Sermon Text: Psalm 26
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th November 2022
Sermon Text: Psalm 26
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th November 2022
Gethsemane B-P Church’s Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM) is required by the law of Singapore and our church constitution to “report on the spiritual and temporal conditions of the congregation and announce plans for the coming year” (Gethsemane B-P Church Constitution, 19.8). Though it is a business meeting, we must be mindful that we are essentially meeting to recollect and evaluate the business of the Lord’s church. As such, the ACM of the church must be conducted in a manner that is worthy of the Lord’s glory. The church leaders and members must participate in the meeting with love, humility, faithfulness and prayerfulness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We praise God for the unity and comradeship in Gethsemane, which has helped us to hold trouble-free congregational meetings over the past years. Let us once again prayerfully take heed to Paul’s admonition that we should be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). “A house divided cannot stand.”
I would like to share two important biblical principles which Christians must maintain in their meetings. Please heed those essential principles, and let them guide our conduct in today’s ACM so that we may glorify Christ, the Head of the Church.
The ACM should never be a platform for singing our own praise. “That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29). Instead, it should be a time of much thanksgiving to the Lord, who has done great things for and through us. So, let us all gather together with boundless praise for the Lord. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). May our thoughts be about His goodness. Let every heart rejoice and give thanks unto the Lord.
When we thank God, we can neither ignore nor neglect those who sacrificially and joyfully serve the Lord in the different ministries of Gethsemane according to God’s will. We should commend them and thank God for them. Nonetheless, let no man seek his own glory but the glory of God. Let us humble ourselves before our great Saviour, as Paul did. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of” (1 Corinthians 9:16a). “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
The annual reports on the church’s activities, achievements and financial accounts should direct our hearts to praise His name. Let us “forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2b). Let us recall God’s protection, deliverance and provisions for every ministry and church member. Would God lament over us for our ungratefulness as He cried over the Israelites? “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). So, let our minds recollect the many helps and blessings that God has bestowed upon each one of us and upon the ministries of the church.
Let there be no unthankful heart in the ACM!
The ACM documents (minutes, reports, audited accounts, etc.) have been made available to all church members for their evaluation. The Board of Elders has advised the church members to read the ACM documents and submit their questions to the office holders early. If members have submitted questions, they would be answered during the ACM.
We thank God that He has enabled the office bearers of the church to manage the church funds well for the glory of Christ and for the furtherance of the Gospel. By God’s grace, the BOE has faithfully managed the church funds for the worldwide Gospel dissemination and His servants’ support.
Our recollection and evaluation of the past year’s ministries (local and overseas) must not cause us to be prideful or slothful. Instead, we must humbly renew our commitment and consecrate ourselves to serve the Lord faithfully and fervently in the coming year.
We must render more labour to harvest souls here in Singapore and overseas. More consecration and generosity are needed to support all the existing and new ministries. We must not become weary or hesitant. Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith, resolve, courage and zeal for His work. As a congregation, let us arise in faith and consecrate ourselves to do His work according to His will. The Lord promises, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).
What should be our response to the Lord’s call, guidance and promises as we evaluate the enormous work before us and the substantial financial provision our church would need?
Consecration!
We should not be like the Israelites, who murmured against Moses, Joshua and Caleb upon hearing from the ten faithless spies who discouraged them from going into the Promised Land because of the giants who lived there. Though God’s providence brought them to the border of the Promised Land, and God’s servants relentlessly cheered them on to courageously go over the river Jordan to conquer the good land, they allowed their hearts to faint and fear. May none of God’s people in Gethsemane become a faithless coward in the face of this enormous challenge.
What we need today is not fear but faith, not cowardice but consecration!
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.
Sermon Text: Psalm 25
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th October 2022
The Reformation movement of the 16th Century was not a mere human venture with a great cause. It was not just a revolutionary effort of one man, namely Martin Luther. It was neither an individual revolutionary action nor a society’s collective effort to bring about change and progress. Instead, it was a divine work through those whom God has chosen and empowered by His Word and His Spirit.
