Amos 2:6-19
God’s Word to Rebellious People
August 23rd 2025: John Mann
Tag: God
August 17th 2025: Ian Middlemist
Psalm 3
This is a Psalm of the morning. It is a Psalm of David, who was, by and large, a good king. But he wasn’t perfect. He did some things wrong. He was adulterous and even though he repented of this sin, there were things that came to pass in consequence of his wrong actions. His own son Absalom took it upon himself to get into such a position by deceit so that he could usurp authority in the nation. David did not correct Absalom properly and so, little by little, Absalom rose to prominence and power so that he brought civil war upon the land and David had to flee. David recognised that he had few amongst his number that could contest with Absalom’s army and so he fled, for the odds were stacked against him. But, following this Psalm, we learn that even though he was in such a dire situation, he was enabled to have a good night’s sleep! He awoke in praise to God, for He alone is Almighty.
[1] David in trouble.
Sometimes people find themselves between a rock and a hard place. This is where David ended up. Some today may ask the question: how can troubles come to those who have put their trust in God, who are saved, and who are seeking to follow Him? We know surely whether we are young or old, in whatever circumstance, that believers face troubles. It may be in school, or in the workplace, or wherever you live and do your normal things. But Christians have additional troubles too, apart from the normal heartaches which are as a result of the fall. Christians can be left out of things, may not be free to share in the jokes told, and are separate on account of their walk with the Lord, and so face these additional irksome troubles. There is a tension because they are not part of this world’s order and ways even though they must mingle in the world. Troubles come in all sorts of ways. It may be through sickness, or on account of finances. It may be through ill health or advancing age. Now there are two kinds of troubles we can face.
[a] Troubles we bring upon ourselves.
[b] Troubles given to us.
David brought the trouble he faced upon himself. Absalom’s behaviour ought to have been challenged and corrected. Now when we put a foot wrong and commit sin, and then repent, even though our sins are all paid for by Christ, He does allow the consequences of our sinful actions to play out as chastisements upon us.
Now there are troubles that we do not bring upon ourselves. If we face a difficulty, and if after examining our hearts we see nothing which needs repenting of, and we are suffering, then we must realise that even though this is not consequential from a sinful act, it is nevertheless given to us. We are, and always will be, under the sovereign hand of the Lord. This trouble is not a punishment from the Lord, although He may be using it to chastise or correct us, to sanctify us. We know that all sins are fully paid for by Christ. He was judged in our place. So there is no thought of condemnation or judgement at all. Troubles come to enable the Lord to bring us into conformity to His Son. These troubles are there to bring in growth. They are brought to us to bring in our spiritual growth. Whatever the difficulty may be, do remember that the Lord knows all about them. Even those internal struggles and troubles that cannot be spoken nor shared, know for sure that He understands and knows them truly. These difficulties and troubles are not to lead us to despair. They are not hopeless, they are not random, but are necessary for our spiritual growth.
The process of growth is often hard. When I was young my mother dressed me! She used to say: ‘vest in pants, shirt in trousers’ to ensure I got everything tucked in properly! But now I can dress myself. I do not need my wife to come in and help. I do not struggle to get my socks on! I have grown. All of these troubles are designed by God to bring about growth. They lead us not to independency but to deeper dependence upon God.
[2] David at prayer.
David is at prayer. When he wakes in the morning his first thing is to pray. He cries out ‘O Lord.’ What is the first thing we do when faced with trouble? We ought always to cry out to the Lord. In this modern age we tend to rely on our phones, or on ‘Google’ don’t we? As youngsters perhaps we called out ‘mum!’ or ‘dad!’ when in trouble and danger. We need to call out to the Lord as David did.
Sometimes people act in a petulant manner and slam the door or blurt out in anger when faced with trouble. Some blame God for the situation, thinking (wrongly) they are beyond reproach and should not have to face this trouble. But as David experiences this trouble he is moved to prayer and he is brought to blessings! He discovers that in the place of true prayer he notes those things which God has done and is still doing.
[a] God is a shield, (v3).
The first thing David observes in the place of prayer is that God is a shield to him. However great the trouble may be the Lord is David’s protector. Nothing can get to him save that which the Lord uses for his sanctification and growth. God is good and only does good. So He protects David but allows some things to come which will hone him and cause him to rely more upon the Lord.
When I was in primary school we used to play a game of imaginary fighting. One would come up and pretend that he’d shot an arrow to me claiming it had met its mark, but I would reply ‘my chain mail has saved me!’ Undeterred my friend would say ‘I have a machine gun so you must be dead,’ and I would reply ‘but I am wearing armour plating.’ This game would soon escalate to ridiculous heights involving nuclear weapons and lasers, until it came to a point in which it was impossible to carry on when one of us would say ‘I have an infinite measure of protection and the ultimate weapon against all opponents’! There was no beating that! Now the point is that as Christians we do in fact have the ultimate protection against all opposition! God is truly our protector and nothing can get through Him! Nothing can harm you, and nothing can happen to you, except that which the Lord allows, and that for our ultimate good. Satan is not all powerful. He does have some power but he is defeated and defenceless against the Lord.
We have trouble and difficulty. These are painful and they are real. But the Lord has the victory over all. He has made us secure as we are taken through such troubles and difficulties. This shield is all around you. There is no chink or gap. We may like to think of it as a ‘force field’ in modern thought, but it encompasses us all around. As a result we are enabled to move forward, to carry on, to live through these difficulties.
[b] God is the lifter up of our head (v3).
David knows this truth in the place of prayer. We need to lift up our heads! We need to set our hearts and minds on the things above. Many hang their heads in shame when troubles come. Maybe they have lost money through no fault of their own. Perhaps they have been made redundant or other failures have reared their ugly heads. But in the place of prayer David knows that even if the kingdom is taken from him, even if none are with him, and even if there appears to be no hope, yet still the Lord is the lifter of his head.
