Classic Methodism Scripture Passage from: Luke 4:16-19 Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar, Methodist Church in Malaysia

Scripture Passage: Luke 4:16-19
Delivered by Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar, Methodist Church in Malaysia
Date: February 12, 2025

Last Sunday, Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar delivered a passionate sermon titled "Classic Methodism," rooted in Luke 4:16-19, reflecting on the core principles that define Methodism. He began by sharing the profound experience of John Wesley on May 24, 1738, when he felt his heart “strangely warmed” and entrusted himself to Jesus.

Bishop Jeyakumar emphasized that Methodism is fundamentally about living a holy life and experiencing the assurance of salvation. It is the old religion, based on the Bible and the teachings of the early church. He highlighted the importance of repentance and the belief that, not just through good works, we can find forgiveness and freedom from sin—not just in the afterlife, but here and now.

The Bishop recalled Wesley’s first open-air preaching on April 2, 1739, which sparked a revival lasting over a century, fueled by the Holy Spirit. He posed a crucial question to the congregation: Are we operating in the power of the Holy Spirit? He outlined three essential aspects of Methodism: Personal Holiness, Spiritual Formation, and Social Holiness.

1. Personal Holiness: The Bishop stressed that the goal of Methodism is to reform the nation and the church by spreading scriptural holiness. He referred to the “Grand depositum” of Methodism, which is to preach freedom from sin. Wesley taught that through sincere surrender to God, we could experience true freedom from sin, leading to a genuine desire to live righteously.
2. Spiritual Formation: Faith needs nurturing to keep our souls centered on God. Bishop Jeyakumar warned that preaching without follow-up can lead to spiritual harm. He outlined the means of grace for spiritual growth: engaging with Scripture, prayer, fasting, small groups, and public worship. He emphasized that these practices are crucial and essential for discipleship and community nurturing, which were instrumental in the revival during Wesley’s time.
3. Social Holiness: The Bishop explained Wesley’s concept of social holiness, which highlights two key points: the necessity of community in living a Christian life and that our love for God is demonstrated through our love for others. He quoted Wesley’s advice to “Earn all you can, Save all you can, Give all you can,” stressing that Methodists must avoid becoming a lifeless sect, holding on to the form of religion without the power of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Bishop Jeyakumar called on the congregation to imitate the ministry of Jesus as described in Luke 4:16-19. He outlined four key areas of focus: ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, promoting accountable discipleship, caring for the needy, and working to transform society.

In conclusion, the Bishop challenged everyone to embrace these foundational principles of Methodism, encouraging active participation in personal and communal faith practices, and to live out our faith in ways that reflect the love and mission of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for the opportunity of sharing. Amen.