The reformation of the church was not a one-and-done event in 1517, but an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of His people. It emerged from the Holy Spirit’s work in many individuals that brought about their repentance, regeneration, renewal, reformation and revival through His Word. Indeed, God used the revival in Luther’s heart to start a revival of Christianity in his time. The saving and reviving work of God in the Reformers was the beginning of divine work to revive Christianity. Through their transformation, God worked to expel the heretical beliefs and practices from the church, and to proclaim biblical truths for the salvation and sanctification of sinners. The Reformation movement and the Protestantism that ensued were God’s reviving of Christianity.
The Reformers viewed their task as a divine work carried out through them for the renewal and planting of Christian churches. The perspective of the Reformers (Martin Luther, Zwingli, John Calvin, etc.) on the movement was that it was a divine work for the renewal of the church, and that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ be proclaimed everywhere for the salvation of sinners. This overwhelming understanding of the Reformation is reflected in the following words of John Calvin’s prayer:
“We pray to you now, O most gracious God and merciful Father, for all people everywhere. As it is your will to be acknowledged as the Savior of the whole world, through the redemption wrought by your Son Jesus Christ, grant that those who are still estranged from the knowledge of him, being in the darkness and captivity of error and ignorance, may be brought by the illumination of your Holy Spirit and the preaching of your gospel to the right way of salvation, which is to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
(This is a further continuation of the article on “Our Speech Matters!” by Pastor Koshy, published over the last two weeks. It is compiled from several articles that he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4.)
More practical instructions in the Book of Proverbs on developing wholesome speech are presented below.
Soft Answer
Proverbs 15:1 regards “a soft answer” as wise speech because it “turneth away wrath”. The Hebrew word for “soft” (rak) appears about 16 times in the Old Testament; it is translated by the King James Bible as “tender” (9 times), “soft” (3 times), as well as “fainthearted”, “weak” and “tenderhearted”. In the context of this verse, it points to gentle, conciliatory words.
We must be careful to avoid provocative words at all times. Especially in tense situations, gentle and non-provocative words will help to calm those who are agitated and wrathful. So, our words must be chosen with much self-control, forethought, love and patience. Words spoken in haste will aggravate a heated conversation even further. Speak to pacify – that is wise speech!
So, Proverbs 25:15 says, “a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” It is yet another maxim that drives home the truth that gentle and amiable words will make tender those who have been most difficult and inflexible. A modern Greek proverb says, “The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones!”
Words of Kindness
Wise speech is always characterised by virtues like love, grace and kindness. Wise speech is not harsh, discourteous or rude.
Proverbs 22:11 provides instruction on the graciousness of wise speech – “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” The Hebrew word for “grace” (hēn) is often translated as “grace” and “favour”. So, the phrase, “grace of his lips”, suggests gracious speech or expressions of kind and favourable words. This verse also tells us that a man who loves purity will be gracious.
Purity of heart and graciousness of speech make a man worthy of notice and reward from his king. Though many kings would care nothing about righteousness and graciousness, yet several of the Old Testament characters were promoted by their kings because of their purity and graciousness. Joseph (cf. Genesis 41:37-45), Daniel (Daniel 6:1-3, 28) and Ezra (Ezra 7:21-25) are truly examples of those who had lived out the instruction and promise of this verse. “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right” (Proverbs 16:13). If God, the King of kings, were to bring any promotion to us at all, He will look for purity and graciousness in our hearts, words and actions.
Concerning the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, it is written that “in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). “The law of kindness” is a very necessary rule for every tongue if the words it utters are to be wise.
Words of Rebuke
Proverbs’ promotion of words of encouragement does not preclude the necessity of words of warning and rebuke. Both are equally important. In fact, the book itself has many instances of rebuke for those who behave foolishly.
