Sermon # 1 - God Of Truth And Love Series

We read in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV)

God has graciously gifted to us another year we do so with heart full of gratitude to God. Maybe in the hearts of many there is an apprehension as to what this year has in store for us. This is like the mindset of a student before an examination for which he or she is unprepared. On the other hand if they are well prepared they would face the exam courageously. So also, we are not sure what the year ahead hold for us but we can be cautious to be prepared with God’s help and guidance.

Even though Philippians 4:8 begins with the word ‘finally’, I am using this verse at the very beginning of this New Year. The reason for this is that if we follow this word carefully, irrespective of what may come our way, we will have the peace of God in our hearts. We are firstly asked to ponder on things that are true. We live in days where we are constantly bombarded with false information from all quarters and we end up thinking about these things. Nonetheless, the things that mostly occupy our thoughts are those pertaining to our own problems, fears, weaknesses, failures and heart aches. We often assume that we are in no way worthy recipients of God’s mercy, favor and His blessings. This is a lie and the word of God reminds us that we must ponder on those things that are true.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 103:9, “He will not always accuse us of wrong or be angry [with us] forever.” (GW)

The bible describes that our God is loving, kind, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. He also does not accuse us of wrong doing or hold on to His anger forever.

The son who doubted his father’s love

The prodigal son in the parable that Jesus told in Luke 15, took all of his father’s wealth and squandered it in wild living. When he came to the place of emptiness and utter poverty, he had a doubt if his father would be willing to forgive him and take him back. It was a reasonable doubt too for he had spurned his father’s love, and wasted all of his father’s hard earned money. With reluctance, he decided to go back to his father and submit himself to be one of his father’s hired servants, for he realized that he had lost the right to be called his father’s son.

These are the words the son rehearsed before going back to his father as found in Luke 15:19: “I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” (ESV)

Many have this similar thought in their hearts today. They feel worthless because of all the sins they have committed and believe that God cannot accept them to be His own children. Our circumstances and emotions may keep changing, but the word of God stands firm forever and will always remain true.

Those who receive Him are His children

We read in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (ESV)

This verse applies to everyone who is willing to receive the Lord into their lives. The invitation is for all people irrespective of who they are or where they are. All one has to do is to believe that Jesus came down to the earth, died for their sins, was buried, rose again, ascended into heaven and will come again as the King of Kings. When one has this understanding of the Lord Jesus and receives them into their lives, they have the right to become the sons and daughters of the Most High God. If God is our father, when we do wrong and go back to Him we are assured of forgiveness and restoration in our lives. The Lord is able to transform our lives when we go to Him just as we are and seek His mercy and forgiveness.

We read in Galatians 3:26, For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

The return of the reluctant son

The prodigal son now takes a journey back to his father’s house most hesitatingly, not sure if he will be accepted or not.

It is recorded in Luke 15:20, “And he arose and came to his father.” (ESV)

Though the prodigal son had done many wrong things, he now made the right decision to arise and get back to his father.