WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US THAT GOD IS SELF-EXISTENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT?

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Some don’t want doctrine—they are into practical preaching. What they are really wanting is a motivational talk juiced up with a few Bible verses!  Nothing is more practical than theology!  We see Paul’s exultation in God’s glorious person in this verse.

There will be submission to God’s SOVEREIGNTY.  As King of the ages, He has the right to rule over us, and we have the responsibility to submit to Him in every area.

Then, we find recognition of God’s SUFFICIENCY.  The One who is incorruptible and invisible is sufficient to preserve me in this corrupt world and always be with me in whatever circumstances I find myself—“A very present help in trouble” (Ps.46:1b).

Furthermore, there is adoration for God’s SUPREMACY.  God doesn’t need me, but I need Him.  He is worthy of honor and glory which we will give Him forever.  He doesn’t need it, but He deserves and delights in it!

I think of the hymn by Walter Chalmers Smith,

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.”

Have you bowed to Him as Lord and Savior?  If you have, are you trusting His unseen hand to guide and guard you?

OVER THE HUMP AND OUT OF THE SLUMP!

Wednesday—“Hump Day”—as it’s often called, marks the middle of the workweek, and, frankly, can be a turning point to sharpen our focus and help us finish out the week strong.  It can also be a time where we forget about duty, grow weary of working, pine away for the weekend, and finish with a whimper.

Spiritually, we may wonder why we get in a slump after Sunday worship and rather than it being a springboard to greater heights of devotion to God, we plop down into stagnation.  Our good intentions become victims of our lack of convictions.

Wednesdays at Pole Creek may provide the fuel for your spiritual fire to be rekindled!  It may help you get over the spiritual hump and out of the slump!

Beginning August 14, we dive back into the deep end on Wednesday evenings! That’s a lot of consecutive exclamation points! 

Meals resume at 5:30 PM.  Our wonderful kitchen crew will enable us to get something to nourish our bodies as we get ready to nourish our souls.  After a long day at work or school, a delicious meal waiting for you sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

·      Music rehearsals (with a lot of worship and fellowship experienced during that time) return at 6:00 PM for the kids and 6:30 for adults.  Singing about and to the Lord—even in practice—is exhilarating!

      Missions and more for kids happens with the kickoff of TeamKID at 6:30 PM.  KID stands for Kids In Discipleship and is a fun-filled, action-packed way for kids to learn Bible stories, memorize Scripture, learn about and be involved in missions in living out God’s commands.

·       Meaningful Bible study in a small group setting cranks up as Pastor Ben leads “The Foundations,” a 12 week study to drive you deep into the Word of God for a solid foundation to answer humanity’s toughest questions.  Our teens face these questions—indeed mockery—from the disciples of Darwin, and so Pastor Chase will be bringing the students into this study, as well.

Then, on Wednesday night, August 28 at 6:45 PM in the auditorium, I will lead us in the fall study of the Gospel Project.  This will enable those who are workers on Sunday to attend Bible study, and for teachers to get a preview of the coming Sunday’s study to “jump start” them, plus, there will always be people who cannot come on Sunday and this gives them an opportunity for fellowship in the Word!

WOW—the Wonder Of Wednesdays at Pole Creek!  Let us help you get over the hump and out of the slump!

Excited for Jesus,

Pastor Dennis

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR GOD TO BE SELF-EXISTENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT?

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (I Timothy‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

It means God is INFINITE “the King eternal”  Literally, He is King of the ages (so rendered by the ESV)—that is, God stands above all the ages—He was before all time, He transcends all time, and will rule over the eternal ages when time is no more—at least, not as we measure time.
 
It means God is INCORRUPTIBLE “immortal”  The word means incorruptible—a word Paul only uses to describe God—for it could not describe anyone or anything else, except that which pertains to God.  God cannot age, decline, or be defiled.  He is immune to the corruption we face.

It means God is INVISIBLE “invisible.”  Ref. 1 Tim.6:16.  God is a Spirit—and has no body—therefore He cannot be confined to a locality.  His presence fills the universe and transcends it.  The invisible God has only become visible in the person of Jesus Christ.  The glory of God is such our eyes could not behold His fullness.

