The Saints: Gladly Rejoicing, Exalting, and Wielding the Word

Today’s reflection centers on the true meaning of sainthood and the grace that God bestows upon ordinary people. Drawing from the Beatitudes in Matthew and Psalm 149, the focus is on how sainthood is not an achievement for the spiritual elite, but a gift given to the humble through Jesus Christ. Saints are not just those immortalized in stained glass or remembered for extraordinary deeds, but everyday people—those who stumble, who get “kicked out of the car,” who make mistakes and must apologize. The Lord takes pleasure in adorning the humble with salvation, and this is the foundation of our identity as saints.

The life of a saint is marked by three distinct responses to God’s grace. First, saints are people of joy. They rejoice in their Maker, finding gladness not only in the beauty of creation but in the majesty and kingship of God. This joy is not dependent on circumstances; it persists even in hardship, as seen in the example of Richard, who attends every service out of love for worship and music. Second, saints exalt in God’s glory. To exalt is to revel in the weight and excellence of God’s character—His perfection, goodness, and power. This “weight” is a source of satisfaction that the world’s counterfeits cannot match. Even in the darkness, on sleepless nights, saints are called to find their satisfaction in God alone.

Third, saints wield the Word of God. The “two-edged sword” in Psalm 149 is understood as the living and active Word, sharper than any physical weapon. Saints are those who treasure, study, and speak God’s Word, bringing hope and truth to a world in need. This is not a privilege for a select few, but an honor for all who belong to Christ.

To become a saint is to receive, not to achieve. It begins with humility: admitting our need, believing in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, and coming to Him in faith. The invitation is open to all, and the life of sainthood is lived out in community, worship, and service. Today, as we witness baptism and welcome a new member into the family of God, we are reminded that sainthood is for ordinary people, adorned with salvation by an extraordinary Savior.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Sainthood is a Gift, Not an Achievement True sainthood is not earned by moral perfection or spiritual heroics. It is a gift freely given by God to the humble, those who recognize their need for grace. The saints are ordinary people who have received salvation through Jesus Christ, not those who have managed to make themselves holy by their own efforts. [19:43]
• 2. Joy in the Midst of Life’s Hardships Saints are marked by a deep, abiding joy that is rooted in their relationship with God, not in their circumstances. This joy is found in rejoicing in the Creator and the King, even when life is difficult or disappointing. The call is to seek and cultivate this joy, recognizing God’s goodness in both the beauty of creation and the trials of life. [22:17]
• 3. Exalting in the Glory of God To exalt in God’s glory is to find satisfaction in the weight and excellence of His character—His goodness, power, and perfection. This is a “weight” that brings comfort and fulfillment, contrasting with the heaviness of grief or loss. Saints are those who revel in God’s glory, finding their deepest satisfaction in Him rather than in the fleeting promises of the world. [25:31]
• 4. Wielding the Word of God The saints are those who treasure, study, and speak the Word of God, which is described as a two-edged sword. This is not about wielding power over others, but about bringing the truth and hope of the gospel to a broken world. Knowing and sharing God’s Word is both an honor and a responsibility for all who belong to Christ. [27:25]
• 5. The Pathway to Sainthood: Admit, Believe, Come Becoming a saint begins with humility—admitting our sin and inability to save ourselves. It continues with believing in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, and culminates in coming to Him in faith. This simple ABC—Admit, Believe, Come—is the open invitation to all, reminding us that sainthood is for anyone who will receive it. [29:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [16:22] - Reading the Beatitudes
• [18:25] - Reflections on Sainthood
• [19:43] - The Gift of Salvation
• [20:22] - Saints in Everyday Life
• [21:39] - Who Are the Saints?
• [22:17] - Saints Rejoice in God
• [24:53] - Exalting in God’s Glory
• [27:25] - Wielding the Word of God
• [29:20] - The Marks of the Godly
• [29:58] - The ABCs of Knowing Christ
• [31:20] - Baptism Introduction
• [32:17] - Baptismal Vows
• [34:49] - Prayers for the Baptized
• [37:17] - The Meaning of Baptism
• [38:53] - Baptism and Welcome
• [40:12] - Announcements and Community Life
• [43:04] - Prayers for the Church and Province
• [44:18] - Invitation to Communion
• [45:01] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes, ESV) — Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Psalm 149:1-6 (ESV) — Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.
Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 149, what does God do for the humble? ([19:43])
2. In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), what kinds of people does Jesus call “blessed”?
3. What are the three marks of a saint described in the sermon? ([22:17])
4. How is the “two-edged sword” in Psalm 149 explained in the sermon? ([27:25])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says sainthood is a gift, not an achievement. Why is it important to understand sainthood this way, and how does it change the way we see ourselves and others? ([19:43])
2. The saints are described as people of joy, even in hard times. What does it look like to have joy that isn’t based on circumstances? ([24:14])
3. The sermon talks about “exalting in God’s glory” as finding satisfaction in God’s character. What does it mean to be satisfied in God rather than in the “counterfeits” the world offers? ([25:31])
4. The “ABC” of sainthood is Admit, Believe, Come. Why are each of these steps necessary, and what might keep someone from taking them? ([29:58])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says saints are ordinary people who make mistakes and need to apologize. Can you think of a recent time when you “got kicked out of the car” or messed up? How did you respond, and how does knowing sainthood is a gift change how you see that moment? ([19:02])
2. Where do you usually look for joy in your life? Is your joy tied to your circumstances, or do you find it in your relationship with God? What is one way you can practice rejoicing in God this week, even if things are hard? ([24:14])
3. The sermon gives the example of Richard, who attends every service because he loves worship and music. What is something about God or church that brings you joy, and how can you lean into that more? ([24:14])
4. The world offers many “counterfeits” for satisfaction—comfort, security, power, or position. Which of these are you most tempted to chase after? What would it look like to find your satisfaction in God’s glory instead? ([26:10])
5. The saints “wield the Word of God.” How much time do you spend reading, studying, or speaking God’s Word? What is one step you can take this week to treasure God’s Word more? ([28:09])
6. The “ABC” of sainthood is Admit, Believe, Come. Is there one of these steps that is hardest for you right now? Why? What would help you take that next step? ([29:58])
7. The sermon says sainthood is lived out in community, worship, and service. Is there a way you can get more involved in one of these areas at church or in your neighborhood this month? ([29:20])