Introduction Video Illustration: Bible Brainstorm by 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.”
Sermon 10: Find Joy in The Journey Through the Word pt 2– The Bible!
Intro on amazing facts of the Bible!
• 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 Bible has inspired more song lyrics, songs than any other book in history.
• Story of Roman Emperor who wanted to wipe out Christianity from http://truthmagazine.com/archives/volume19/TM019211.html :
o The enemies of Christianity have realized that the kingdom of God could not exist without the seed of the kingdom. Therefore, they have concentrated their efforts against Christianity in the direction of destroying the Scriptures.
o Even in the New Testament, we read of those who violently sought to overthrow the cause of Christ. We read of disciples dying a martyr's death because of their faith. Early in the history of Christianity, Clement of Alexandria wrote, "Many martyrs are daily burned, crucified, and beheaded before our eyes." For many years Christianity was outlawed by the Roman government. From the time of Trajan (reigned 98-117) until Constantine (c. 300), virtually every one of the Roman emperors was opposed to Christianity. It is true that not all of them actively tried to suppress it, but few of them encouraged Christianity in any way. Many of their efforts were directed toward destroying the Bible. Of Diocletian (284-316), the ruler immediately preceding Constantine, Eusebius, the historian said, "royal edicts were published everywhere, commanding that the churches be leveled to the ground and the Scriptures destroyed by fire" (Church History, Book VIII, Ch. 1). Diocletian went on to say that if one had a copy of the Scriptures and did not surrender it to be burned, if it were discovered, he would be killed. Furthermore, if any other should know of one who had a copy of the Scriptures, and did not report it, he also would be killed. During this time many, many copies of the Bible were burned, copies laboriously written in longhand. Of this period. the historian Newman said, "Multitudes . . . hastened to deny the faith and to surrender their copies of the Scriptures; many more bore the most horrible tortures and refused with their latest breath to surrender the Scriptures or in any way to compromise themselves" (Newman, Church History, p. 169). After this edict had been in force for two years, Diocletian boasted, "I have completely exterminated the Christian writings from the face of the earth!" (Rimmer, Seven Wonders of the Wonderful Word, p. 15). But had he completely destroyed it?
o History tells us that the next ruler, Constantine, became a Christian. He requested that copies of the Scriptures be made for all the churches. But alas! Diocletian had completely obliterated the Word of God. After Constantine offered a substantial reward for a copy of the Scriptures, within 25 hours 50 copies of the Bible were brought to him!
• The Bible has had many enemies. Even those that professed on some occasions to be Its friends under other circumstances turned enemy to It. During the middle ages, for example, the Roman Catholic Church burned thousands of copies of the Bible.
• Story of Voltaire, the noted French infidel, who died in 1778, made his attempt to destroy the Bible.
o The word infidel means - Definition of infidel. (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity. 2a: an unbeliever with respect to a particular religion. b: one who acknowledges no religious belief.
o 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.
o In fact, within 100 years, the very printing press upon which Voltaire had printed his infidel literature, was being used to print copies of the Bible. And afterward, the very house in which the boasting Voltaire had lived, was literally stacked with Bibles prepared by the Geneva Bible Society. Voltaire and all his cohorts had miserably failed.
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
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. 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.
i. Did the Psalmist intend to indicate divine favor, or just “happy”?
1. 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)
a. 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.” 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?...”
b. 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. The author? Quote: https://www.gotquestions.org/Psalm-119.html
i. “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.”
II. 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 – the relevance – the power of Scripture is diligently explored in this Psalm, but always in connection with God Himself.
i. To have the Bible come alive requires a connection with God the Father – with Jesus the Son and with the Holy Spirit.
1. If you don’t have the Spirit with you the Bible does not come alive – we connect to the Scriptures by The Holy Spirit!
a. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
b. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
c. This Psalm helps you to see the uniqueness and how applicable the Bible is in dealing with all dimensions of life and having a Biblical Worldview.
i. The Epoch News – a good conservative News Paper to read – which looks at the good news of today not just the bad news – which we need to balance out the liberal, secular socialistic media (voice) of today found in most major News Papers, TV shows, Movies, Hollywood and TV News of today.
1. Listen to a few of their quotes from Epoch news:
a. Bible central to Political Beliefs:
i. “More than any other group of Americans, evangelicals define good and evil, morality and immorality, based on the Bible and their faith…”
ii. “The centrality of the Bible in evangelical political thinking is reflected in a recent Lifeway survey that found 80% of evangelicals ‘say the Bible informs their political views,” while 81 percent “say they look for biblical principles to apply in evaluating political issues”
iii. “Evangelicals are the most generous group of Americans…”
b. Defending Religious Freedom
i. Trump has made the defense of religious freedom a key focus of his administration. In an executive order signed May 3, 2018, trump ordered the executive branch to ‘vigorously enforce Federal law’s robust protections for religious freedom.”…Our country was founded on prayer, “ Trump said. “Our communities are sustained by prayer. And our nation will be renewed by hard work, a lot of intelligence and prayer.” …In July 2018, the State Department hosted the first U.S. Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. “Religious freedom is a God given right to which all people are entitled,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at the event.