[c] We are never far from God (v4).
David mentions here ‘the holy hill.’ But he has had to flee from Jerusalem where the holy hill could be found! This was the place of sacrifice and worship. It had been settled in Jerusalem in the temple. But David recognises that it is not the literal site that is vital, but what it stands for in spiritual terms. David’s security does not lie in Jerusalem where the ‘holy hill’ was to be found, but in the Lord Himself and in that which the ‘holy hill’ showed forth – the death and resurrection of the Christ. So he was never far from God, even though he was no longer in Jerusalem.
[3] David at peace.
David knew peace because the Lord was his shield. In verse 5 we see David can sleep. If we knew that many enemies were on the horizon I do not think we would hasten to sleep. But the Lord is such a shield to David that he can sleep and be at peace.
Peace is linked to courage. A lack of courage is linked to those who do not know peace. So in his peace, David can now arise. Peace leads to an outward, onward march to glory. It leads us through the battlefield for God is our shield. In our long-term troubles we know we can move forward because the Lord has secured us, and He has given us all the love we need alongside His peace. David calls upon the Lord to bring about salvation for him. Are you sure that God has given you salvation? Are you sure that God is now with you? If not then maybe you have yet to really pray?
We must rely totally on Him for safety, security, and courage, all of which we find in the place of prayer unto the Lord. In verse 2 the enemies taunt and bring doubts saying that there is no help or salvation from the Lord. But in verse 8 we read that salvation belongs to God. God is with us if we are His.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7).
Amen.
July 13th 2025: Hywel George
Philippians 2:5-11
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
May 11th 2025: John Williams
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10. Focus for sermon: Ephesians 2:1-4.
Introduction.
Ephesians 1:3-14 forms one long sentence in the original Greek. In it we find precious truths. It points to God the Father who calls us, to the Son of God through whom redemption is accomplished, and to the Holy Spirit who applies the work of salvation to the believer in sealing them. The work of salvation is at the heart of Paul’s letter, but Paul also prays for the Ephesian believers for he is desirous that having come to know God, they might know Him better (Ephesians 1:16f).
Now it is as though Paul has opened a box of jewels or a chest of treasure. Ephesians chapter 1 is full of glorious truths which are the very gems of salvation. But in the second chapter of Ephesians we are invited to see the backdrop from which these precious jewels ought to be appreciated. As an illustration, imagine you see a beautiful piece of jewellery in a jewellers shop window, and then go inside to have a closer look at it. The first thing the shop keeper does is to bring out a black cloth and lay it on the counter. Then they take the item of jewellery and place it on the black cloth. They may then shine a light onto it. Why do they do this? Well the black cloth sets the backdrop so that we can see the jewel in all its glory and splendour. In the same way Paul is laying a black cloth on the counter here in Ephesians 2 so that we can view the splendour and glory of all that Christ has done in sharp relief. Paul is not using any salesmanship or sales techniques here. If you view those shopping channels they often highlight some item in different ways and make you feel that you would be getting the bargain of the century by buying it, even though it is probably only worth a tenth of the price they want! Paul is not doing anything like this in his letter. What we have is the word of God wonderfully provided to show us the truth.
Salvation, and all the fruits of what Christ has done, cannot be purchased, neither can it be earned. It is entirely a gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 2:1-4 gives us the background to the salvation God freely offers. This passage shows us the condition of all mankind without God’s grace. It displays the truth about humanity. In recent days many in the country have been celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE day (victory in Europe). But if you read only about the celebrations that were had on that May day in 1945 you would not fully grasp why the people were celebrating. What you have to do is look back further and see what was going on between 1939 and 1945 that led up to those celebrations. You would have to grasp the great danger and horrors of the war to make sense of the celebrations enjoyed on VE day. Half way through the war when victory in North Africa was achieved at El Alamein, Winston Churchill (who had a way with words) said: “this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, but it is the end of the beginning.” So to appreciate the celebrations on VE day properly, you must have some knowledge of what people went through in those war years 1939-1945.
Ephesians 2:1-4 tells us about three enemies that all mankind has. These are enemies of the soul. We are not talking about a war in the physical realm only as was experienced 80 years ago, but a battle for the soul. We have three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. Where do we find evidence of these three enemies in Scripture? Well to a large extent Ephesians 2:1-4 provides at least one example. So we are going to put out the ‘black cloth’ so-to-speak by looking at these three enemies, so that we will have a better appreciation of the wonders of God’s salvation. Believers face a world which is against them, a devil who encircles them, and an enemy from within all set on bringing destruction. We are going to consider these three enemies in turn:
[1] A fallen world:
“the course of this world … among whom also we all once conducted ourselves” (v2,3)
[2] A fallen angel:
“the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (v2).
[3] A fallen nature:
“in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (v3).
A note on translation.
The older versions (NKJV and KJV) bring the subject and verb into verse 1 from further down in the passage, so that Ephesians 2:1 reads like this: “And you He made alive, who were dead …” The words in italics have been added in by translators. In the Greek all we have to start with in verse 1 of Ephesians 2 is the object “and you,” followed by a statement about condition “who were dead …” so that the actual text reads like this: “And you who were dead …” This has the effect of making the situation of mankind’s condition very plain and stark.
Man is dead!
Now if you were to talk to a non-believer about the gospel today you often find that they reject it all as being, ‘out of date,’ ‘old fashioned,’ ‘not fitting their requirements,’ and as ‘irrelevant.’ They give the impression that in their opinion, having considered all the evidence of the gospel, their conclusion is that it is not for them. But what Paul declares in Ephesians 2:1 is that all of mankind is “dead.” That is, man is spiritually dead, or dead to God. This means that it is actually impossible for an unbeliever to make any assessment of the gospel, because they are “dead!” They do not have the capability to make any judgement about the gospel at all. It is not that mankind is ill or has caught a disease and that by taking some gospel medicine or an injection of gospel truths they can be made well again. Mankind is physically alive (and often times thriving physically), but he is dead to God and so spiritually dead.
