Finding Joy and Strength in God's Word
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor addressing the challenges and difficulties of life, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal of winning the prize that God has called us to. The pastor draws from the words of Paul in Philippians 3 and highlights the significance of understanding God's words and finding joy in the knowledge that God loves us and never gives up on us. The pastor distinguishes between happiness, which is based on circumstances, and joy, which is an abiding wellness of the soul. The pastor also discusses the cycle of rebellion, remorse, repentance, rejoicing, renewal, relapse, and rebellion that is seen throughout the biblical narrative and in our own lives. This cycle mirrored the pastor's own journey before coming to faith in God.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of finding joy and ultimate security in the Lord, acknowledging that while advancements in technology and knowledge have been made over the years, our true joy and security can only come from God. The pastor references the story of David, who lost the joy of the Lord when he disobeyed, but found restoration through true repentance. The pastor encourages the congregation to seek the joy of the Lord and highlights the significance of feeding on the word of God, stating that those who regularly read and study the Bible will never have to go on a spiritual "diet."
The pastor emphasizes the importance of studying God's law with a purpose, comparing the people of Nehemiah's day, who diligently sought out the commands they were no longer following, to the present-day congregation. The pastor encourages the congregation to check their hearts and seek spiritual renewal through responsive and faithful engagement with God's word. The pastor also emphasizes the importance of the Word of God and the hunger that the early church had for it, referring to Acts 2:42, which states that the early believers devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
The pastor acknowledges that reading the Word of God exposes the infinite gap between humanity and God, making it impossible to simply try harder to meet God's standards. Instead, encountering the Word of God reminds individuals of their own brokenness and sinfulness. However, this realization should not lead to despair or giving up. The pastor points to Nehemiah and Ezra's encouragement in verse 9, reminding the people that the day is holy to the Lord their God. This suggests that despite their imperfections, there is still hope and purpose in pursuing a relationship with God through His Word.
The pastor concludes by reminding the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength, and that even in tough times, their relationship with God is the core of their joy and strength. The pastor emphasizes that their rescue and redemption rest on the strong arm of the Lord, and that God's word brings hope to the people.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes that our ultimate goal should be winning the prize that God has called us to, despite the challenges and difficulties of life. This requires understanding God's words and finding joy in the knowledge that God loves us and never gives up on us. ([49:33])
- The pastor highlights the importance of finding joy and ultimate security in the Lord, acknowledging that while advancements in technology and knowledge have been made over the years, our true joy and security can only come from God. ([52:45])
- The pastor encourages the congregation to seek spiritual renewal through responsive and faithful engagement with God's word. This involves studying God's law with a purpose and checking our hearts. ([56:12])
- The pastor acknowledges that reading the Word of God exposes the infinite gap between humanity and God, making it impossible to simply try harder to meet God's standards. However, this realization should not lead to despair or giving up, but rather to hope and purpose in pursuing a relationship with God through His Word. ([59:30])
- The pastor concludes by reminding the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength, and that even in tough times, their relationship with God is the core of their joy and strength. The pastor emphasizes that their rescue and redemption rest on the strong arm of the Lord, and that God's word brings hope to the people. ([1:02:15])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
2. Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
3. Psalm 51:2, 12: "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin... Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
```
Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 3:14, what is the "prize" that Paul is pressing on toward?
2. What are the four activities that the early believers devoted themselves to in Acts 2:42?
3. In Psalm 51:2, 12, what is David asking God to do for him?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to press on toward the goal to win the prize in the context of our spiritual journey?
2. How does the devotion of the early believers to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer in Acts 2:42 relate to our current practices in the church?
3. How does David's plea for cleansing and restoration in Psalm 51:2, 12 reflect our own need for repentance and renewal?
Application Questions:
1. What is one specific step you can take this week to press on toward the goal of winning the prize that God has called you to?
2. How can you devote yourself more fully to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer in your daily life? Can you think of a specific action you can take tomorrow?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt like David in Psalm 51:2, 12. What is one way you can seek cleansing and restoration from God this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Pursuing the Ultimate Prize
Despite life's challenges and difficulties, the ultimate goal is to win the prize that God has called us to. This requires a deep understanding of God's words and finding joy in the knowledge that God loves us and never gives up on us. ([49:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiAFogKawo&t=2958s))
1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can stay focused on the ultimate prize that God has called you to, especially during challenging times?
Day 2: Finding Joy and Security in the Lord
While advancements in technology and knowledge have been made over the years, our true joy and security can only come from God. This joy is not based on circumstances, but is an abiding wellness of the soul. ([52:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiAFogKawo&t=3150s))
Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and security in the Lord, independent of your circumstances?
Day 3: Engaging Faithfully with God's Word
Seek spiritual renewal through responsive and faithful engagement with God's word. This involves studying God's law with a purpose and checking our hearts. ([56:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiAFogKawo&t=3357s))
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to engage more faithfully with God's word and seek spiritual renewal?
Day 4: Pursuing a Relationship with God through His Word
Reading the Word of God exposes the infinite gap between humanity and God, making it impossible to simply try harder to meet God's standards. However, this realization should not lead to despair or giving up, but rather to hope and purpose in pursuing a relationship with God through His Word. ([59:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiAFogKawo&t=3555s))
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: How can you use the realization of your own brokenness and sinfulness to deepen your relationship with God, rather than leading to despair or giving up?
Day 5: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
Even in tough times, our relationship with God is the core of our joy and strength. Our rescue and redemption rest on the strong arm of the Lord, and God's word brings hope to the people. ([1:02:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiAFogKawo&t=3720s))
Nehemiah 8:10 - "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Reflection: How can you lean on the joy of the Lord as your strength during tough times? How does God's word bring hope to your life?
Quotes
"Our ultimate goal should be winning the prize that God has called us to, despite the challenges and difficulties of life. This requires understanding God's words and finding joy in the knowledge that God loves us and never gives up on us." [01:09:15]
"God loves you, you know. We forget that sometimes, but God doesn't change, he doesn't alter how he loves each one of us." [53:18]
"Our Ultimate Security comes from the Lord...our joy is found in the Lord." [01:00:08]
"The joy of the Lord is your strength. During the tough times, the core of your joy, if you have any at all, is going to be in your relationship to God. The joy of the Lord is my strength." [55:34]
"The Word of God is not just a book of rules, but a mirror that reveals our true selves. It exposes the infinite gap between us and God, making it impossible to simply try harder to meet God's standards." [01:06:15]
"The early church had a hunger for the Word of God. They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This hunger is what we need to cultivate in our lives today." [01:07:45]
"The cycle of rebellion, remorse, repentance, rejoicing, renewal, relapse, and rebellion is seen throughout the biblical narrative and in our own lives. But God never gives up on us. He is always ready to restore us when we turn back to Him." [01:08:30]
"While advancements in technology and knowledge have been made over the years, our true joy and security can only come from God. The world may offer temporary happiness, but only God can provide lasting joy." [01:10:00]
"The joy of the Lord is our strength. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, our relationship with God is the core of our joy and strength. Our rescue and redemption rest on the strong arm of the Lord." [01:07:00]
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