It means God is INCOMPARABLE “God…alone”  The word “wise” found in some manuscripts isn’t found in the oldest and best—though it is certainly true that God has incomparable wisdom and other texts substantiate that.  He has incomparable wisdom, power, holiness, love, and all His attributes, because He is an incomparable Being—and that is the thought here.

He is God and God alone!

GOD AND GOD ALONE

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭(1 Timothy 1:17)

We live in a sound-bite culture.  Communication has been reduced to texts and tweets.  Even the very names of social media convey the brevity and immediacy of communication—we have Instagram and Snapchat.  I fear the result is that we are developing the attention span of a gnat and are losing our capacity to think deeply.

Many churches have just decided to go with the flow—and today if you go to one of those you will get a sermonette.  My concern is that sermonettes produce Christianettes!

So, at the church I serve, we have decided to resist the tide, and ask you to think deeply—and specifically to stretch your mind in an attempt to comprehend the incomprehensible.

God is a subject so vast, we will never—not even in eternity—exhaust the end of a Being who is boundless.  The study however is mind-blowing, heart-gripping, and life-changing.  Just look at what is contained in this one verse!  Zero in on this phrase: “God who alone is…” and stop right there!  God IS—He just IS!  He IS self-existent and self-sufficient.  That will be the truth we will meditate on this week.  Let us drink deeply from the fountain of Scripture!

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

“Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!’ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭2:13-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

“Time for a trip to the dump.”  Dreaded words, spoken recently by my wife. She then enumerated all the junk that needed to be removed from the house. I agree—but it is nasty, sweaty, sometimes back-breaking work that requires a long excursion almost to Madison County where dust or mud and piles of stinking trash await your arrival. My wife is right, of course, and afterwards things will get much better.  For one thing, her scowl will transform to a smile.

Jesus saw that His Father’s house was full of trash. Nasty people were doing nasty things.  So, He rolled up His sleeves and cleaned house!  Little by little a place that was meant to be a place for prayer had become a place for religious racketeers to operate.  Christ’s righteous anger against sin—His zeal for His Father’s glory—would not tolerate it. 

Today, our body is the house of God—the believers gathered together are the place where Christ dwells and worship occurs.  The reality is that we need to take regular trips to the dump. The world’s trash has a way of accumulating in the corners of our mind.  The rotting heap of stinky sin piles up in our heart.  We ought to be zealous to clean up.  

Here’s how:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Sincerely,
Dennis Thurman

THE GENTLENESS OF GOD: A MODEL TO IMITATE

“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.” (1 Thess.2:7-9)

Paul was gentle like Jesus—the Lord of Whom it was said, “A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory” (Matt.12:20).  Picture a plant that has been bent over; its stem is bruised and close to breaking. It takes the tender touch of the gardener to restore it. A candle wick barley glowing—nearly extinguished—needs a soft breath to ignite it again. Blow too hard and out it goes. Thus, people who are bruised and the fire of their soul almost gone, need the tender touch.

In the home, you think of a mother.  If something is broken and you need it fixed you run to Dad.  If you have fallen and are hurting, you run to Mom.  As ministers of the Gospel to people flee from us or fly to us?

This week we have studied the gentleness of God. Christ was the incarnation of that compassion and consolation to the bruised and battered.  The Holy Spirit is pictured as a dove of peace and not a screech owl or screaming eagle.  

Paul imitated Jesus in this sense. He nourished them with truth as a nursing mother takes a baby to her breast.  He poured his life into them with labor and toil as a mom does in birthing us and bringing us up.  If Paul had to stay up all night, he would—and sometimes did.  That is the way mothers are and they are a model to imitate in ministry whether you are a vocational pastor or a lay minister. Those who have fallen need to be lifted up rather than shoved down lower.

THE GENTLENESS OF GOD: A PROMISE TO CLAIM

“For thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.’” (Isaiah‬ ‭66:12-13‬)

“I will…” is the assurance of God’s action. God cannot lie.  What He says He will do rest assured He will do.

There is the promise of peace as we rest in God’s arms, “I will extend peace...like a river...” (v.12a).  As a gentle river flows, creating a sound that soothes a troubled soul, thus God sends a stream of peace constant and comforting to His children. It is a lullaby to His child.