Trespasses and sins.
The NIV has “transgressions and sins.” These two words have different meanings showing differing ideas about mankind’s lost condition. The word “transgressions” means ‘stepping over the line,’ whilst the word “sins” means ‘missing the mark,’ or ‘falling short of what God requires.’ As human beings we commit sins of commission as well as sins of omission. We overstep the mark and do things we ought not to do (“transgressions”) and we fail to do what we ought to do (“sins”).
Man-made remedy?
Let me ask you a rhetorical question: What can a dead man do to make themselves better? If we think we are unwell or sick then we resort to taking some form of medicine or injection to fight the illness and allow time for recovery. The unbeliever has this idea that he may simply administer some gospel medicine or inject some gospel truths and all will be well. But this is not the biblical teaching. The only way a dead person can be made better is by miracle! Ephesians 2:1 cuts across this idea that an unbeliever can do anything to make their condition better. It is impossible for anyone to do anything about this because they are dead.
Let us look at mankind’s three enemies
[1] A fallen world.
We live in a fallen environment. All society (in every age and on every continent) is generally organised without reference to God. There are occasions or places where the influence of God and His word may be felt (especially in times of revival), but these are not the norm. In the UK at this time society has lost much of the influence of the gospel that came through the reformation and a series of revivals, and it is becoming more and more antagonistic to God. Societies are always antagonistic to God because of mankind’s deadness and lost state in their sin. People in our culture feel that they are ‘free’ to do as they wish, ‘free’ from the constraints of morality and religion. Just as in the days of the Judges we find that where there is no (spiritual) king, everyone does what they think to be right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
Social science speaks of the need to conform to the prevailing culture. Where the influence of God is low, other cultural traits take over and these are often sinful or anti-God. To be part of a group you need to adapt. Modern society is governed by technology such as ‘smart phones’ and the like. This drives much of modern youth culture. A system of acceptable ‘truths’ permeates the social media. To be accepted you must agree to the consensus. If you work in an office, or study in an educational institution, there are ‘rules’ and ‘principles’ to which everyone must adhere. It is a truism that every generation thinks that they are superior or that they have got things right. People of today look back at the 1930s or even the 1970s and say ‘we would never do what was done in those days.’ Each generation thinks that it is more knowledgable and superior to past eras. I think we will not see the effect of the ‘smart phone’ culture and its social media has had on our youth for another fifty years.
[2] A fallen angel.
In Luke 10:18 we hear the Lord Jesus saying these words: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” It is not easy to unpick exactly what the Lord meant here, but at least we can say that the devil as a created being has fallen and is now subject to judgement. In Luke 4 we read of Christ’s temptation. Our Saviour succeeded where Adam and Eve failed in the garden of Eden. Christ overcame the temptations of Satan! The devil as a created being is not omnipotent, omniscient, nor omnipresent. He does not know everything, he cannot be everywhere and he has limited power. But the devil is “the prince of the power of the air,” he is “the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,” and people in the world are “by nature children of wrath.” These statements do not indicate that all unbelievers are possessed of the devil, (although some obviously are), but their actions and inclinations are managed and directed by the enemy of souls. People have an inclination to transgress and to sin, and the devil encourages such rebellion. I have never had to read a book which informs me about disobedience. I have had to read many books on how to do other things, but never one teaching me how to disobey. We are by nature sinners. The enemy of souls told Eve “you will not surely die” in flat contradiction to the word of God (see Genesis 2:17; 3:4). When Adam and Eve sinned they did not die physically straight away, but they did die spiritually the very moment they transgressed and sinned.
[3] A fallen nature.
Note that Paul includes himself in his description of our fallen nature. He writes “among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh” (verse 3). All of us have this fallen sinful nature. It does not matter whether you are Jew or Gentile, male or female, intelligent or stupid, all posses a sinful fallen human nature. The term “flesh” in the KJV does not mean the body of flesh, but the sinful nature. In many youth camps one way of teaching about this sinful nature is to use the word “sin” and to point out that if you take the first and last letter away you are left with “I,” showing that “I” is the centre of sin. Selfishness is the great problem. People mistakenly believe that doing their own thing or doing what their heart leads them to is the best way. But this is selfishness. And a selfish life is one entangled, enslaved, and in bondage to sin. It is not possible to satisfy self in this world. Both sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit are all sins. Some argue that they may not indulge in sins of the flesh, and assume they are alright. But then they will most certainly be guilty of sins of the spirit, such as hatred, lust, rage,discord and so on.
Many family troubles stem from these sins of the spirit. Inner rage, personal ambition, jealousy or envy. All of these, fuelled by the self, lead to discord, disharmony, and factions. But the disagreeable atmospheres such selfishness generates is not confined to family life. It is also evident in schools, businesses, institutions, and even parliament and in governments too. This is ultimately where wars originate (James 4:1f).Some think that humankind are born neutral. This is untrue. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. No amount of education or indoctrination will change a person from dead in sin to something better. If you educate a sinner all you get is an educated sinner. The only thing which will make any difference is an intervention from God. Only a miracle will do.
The miracle of regeneration.
Looking at these three enemies the situation seems utterly hopeless. It seemed hopeless at the Battle of Britain. How was Britain to survive? But when a person becomes aware of their true state of rebellion, this indicates that the Holy Spirit has been operating in their lives. It is the Holy Spirit who brings conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit moves upon a person and makes them see their fallen state, the wickedness of the world, and the devilishness of Satan. Regeneration is the planting of a new seed of life within. The black cloth is laid out, but the jewels of salvation have not yet been brought out to view. A person comes to recognise that they are dead to God, and do not know Him. They are rebels. They are sinners and transgressors. All of this is the work of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. And then in Ephesians 2:4 we read these incredible words: “but God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive …” This incredible ‘but’ signals that the jewels of God’s grace are about to be viewed!
