Introduction Video Illustration: The Skinny on the Bible by the Skit Guys
Series: Find Joy in the Journey
Thesis: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers. We must put ourselves in the places where experiencing joy is a possibility. We need to go after and find joy in our journey of life. What are you doing to cultivate joy? Remember joy is a choice found in what we believe, do and live for!
Scriptures:
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Sermon 9: Find Joy in The Journey Through the Word – The Bible!
Intro on amazing facts of the Bible!
• Over 100 million copies of the Bible are sold each year.
• The Bible is the best-selling book in history, with total sales exceeding 5 billion copies!
• The full Bible has been translated into 532 languages. It has been partially translated into 2,883 languages.
• The Bible is not a single work but a collection of works from a wide variety of authors, such as shepherds, kings, farmers, priests, poets, scribes, and fisherman. Authors also include traitors, embezzlers, adulterers, murders, and auditors.
• The Bible was written by approximately 40 men of diverse backgrounds over the course of 1500 years.
• The Bible takes place across three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• The Bible is around 1900 years old
• The Bible is written in the time period of 1500 years and covers nearly 4000 years of human history and God's revelation of Himself to and through man. The history of the Holy Bible is the history of God's involvement with mankind. This 1500 year-period begins with the writings of Moses, the first five books of the Holy Bible to Revelation. The Bible is said to be around 4,000 years old with its earliest writings.
• Nearly 8 in 10 Americans regard the bible as either the literal word of God or as inspired by God
• The Bible is the most commonly stolen book in the world, most likely because it is so available in hotel rooms and places of worship.
• The most expensive book in the world is the translation of Biblical psalms, “The Bay Psalm Book” which was sold for over $14 million. It is the first book printed America and was the Puritan’s attempt to make their translation of the Old Testament book.
• The Bible has inspired more song lyrics than any other book in history.
• Archaeology has been called “the Bible’s best friend,” a statement that reflects the long history of discoveries supportive of the biblical record. From the discovery of the Cyrus Cylinder in 1879, to the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, to the Pool of Siloam in 2004, archaeology has worked hand in hand with Bible scholars to provide an independent witness to the truth of God’s Word.
• Much of science supports the existence and work of God. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” As modern science discovers more about the universe, we find more evidence of creation. The amazing complexity and replication of DNA, the intricate and interlocking laws of physics, and the absolute harmony of conditions and chemistry here on earth all serve to support the message of the Bible.
• Voltaire, the noted French infidel, who died in 1778, made his attempt to destroy the Bible. He boldly made the prediction that within one hundred years the Bible and Christianity would have been swept from existence into oblivion. But Voltaire's efforts and his bold prophecy failed as miserably as did those of his unbelieving predecessors.
Story about holding onto tradition, family values and pinnacle things from our past: https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/an-old-story-for-a-new-world-mark-beaird-sermon-on-truth-of-christ-33584?ref=SermonSerps
In the early days of the Tennessee Valley project a dilapidated homestead was going to be torn down. They were damming the river and the valley would be flooded out. A new split-level ranch was built for the Appalachian family on the hillside to relocate to.
The day of the flooding arrived and the bulldozers were there to tear down the old house. The family refused to move out of the old homestead. Finally, out of desperation, a social worker was called in to find out what the problem was. “We ain’t goin’ anywhere” was the reply. The social worker pleaded with them to tell her what the problem was and why they would not move into their beautiful new home.
“See that fire over there?” the man asked, pointing to a blazing fire in the primitive hearth of the log cabin. “My grandpa built that fire over a hundred years ago,” the man explained. “He never let it go out, for he had no matches and it was a long way to the neighbor’s. Then my pa tended the fire, and since he died, I’ve tended it. None of us ever let it die, and I ain’t a-goin’ to move away and let grandpa’s fire go out!”
The social worker got an idea. She arranged for a large apple butter kettle to be delivered to the home. The hot coals would be scooped up and transported to the new home, kindling would be added and the grandfather’s fire would never go out.
