Reviving Joy Through the Word of God
Summary
### Summary
Today's worship began with a call to worship from Psalm 19, emphasizing the perfection, trustworthiness, and joy found in the law of the Lord. We then transitioned to our mission moment, highlighting the various activities and outreach programs our church is involved in. Our high school students are heading to Florida for mission work, and we have several community events planned, including a movie night and a water day event, all leading up to our Engage service on September 8th. These events are designed to reach out to the community and invite them into a relationship with Jesus.
We then delved into Nehemiah 8, focusing on the revival in Jerusalem after the wall was built. Nehemiah and Ezra worked together to bring spiritual renewal to the people by reading the Word of God. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of the Scriptures in our lives. The people of Israel had not heard the Word of God for many years, and when they finally did, it brought about a profound sense of joy and reverence.
The Word of God is not just meant to be read; it is meant to be heard, revered, understood, activated, celebrated, and lived out. We explored how the Scriptures are a source of joy and life, much like water is essential for our physical well-being. Just as we can take precious things like relationships, electricity, and water for granted, we can also take the Word of God for granted. However, the Scriptures are a fountain of joy and a source of spiritual hydration.
We are reminded that the Word of God is intended to be a lifestyle, not just something we read occasionally. It should be the fabric of our DNA, guiding us in our daily lives. The people of Israel celebrated the Word with great joy, and we are called to do the same. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we find true life and refreshment in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Word of God is a Source of Joy and Life: The Scriptures are designed to refresh our souls and bring joy to our hearts. Just as water is essential for our physical well-being, the Word of God is crucial for our spiritual health. When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we find a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. [49:53]
2. Reverence for the Word: The people of Israel stood, knelt, and bowed in reverence when the Word of God was read. This shows the importance of honoring the Scriptures in our lives. We should approach the Bible with a sense of awe and respect, recognizing its divine authority and life-giving power. [01:07:44]
3. Understanding and Applying the Word: It's not enough to merely read the Scriptures; we must understand and apply them in our lives. The Levites helped the people understand the Word, making it clear and giving it meaning. Similarly, we should seek to understand the context and teachings of the Bible and apply them in our daily lives. [01:09:22]
4. Active Living of the Word: The Word of God is meant to be lived out. Nehemiah encouraged the people to share their food and resources, embodying the principles of love and generosity. We are called to be doers of the Word, actively living out its teachings in our interactions with others. [01:12:25]
5. Celebrating the Word: The Scriptures are a cause for celebration. The people of Israel celebrated with great joy when they understood the Word. We too should celebrate the Word of God, recognizing its value and allowing it to bring joy and transformation into our lives. [01:18:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:00] - Mission Moment: High School Mission Trip
[33:22] - Engage Service and Community Events
[34:32] - Upcoming Movie Night and Water Day
[36:01] - Advertising Faith Church Online
[48:13] - Opening Prayer and Introduction to Nehemiah 8
[49:53] - The Value of the Word of God
[51:11] - Historical Context of Nehemiah 8
[52:30] - Taking Things for Granted
[55:15] - The Abundance and Neglect of the Word
[56:40] - The Preciousness of the Scriptures
[58:07] - The Word as a Fountain of Joy
[59:03] - Scriptural References to the Joy of the Word
[01:00:37] - The Danger of Spiritual Dehydration
[01:02:02] - The Word is Meant to be Heard
[01:03:33] - The Word is Meant to be Revered
[01:07:44] - Reverence in Action
[01:09:22] - The Word is Meant to be Understood
[01:10:58] - The Word is Meant to be Activated
[01:12:25] - Living Out the Word
[01:13:54] - The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
[01:15:21] - The Perfect Law Gives Freedom
[01:16:42] - The Word is Meant to be Celebrated
[01:18:09] - The Word as a Lifestyle
[01:19:27] - The Feast of Booths
[01:20:39] - Celebrating the Word with Joy
[01:22:05] - The Word as a Source of Refreshment
[01:23:38] - Jesus as the Living Word
[01:25:19] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 19:7-11: "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
2. Nehemiah 8:1-12: "All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law... Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the attributes of the law of the Lord mentioned in Psalm 19?
2. In Nehemiah 8, what actions did the people of Israel take when they heard the Word of God read aloud?
3. How did the people of Israel respond emotionally and physically to the reading of the Scriptures in Nehemiah 8?
4. What did Nehemiah instruct the people to do after they heard and understood the Word of God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people of Israel had such a profound reaction to hearing the Word of God after many years?
2. How does Psalm 19 describe the impact of the Scriptures on a person's life? What does this suggest about the importance of engaging with the Bible regularly?
3. What does the act of standing, kneeling, and bowing in reverence to the Word of God in Nehemiah 8 teach us about the appropriate attitude towards Scripture?
4. How can the joy and celebration described in Nehemiah 8:12 be seen as a model for how we should respond to understanding and applying God's Word in our lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current engagement with the Bible. Do you find joy and refreshment in reading the Scriptures? If not, what changes can you make to deepen your engagement?
2. The people of Israel showed great reverence for the Word of God. How can you cultivate a similar sense of reverence in your daily Bible reading and study?
3. Understanding and applying the Word of God was emphasized in Nehemiah 8. What steps can you take to ensure you are not just reading the Bible but also understanding and applying its teachings in your life?
4. Nehemiah encouraged the people to share their food and resources as a way of living out the Word. What are some practical ways you can live out the teachings of the Bible in your community?
5. The celebration of the Word brought great joy to the people of Israel. How can you incorporate celebration and joy into your spiritual practices and community gatherings?
6. Think about a time when you took something precious for granted, as mentioned in the sermon. How can you avoid taking the Word of God for granted in your life?
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of the Word of God being a lifestyle. What specific actions can you take this week to make the Scriptures a more integral part of your daily life?