I wonder if, like me, you rue some of those old photographs taken of you in your youth? You look back in anguish. What was I thinking wearing that? Why did I ever think that such a hairstyle or clothing was so important? Looking back at what we valued, what we thought so important, is embarrassing. But now we are regenerated because God has intervened! We were heading for calamity and damnation, “but God” came in and changed everything! He has “made us alive”! I wonder: have you had a “but God” experience? The only answer to our condition and which will thwart the three enemies mankind faces is Christ!
March 30th 2025: Dave Norbury
Philippians 1:1-11
Philippi was a strategic place in the advance of the gospel. It was the first church formed in Europe. It is impossible to say what might have happened, but imagine if Paul did not manage to establish a church in Europe? Would Europe have been captured for Christ? Obviously, the Lord knew what He was doing. Paul wanted to go to Asia but the Spirit moved then towards Europe (Acts 16:6-10).
So it was some twenty years after Christ was crucified, risen, and then ascended into heaven when a small band of travellers crossed over to Europe and trekked for about ten miles towards Philippi. What would other travellers have made of this small band who were bringing the gospel to a lost continent? Many would not give them a second look. They would only be in Philippi for a few months.
Many years after this visit to Philippi, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians whilst he was in prion (probably in Rome). In this letter he shows how much he loved them. He had only been with them for a short time and yet he could write: “I have you in my heart” (Philippians 1:7), and “I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:8). I was in constant prayer for them all (Philippians 1:2,4,9). Paul was thinking not of his struggles in prison – the difficult conditions, the poor food, his jailers and so on, but was moved with compassion for those in Philippi. How is it that Paul could have no thought of his troubles and only expressed his concern and care for the Philippians? It was because he knew that these folk had been born again of the Spirit. He was confident of their faith in Christ. Paul was concerned to give the Philippian Christians a message of confidence in Christ. So our text for this morning is found in verse 6 which states: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” We shall consider this using some questions. Philippi was a strategic location for further advance into Europe, and Roch is also strategic for the advance of the gospel in Pembrokeshire and further north. This is a work of God. So the Lord will build His church (Matthew 16:18), for that which He has started, He will definitely complete.
[1] Who began this work?
It is God, and God alone who began the work. We are all like lost and helpless sheep. Only the good Shepherd will gather His lost sheep and take care of them. A true believer is one who has been “delivered” from “the power of darkness,” and has been “conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). None could do this for themselves. God did it. If we truly believe, we have been transferred from one realm to another and there is no going back. The price of transfer (Christ’s death) has been paid in full. In Ephesians we read about our being “dead in trespasses and sins” and about the rich mercy of God who “made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:1,5). We were lost sheep, we were under the power of darkness, and we were dead in sins, and yet God gathered us, transferred us into His kingdom, and made us newborn creatures! In Acts 16 we read of two significant conversions in Philippi. First there was a woman called “Lydia” whose mind the Lord opened when she heard Paul speaking (Acts 16:14,15). Then there was the Philippian Jailer who, after the dramatic events of the night when Paul and Silas were imprisoned, called out: “sirs, what must I do to be saved?” to which the reply was: “believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30,31). A person must believe on the Lord Jesus, this is essential, but if a person wants true life then also a person must have their minds opened by the Lord.
[2] How will God continue this work?
We may feel very vulnerable. How can I carry on? We may feel terribly weak. What will happen and how will I keep walking in faith? But take confidence! If God began the work in you He will most certainly carry it on. But how? Well here are four things to consider;
[a] Because we know He said it!
A bit later on in Philippians we read an exhortation to “work out” our salvation “with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), but then Paul adds these wonderful words: “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). It is God who is doing this work and He will carry on doing it! God works in those who are humble and contrite. A presumptuous and proud person who claims to have done everything through their own power ought not to expect the Lord’s approval. He gives grace to the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5). The Lord works though and in our weaknesses. To Paul the Lord spoke these words: “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2Corinthians 12:9), and so when we are weak, we are strong with the strength God supplies.
[b] Through His word.
The word of God is effective. Newborn babes are exhorted by Peter to “desire the pure milk of the word” in order that they “may grow thereby” (1Peter 2:2). The night before He died the Lord Jesus prayed to the Father and during His prayer He showed how important the word of God is. He said: “sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). We are made new by the word (James 1:18; 1Peter 1:23), and our growth and being made holy (sanctification) is effected by means of the word too. How important it is to study and read the Lord’s word!
[c] Through the church.
The fellowship of godly believers is vital. Each believer has a different gift, and each of these are necessary for the growth of the whole body. C. S. Lewis once said that when you lose someone, something of you dies too, because that friend you have lost brought something out of you that no other could. We need one another for encouragement. But we also need one another to know off the sharp edges too!
[d] Through suffering.
The life of Joseph is a prime example of how suffering brings about growth and life. But this is simply a preview of the suffering that Christ underwent to bring us life.
We must lean wholly upon God. He is our strength. We must rely completely upon His word, for His counsel is true. We must be a part of the fellowship for the Lord is growing His kingdom. We must bear under the trials and tribulations of life, for these are sent to refine us, and God is sovereign over all.
[3] Will this work ever fail?
Since it is God’s work the only answer to this question is: NO! Humans may fail and give up. The Lord has promised that He will “not break” the “bruised reed,” and “He will not quench” the “smoking flax” (Isaiah 42:3). The Lord makes it abundantly clear that he will never leave nor forsake His people. We may give up on ourselves but God will never give up.