The Appalachian family accepted and moved up to the split-level ranch on the hillside after they knew that they would have the fire of their ancestors. (Cooper 1)
It is odd how we continue to stand at the crossroads of our fast pace changing society – we live in a throw away society – things are out of date within years like i-phones, computers, tv’s, appliances, and so on. We don’t hold onto the familiar and the assuring ideas of the past instead many discard them as irrelevant or out of date. But all the while we find ourselves pushed forward into a new world that challenges everything we hold dear especially the validity of the Bible and truth.
I suppose there are some man made ideas that were a part of Christianity that we needed to let go of, but our faith in Jesus Christ is not one of them and the Bible is the other that we have to hold onto.
Thesis: God’s written Word (The Bible) when followed and obeyed gives joy to our hearts and revives our souls from the ravages of sin.
Scripture: Psalm 19:7–9: (NIV) “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving 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 ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.”
Our Scripture from Psalms reminds us of the importance of the Bible and it’s teaching to revive the wounded soul and to find joy in the journey of life – even a hard life filled with trials and tribulations can have joy as a result of the truth in The Bible.
A Case in point is found in the longest chapter of the Bible Psalm 119 were the author talks about how his journey was filled with hardship, persecution, trials and the like but the Bible was there to give him joy, wisdom and direction. It did not lead him astray!
Scripture Psalm 119: NLT
Aleph
1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
The Amplified Bible words it this way:
Psalm 119 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the undefiled (the upright, truly sincere, and blameless) in the way [of the revealed will of God], who walk (order their conduct and conversation) in the law of the Lord (the whole of God’s revealed will).
2 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart.
Holman Christian Standard Bible states:
Psalm 119:2 (CSB) Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.
Read (highlight the) NIV – the word used here is blessed – whereas the NLT uses joyful.
Aleph
1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
3They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
4You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
5Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
6Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
7I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
8I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
Beth
9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
12Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
I. Psalm 119 – the longest chapter in the Bible makes the connection of joy to the Bible!
a. The translators of the NLT used the word “joyful” instead of the common translation “blessed” – The Hebrew word here in the original language is found in the NASB © Hebrew Strong's Concordance ????????? (ash·rei) 835: happiness, blessedness from ashar or English “How blessed”
i. Another author and scholar states from https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/19543/happy-or-blessed-in-the-psalms
1. The NRSV is consistently translates ???????? (?ašrê) as “happy”, distinguishing it from ???????? (barûk), “blessed”. The ESV is also consistent on barûk = “blessed” but is evidently deciding about ?ašrê based on context, most often also “blessed” (but see, e.g., Deut 33:29).1
2. To me, “blessed” connotes a pronouncement of favor from God whereas “happy” is an emotion without any reference to status before God. Lexicons indicate that ?ašrê can mean either; but to me it seems like a non-trivial distinction.
b. Did the Psalmist intend to indicate divine favor, or just “happy”?
i. I think divine favor and joy comes along with divine favor!
ii. There are other references to Joy in Psalm 119 – the following is taken from https://biblical-christianity.com/tag/psalm-119-blessings
1. “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.” – Psalm 119:14 (NKJV)
2. “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” – Psalm 119:111 (NIV)
3. “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.” – Psalm 119:162 (NKJV)
iii. In looking at these scriptures in Psalm 119 we understand that Joy is more than just happiness; it is an emotion resulting from the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful, such as salvation or eternal life. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and it comes from being blessed by the Lord for following His Word and teaching on how to live life – see (Galatians 5:22-23).
c. Psalm 119 is very unique Psalm in the Bible – it has many differences than other Psalms:
i. The writer from https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/psalms-76-150/psalms-119.html notes this about our Psalm:
1. “This celebrated Psalm has several peculiarities. It is divided into twenty-two parts or stanzas, denoted by the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains eight verses, and the first letter of each verse is that which gives name to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises of God's Word…(The Bible).
ii. Another scholar notes this about our unique Psalm – from https://sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/psalm-119-commentary/
1. “Psalm 119 is an alphabetical acrostic poem––organized in 22 stanzas according to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet from Aleph through Tav. The equivalent alphabet in the New Testament, which is written in Greek, would be Alpha and Omega (see Revelation 1:8; 21:6, 13). The equivalent in English would be A to Z.