Proverbs 28:23 lauds the usefulness of rebuke when it says, “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” Daring to rebuke a person may cause temporary alienation, but if the person who has been rebuked is truly wise, he will return to give thanks for the correction he has received. On the other hand, flattering someone who has erred may appear pleasant, but it prevents him from seeing his errors. Flattering someone who ought to be rebuked is tantamount to cheering him on in his foolishness! A faithful and loving friend will sharply rebuke the man who has erred, so that he may be corrected and rescued from the consequences of his errors. Hence, rebuke is better than flattery.
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5-6). Rebuking is to be preferred over hidden (literally “closed up, withdrawn”) love. In other words, correcting a person’s fault is evidence of love, but failing to correct him shows that love is withheld. An enemy (literally “one who hates”) may seem to be a friend by his many “kisses”, whereas a true friend (literally “one who loves”) may seem to be an enemy by the wounds he inflicts (i.e. inner hurts that come from being rebuked or criticised). Ironically, while rebukes can be genuine expressions of friendship, kisses can be deceitful expressions of hatred.
That is why Proverbs warns against ignoring correction. “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof … they would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof” (Proverbs 1:25, 30). In fact, on several occasions, the wisdom of Proverbs urges readers to respond positively to wise rebuke directed at them:
Words Used Sparingly
A wise man generally uses few words. In fact, Proverbs teaches us to use words sparingly and unhurriedly. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Firstly, the verse warns us that constant talking will eventually lead us to sin and trouble. Secondly, it teaches us to avoid that danger by refraining our lips from uttering too many words.
The warning against chattering is repeated two other times in the same chapter. We read in Proverbs 10:8b and 10b, “but a prating fool shall fall.” Likewise, Proverbs 11:12 says, “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace” (cf. James 3:2-8). The Hebrew word for “despise” (bûz) can also mean “deride” or “belittle”. It often expresses the idea of speaking contemptuously of another. It makes no sense to deride one’s neighbour (i.e. someone who lives or works in close proximity). Since this causes friction and dissension, it is wise to “hold his peace”. Divine wisdom highly recommends friendly silence rather than unwise ridicule.
Wisdom of silence is again mentioned in Proverbs 17:27-28 – “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs also advises us to refrain from gossiping: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). This verse recommends prudent concealment rather than spreading rumours. A talebearer betrays his friend who confides in him. It is foolish and unrighteous to reveal what one has been entrusted with.
Proverbs also tells us that guarding one’s speech is self-protection: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). A man who guards his speech protects himself from many troubles that careless words would have brought to him. By constant watchfulness over our words, we can avoid the many troubles of an ungoverned tongue.
Words Carefully Chosen
Engaging in conversation is often a necessity. However, we should be careful with our choice of words. Most importantly, our words ought to be wise and apt.
Proverbs 15:28a notices that “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer”. The Hebrew word for “studieth” (hāgâ) carries the idea of “meditating”. This verse emphasises that a godly man would first make a judgment about the thoughts in his mind before he utters them.
Evaluating our thoughts and feelings before we say anything at all will help us avoid careless errors, and speak with wisdom. Pouring out every thought provoked by circumstances, without weighing its merit carefully, can lead to foolish speech of various kinds. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2). Again, it is said, “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips” (Proverbs 16:23).
Truly, may we pay heed to develop wholesome speech, that the words of our mouth, which come from the meditation of our heart, be acceptable in the sight of God and men (cf. Psalm 19:14).
Sermon Text: Psalm 24:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd October 2022
(This is the continuation of the article on “Our Speech Matters!” by Pastor Koshy, published last week. It is compiled from several articles that he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4. Part 3 will be published next week.)
The Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech. It also provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech so that we may speak wisely. These biblical counsels on wise speech are discussed below.
Proverbs 10:13 casts light on those who utter words of wisdom – “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found”. In Proverbs, a man of understanding is one who yields his mind to the fear of the LORD (2:5), as well as to righteousness (2:9; 8:8; 10:32), learning (1:5; 16:21), prudence (14:8, 15; 16:21) and knowledge (2:5; 8:9; 14:6; 18:15; 19:25; 28:2). Such a man will possess wise thoughts, and is deemed wise.