[4] How will God finish this work?
Ultimately we do not know in detail. But one thing is clear, He will make us fit for heaven and “we shall be like Him” on that last day (1John 3:2). Could we ever say to the Lord: “I did … and I did …” when He returns? By no means! What we will say (if we are truly His) is something like this: “I am your workmanship which You have created to walk in those things which You prepared beforehand for me to walk in” (Ephesians 2:10).
Let mend with words from 1Thessalonians 5:23,24:
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Amen!
January 12th 2025: Phil Meiring
To watch this service, please click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2E0qjGbGSIA?si=Xr6PPFt0ttfUEpbJ
Facing our Giants
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 17:47
Every Christian is at war. We are seeking the extension of his Kingdom on earth in a hostile environment. If today you do not feel this may be so, it may be because you have not yet enlisted in the armed forces of Jesus, or you have gone AWOL (absent without leave). The gospel is very much about war and peace.
The victorious battles within the Old Testament are there for two reasons. One reason is to teach the art of Christian warfare, and the second reason is to point us to the greatest battle of all time, that was won by Jesus at the cross. Both these aspects are here in the David – Goliath narrative. Is there a Goliath standing in front of you at this present time? That seemingly and surmountable obstacle threatening your spiritual life and most importantly the honour and glory of God.
- Get to know your enemy (verses 1-11).
An important rule of war is to fight it on your own terms. That was not happening here. God’s people had been duped into thinking that the battle was all about Goliath (v8). As a consequence, God’s people are dismayed and terrified (v11). Disobedience had led to paralysis. The enemy was dictating the terms. God’s people had forgotten that ‘The battle is the Lord’s.’
The enemy had presented a ferocious gladiator of immense proportions: 9 foot tall, standing in scale chest armour weighing in at 57 kilogrammes. He had the full kit: sword, javelin and spear. His PPE was impressive. He even had a lackey to carry his shield.
What was the deal? Let’s make it a one-to-one, and in that way we can save a lot of bloodshed (v9). One death, not many. This is how the devil often comes to the Christian. Jesus made it clear that to be his disciple is to put your life on the line. There is no death-free path to victory. There must be a cross before a crown (Luke 14:33).
Isn’t it comforting to know that every battle we face ‘Is the Lord’s’ and he is the General who loves his serving men and women. We don’t need to fear his plans. We have a daily prayer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
- Get to know your Lord.
From where does the mindset come from that causes a young man without any military experience to ask the question of his elders, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v26). This was “A man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14). David could see the battle from God’s perspective.
Where was David’s military academy? Where did he get a heart like that? It was the place that his brothers disparagingly described in v.28 with, “A few sheep in the desert.” Let’s visit that desert and see what was happening there.
a) David was feasting on the Word of God (the law and the prophets) and prayerfully worshipping his God. He would be singing his praises with his harp. Battles are won in the solitary place, alone with God in prayer. Mark’s gospel tells us how essential prayer was to the battles that Jesus faced, “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Where was the final battle to face the cross won? Was it not in the garden of Gethsemane?
b) David was proving God. God was part of his daily work. David’s skills on the battlefield didn’t just come out of the blue. He was learning to trust God in his daily work and be a good shepherd, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw off the bear” (v37). David learned to fight effectively using his sling and staff to rescue sheep. He was faithful in the small things.
c) David was waiting on God’s timing for his promotion. The solitary place kept him humble. He had been anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). He had the Spirit of the Lord. He had power to serve but he humbly waited upon Gods say-so. God wanted a humble shepherd to front his deliverance. David knew what it was to keep in step with the Spirit and not run ahead.
3) Get to know great David’s Greater Son.
“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone.” (v50). God fights and rescues his people in unusual ways e.g. Joshua, Gideon. God’s strategy to rescue humanity comes across to many people as extremely odd. But therein lies the wisdom and beauty of the gospel. The wisdom of the cross was God’s wisest ever act.
Remember, Jesus walks the pages of the Old Testament. He is there in many different guises, in lineage, prophecy, pre-incarnate appearances and types (pre-figuring). This story is clearly a type of Christ’s battle with its one-to-one encounter. David, the ‘anointed one,’ goes out alone on behalf of his people. He goes out as a good shepherd, scorned by his brothers into “the valley of the shadow of death.” He runs towards the enemy and puts his life on the line. Can you see the glorious New Testament picture of Jesus emerging? This was the young man who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was enabled to see into the far distance to “great David’s Greater Son” (Jame Montgomery). His prophetic utterances right there in the lyrics of his songs. Did you realise this, David co-authored the hymn book and prayer book of Jesus?
For each one of us there can be various different Goliath’s throughout life. But there is one we will face one day and his name is Death (the last enemy). Death is a truly menacing giant looming large over all of us. And what is it that makes Death so menacing? Because death is not the end for anyone. For anyone who is not safe in Jesus, death has a nasty sting in its tail. It is not a peaceful release for those outside of Christ but an eternal death.
But here is the good news. Jesus thrashed death at the cross by taking the punishment we deserve onto himself. God punished Jesus instead of you and I. He took the hit and satisfied divine justice. His resurrection proved that he did indeed strike a death blow to Death itself. William Williams Pantycelyn puts it like this, “Death of death, and Hell’s destruction.”
Jesus was able to say these words to his recently bereaved friends, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25).
Do you realise that Jesus not only took our penalty at the cross from his father, but he had to fight a lonely battle to get to that cross. He truly went onto the field alone. He had the religious elite to contend with, Satan around the corner, and the unbelief of the common folk like you and I. Jesus didn’t only suffer at the cross, he suffered throughout his life.