a. Each of the 22 stanzas has 8 verses. 22 (stanzas) x 8 (verses) = 176, which is the total number of verses in this psalm. ALEPH is verses 1-8. BET is verses 9-16. And so forth.
b. Throughout this psalm, the psalmist speaks of following God’s law––not as a burdensome discipline but as a saving grace. He uses many synonyms for law, to include statutes, ways, precepts, commandments, and judgments (and that’s just the Aleph stanza)…
c. McDaniel states: “Almost every verse mentions God’s Word in some way – it may be written as His “word,” “ways,” “statutes,” “decrees,” “law,” “precepts,” “commands,” or “promise” – but it’s in some way mentioned through most all of the verses.”
iii. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is 176 verses. Almost every verse mentions God's Word. Psalm 119 is almost in the center of the Bible many consider the middle chapter of the Bible to be Psalm 118.
iv. The author?
1. Quote: https://www.gotquestions.org/Psalm-119.html
a. “The author of Psalm 119 is unknown, but most scholars agree that it was written by David, Ezra, or Daniel. Each of these proposed authors suffered serious difficulties in his life, and the author of Psalm 119 reflects that in descriptions of plots, slanders, and taunts against him (verses 23, 42, 51, 150 ), persecutions (verses 61, 86, 95, 110, 121, 134, 157, 161 ), and afflictions (verses 67, 71, 143, 153). The persecution and affliction of the man (and woman) of God is a major theme of Psalm 119.”
d. … Then comes the over-the-top part, where the psalmist says that God’s ordinances are “more to be desired than gold, yes, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and the extract of the honeycomb.”
i. The psalmist justifies his extreme words by saying, “by them (God’s laws) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” That raises a question: Would you better served by much fine gold or by an ethical system designed to help you avoid the perils, potholes, and temptations that cripple so many people?...”
II. Psalm 119:1-16 a closer look (The following from sermon writer Richard Donovan - see reference above)
a. Aleph
• 1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
• 2Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
• 3They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
• 4You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
• 5Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
• 6Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
• 7I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
• 8I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
1. In verse 1 - The word ‘eser (blessed) is the equivalent of the New Testament Greek word makarios (blessed), which is found repeatedly in Jesus’ Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11).
2. Some would translate both ‘eser and makarios as happy, and both words imply happiness. However, we use happy more broadly, often in ways that contradict the Biblical meaning of the word blessed.
3. Being blessed, as that word is used in this verse, suggests two things:
a. The first is the joy of a life that is on track––a life moving in a soul-satisfying direction––a life that has not been derailed by bad choices.
b. The second is a joy that goes beyond the cause and effect relationship of good choices and good outcomes (although good outcomes are part of that joy). Being blessed is a gift from God––a gift that confers centeredness and self-assurance.
ii. Verse 1 - The word derek (ways) is used metaphorically to mean the pathway a person is following––the direction of his or her life. The pathway might be good or evil. The person might choose to walk in the light or in the dark. The pathway might lead to life or death. But the psalmist says that the outcomes are far from random.
iii. Verse 1 - God will insure the blessedness of the person who walk (halak) according to God’s law.
1. The word halak can be used for the movement of water or wind, but when applied to human movement is usually translated walk. That walk can be physical, such as a walk along a dusty road, but often, as here, it is metaphorical, meaning a person’s life-journey…
2. …God’s laws are a channel of blessing to those who seek God with their whole hearts. As they become more and more aware of those laws and try to keep them faithfully, they come to treasure their relationship with God even more––and are thus blessed…
b. Beth
• 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
• 10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
• 11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
• 12Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
• 13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
• 14I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
• 15I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
• 16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
1. …“Blessed (Hebrew: barak) are you, Yahweh.
a. Teach me your statutes” (v. 12). The word barak (bless) is usually used for: For a person to bless God, i.e., to kneel before God––to show deference or obeisance. Or for God to confer a blessing upon a person or people.
b. As the psalmist uses barak in this verse, I believe that he is expressing a sentiment similar to that expressed in the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” He is acknowledging that Yahweh is the source of every blessing.
c. Having stated that, the psalmist asks Yahweh for a particular blessing––instruction in Yahweh’s statures or commandments…The above is quoted directly from Richard Niell Donovan sermon writer.