Proverbs 10:31 sheds more light on how we can be wise in our speech. It says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom”. Just men are mentioned here as speaking wisely. The same is said about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 – “She openeth her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26a). A commitment to righteousness or virtue will help us dispel foolish and ungodly thoughts and attitudes, so that we may speak wisely.
We are also told in Proverbs that through much learning (cf. Proverbs 1:5; 16:21) and careful analysis (cf. Proverbs 14:8, 15; 16:21), we can obtain needful knowledge for wise speech. Proverbs 15:7a says, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge”. Not only does he possess knowledge, he is also committed to using it to everyone’s benefit, unlike fools who use their knowledge to hurt others. “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2).
In order that we may know and speak the truth, the Book of Proverbs records the words of the wise. “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21). Biblical wisdom is absolute truth, and we should never doubt the veracity of its wisdom. God’s wisdom declares, “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth” (Proverbs 8:6-7a). It calls the readers to take heed of its excellent counsels, for they are truth.
If we utter a word that is contrary to the Scriptures, it is a lie, and hence deceitful. If we speak contrary to the truth of God’s wisdom, we become false witnesses and deceivers. So, we must uphold the wisdom of God’s Word in our conversations. Proverbs 12:17 says, “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.” We must guard and guide our speech according to the true wisdom of His Word, lest we become false witnesses. When our words are based on the truth of His Word, we shall be faithful and righteous in our conversations and instructions. Otherwise, our speech will be deceitful.
Moreover, Proverbs 14:5 reminds us that “a faithful witness will not lie”. While commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry described a faithful witness as such: “He speaks truth and represents everything fairly, to the best of his knowledge, whether in judgment or in common conversation, whether he be upon his oath or no, he shows forth righteousness; he makes it to appear that he is governed and actuated by the principles and laws of righteousness, and he promotes justice by doing honour to it and serving the administration of it.” Proverbs 13:5a says, “A righteous man hateth lying”. The righteous man does not just avoid lies; he hates them!
Those who speak the truth according to God’s Word shall be a great blessing to those who hear them. Proverbs 14:25a says, “A true witness delivereth souls”. A man of integrity would endeavour to bring truth to light and rescue those who are injured by falsehood. Over and above, a faithful Christian who truly witnesses against sin and preaches the Gospel truths of Jesus Christ will be an instrument in God’s hand to deliver souls from eternal death. A truthful person, even if he is a child, can bring great joy to those around him. A father’s admonition in Proverbs 23:16 testifies to this blessing: “Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.”
The words that a righteous man speaks are acceptable to God. Proverbs 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” Unlike the wicked, the righteous man seeks to please God in his speech. He will not allow his mouth to speak any perverse thing, which is detestable to the holy God.
Hence, words that spring forth from the righteous will have the qualities that impart spiritual blessings. They will be helpful and life-giving. “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life”, proclaims Proverbs 10:11. A righteous man’s words are depicted as “a well of life”. The Hebrew word for “well” (māqôr) is normally translated as “fountain” or “wellspring”. The picture is of a vibrant, bubbling fountain. The speech of the righteous is intellectually, emotionally, morally and spiritually rejuvenating to his hearers.
Not surprisingly, Proverbs 10:20a gives much praise to “the tongue of the just”, and says that it “is as choice silver”! Like the silver that is refined by the removal of dross, a just man would carefully refine his speech by removing every unacceptable word.
Furthermore, Proverbs 10:21 speaks of “the lips of the righteous”, which “feed many”. The Hebrew word for “feed” (rā˓â) indicates more than just “feeding”, as it occurs widely in connection with shepherding. Therefore, it can be said that the speech of the righteous does the work of a shepherd, such as guiding, leading, feeding, nursing, caring and guarding. Righteous words will nurture the hearers.