But this is the most poignant bit. David had God with him all the way through the clash with Goliath and he didn’t get killed. But with Jesus there came a point when he, “suffered and died alone,” in the darkness. He cried out using the first line of David’s song, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22). Theologically, we have to stand back, stand in awe and recognise that there was in the darkness a profound distress within the Godhead that we will never understand, all because Jesus was counted the sinner instead of you and I.
Are you able to accept right now that Jesus so loved you that he was prepared to go out onto the field alone, face the cross and gain you peace with God?
If you today, are prepared to crossover from the enemy lines to God’s side and rest in what he did on your behalf, you can know today, “Death of death, and Hell’s destruction.” What is more, God will help you take on all your other Goliath’s as well.
December 1st 2024: Gaius Douglas
Click on the link to watch this service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9cy-EKKPIS4?si=DgV0AKErFFaXokGx
Luke 1:26-38 God’s Interventions
God intervenes in the affairs of the world all the time. This world is upheld by Him. You and I are here this morning because we are upheld by His gracious hand. Nothing can happen without God ordaining it, without God allowing it. (Jeremiah 23:20). We are constantly surrounded by His divine interventions. He intervenes in a miraculous way. If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you have made a profession of faith. God has intervened in your life, saving you from darkness into His marvellous light. We give Him the glory.
- Divine intervention – He speaks with authority.
We see God’s intervention and authority in the gospels. He says, ‘Go,’ ‘Come unto Me,’ ‘Go into the world,’ ‘Follow Me.’ When judged by Pilate, He says, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11). He has intervened in your life. God the Father sent the Son. We see the Spirit of God working and moving in this world, bringing the word of God to our soul. It reveals to us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). He gave His begotten Son. Rejoice that our salvation is based on the finished work at Calvary’s cross by the Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice every day – you have been saved.
Salvation is of the Lord. Appreciate God uses whom He will. We are called for a purpose. He has called us. God has chosen us in Christ, to take the word of God and take it to others. The Spirit of God reveals God’s word. He wants you to take this word to all around us.
- When God speaks every human being needs to listen.
The angel Gabriel came to a house in Nazareth. He spoke to a young lady. He brought a message that would change this young woman’s life forever. Do we appreciate our lives have been changed forever? We find a wonderful verse in Isaiah 55:11,
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
It will accomplish what He pleases. It will prosper where He sends it. Regardless of what we may do, God continues to work by His Spirit, changing lives. He continues to work in your life, bringing you to a greater appreciation of who God is.
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts.”
(Zechariah 4:6).
How wonderful!
The angel spoke to Mary. She listened. Are you listening? Mary was engaged. It was a contractual agreement. She was at home, probably thinking of the time when she would be officially married to Joseph, having a new home. Maybe she was a little anxious as well as happy. It is a life-changing situation going into something you have never experienced before. Mary was looking forward to life with Joseph, then the angel intervened. All of a sudden, her world was turned upside down. She considered the greeting from the angel. What an amazing message! All of a sudden, the almighty God was speaking and something was happening in Mary’s heart. The saving of our souls is a miracle of grace. We are bought with a price and now belong to God.
We read of the miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy – how she was barren and conceived in her old age. This message would have impacted Mary’s life. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Are you challenged? Nothing will be impossible? Do you and I believe it?
On hearing this word, Mary willingly agreed and submitted to God. We hear these wonderful words, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s response is an indication that the Spirit of God was at work in her life. We have in us the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. What impact is that having on you each day?
The Holy Spirit has many functions and activities, “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” (John 16:8). God has given every human being a conscience. Every human has some knowledge of Him. The Spirit of God is moving, convicting the world of sin, of righteousness and judgement. The Spirit of God has convicted us we were sinners and needed salvation. He has called each of us to follow, to leave and follow.
Mary rejoiced. When God speaks, He expect a response from you and me. Will you follow Me? Will you go for Me?
- When God speaks He expect me to respond.
Mary’s willingness to obey brought the blessing of God’s salvation to all human beings. His song shows a willingness to obey she willingly said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”(v.38).
We are called of God, individually. He has been speaking, sharing with you. Will you go for Him?
The angel said, ‘Leave the impossibilities to God.’ Mary said, “My soul [magnifies the Lord.” (v.46). She was not only rejoicing for herself but that God would bring blessings to you and me. She was going to enjoy the food of the land.
“If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
Isaiah 1:19).
For 30 years the Lord Jesus Christ lived in her home. She cared for Him and loved Him. She had the enjoyment of the very best of heaven. She and Joseph had responsibility for caring for the Son of God. She was also blessed to be an instrument in Jesus’ first act of public service (Marriage at Cana). When they ran out of wine she knew who to go to. Where do you go to? We see her faith in God, her Saviour. Led by the Spirit of God, she said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says, do.’ That’s faith! That is the authority God has given you and me. We are servants of the living God. He is the Saviour of our souls and has brought us life.
At the foot of the cross we see Mary standing next to John, the disciple Jesus loved. She looked up at God, her Saviour, the one who she nursed and cared for (Isaiah 49). This was her son. But He was more than her son, He was her God and Saviour. She felt the pain, not only as a mother but as a servant of God. She would have remembered when He said, ‘Do you not know I must be about My Father’s business.’
Has your life been changed? God has intervened in your life and mine. He has saved our souls, blessed us with eternal life. I am looking forward to sharing His glory. The same God who spoke to Mary and Joseph is speaking to you, saying, ‘Will you follow me?’ Will you be obedient to His calling? All He wants to hear is, ‘I will go for You.’ May that be your answer today. May God bless you.
November 24th 2024: Peter Robinson
Titus 2:13 – 3:7.