III. Psalm 119 refers to the Word – The Bible by using the following words:
a. The following from: https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Psa/Psa-119.cfm
i. Since this is a Psalm glorifying God and His Word, it refers to Scripture over and over again. The psalm is remarkable for how often it refers to God's written revelation, His word. It is referred to in almost every verse. The Masorites said that the Word of God is mentioned in every verse except Psalm 119:122. Other people reckon differently (with disagreement about verses 84, 90, 121, and 132). But Scripture is mentioned in at least 171 of 176 verses.
ii. In this Psalm there are 8 basic words used to describe the Scriptures, God's written revelation to us:
1. Law (torah, used 25 times in Psalm 119): "Its parent verb means ‘teach' or ‘direct'; therefore coming from God it means both ‘law' and ‘revelation.' It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law." (Kidner)
2. Word (dabar, used 24 times): The idea is of the spoken word, God's revealed word to man. "Proceeding from his mouth and revealed by him to us." (Poole)
3. Judgments (mispatim, used 23 times): "From shaphat, to judge, determine, regulate, order, and discern, because they judge concerning our words and works; show the rules by which they should be regulated; and cause us to discern what is right and wrong, and decide accordingly." (Clarke)
4. Testimonies (edut/edot, used 23 times): This word is related to the word for witness. To obey His testimonies "signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant made between the Lord and Israel." (VanGemeren)
5. Commandments (miswah/miswot, used 22 times): "This word emphasizes the straight authority of what is said … the right to give orders." (Kidner)
6. Statutes (huqqim, used 21 times): The noun is derived from the root verb "engrave" or "inscribe"; the idea is of the written word of God and the authority of His written word. "Declaring his authority and power of giving us laws." (Poole)
7. Precepts (piqqudim, used 21 times): "This is a word drawn from the sphere of an officer or overseer, and man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action. . . . So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail." (Kidner)
8. Word (imrah, used 19 times): Similar in meaning to dabar, yet a different term. "The ‘word' may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised." (VanGemeren)
b. The theme of the glory of Scripture is diligently explored in this Psalm, but always in connection with God Himself.
c. This Psalm helps you to see the uniqueness and how applicable the Bible is to dealing with all dimensions of life – The Word or The Bible covers every subject imaginable (reference your book) “What does the Bible say about.” It covers hosts of topics relevant to our journey in this world.
i. Subjects in the Bible highlight the book!
d. Charles Spurgeon liked this Psalm so much, he was quoted as saying, “We might do well to commit it to memory.”
i. Story: from https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Psa/Psa-119.cfm
1. George Wishart was the Bishop of Edinburgh in the 17th century (not to be confused with another Scot by the same name who was martyred a century earlier). Wishart was condemned to death and would have been executed. But when he was on the scaffold he made use of a custom that allowed the condemned person to choose one psalm to be sung, and he chose Psalm 119. Before two-thirds of the psalm was sung, his pardon arrived and his life was spared.
Conclusion:
• Question: What do we need to know from this message?
o Answer: If you want to find joy in the journey of life – you will discover it in the truths of the Bible!
• Question: Why do we need to know this?
o Answer: We want joy – most everyone would agree – but joy is not found in rich’s it’s found in following the teachings of the Bible. To find joy means we need to know what the Bible teaches.
• Question: What do we need to do?
o Answer: We need to read the Bible, watch the Bible, listen to messages on the Bible, listen to the Bible, study the Bible and place it in our hearts. The Bible should be a focal point for us in life if we want joy in the journey.
• Question: Why do we need to do this?
o Answer: If we do we will find joy in the journey of life – The Bible is the ticket to joy – go re-discover the Bible!
Action point: Who is willing to commit to getting to know their Bible?