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). The Hebrew word translated as “pleasant” (nō˓am) occurs about seven times; and the King James Bible translated it as “beauty” four times, “pleasant” twice, and “pleasantness” once. The root form of this word is even used to refer to the beauty of the LORD (cf. Psalms 27:4; 90:17a). Here, pleasant words are compared to the sweet and healthy honeycomb. This comparison is meant to show us that pleasant words sweeten fellowship and restore troubled relationships.
Besides Proverbs 16:24, there are other passages in Proverbs that speak of pleasant words. Proverbs 16:21 says, “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.” Sweet words, which are the result of prudence, promote instruction in the sense that they make learning desirable. Before one opens his mouth to speak, there must be much forethought concerning the attitude and choice of words. This is further emphasised in Proverbs 16:23 – “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Prudence of heart is essential in developing pleasant speech.
Proverbs 27:9 also provides a similar instruction: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” According to this verse, the “hearty counsel” adds sweetness to one’s speech. But what is hearty counsel? It is sincere and passionate advice given without any hidden agenda or deceit.
To sum it up, this thought is repeated in Proverbs 15:4, which says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life”. The words, “wholesome” (Proverbs 15:4) and “health” (Proverbs 16:24), are from the same Hebrew word (marpē˒). A wholesome tongue is a healing tongue, i.e. a conciliatory or appeasing tongue. This is compared to a “tree of life”, an emblem of a blessed and meaningful life.
Sermon Text: Psalm 23:1–6
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th October 2022
(This article by Pastor Koshy is compiled from several articles he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4.)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our speech has the power to either hurt or comfort, destroy or nurture. The potential of the tongue is sobering. So, it needs to be used with much care.
If we do not pay close attention to our speech, it will destroy our Christian testimony. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). What a startling caution this is against unguarded speech!
The evils that can arise from one’s misuse of speech are beyond measure. From one’s mouth proceed blasphemy, falsehood, slander, scandal, profanity, perjury, obscenity, threatening, ridiculing, boastfulness, and the list of evils goes on and on. Oh, what fiery destruction and shame could proceed from an uncontrolled tongue!
Thus, our Lord Jesus reprimanded His hearers, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). Then He put everyone on notice, warning, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Christian men and women must take heed that no unwholesome word proceeds from their mouths. In Proverbs 4:23-24, we are exhorted: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” Christians must be deliberate in avoiding every form of ungodly speech, and instead in cultivating wise and godly speech. To disregard or to think lightly of the importance of wise speech is to prove oneself to be foolish and unrighteous.
The Book of Proverbs gives special attention to the importance of wise speech. It encourages readers to cultivate speech which builds up their hearers – by promising them that “a man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a).
Proverbs has many wonderful counsels on wise speech, and they are strewn across the entire book, mingled with myriads of counsels on many other subjects. We shall consider in this article (and its continuation next week) the wonderful counsels in Proverbs concerning wise speech.
Wise speech is a distinguishing mark of godly men. It pleases God and brings cheer to its hearers. But foolish speech, which characterises the wicked, dishonours God and troubles men. Proverbs 10:31-32 says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”
While the wise man desires excellence in speech, the fool despises it. “Excellent speech becometh not a fool” (Proverbs 17:7a). In Proverbs, a wise man is one who fears God and loves godly wisdom. He always seeks to nurture his speech according to the wisdom that God gives. Only a fool would reject such a noble aspiration.
Proverbs urges us to cultivate wise speech by pointing out its benefits to us. The helpful nature of wise speech is lauded in Proverbs: “the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18b). In other words, a wise man who cautiously utters his words will bring healing to his hearers.
Another verse that speaks of the helpful characteristic of wise speech is Proverbs 18:4, which says, “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” The synonymous parallelism in this verse portrays “the words of a man’s mouth” as wise words – which are as “deep waters”, a great reservoir of wisdom and counsel. Moreover, his words flow out like a “brook” to provide wisdom for others.