There is the promise of provision, “Then you shall feed...” (v.12b) fed as a mother feeds the babe with the breast, and carried on the hip as a mother carries her child, “On her sides shall you be carried...” (v.12c), and bounced on the knees as a mother plays with her young one, “and be dandled on her knees” (v.12d).

That is a picture of comfort, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you” (v.13a) and it is the promise of God!  “You shall be comforted...” (v.13b). Not all the powers of hate can diminish this promise of love!

THE GENTLENESS OF GOD: A TRUTH TO UNDERSTAND

 “As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you…” (Isa.66:13a)

The text does not say God is our Heavenly Mother, but that He will comfort His children as a mother does. It is an analogy to help us understand this dimension of God’s character—His gentleness. Scripture states in several places that God is our Rock.  He is not literally made of stone!  It suggests that He is a stable foundation to build your life on and a strong fortress to stand on.

Did you know that there are liberal denominations that are changing the language of Bible translations and hymns to align with radical feminism?  You might go to one of these churches and hear this:

One hymn calls the Almighty "Mother God." Another alludes to the universe as the "womb of life" A third refers to the Holy Spirit as "She [who] comes sailing on the wind." https://www.questia.com/magazine/1G1-78682355/her-hymns

We are not to impose our ideology on a Biblical text, but let the text dictate our theology.  But, we also cannot be fearful of truth that makes us uncomfortable just because there are those extreme voices.  We are accursed if we add to or take away from Scripture.

Always remember that God is above and beyond us—He is other than us.  While the Bible presents God as Father, also understand that God is a Spirit—so He does not have a body as a sexual being.  When He made humans in His image, He made them male and female, and so there are dimensions in the character of men and women that flow from God.  It does not flow back the other direction, however. Men and women are made in His image, not the opposite!  That is making God in our image—and that is idolatry.

One aspect of God’s character that He has given is his gentleness that we see expressed in maternal love.  Fathers love their children and a man can be tender too—yet there is a superlative quality about a mother’s compassion.  Mothers give us life, carry us in their womb and later in their arms.  They nourish us with their milk.  God is the source and strength of our life.  Mother’s refuse to give up on us—and God will not either!

THE GENTLENESS OF GOD

“For thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.’” (Isaiah 66:12-13)

The first person of the Trinity, is God the Father.  This is a title consistent throughout Scripture.  Jesus, the second person of the Trinity called God, “My Father,” and taught us to address God as, “our Father.”  The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit cries from within us, “Abba, Father,” as we call upon God.  We most often associate God with being our Father—rightly so.  But, another aspect of His character is the tenderness of a mother.  Now, mind you, we aren’t saying that God is to be called, “Mother,” nor thought of in that sense of His being. However, we will explore one attribute of God this week that will be illustrated by the analogy of a mother—the gentleness of God.  We do not want to say more than what the Scripture says in this matter, but neither should we say less.

GLORY EXPERIENCED

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  Thus says the Westminster Catechism. God’s glory and our joy are bound together in our experience with God.  John Piper puts it like this, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  Puritan Pastor, Jonathan Edwards declared, “The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which God is magnified and exalted.”

We get glory from God when we give glory to God.  This is the glory that Adam lost and what Jesus came to restore,

“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one...Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John‬ ‭17:22, 24‬)

How can we experience that glory?

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor.3:18).

All that we go through—especially the groans—lead to glory, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” (2 Cor.4:17).

Yet, whatever experience of God’s glory we may know in this life, cannot compare with what awaits.  Romans 8:17-18 promises, “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” This is glorification.  We shall behold God in all His glory and be changed into His likeness!

GLORY EXPRESSED

Everything—absolutely everything is meant to declare the glory of God. The sun and stars shout of His splendor from the sky, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Ps.19:1).

Although this world has been degraded because of sin, it still is full of glory, “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!’” (Isa. 6:3).

It is God who shines into the darkness of sin and dispels it with His glory, “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.” (Is.60:1-2).

The people of God have a duty to declare God’s glory to all mankind, “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” (1 Chron.16:24).

There is nothing for us to boast in—our glory is in the Lord, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.’” (1 Cor.1:26-31).

Perhaps the most fundamental principle relates to this,
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor.10:31).  May God help us to be guided and governed by the goal of His glory!