2. We need to read material that supports the truth of the Bible instead of ones which always undermine the truths of the Bible. We need to look at life through the biblical lens – have a biblical worldview rather than a secular worldview -postmodern view -socialistic view or even materialism/Scientific Naturalism worldview.
a. Materialism/Scientific Naturalism – This worldview takes what can be learned by the scientific world and pushes that forward as true knowledge. Things that cannot be demonstrated scientifically are either lowered in status as a secondary truth or dismissed as unknowable. Furthermore, everything that exists is either physical or completely dependent on the physical world for its existence. The worldview is dangerous because it dismisses matters of spirituality and morality as something that cannot be known through physical observation. – definition from Putty Putman SOKM.
b. Postmodernism – is a reaction to the cold, purposeless picture painted by scientific naturalism, which actually just exacerbates the problem. The essential idea behind postmodernism is that because everyone sees through the worldview, there is no such thing as truth that exists independently of our interpretation. Since there is no absolute truth, reason, and even faith is a meaningless concept. Everything revolves around the individual; there are no absolutes and all of life is whatever you want to make of it. Postmodernism, then, is an effort to deal with the concept of a worldview that takes the idea to the extreme and arrives in a world where nothing can be actually known, and there is no objective reality. (Putty Putman, SOKM)
c. Socialism – from Webster’s dictionary – any various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. A. A system of society or group living in which there is no private property. B. a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state. C. A stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.
III. Psalm 119:1-16 a closer look (The following from sermon writer Richard Donovan - see reference above)
a. Psalm 119:1-8: 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).
a. 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.
b. Being blessed, as that word is used in this verse, suggests two things:
i. 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.
ii. 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.
2. 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.
3. Verse 1 - God will insure the blessedness of the person who walk (halak) according to God’s law.
a. 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…
i. …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. “Blessed (Hebrew: barak) are you, Yahweh.
i. The word barak (bless) is usually used for: For a person to bless God, i.e., to kneel before God––to show reverence. Or for God to confer a blessing upon a person or people.
ii. 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.
iii. Do you believe that?
iv. Having stated that Yahweh is the blesser, the psalmist reminds us that he had asked Yahweh for a particular blessing––but it was in tune with Yahweh’s statures or commandments (The Bible) of asking for a blessing – which is following the teaching of Scripture and living by it – when you do this this gives you the ability – the right to ask for a blessing from God…”
1. The above is quoted and taken directly from Richard Niell Donovan sermon writer.
b. Psalm 119:9-18: 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. Verse 16
a. How do people neglect the Word of God?
i. People do not know their Bibles today – we live in a biblically illiterate society.
b. What keeps people from reading the Bible or listening to the Bible?
i. Petty things choke out your time in the Bible!
ii. Recreation - Sports (how long is a football game?)– reading Newspapers – books with no eternal value - watching tv programs – watching the news for hours - playing video games – surfing the web – hours on social media – hours on their phones – what else could we insert to fill in the blank?
c. Tony Dungy’s comment on football and his life tells us to guard our hearts from fame and fortune.:
i. "I love coaching football, and winning a Super Bowl was a goal I've had for a long time. But it has never been my purpose in life. My purpose in life is simply to glorify God. We have to be careful that we don't let the pursuit of our life's goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight of our purpose. I coach football. But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose." ~ Tony Dungy
ii. "God’s definition of success is really one of significance-the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others. The significance doesn’t show up in won-loss records, long resumes, or the trophies gathering dust on our mantels. It’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived." ~ Tony Dungy
iii. "It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better." ~ Tony Dungy
iv. "Your life has been intentionally designed by God to have a uniquely significant and eternal impact on the world around you." ~ Tony Dungy
v. "What will people remember us for? Are other people’s lives better because we lived? Did we make a difference? Did we use to the fullest the gifts and abilities God gave us? Did we give our best effort, and did we do it for the right reasons?" ~ Tony Dungy
vi. "Remember that mentor leadership is all about serving. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)." ~ Tony Dungy
d. Being too busy!
i. Business kills spiritual growth – it wears out the soul!
1. Many are too tired to get into the Bible – for some even to come to church.
ii. Some Christians are too tired to sit down and read or listen to the Bible – if they do they fall asleep.
1. Others work so much – they never rest – they never get in the Word or even plug into Bible studies or church services to grow spiritually because work is all they know!
2. Story of Teen from prayer tent at Trunk or Treat!
iii. As a result people do not know the stories of Bible characters which teach us life lessons.
2. People do not believe in God’s power today because they do not tap into it or have been exposed to it – mostly because some churches do everything in a service that is within their own talents, skills, gifts and ability and as a result they never tap the Holy Spirit for help!
a. So, people do church – or church services without the presence of the Holy Spirit!
i. They neglect the Word of God by not connecting with God through – Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
c. Psalm 119:17-24: Gimel
• 17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.
• 18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.
• 19 I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me!
• 20 I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.
• 21 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.
• 22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws.
• 23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees.
• 24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.
1. Verse 18
a. Our Psalmist prays “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths of your Word”
b. Have you ever prayed that pray?
i. Since we are helpless within ourselves to see spiritual beauty or wonder in the teachings and events of the Bible – we should ask God to illuminate our eyes – we should seek to see God in everything we do and also recognize when he is showing us a spiritual truth.
1. We should ask him to. “Open our eyes.”
2. Do this before you read the Bible – before you listen to Scripture or watch Scripture or even before you come to church or a Bible study!
d. Psalm 119: 25-32: Daleth
• 25 I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.
• 26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees.
• 27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
• 28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
• 29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
• 30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.
• 31 I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!
• 32 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.
1. Verse 26
a. The Bible should give us our plans not we give God our plans.
2. Verse 29
a. Did you know the Bible will keep you from lying to yourself.
e. Psalm 119:33-40: He
• 33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.
• 34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
• 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
• 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
• 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
• 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
• 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
• 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
1. Verse 35
a. Happiness – joy is found walking in alignment with Gods Commands.
2. Verse 37
a. To find joy in life and to be blessed in life requires us to turn our eyes away from worthless things and pursuits – one of them highlighted in this psalm is money and riches.
b. Do you want life – a joy filled life – follow the Word of God.
b. Let me challenge you again to get into the Bible – read Psalm 119 this week – seriously let His word speak life to you!
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?