As much as one’s wise speech honours God and edifies his hearers, it also brings wonderful benefits to himself. “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a). Likewise, “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled” (Proverbs 18:20). Indeed, a man who grows in wise speech will receive this promise of much happiness and satisfaction in life. The phrase “fruit of his mouth”, as with its other occurrences in Proverbs (cf. 12:14; 13:2), refers to good fruits produced by a man’s speech. The phrases, “fruit of his mouth” and “increase of his lips”, are synonymous. They both refer to the benefits of one’s speech.
Another such benefit is further affirmed by Proverbs 14:3b – “the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Indeed, the words that the wise speak are a protection to themselves and to others who hear and follow them.
In order to help us cultivate wise speech, the Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech, as well as provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech. Truly, blessed is the man who pays heed to these discreet instructions from Proverbs!
(To be continued next week)
Beloved flock of God in Gethsemane BPC,
At last, I also got a taste of what COVID-19 is like, though certainly not in the worst form that took the lives of millions worldwide! Oh, how great is the mercy of God (cf. Lam. 3:22)!
Many of you have sent Whatsapp messages to my wife and me, to encourage us and assure us of your prayers! We are grateful to our elders, preachers, deacons, members and friends, and even children who earnestly prayed for us. Your weekly preacher is still weakly. So, I will not attend Sunday’s worship services and other public activities. If I feel strong by God’s grace, and test negative on Tuesday, I hope to see you all during the prayer meeting.
I was not able to update all of you. I took an opportunity on Friday afternoon, as I found a bit of strength in my body to sit up for a while, to type this pastoral letter to inform all of you briefly about my COVID experience and my present condition.
Last Monday (3rd October) afternoon, I felt tired and feverish. So, I left GMC around 4 p.m. for my home. In the night, the fever shot to 38.9°C. I was also feeling severe aches all over my body. The next day, the fever was unrelenting even though I had taken Panadol six hourly. Later in the day, the self-administered ART showed that I was COVID-positive. More symptoms of COVID flared up on that second evening. The second night of sickness was not easy, with severe throat pain, phlegm, high fever, a stiff lower back, fatigue, etc. Drinking water was a painful experience! I visited the doctor in a unique COVID facility in Tampines Polyclinic on Wednesday. The doctor gave me medications to deal with my COVID symptoms. However, because of my long-term diabetic issues, the doctor recommended that I take PAXLOVID, an antiviral drug, to treat COVID-19 in adults at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. But the clinic advised me to return on Thursday to collect the medicine. I am on Paxlovid until Monday.
The most significant work the LORD has done in me during the last week of sickness and trial was to draw me closer to Him on my bed of affliction, to resolve to serve Him more promptly and passionately if He heals and strengthens me again (cf. Isa. 40:31; Psa. 27:14).
As you gather today, I shall join you in spirit to worship our gracious God. God willing, I hope to listen to the live webcast from home. May God bless our preachers (Cornelius Koshy, Kelvin Lim and Ho Kee How), our elders who lead the worship services, and every one of you who worships and serves the LORD with a reverential and joyful spirit. The LORD Himself bless you.
Desiring to come back strong for the service of the LORD,
Prabhudas Koshy
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).
In a local congregation of believers, a variety of experiences may be found at a given time. While some people experience severe afflictions, others are presented with reasons for jubilation. It is also true that all alike are subject to afflictions and happiness. Both those types of experiences can be in different persons or in the same individuals at the same time. And sometimes, change from one extreme to the other can happen suddenly.
Extreme circumstances, if they occur to people whom we love earnestly, can affect our thinking. With varying events, our emotions will also rise and fall accordingly. Such divergent experiences in our congregations would make us wonder whom we should attend to and how we should respond to those situations. As a matter of fact, such extreme situations can happen simultaneously or successively in our church or personal lives.
