Trust, Obey, and Rejoice in the Lord

 

Summary

Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the essence of rejoicing in the Lord as a command that calls us to trust and obey. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine directive that invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Trusting in His promises and obeying His commands are intertwined actions that lead us to true happiness in Jesus. The old hymn "Trust and Obey" encapsulates this truth beautifully, reminding us that there is no other way to experience the fullness of joy in Christ.

When we choose to trust, we acknowledge that everything will work out for our good, even when circumstances seem challenging. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the assurance that God is sovereign and His plans are for our sanctification. Obedience, on the other hand, is our response to His love and faithfulness. It is through obedience that we align our lives with His will, allowing His transformative work to take place within us.

Rejoicing in the Lord always, as commanded, becomes a natural outflow of a life that trusts and obeys. It is a declaration of faith that God is in control and that He is using every situation to mold us into the image of Christ. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary trials to eternal purposes, enabling us to find joy in the journey.

Key Takeaways:

- Trusting in God's promises is foundational to experiencing joy in Him. It requires a deep-seated belief that God is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see the outcome. This trust is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness. [00:14]

- Obedience to God's commands is a response to His love and a pathway to spiritual growth. It is through obedience that we align ourselves with His will and open our hearts to His transformative power. [00:14]

- Rejoicing in the Lord is a command that invites us to live with a perspective of faith and hope. It is a choice to focus on God's eternal purposes rather than temporary circumstances. [00:30]

- The hymn "Trust and Obey" encapsulates the essence of a life lived in faith and obedience. It reminds us that true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting His promises and obeying His commands. [00:14]

- Sanctification is a process that God uses to mold us into the image of Christ. Trusting and obeying are integral to this process, as they allow God to work in and through us for His glory. [00:30]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Trust and Obey
[00:30] - Rejoice in the Lord Always

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
- Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the command to "rejoice in the Lord always" imply about our daily attitude and mindset? [00:30]
2. How does the hymn "Trust and Obey" relate to the themes of trust and obedience discussed in the sermon? [00:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's promises can lead to joy, even in difficult circumstances? [00:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of rejoicing in the Lord always challenge common perceptions of happiness and joy? [00:30]
2. What role does obedience play in the process of sanctification, according to the sermon? [00:14]
3. How might trusting in God's sovereignty change one's perspective on personal trials and challenges? [00:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your trust in God's promises influence your response to that situation? [00:14]
2. Consider a command from God that you find difficult to obey. What steps can you take to align your actions with His will? [00:14]
3. How can you cultivate a habit of rejoicing in the Lord daily, regardless of your circumstances? [00:30]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's plan. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him? [00:14]
5. Think of a time when you experienced joy through obedience to God. How can you replicate that experience in other areas of your life? [00:14]
6. How can the message of the hymn "Trust and Obey" serve as a reminder in your daily walk with Christ? [00:14]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to focus on God's eternal purposes rather than temporary circumstances? [00:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's promises is foundational to experiencing joy in Him. It requires a deep-seated belief that God is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see the outcome. This trust is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness. When we choose to trust, we acknowledge that everything will work out for our good, even when circumstances seem challenging. This trust is not blind but is rooted in the assurance that God is sovereign and His plans are for our sanctification. [00:14]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively choose to trust Him in this area today?


Day 2: Obedience as a Response to Love
Obedience to God's commands is a response to His love and a pathway to spiritual growth. It is through obedience that we align ourselves with His will and open our hearts to His transformative power. Obedience is our response to His love and faithfulness. It is through obedience that we align our lives with His will, allowing His transformative work to take place within us. [00:14]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Identify one command of God that you find challenging to obey. What steps can you take today to begin aligning your actions with His will in this area?


Day 3: Rejoicing as a Faith Perspective
Rejoicing in the Lord is a command that invites us to live with a perspective of faith and hope. It is a choice to focus on God's eternal purposes rather than temporary circumstances. Rejoicing in the Lord always, as commanded, becomes a natural outflow of a life that trusts and obeys. It is a declaration of faith that God is in control and that He is using every situation to mold us into the image of Christ. [00:30]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the trial itself to God's eternal purposes and find joy in the journey?


Day 4: The Essence of "Trust and Obey"
The hymn "Trust and Obey" encapsulates the essence of a life lived in faith and obedience. It reminds us that true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting His promises and obeying His commands. Trusting in His promises and obeying His commands are intertwined actions that lead us to true happiness in Jesus. The old hymn "Trust and Obey" encapsulates this truth beautifully, reminding us that there is no other way to experience the fullness of joy in Christ. [00:14]

Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."

Reflection: Reflect on the lyrics of "Trust and Obey." How can you incorporate the principles of this hymn into your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: Sanctification through Trust and Obedience
Sanctification is a process that God uses to mold us into the image of Christ. Trusting and obeying are integral to this process, as they allow God to work in and through us for His glory. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary trials to eternal purposes, enabling us to find joy in the journey. [00:30]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways do you see God molding you into the image of Christ through your current circumstances? How can you cooperate with His sanctifying work in your life today?

Quotes

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Transcript
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