GLORY EXHIBITED

We’ve heard it said, “A picture is with a thousand words,” so rather than just trying to say a definition of glory, let us see a demonstration of glory.  Look at Deuteronomy 5:24:

“And you said: ‘Surely the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives.’”

The Jews had seen His glory and were in awe of it.  They had heard God’s voice and were amazed by it.  God’s presence had been so over-powering, they were surprised they were not consumed by the fire.  Such is the wonder of His glory.

The clearest expression of that glory was in the Living Word, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).  In every way, Jesus displayed the glory of God.

That glory was manifested on the mountain in a majestic manner. Picture this:

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” (Matt.17:1-3‬). There was glory exhibited!

GLORY EXPLAINED

If I were to try to explain the glory of God, where would I start? Let’s begin with Exodus 24:17:   “The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.”

This tells us what the glory of the Lord was like—the visible manifestation—a fiery cloud.  That would have been impressive—but we didn’t see it.  It is descriptive—but, still hard to grasp since we weren’t there.

John Piper likened this to comparing the words basketball and beauty.  When I say basketball you can comprehend for you have seen one, likely held one.  It is round, weighs about 20 ounces, and can be bounced, passed, and shot.  The word beauty is abstract.  That is harder to define.

That’s the way it is with glory. Richard DeHaan said, “God’s glory is the total manifestation of all His attributes.  His glory is what will make heaven what it will be…. so unsearchable that it will take all eternity to begin to discover.”

To give God glory is to praise Him for all He is.  “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Rom.11:36).

THE GLORY OF GOD

“All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD, When they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, For great is the glory of the LORD.” (Psalm 138:4-5)

The Bible is a story of glory.  In its opening pages, we find the God of glory fashioning the heavens and the earth—all declaring His glory.  He creates man in His image with the capacity of reflecting His glory.  Then, when sin comes, that glory is taken away.  There follows the narrative of God working to restore that glory—a glory seen in Christ and that we can experience in the cross.  Because of that everything is moving to the fullness of glory restored in us and the praise of God’s glory for eternity.

“The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.” (Rev.21:23-26).

The glory of God is the essence of His being—the outshining of His person.  Everything begins and ends with His glory.

GRACE THAT SEALS US

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

From start to finish, the Christian life is all of grace. The grace of God that saves, secures, strengthens, and sustains, will also seal us for heaven. This is the blessed hope we anticipate and of which we sing in “Amazing Grace.”

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forebear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Newton didn’t actually write the last verse, but it’s a precious addition.

In Titus 2:11-14, Paul connects past grace that justifies and present grace that sanctifies with promised grace that glorifies—our future hope.

Have you received the gift of grace?  By faith, reach out and take God’s free gift of salvation, purchased for you by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Are you grateful?  If you have received that grace, does it motivate you to live each day for the Giver of life?  Are you living with eternity in view?

Let us gather on the Lord’s Day tomorrow with the people of God to celebrate His grace!

GRACE THAT SUSTAINS US

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb.4:16)

Some of the verses of the hymn “Amazing Grace,” are not as well known as others. This would likely be the one most forgotten and omitted—and that ought not be!  Here is the stanza that you and I need to remember today.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

If we start well, and stumble short of the finish line, then what good would the grace be that gets us out of the starting blocks in the race of life?  We must have the grace to sustain us to the end, and that is what John Newton was writing about and what the writer of Hebrews 4:16 has promised.

God is approachable. We find a throne room of grace.  We can come boldly for whatever need we have—a shield to defend us and a portion to feed us—never abandoned through all our day.  God’s grace will sustain us until our last breath—as long as life endures!

GRACE THAT STRENGTHENS US

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim.2:1)

Paul tells us that the source of our strength is the grace of God. We cannot stand unless His strength is ours. The Apostle will go on to challenge Timothy to have the direction of a student (v.2), the dedication of a soldier (v.3-4), the discipline of a sportsman (v.5), and the devotion of a sower (v.6). That takes the divine energizing of grace.

This is what John Newton suggests in “Amazing Grace.”

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

God not only gives us grace to save us and secure us, but to strengthen us day by day in the many challenges we face—dangers, toils, and snares.  We could not overcome them in our own power, but we need not—grace is available to empower.