Devotional
### Day 1: The Word of God is a Source of Joy and Life
The Scriptures are designed to refresh our souls and bring joy to our hearts. Just as water is essential for our physical well-being, the Word of God is crucial for our spiritual health. When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we find a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. The people of Israel experienced this joy when they heard the Word of God after many years. It was a moment of profound spiritual renewal and celebration.
The Word of God is not just a book to be read; it is a living source of spiritual hydration. It nourishes our souls and brings life to our spirits. When we take the time to read, meditate, and apply the Scriptures, we experience a transformation that brings joy and vitality to our lives. Let us not take this precious gift for granted but cherish it as the fountain of joy that it is. [49:53]
Psalm 19:7-8 (ESV): "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
Reflection: How can you make time today to immerse yourself in the Scriptures and experience the joy and life they bring?
### Day 2: Reverence for the Word
The people of Israel stood, knelt, and bowed in reverence when the Word of God was read. This shows the importance of honoring the Scriptures in our lives. We should approach the Bible with a sense of awe and respect, recognizing its divine authority and life-giving power. Reverence for the Word means acknowledging its sacredness and allowing it to shape our lives.
When we approach the Bible with reverence, we open ourselves to its transformative power. It is not just another book; it is the living Word of God. By honoring the Scriptures, we demonstrate our commitment to living according to God's will. Let us cultivate a heart of reverence and allow the Word of God to guide and direct our paths. [01:07:44]
Nehemiah 8:5-6 (ESV): "And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground."
Reflection: In what ways can you show greater reverence for the Word of God in your daily life?
### Day 3: Understanding and Applying the Word
It's not enough to merely read the Scriptures; we must understand and apply them in our lives. The Levites helped the people understand the Word, making it clear and giving it meaning. Similarly, we should seek to understand the context and teachings of the Bible and apply them in our daily lives. Understanding the Word requires effort and intentionality, but it is essential for spiritual growth.
When we understand the Scriptures, we can apply their teachings to our lives in meaningful ways. This involves studying the Bible, seeking guidance from trusted sources, and praying for wisdom and discernment. By doing so, we allow the Word of God to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Let us commit to understanding and applying the Scriptures in our daily lives. [01:09:22]
Nehemiah 8:8 (ESV): "They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures and apply their teachings to your life today?
### Day 4: Active Living of the Word
The Word of God is meant to be lived out. Nehemiah encouraged the people to share their food and resources, embodying the principles of love and generosity. We are called to be doers of the Word, actively living out its teachings in our interactions with others. This means putting our faith into action and demonstrating the love of Christ through our deeds.
Living out the Word involves more than just personal piety; it requires us to engage with the world around us in meaningful ways. This can include acts of kindness, service, and generosity. By living out the Scriptures, we become a reflection of God's love and grace to those around us. Let us strive to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. [01:12:25]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: How can you actively live out the teachings of the Scriptures in your interactions with others today?
### Day 5: Celebrating the Word
The Scriptures are a cause for celebration. The people of Israel celebrated with great joy when they understood the Word. We too should celebrate the Word of God, recognizing its value and allowing it to bring joy and transformation into our lives. Celebrating the Word means rejoicing in its truths and allowing it to shape our hearts and minds.
When we celebrate the Word, we acknowledge its significance and express our gratitude for its impact on our lives. This can involve personal reflection, communal worship, and sharing the Scriptures with others. By celebrating the Word, we cultivate a heart of joy and gratitude, recognizing the transformative power of God's Word. Let us celebrate the Scriptures and allow them to bring joy and renewal to our lives. [01:18:09]
Nehemiah 8:12 (ESV): "And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them."
Reflection: How can you celebrate the Word of God in your life today and share its joy with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Remember, we're inviting people to September 8th, but really what we're doing is we're prepping to invite people into a relationship with Jesus because that's really what this is all about. We're trying to reach people that are far from Jesus and we're trying to reach people that God has called to be part of his kingdom who are waiting for us to go out and reach in and bring them in." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word of God is supposed to be a fountain of joy. It's supposed to be a source of joy. It's supposed to be that when we are thirsting for something of God, we can go to God's Word, and we can be refreshed. We can be, uh, our dehydrated spirits can now all of a sudden, uh, be refreshed once again." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The word of God is intended to be celebrated. We celebrate the things of God. We celebrate God's word, right? And we celebrate with great joy." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The word of God is intended to be a lifestyle, right? Not only do we do it, but it becomes part of our very nature, the part of who we are." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus answered, everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. He's talking about natural water. The water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "For many, this is the first time that they would actually hear the word of God, and that's what Nehemiah really draws out. But when we think about things that we take for granted, what might some of those things be for you? Maybe it's a relationship. You know, I was putting a sermon together, and I felt a little guilty, so I called my mom. Right? We know the mom's always there. We love mom, but you know, it gets, I get busy. You have kids, you have life, and then you realize enough time has gone by to where your mother wonders if she still has a child." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word of God is intended to be heard. He gathered them all together, he read the word, and they listened, and they took it on. We too are supposed to be hearers of the word. Romans 10, 17 says, consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The word of God is intended to be activated. It's supposed to be active in your life. We're supposed to be living out the Scriptures. Verse 9 through 11 says this, Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the law, and the Levites who were instructing the people, said to them all, This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep, for all the people have been weeping as they listened to the Word of the law." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The word of God is intended to be celebrated. That's where we got our core verse, Nehemiah 8, 12. It says, then all the people went away to drink and eat, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy because they now understood the word that had been made known to them." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The word of God is intended to be a lifestyle, right? Not only do we do it, but it becomes part of our very nature, the part of who we are. Nehemiah 8, 13 through 18 goes on, On the second day of the month, the head of the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the law." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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