the episodes of this series, past and present, please visit BWTV’s Main Channel - https://biblewitnesstv.com/main). 

Examining the significance of this title is not merely a matter of linguistic interest; it is a pursuit of deep theological understanding. This exploration opens up the heart of Isaiah’s message, where the majesty of divine holiness confronts the reality of human sin, and where God’s mercy is revealed through redemptive grace. For believers today, grasping the meaning of “The Holy One of Israel” enriches their comprehension of who God is, sharpens their awareness of sin, and inspires their commitment to holiness in both life and ministry.

The following topics are covered in this series: 

• The Holy One of Israel – 1: The Holiness of God
• The Holy One of Israel – 2: God’s Covenant Nearness 
• The Holy One of Israel – 3: God’s Justice and Judgment
• The Holy One of Israel – 4: God’s Affront by Sin
• The Holy One of Israel – 5: God, the Only One
• The Holy One of Israel – 6: God, the Rebuker of Idols
• The Holy One of Israel – 7: God, the Faithful Lover of His People 
• The Holy One of Israel – 8: God, the Redeemer and Restorer 
• The Holy One of Israel – 9: God, the Promise-Keeper
• The Holy One of Israel – 10: God, the Sovereign King of Glory

An Overview of the Series

The frequency of the title, “The Holy One of Israel”, in the Book of Isaiah is not accidental. Isaiah uses the title to emphasise God’s distinctiveness, transcendence, and intimate involvement with His chosen people. The phrase first emerges in Isaiah 1:4, where it is invoked in the context of Israel’s rebellion: “they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Here, the title functions as both an indictment, and a reminder that God is not merely a distant deity, but the Holy One whom Israel is called to worship and obey.

Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6 – in which the seraphims cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts” – sets the theological tone for the entire Book. The prophet is undone by God’s holiness, yet he is also cleansed and commissioned. This pattern—where God’s holiness exposes human sin, and yet also provides the way for forgiveness—runs like a thread through the whole Book of Isaiah. The Holy One of Israel is both Judge and Saviour, whose covenant faithfulness endures despite the failings of His people. 

Throughout Isaiah, the title recurs in passages that span rebellion (Isaiah 1:4; 31:1), judgment (Isaiah 5:19; 30:11), comfort (Isaiah 41:14; 43:3), and eschatological hope (Isaiah 54:5; 60:9). These varied contexts reveal that the Holy One of Israel is both the source of righteous judgment and the fountain of redemptive mercy. His holiness is not opposed to His love; rather, it is the very ground upon which His faithfulness is built.

Furthermore, the title points to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. In Isaiah 41:14, God assures Israel, “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Here, God’s holiness is not an abstract idea but a living reality – God’s very character shaping all His actions towards His people. The Holy One is trustworthy, steadfast, and actively involved in the history and destiny of Israel.

“The Holy One of Israel” also reveals His holiness through His faithful love towards Israel. His holiness guarantees Himself as the Promise-Keeper to His people. Though His people rebelled (“they have forsaken the LORD” – Isaiah 1:4), His faithfulness remained unbroken. Isaiah praises Him: “thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isa. 25:1). He remembers His covenants with Abraham, David, and Zion. Even when judgment falls, His mercy stands firm for He said, “neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed” (Isa. 54:10). What He speaks, He fulfils (Isa. 46:9–11). His promises rest not on man’s worthiness, but on His own holy character. The Servant Songs (Isa. 42–53) reveal that these promises reach their climax in Christ, where divine truth and mercy meet. In Him, every word of God stands confirmed. The grass withers, but His Word endures forever (Isa. 40:8). God’s holiness guarantees His faithfulness—what He begins, He completes.

Ultimately, in Isaiah, the Holy One reigns in majestic glory, yet graciously stoops to cleanse, restore, and commission His servant. Isaiah’s vision opens with overwhelming splendour: “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isa. 6:1). From that moment onwards, the prophet’s message unfolds the sovereign rule of this holy King over all creation. He is the true Ruler of nations, the One whose purposes cannot be overturned, whose Word stands forever. His dominion culminates in the declaration: “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us” (Isa. 33:22). Earthly empires rise and fall, yet His throne remains unshaken and eternal.

The radiant glory of this King fills Zion, and His light draws the nations to worship and obedience: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isa. 60:1). In the closing vision (Isa. 66), Isaiah beholds the consummation of all things when the Holy One, reigning in righteousness, is worshipped by all peoples. Thus, the Book ends where it has begun: with the Sovereign enthroned in glory. He is the Holy One of Israel, the Sovereign King of Glory, exalted in holiness, unshakable in majesty, steadfast in mercy, and supreme in power forever.

READ:

Titus 2:13

¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

EXHORTATION:

God’s grace, which brings salvation to us (v. 11), teaches us to live a sanctified life in this present world (v. 12) in anticipation of Christ’s glorious appearing (v. 13). As we live on earth in this present age, we anticipate our “blessed hope”, which is “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”.

The Christian’s hope of Christ’s return is called “blessed”. The word “blessed” denotes all the blessings of His divine presence (cf. 1 Timothy 1:11; 6:15). What a blessing it is to have such a hope! Eternal blessings await Christians at His coming. When He comes, we shall be eternally delivered from all the temptations and trials of this world, and shall enter into eternal sinless perfection, joy, bliss, rewards and glory. We live every day with that sure hope. So we long for His return. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

There has been some debate as to whether “that blessed hope” and “the glorious appearing” of Christ are two different events, namely Rapture (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-17) and His return to this earth at the end of the seven-year Tribulation (cf. Revelation 19:11-21). But there is little in this verse’s context to suggest that Paul was distinguishing those future events in connection with Christ’s return. Paul was simply saying that we are looking for the blessed hope, which is the appearing of the Lord. Although we understand those events of Rapture and His subsequent glorious return to rule the world for a thousand years (cf. Revelation 20:1- 10; Isaiah 2:1-4; 11; Ezekiel 37; Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Zechariah 14) as distinct, Paul is here referring to the return of Christ as a whole, and not its various stages. The blessed hope is a fixed historical reality which we long for.

Yet another great truth is mentioned by the apostle in this verse. It is Christ’s divinity. He is “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”. Jesus’ life on earth, His claims about Himself, His doctrines and His works – all prove Him to be God. If one rejects His deity, one can only think of Christ as a deceiver and demonic person, like the Jews who killed Him. One can have Christ only as the divine Saviour – or not have Him at all.