In this passage there is a word that crops up twice (2:13, 3:7). It is the word hope, true hope in a hopeless world. What is it you are hoping for, for the future? What do you hope for, for this world? What do you hope for yourself personally? We are living in a day of hopelessness; there is not a lot of hopeful speech going on in the public domain. Globally, we are told of the terrible effects of global warming and climate change. Internationally, there are conflicts whatever we turn – wars, fighting, potential wars. Close to home, nationally, we see a lack of hope – rising inflation, more crime. There are great moves to overthrow established truths; there is a new bill in Parliament to enable people to be killed. There are a lot of reasons to be discouraged. Perhaps, in our own lives, we have little hope for the future. There may the illness, loss, grief, unemployment. Wherever we turn, there is little to find hope.
The Christian is someone who has hope. One of the chief characteristics of a Christian is hope. Hope is built into their DNA. In spite of what is going on in our world, the Christian is someone who has a real hope, a certain yet not seen hope (Hebrews 11:1). This hope is definite, certain, real, absolute. It is very different from the way the world thinks of hope. For example, ‘I hope you feel better soon.’ This is a sincere wish, but there is nothing certain about it. Christian hope is not simply a positive mental attitude, an optimistic feeling. Everyone has a certain amount of hope for the future. The hope of the world is baseless, lacking in knowledge. It is a hope which has no certainty. The Christian hope is an inner hope which is permanent, solid, changing, empowering.
The foundation for our hope.
There are three essential cornerstones of our hope.
- Christian hope is in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nobody disputes a man called Jesus Christ lived about 2000 years ago in Israel. Not only do we have the accounts of the four gospel historians, but He is referred to in Jewish records and Roman records too. But the reason the Christian has hope is the life of Jesus Christ being seen in the word (John 1:14). In the life of Jesus Christ, we have God walking on the face of the earth and interacting with human beings. God has demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ, His concern for the people of the world. The greatest evidence of there being God is the life of Jesus Christ. The life of the Lord Jesus Christ shows concern for the life of people. We see His compassion and His love for the marginalised. He was drawn to people others ignored. His compassion was seen in word and action.
We see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ the very truth the world is searching for. His disciples testified He spoke the words of eternal life. His mind-blowing miracles transformed people as they received power, grace and healing. Everything declares to us God cares for us. Christian hope is God has made Himself known to humanity in time and space, and made known His love for the world.
- Christian hope can be seen in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Death is the very antithesis of hope, when hope has no more life in it. Death destroys hope, yet the death of Jesus Christ gives certain hope because of why He died. On the surface it appears He died because of the jealousy of religious leaders. But Jesus’ death was the proof positive that God will stop at nothing to save (Mark 10:45).
Can we trace why there is so much destruction in the world? It is not poverty or social injustice. The problems of the world are because of human sinfulness. The cause of every problem can be traced to the rejection of God, our Maker. We have all gone our own way, chosen to please ourselves. We make the rules, we do whatever we want. That’s sin. The human race is suffering from a crippling illness which has made us enemies of God. It cuts us off from God and puts us under the very judgement of Go – all because we have rejected Him.
When Christ Jesus came into the world, and suffered and died on the cross, it was to cure sin. He purposefully died to deliver us from sin and to transform us. The Christian has hope in this world in the death of Jesus Christ because we can be set free from sin.
- Christian hope is founded on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
The resurrection is the guarantee. God made man, living amongst us, rose from the dead. After His resurrection, He spoke with many people. Everything stands or fails from the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:17). The reality is you and I must die. There will come a day when we will not be able to defeat death. But the resurrection gives hope that death is not all that there is, we can have eternal life. Our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered death for us (John 11). That is the Christian hope for the future – eternal life which is full, perfect, in the very presence of God.
This world is heading for another climatic conclusion. God designed this world not for destruction but for transformation (2 Peter 3:13). We are to look forward to a new heaven and a new earth. There is an end, but also a beginning when the Lord Jesus comes again. Our ultimate hope is the glory of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. This world is heading towards that day when Christ will come again. He will bring a new world of righteousness. Jesus comes again for those He loves. We wait for the blessed hope.
Yet, there is a serious warning. For anyone who has not built their hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus comes to bring judgement to those who have rejected Him. (1 Peter 4:1). Dear friends, it is time for you to give up your sin and receive His forgiveness. He has promised if you do that, He will give you a bright future.
What is your hope and hope for the future? Do you have this hope, this confidence and certainty in the Lord Jesus Christ? He is ready, willing, able to forgive you, to love you and save you.
March 10th 2024: Adrian Brake
To watch this service, please click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/nSKIvr3DsPk?si=qeBHG3DeGzd8S3fK
Luke 7:11-23 Jesus offers salvation before He brings judgement.
In verses 11-15 Luke records perhaps what was Jesus’ most remarkable miracle up to that point – raising a man to life. Since the creation of the world, approximately 4,000 years earlier, very few people had been raised from the dead. Nobody had been raised from the dead for 900 years. This was truly an extraordinary event. Nobody who was in that day would ever have been able to forget what they had seen. People could never have imagined in their wildest dream such a thing would happen. They had seen Jesus give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute, mobility to the paralysed, liberty to the demon-possessed. But to give life to the dead was something else altogether.
Those who had been raised in church are so familiar with the gospels, miracles no longer stun us as they should. “Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” (Luke 7:14-15). Astonishing!
How could those who were privileged to be present keep quiet? Today, people would be tweeting within minutes and having selfies with the dead man. There was no social media then, but word of mouth was very effective in getting the news out. Therefore, it spread like wildfire throughout Judea and the surrounding regions. “And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.” (Luke 7:17).
“Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.” (v.18). Luke focuses on one man in particular, a man who had already been quite prominent in the gospel – John the Baptist – who was more than 150 miles away. How did he hear about the news? The disciples of John reported it to him. Disciples were people who followed you, recognised you as a prophet of God. John was recognised by many as a prophet. Israel hadn’t had a profit for 400 years.