GRACE THAT SECURES US

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7)

The second stanza of John Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace,” speaks to this truth.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Grace not only saves us, it secures us.  If you could lose your salvation, you would.  You once rightfully feared judgment, but you need fear it no more.  There is no condemnation—Jesus paid it all!  Precious was the grace that saved us, and even more precious that it secures us!  That security—far from being an excuse to live as I want—is an incentive to live as God wills.

GRACE THAT SAVES US

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(Eph.2:8-9)

The first stanza of “Amazing Grace,” reminds us of this truth.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

There is a grace that saves us. Grace means there is no merit on our part to commend us to God.  It is impossible for us to do enough good works to earn our way to heaven.  We were hopelessly, helplessly lost, as wayward sheep, but the Good Shepherd sought us.  We were blind to the truth until the Holy Spirit opened our eyes.  That is God’s gracious gift of salvation!

THE GRACE OF GOD

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15)

The grace of God is such an amazing truth.  No other religion has such a concept as this—it is exclusive to the Christian faith.  Few words capture the heart of God for us better than “grace.”  An understanding of grace should capture our heart in return!

The most popular hymn ever written has amazing grace as its subject.  John Newton’s life was radically transformed by God’s grace and so he authored that hymn as a testimony.  Newton was a slave trader—a vile and violent man.

The description of him as a wretch is altogether appropriate—but it is true of you and me as well.  The more we understand how depraved we are, the more grateful we will be for grace.

Think of a sparkling diamond with the radiance of its many facets.  Such is the multi-faceted beauty of God’s grace—and this week we will examine its amazing splendor.

THE PLEASURE FROM GOD’S PLEASURE

David said there is pleasure that comes from a life that brings pleasure to God.

“You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  (Psalm 16:11)

God means for us to have joy in Him.  The gladness of God should be reflected in our countenance and conversations.  Of all people on earth who ought to be rejoicing, it is those who have been shown the path of life.  It isn’t the sinner who is “living it up,” but the believer—at least we should be.

Three things then gladden us—God’s path, for it is true life; God’s presence, for it is full joy; God’s pleasures, for it is eternal favor.

We are further enjoined to:

“Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.”  (Ps.100:2)

The gladness of God has practical implications for the believer.  Our service for Him should be attended with gladness and not grudging.  Entering His presence requires a song—and not a dirge either!  In ancient times, it was punishable by death to be a servant attending a monarch with a sad countenance (Nehemiah 1 is an example).  How much more should we seek to serve the King of kings with a smile and a song!

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you.”  (Deut.28:47-48)

Will we ever learn that God isn’t just after the outward action—although obedience is a must—He is looking at our heart.  The problem here is one of going through the motions without joy!  This is serious.  God brought discipline on Israel accordingly.  You can serve an oppressive enemy without joy—just doing it because you have to.  God would teach them that their attitude was no different by allowing them to do that very thing.  Had they chosen to serve God with a heart of gladness then they would have enjoyed blessing and not bondage.

Learn this: “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  (Rom.14:17). Since God’s eternal kingdom is marked by joy, the church should manifest it today.  It was true in the first century and ought to be in the twenty-first.

Paul extolled how the Thessalonians had great joy.

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thess.1:6). Consider the pattern in the early church by studying Acts 2:46-47; 5:40-41; 16:22-25.

We have seen that Scripture knows nothing of a grumpy God—moody and morose!  He does grieve, but also is glad for He will be glorified in all things.  Paul was “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10).  This is how God’s people are to be. Have you the joy of salvation?  Have you lost it like David did (Ps.51:12)?  It can be restored.  Why would we abandon God and His joy in us to pursue the things of this world that only leave us craving more?  That is like trying to satisfy your thirst by drinking salt water from the ocean—the more you take in, the thirstier you become. But, “In [God’s] presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT?

It’s hotter than the fourth of July!  Have you ever heard someone say that?  Well, Independence Day is here—and I hope you enjoy the fireworks.  We celebrate another birthday of this nation.  How many more?