Christians are urged to carry out their corresponding duties in those varying circumstances. Appropriate spiritual responsibilities, which are mentioned in our text, have to be discharged readily. If we readily carry out our biblical duties, we can minister to people in varying circumstances in the most befitting manner.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in trying circumstances? The apostle James advises us to pray. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” We should pray, asking God for the wisdom we need to understand the situation and manage it to bring glory to His name (cf. James 1:5). We can pray for His grace to endure troubles (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10). We can also pray if it is His will, that He will remove the troubles. Through prayer, we not only communicate our needs to God but also commune with Him. One of the major divine purposes of our afflictions is that we may draw closer to Him in prayer.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in a situation of joy and gladness? James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Psalms are thanksgiving, worshipful songs to the Lord. Singing psalms to the Lord is the most preferred way of praising and worshipping God for all His benefits in our lives. Joyful experiences are given to us so that a worshipful spirit may be built up within us. While afflictions are sent to teach us to pray, happiness is bestowed so that we may learn to praise Him.
Strong warnings concerning churches and their congregants departing from biblical faith are sounded out repeatedly in Scripture. For instance, 1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (cf. Matt. 24:5, 11-12, 24; Mk. 13:21-22; 2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 4:4; 2 Pet. 2:1-2; Jude 5-11).
In no uncertain terms, Scripture foretells that many shall depart from the faith in the last days (“latter times”). The apostasy (departure from the biblical faith and living) of some in the church came about because they are “giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”.
Just as “the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,” so their “minds (would) be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Satan and his demons’ evil modus operandi is not always discerned and resisted by people. We mustn’t be ignorant of Satan’s devices, lest he should get an advantage of us (cf. 2 Cor. 2:11).
Demonic powers are actively working to instil apostasy in the hearts of people. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:13-14). Satanic deception is effective because Satan and his messengers disguise themselves as “angels of light”.
While Satan leads some astray through ungodly educators and influencers of the world, he seduces others through false believers and teachers within the church. In every realm of human society, there is satanic deception. In education, politics, science, arts, media, sports, and church, unregenerate people promote seductive falsehoods. The devil, “the father of lies” (John 8:44), empowers them. Having turned their backs on God and the truth (cf. Rom. 1:18-32), the unregenerate become instruments of Satan’s plots (cf. 2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Jn. 2:26). They are beguiled and seduced from the beginning to the end of their lives (Eph. 2:2-3)!
The apostle Peter speaks of their pernicious ways – “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Pet. 2:18-19).
The Biblical prophecy is that “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”. The words “giving heed” (from the Greek word, prosechō) denote more than merely listening to something. It means “to assent to”, “to devote oneself to”, or “to cling to something”. The present tense of the participle shows that apostates continually cling to demonic teaching. Though they identify with the Christian faith, their hearts and minds are lured away by deceitful spirits. While the Holy Spirit leads genuine Christians to God’s truth and righteousness, these apostates within the church, led by the unholy spirits, follow damning errors and unholy ways.
Some in the church are led away by sophisticated university professors, wickedly clever writers / speakers, or false religious leaders, who are themselves already victims of demonic spirits. They are peddlers of satanic lies. Their controversial yet fascinating ideas are nothing less than the doctrines of demons! Satan and his agents have fabricated all kinds of lying philosophies and theologies to confuse and deceive. To sit under false teaching that contradicts the truth of Scripture, is to be taught by demons and to put one’s mind and soul in jeopardy.
It is no wonder that the Bible cautions against exposing oneself to false doctrine. Exposing ourselves to such satanic influence is like walking carelessly into a satanic entrapment. To become prey to their ideologies endangers our souls. They are under the sway of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2; cf. 6:12; John 8:44; 12:31; 1 John 5:19). Why would we expose ourselves to that which will cause our souls to be damned?
The apostle John said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Many deceivers, Satan’s agents, have gone out into the world. Therefore, we should watch ourselves so that they might not easily influence us. We must also abide in the truths of God’s Word.
As John cautioned, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:20-25).
The above admonition is that anyone, who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. But the one who abides in the teaching, has both the Father and the Son. The apostle John advises, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).