Scripture:
Revelation 2:12-29
Thu, 13 January 2022

Repent of Sexual Immorality

Observation:

What are the major sin problems in the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira?

Deeper Reflection
SEXUAL IMMORALITY WAS A MAJOR SIN PROBLEM IN BOTH the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira due to false teaching and alluring seductions (vv.14, 20). Likewise in the Singapore society and Church. Although Singapore is still a relatively conservative society, the trend over the past two decades is towards being more liberal, according to the Institute of Policy Studies survey findings released in February 2021.36 From interviews with over 2,000 adult Singapore citizens and permanent residents, 32.7% said that having casual sex was sometimes, mostly or always justifiable, and 54.1% said the same regarding sex before marriage.37Research has shown that the vast majority of Christians in Singapore consider pornography and premarital sex as going against biblical teaching and unacceptable. However, many Christians do struggle on a practical level to pursue a life of holiness. 7,209 Christians across 10 churches took the Whole Life Inventory38 in 2016. Key findings include:39
  • 42% viewed pornography at least once in the past 12 months. Higher prevalence among men (68%) than women (24%). Frequency: 17% viewed pornography at least once a month.
  • 9% had at least one sexual encounter outside of marriage in the past 12 months. Young adults who were dating or engaged (33%) were disproportionately more likely to engage in premarital sex.
Christ’s disciples must do battle with strong internal desires for self-gratification and external pressures to conform to the world’s patterns, and resist the devil’s temptations towards sexual sins. Singapore church leaders and communities must offer practical assistance and provide better support to members who are struggling, so that they feel safe to seek and receive help.
36 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/singapore-still-conservative-on-moral-sexuality-issues-but-moreliberal- since 37 https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/ips-exchange-series-16.pdf 38 A multi-dimensional instrument designed for churches to assess and understand the health of their congregation. 39 Whole Life Research Brief 2016: Essential Findings on the State of Family in Singapore Churches, pp.7-8. https://www.wholelife.sg/wholelife/downloads/wl_research_brief/Whole_Life_Research_Brief_2016.pdf
Application:

What specific sins do I need to repent of (i.e. decisively change my mind about those sins, abhor them and consequently stop doing them)?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To be determined to pursue lives of holiness with the help of God and Christian community
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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