Speaking of heat—the political rhetoric is at fever pitch.  I cannot recall the polarization of the politicians and the populace being this intense in my lifetime.  To me, it is reminiscent of the divide that sparked the fire that nearly burned America down—the Civil War.  There is nothing civil about the war waged each day in the media.  Social media is hardly sociable.

We should be passionate about the moral decline of this country.  I certainly intend to speak forcefully against the perversion on parade, the abomination of abortion, and such.  Yet, we must always remember to speak the truth in love.  A bulldog can whip a skunk—but is it worth it?

What would happen if we spoke to God as passionately in prayer about these matters as we speak about the problem in a Facebook post?  I am not saying we should not at times do the latter, but I am concerned the church is not doing much of the former.

America needs Jesus.  We need a heart change rather than a leadership change.  Laws are important to restrain evil, but ultimately cannot remove it—only repentance and regeneration through the Gospel accomplishes that.  Prayer to God and the proclamation of the Gospel are the church’s mandate.

President Trump cannot fix it.

President Biden, Warren, Sanders, or “fill in the blank,” cannot fix us.

The Republicans and Democrats aren’t the solution (though they may be part of the problem).

Socialism cannot save us—though it would doom us; neither can crony capitalism cure us.

The talking heads on your TV news channel of choice or those who editorialize through Facebook, Twitter, etc. do not have the answer.

The church has to decide whether we will be a thermometer that merely reflects our culture, or a thermostat that influences the culture.

Here is what God commands us to do:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,  (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

GOD’S REJOICING OVER US

God’s word for His people is not, “no,” but, “yes!”  His desire is not to express judgment, but joy.

Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.  (Jeremiah 32:41)

God’s rejoicing does not stop with emotion, but extends to action.  He delights to establish us in the place of blessing. All of His heart and soul—all His desire is directed toward us.  That is the Father’s heart for His children!

Jesus has joy in us and shares His joy with us.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11).”

“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” (John 17:13)

Not only does the Father have joy and extends that joy to us, but so does the Son.  Jesus speaks of His joy.  He certainly was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief—but He was likewise a man of smiles and acquainted with gladness!  It is that same joy which Jesus wants to abide in us—a heavenly happiness which elevates our human happiness!

We cannot win the world to Christ if we are not winsome, and that is predicated on being a smiling saint and not a sourpuss!  Joy is evidence of regeneration by the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  (Gal.5:22-23a, emphasis added)

The Triune God is full of gladness as we see the Holy Spirit is the root of joy in the believer.  After love, isn’t it interesting to find that joy is the next virtue listed in this cluster of spiritual fruit?  Perhaps we have not placed as high a value on it as we ought!

Ultimately, heaven will be a place of boundless joy in the Lord. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matt.25:23). As the old Gospel song, “Heaven’s Jubilee”, expresses it:

Some glad morning we shall see, Jesus in the air
Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share
What rejoicing there will be, when the saints shall rise
Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies

Oh what singing, oh what shouting
On that happy morning when we all shall rise
Oh what glory, Hallelujah
When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

Seems that now I almost see, all the sainted dead
Rising for that jubilee, that is just ahead
In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be
All the living saints to fly, to that jubilee.

Oh what singing, oh what shouting
On that happy morning when we all shall rise
Oh what glory, Hallelujah
When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

When with all that heavenly host, we begin to sing
Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring
Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be
Praising Christ through ages long, heaven's jubilee.

Oh what singing, oh what shouting
On that happy morning when we all shall rise
Oh what glory, Hallelujah
When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies
(Songwriters: A.M. Pace / G.T. Speer)

THE JOY OF THE LORD

“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  (Neh.8:10b)

We can choose joy over sorrow.  Sorrow is a legitimate and powerful emotion, but is a response conditioned upon the circumstances.  There is plenty in this world to lead you to grieve—and it is alright to do so—for there are times even God grieves.  What we fail to do is move beyond that to see things through another lens—God’s perspective from eternity that can make us rejoice in all things for He is working all things for our good.

This joy we have is from the Lord Himself.  It is supernatural and has a strength to enable us to move forward whatever we face.  We know the paralysis and confusion that can descend upon us when sorrow falls like a fog.  It is in those seasons that the joy of the Lord can lift us up and lead us on.  It begins with an act of the will as we meditate on the truth of Scripture and rejoice in the Lord, expressing with our lips the truth that sets us free.

