Jabez Burns Sermons: 036. Psa 144:15. The Happy People

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Jabez Burns Sermons: 036. Psa 144:15. The Happy People


Subjects in this Topic:

Psa_144:15. The Happy People

"Happy is that people whose God is the Lord."—Psa_144:15.

Happiness is universally desired. Men of all ranks and stations are earnestly seeking it. The general inquiry is: Who will show us any good? To this, one replies: Seek it in bags of gold, in the riches of the world; money answereth all things. Another replies: Seek it in the path of human greatness and earthly glory. A third says: You will find it in the avenues of pleasure, or the soft luxurious walks of worldly enjoyment. And what is the result? The poor deluded soul tries each of these remedies; and instead of finding his anguish removed, the feverish excitement is increased, and he is more dissatisfied and wretched than ever! Religion, the offspring of Deity, the angel of mercy, and the friend of man, opens the true and only door to real intellectual bliss, and sweetly whispers the sentiment of the text; "Happy is that people whose God is the Lord."

The subject calls us to notice,

I. The People of God. And

II. The happiness they possess.

Let us then consider,

I. The People of God.

We shall easily distinguish them from others,

1. By their knowledge.

The world is in darkness and known not God, nor Jesus whom he hath sent God's people were once in darkness, but are now light in the Lord. They know themselves—their depravity, misery, helplessness. They know God, as their Father; Jesus, as their Saviour; the Spirit, as their Comforter and Guide. Their knowledge is scriptural, experimental, practical. 1Jn_5:20.

They are distinguished,

2. By their faith.

While the world is in unbelief, they have received Jesus by faith; they heartily credit the record given of him; they rest on his sacrificial work; they acknowledge him as their Prophet, Priest, and King: and they entirely depend upon him for acceptance, sanctification, and eternal life. Gal_3:26.

The people of God are distinguished,

3. For their spirituality.

While the world is in a carnal state, they are no longer under the influence of the carnal mind, which is enmity against God, and which worketh death; but they are in the Spirit, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in them; they walk after the Spirit, and are spiritually-minded, which is life and peace. Rom_8:1-14.

They are distinguished,

4. For their profession of Christ before men.

While the world denies him, and accounts the preaching of his cross foolishness; they have heard and obeyed the invitation of Jesus; have left all, taken up their cross, and followed him. They confess him before men; are his disciples, and count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus their Lord. They are elevated lights—cities set on hills—the salt of the earth. Matt. x 32-42.

They are distinguished,

5. For their uniform obedience.

While the world lieth in wickedness they evidence the reality of their Christian character, by keeping Christ's commandments. They desire and endeavor to do whatsoever he commands. They do know that they know him, because they keep his commandments. 1Jn_2:3; Joh_7:17.

They are distinguished from the world,

6. By their love to God and his people.

He that is of love is of God; and he hat dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, for God is love. They love God; and evidence it by the bent of their desires, by their conversation, and their efforts to glorify him before men. They love his people; and evidence it by preferring them before others, by sympathy, by acts of courtesy and kindness. They do good to all men; but especially to those that are of the household of faith. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if we love one another;" 1Jn_4:7, &c. Having described the people of God, let us notice,

II. The Happiness they possess.

"Happy is that people whose God is the Lord."

They are happy,

1. In the enjoyment of the divine favor.

In his favor is life. His lovingkindness is better than life. God is their reconciled Friend, their affectionate Father. He loves them with an unbounded and inconceivable love. They are his delight, his jewels; and he will spare them, as a Father spareth his own son who serveth him. Psa_106:4; Psa_30:5. They are happy,

2. In the possession of divine peace.

They have peace with God through Christ Jesus their Lord. The peace of God, that passeth all understanding, keeps their hearts and minds, through Jesus Christ. Besides they have peace of conscience, possess the Spirit of peace, and are at peace with all mankind. They possess Christ's invaluable legacy of peace; Joh_14:27; Rom_14:7. They are happy,

3. In being entitled to all the privileges of adoption.

They have the family name, family costume, access to the family table; and they have all the family dignities, immunities, and privileges; Gal_4:4. They are happy,

4. In being interested in all the precious promises.

These all belong to them. Temporal promises, of food, raiment, preservation, guidance, &c. Promises which relate to the dwellings and families of the righteous; to their posterity; to the work of their bands; to their basket and store. Promises of all the arrangements of providence, promoting their well-being. Promises of angelic ministration, of supplies of grace, and of all the good they can possibly need 2Pe_1:4. They are happy,

5. In the enjoyment of the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of God dwelleth in them, as a Spirit of adoption—as their comforter and guide into all truth—as a Spirit cf sanctification—as the earnest of the glory that shall be revealed. Rom_8:9-18 They are happy,

6. In the prospect of eternal glory.

To this glory they are called; for this glory they have a title and a growing meetness; and they know in whom they have believed, and that he will keep what they have committed to him against that day. They know, that to live is Christ, but to die eternal gain. They are looking with joy and glowing hope for the coming of the great God, even Jesus Christ, who shall come to be magnified in his saints, and admired by all them that believe; 1Jn_5:13; Jdg_1:21. The happiness of the people of God extends,

(1) To all places. In secret, in public at home, and abroad, they are always in God's presence, and his watchful eye is ever over them.

(2) It extends to all times. Times of prosperity or adversity—health or sickness—life or death—time and eternity.

(3) It extends to all their need. In every possible variety of condition and circumstance. He watches, blesses, and supplies all their need; so that they may be happy in him all the day. And he also gives them songs in the night.

(4) It is happiness which is permanent The world can neither give it, nor take it away; for God is their sun, shield, refuge, strength of their heart, exceeding great reward, and portion forever.

Application

This subject furnishes grounds for,

1. Important inquiry. Are we God's people? Have we fled for refuge to the hope set before us? Have we believed on the Son of God? Have we the witness in ourselves? Do we bear his holy image, delight in his law, and love his people?

2. Let the people of God rejoice in the lovingkindness of the Lord. They may indeed, exult in God, rejoice evermore and in every thing give thanks. The child of God can sing—

"I would not change my blest estate

For all the world calls rich or great;

And while my faith can keep her hold,

I envy not the sinner's gold."

3. Invite weary heavy-laden sinners to come to Jesus, and he will give them rest.