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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 044. Neh 8:10. Christian Joy
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Neh_8:10. Christian Joy
"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Neh_8:10.
"The sorrows of the mind
Be banished from this place;
Religion never was designed
To make our pleasures less."
So sang the devotional poet of our country; and it is a sentiment as scriptural as it is pleasing. The Christian has every reason to be cheerful, and his heavenly calling entitles him to rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Christian joy is our subject.
Let us, then, I. Define its Nature. LI. Describe its Peculiar Characteristic. fold then, III. Notice its Important Influence.
In reference to Christian joy, let us,
I. Define its Nature.
Joy is a passion of the mind which produces gladness and exultation. Christian joy is a spiritual elevation of soul, and is,
1. Founded in spiritual knowledge.
A knowledge of ourselves, and an experimental and saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Soul exclaims: "I have found him of whom Moses in the law," &c. Disciples glad when they saw the Lord Woman and lost piece of money. Man and pearl of great price. Christian joy is,
2. The result of faith.
Waited patiently for the Lord, &c. New song into my mouth, &c.; Psa_40:12. "Yet. believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." 1Pe_1:8. Christian joy is always,
3. Sanctifying in its nature.
Not unholy joy. Not the joy of the worldling, miser, sensualist; but it is hallowed, and ebbs or flows according to the gracious state and experience of the heart It is,
4. Enduring in its character.
Does not always endure in the same degree or freshness. May occasionally be interrupted or beclouded, but the principle endures. The source, and medium, and occasion of the joy always remain. It is joy that no enemy can destroy: sickness does not impair it, death does not annihilate it; it buds in the grave, and blossoms in eternity. Let us
II. Describe its Peculiar Characteristic.
It is "joy of the Lord."
1. It is joy to which he calls us.
"Rejoice in the Lord always," &c. "Rejoice evermore," &c. "Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart." Psa_33:1; Psa_97:12; Php_4:4.
2. It is joy which he imparts to us.
He calls us to it, that he may impart it. He calls to repentance, and gives it; to peace, and bestows it; to holiness, and makes us holy. It is the fruit of his own Spirit, which he gives to all his children. Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, &c.; Gal_5:22.
3. It is joy which we have in him.
Not only from him, but in him. "We also joy in God," &c.; Rom_5:11. "I will go unto God, my exceeding joy;" Psa_43:4 The Christian has joy in his name, "Abba, Father." In his perfections, providence, grace. He is the soul's great end, and chief good. "Whom have I in heaven," &c.
4. It is joy resembling his.
God's peace is given to the Christian believer; Php_4:7. The Divine Redeemer says, "These things have I spoken, that my joy might remain in you;" Joh_15:11. He also prays that his joy may be fulfilled in themselves. It is God's nature imparted to us that makes us holy, and his joy that makes us happy. Consider then,
III. Its Important Influence.
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
It is our strength, as health is the source of strength to the body. It gives vigor to the soul, and elasticity to the powers of the mind. It places the Christian on high vantage ground, where he can be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. The joy of the Lord is the Christian's strength,
1. In duties.
How easy to the rejoicing Christian is every command! He runs with pleasure to do God's will. He feels that his yoke is easy, and his burden truly light. It is His strength,
2. In difficulties.
Crosses will be cheerfully taken up. Mountains removed. Enemies overcome. The joyful Christian can do all things through Christ, &c. It is his strength,
3. In suffering.
"I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord," &c. He rejoices because, though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day. Besides, this joy sustains him, and prevents despondency. He reckons that the afflictions of the present time, &c. Rom_8:18, to end.
4. It is his joy in death.
He feels that to live is Christ, but to die is gain. When nature is breaking up, nothing can yield him support but this. Friends cannot—riches cannot—ordinances cannot. But when heart and flesh fail, God is the strength of his heart, and his portion forever.
Application
Christian professors, is the joy of the Lord your strength? Then,
1. Cultivate it, by reading, meditation, and prayer—by close communion with God. By spiritual diligence, &c. Cultivate it earnestly, constantly, &c.
2. Appreciate it. How valuable it is or rather how invaluable! It is unspeakably glorious, and indescribably precious.
3. Exhibit it. It is your duty, that others may see and admire the grace of God that is within you.
4. Recommend it. How many are seek ing joy! Tell them of this; invite them to participate in it, refer them to its source and medium; speak of its freeness, fulness, &c.
5. Anticipate its consummation in glory. Path of the just as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.