The Heart of Worship 02 - Joy-Full worship

Reading: Psalm 126, Philippians 4:1-7

The LORD has done great things for us,

     and we are filled with joy.                 Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

I.   The Lord has done Great things for us!

     A.  He gives Blessings for this life

           1.  The Jewish people were celebrating their return from exile in Babylon.

                 a.  It was God’s discipline for their disobedience that sent them there.

                 b.  Now they were going home.

                 c.  Now God’s favor was returning to them

           2.  What has God done for you?

                 a.  What blessings do you enjoy?

                 b.  How lavishly has God blessed you?

           3.  We may focus too much on this life, but we are blessed in it!

                 a.  We have so much we can’t count our blessings.

                 b.  How good is the life God gives us!

     B.  He promises Everlasting Life

           1.  God brings us back to a New Jerusalem!

                 a.  The Gospel is of reconciliation— coming home to God.

                 b.  God is bringing us back to a new home

           2.  While we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Rom.5:8 NIV)

                 a.  He promises us life forever when we deserved the opposite!

                 b.  How good is God!

                 c.  Respond to God’s greatest blessing!

     C.  Be Glad!

           1.  If we know what our salvation is, we must respond with Joy!

                 a.  It’s better than winning a super-bowl or a world series.

                 b.  It’s better than winning the lottery, or the Readers’ Digest Sweepstakes!

                 c.  Nothing could be better than this!

           2.  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

                 a.  No matter what else happens, we’ve got it made!

                 b.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, (Rev.21:4)

                 c.  We get to be with God forever!

           3.  We have more reason for joy than the angels in heaven!

                 a.  We lost it all and now have everything!

II.  Rejoice in the Lord!

     A.  This is a Command

           1.  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

                 a.  Be Joyful Always. (1Thess.5:16)

                 b.  I don’t see “when you’re in the mood”

                 c.  I don’t see “unless you’re not the type”

           2.  Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; Come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:1-2)

                 a.  Shout? How about an inward smile?

                 b.  No a loud, boisterous shout!

     B.  Rejoice even in Hardship

           1.  We find Joy in hardship when we choose to focus on the Source of our Joy!

                 a.  Whatever happens, God is in it.

                 b.  And God will turn it to our good!

           2.  In the context of eternity our hardships are all very small

                 a.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

     C.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit

           1.  God’s Spirit produces Joy in us.

                 a.  Second after Love, in the list!

                 b.  We don’t produce joy in our strength!

           2.  Joy is something God is working into us.

                 a.  So look for him to work there!

                 b.  When you find Him working joy into, let the joy come out!

           3.  Joy is evidence of our rebirth

III. Authentic worship is Joy-Full

     A.  Joy-Full worship is a Sacred obligation

           1.  Read the selected verses Worship with Joy!

     B.  Joy-Full worship Celebrates God

           1.  I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 (NIV)

                 a.  The Psalms are full of people celebrating God and His might deeds!

           2.  Worship is celebrating God and His deeds.

                 a.  A good a definition as I know.

                 b.  Celebrate Him in your hearts, with your mouths and with your bodies.

                 c.  Lifting one’s hands in worship is the typical posture of worship in the Bible.

           3.  Remember God, not joy, is the center of worship.

                 a.  Don’t mistake one for the other!

                 b.  That’s just what we do, though isn’t it!

     C.  Joy-Full worship Enjoys God

           1.  Delight yourself in the Lord (Ps.37:4)

                 a.  Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. (Ps.43:4a)

                 b.  I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness (Is 61:10a)

           2.  Rejoice in the Lord Always!

                 a.  Whom we love we enjoy being with.

                 b.  Delight in the Lord who delights in you

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The Bottom Line:

R#394 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (vv. 1&3)