God gives joy after sorrow—following as spring comes after winter:

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  (Isa.61:3)

The crying will be supplanted by consolation.  The ashen face will be replaced by a beautiful radiance.  The bowed head of mourning will be lifted up as it is anointed with the oil of joy.  The cloak of heaviness will be removed and the garment of praise worn instead—funeral clothes for festival attire.  Where we have bent as a tree buffeted by hurricane winds, our roots have only gone deeper—this is the root of the righteous—the planting of the Lord.  In all this God is glorified.  He is glorified in our gladness for it is the expression of His joy.

“I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying.” (Isa.65:19)

God finds reason to rejoice in us.  He has great joy in those whom He has justified.  We are not perfect, but we are His.  He delights in what He will do and sees us as the finished product!  This is why Jesus could look at Simon and call him “Peter”—the Rock!

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning!  Sorrow is a product of living in a world ravaged by sin and death, but soon that tyranny ends and God wipes away all tears, heals all disease, bans all pain—what a day!  That promise gladdens our heart now with anticipation.  God sees what it will be and invites us to expectantly enjoy that hope!

GOD’S GLADNESS IN HIS PEOPLE

Zephaniah 3:17 ought to inspire us to rejoice in a God who rejoices in His people!

“The LORD your God in your midst” is the delight of God’s people in the presence of God with them.  There is no greater joy and no higher satisfaction than to be in communion with God.  It is for this we were made in His image, and this is what Adam and Eve enjoyed before sin disrupted the fellowship. It was that communion which God also found delight in and so has moved to restore it in Christ.  We want to be with those we love.  Separation from them by distance or death grieves us.  God loves us and wants to be with us, and nothing can separate us from His love if we desire it (Rom.8:35-39).

“The Mighty One, will save” means that the One with us is not just a loyal, sympathetic companion—though He is that—but, is mighty to save!  God delights in the deliverance of sinners into salvation and saints into consolation.  He not only is well-pleased to do so, but well able!  Think of Jesus and all He suffered on the cross to bring us redemption, yet Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Jesus had joy despite His pain in accomplishing His mission.  This is the gladness of God toward us.  Salvation is the greatest provision for our greatest problem at the greatest price for the greatest purpose—the glory of God!

“He will rejoice over you with gladness” we are told. Is this not an amazing picture?  We can bring joy to the heart of God!  Not only is our delight found in Him, but He has pleasure in us!  John Piper has a trademark saying, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  Our glorifying Him brings forth gladness in God’s gracious heart.  Think about what we have already said of our coming to Him and His salvation of us and recall the story of the Prodigal Son—which would more appropriately be known as the parable of the Father’s Heart.  Remember how the father ran to meet the boy?  Recall their embrace and the rejoicing—along with the party that was prepared!  This is how God rejoices over us!

“He will quiet you with His love” means that when our mind is racing and our heart is in turmoil, God will give us peace.  His constant love will quiet us as when He spoke to the storm and said, “Peace; be still!”  The winds and waves had to obey Him.

“He will rejoice over you with singing.”  We know we should rejoice over the Lord with singing, but have we ever considered that God rejoices over us in song?  How astonishing—yet, it is true.  There is a song in God’s heart when He contemplates His children, and it issues forth in the most splendid voice when He rejoices over us!

This is God’s gladness in His people!

THE GLADNESS OF GOD

God is full of joy in all He does and wants us to be!  But, you would never know that from most sermons, studies, and songs.  Out of 13 books I used as resources for this series, only 1 has a section on the gladness of God.  The most important book on theology, however, is the Good Book—the Bible—and it says a lot about the gladness of God.  We find that God has delight in His children and wants us to delight in Him.

Consider what Zephaniah 3:17 says,

“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.””
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I fear that, for most people, we picture God as all dour and sour—a perpetual scowl on His face. Do you think that God is flush with fury and never filled with joy?  How many paintings have you seen that portray Jesus with a smile?  Have we forgotten that the fruit of the Spirit includes joy?  Since we are made in His image and have the capacity for laughter, have we considered that God must as well?

This will be our focus in this week’s study. May God increase our pleasure in Him as we discover His pleasure in us!