How to John respond to what he had been told about Jesus? It’s perplexed him. He had a burning question. John was unsettled; he couldn’t rest until the question was answered. There was only one person who could answer this question, “And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (v.19). Why couldn’t John ask Jesus himself? Because John was in prison on the instructions of Herod Antipas. John had reprimanded Herod Antipas for his behaviour. Now Herod wanted to kill John but couldn’t because John was popular, and Herod Antipas didn’t want an uprising. John aas in lockdown but he was able to send messengers to Jesus to ask, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (v.19).
The ’Coming One.’ God had told His people centuries before that He would send them a King, one who would deliver them from all enemies and bring blessings. He would set up a Kingdom that would never end. John the Baptist had come and said the prophecies were about to be fulfilled. John had said that He is coming, Jesus of Nazareth.
Yet, John, who had preached this to the people, now seems to have doubts and wants confirmation that Jesus is the Coming One. It is strange. John had been so sure. He had baptised Jesus. When Jesus came out of the water, John saw with his very own eyes the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus. He had told people, ‘This is the Messiah.’ (John 1:34). Yet here, John is unsure. This is the most important thing in all the earth – who is the Messiah, the one God gives as our saviour?
Why is John now uncertain? Some people say it is John’s disciples who have doubts, not John, who tells them to go and ask Jesus for themselves. But in verse 22, when Jesus answers the question, He tells the disciples to ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen.’ It is John who is uncertain.
In verse 24 the messengers come with a message from John. It is John who is second-guessing himself. Why is he uncertain? It is understandable in Christian life to be uncertain. Have you ever felt as though, even though God is always with us, He seems far away? We can doubt and be uncertain. We should follow John’s advice and go to Jesus. Take our doubts to Jesus. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John, He ministers to him. We take our doubts to Jesus. Take them to the Lord. You’ll be welcomed and He will help.
In Luke chapter 3 we read of John the Baptist preaching. John the Baptist said the work of the Messiah would be, “Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Luke 3:7). John had never had PR training! Verse 9 continues, “And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” In verse 17 we read, “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The Messiah has come to cut down the trees that don’t bear fruit, and to throw the chaff into the fire. He has come to administer God’s wrath on enemies, to punish sin. He is come to bring devastating judgement upon sinners. It is about to happen now (v.9). The axe isn’t on the shelf – it’s already at the root. The winnowing fan is not on the shelf but in His hands. This is a clear message. John had had the message from God but it was also referenced in the Old Testament (Malachi 4).
When the Messiah comes there will be a devastating judgement for sinners. Then, John gets to hear Jesus is doing anything but judgement. Instead, He is healing the sick, raising the dead. John is expecting God’s wrath to be unleashed, yet Jesus is lavishing God’s love. This Saviour is bringing nothing but salvation. This is why John asks the question. Jesus answers with actions, “And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.” (Luke 7:21). More healings! Then Jesus says, ‘There’s your answer.’ Jesus is saying, ‘Yes, I am the Messiah, the Coming One. The proof is what I am doing.’
John had got half the story, not all of it. When the Messiah comes He will unleash God’s wrath on the ungodly. But what John did not understand was that the Messiah would come twice. It is when Christ comes back that He will unleash devastating judgement. John had got the timing wrong. Jesus brought grace and salvation and healings (Isaiah 35). Before Christ brings judgement, He comes to offer salvation. Jesus is saying, ‘Now is the time for grace, now is the time for the offering of salvation.’ Now is the time for the first part of Old Testament prophecy to be fulfilled Later, the other part will come to pass.
One day there will be judgement. But God is so gracious, God is so merciful, that He holds back. He could do it now, but He holds back because He is patient with sinners. Now is the day of mercy, now is the day of salvation. “Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (v.22).
The chief characteristic of the Lord’s ministry is the poor will have the gospel preached to them. Jesus has come to warn people of what is to come. He offers salvation.
God is a merciful, patient God. He hates sin and those who do not repent will be punished with everlasting destruction. But God does not delight in wrath. He has a compassionate heart. Have we got the heart of God for sinners? Have we got compassion for the lost? Are we concerned for sinners?
We are working against the clock. We are still in the day of grace. But John was right. The day of judgement is coming. We don’t know when that will be. We have to seize the time and do what we can. Every day that passes is a day closer to judgement. There is no time to waste.
For those who do not know Christ, there is a warning. Now there is a welcome, but that won’t always be the case. Seek the Lord whilst He may be found. There is a time limitation on God’s offer of mercy. In 2 Corinthians, Paul says, ‘Now is the day of salvation.’ We must come. God’s patience does not last forever. We need to act. Christ is the Messiah, Jesus is the saviour, Jesus is the one who can save you. Come to Him while you may.
February 25th 2024: Andrew Bowden
Psalm 100
The psalms are very personal, written after deep life experiences. We can relate to them. They are reassuring, soothing. Psalm 100 is one of the most uplifting psalms. It is a transforming psalm, all about worship. The world sees worship as boring, for ageing members, with long sermons, which are far-removed from their lives. That is how it is perceived by many. Yet, in this Psalm we see true worship is exhilarating. We look for something greater than ourselves to stand in awe of. We were made to stand in awe of something greater than ourselves – God. We were made by God for God. We are to be enraptured with God. There is none like him. We should be taken up altogether with him. God has made us for something greater than this life – Himself. God is greatly to be praised. We come to worship expecting something new, fresh, heavenly and glorious – God!
It is a misconception that worship is confined to a particular day: open doors, close doors, that’s worship. Yet, when we turn to a psalm like this and find worship is the believers’ life. We do all to the glory of God. Live in the spirit of worship.
We are to be joyful in God (verses 1-2),
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
(verse 1-2). There is a note of gladness enjoy in God, all that He is and opened up to us in Christ. Gospel is a calling out of ourselves into Christ. The Philippians were repeatedly told to rejoice in the Lord. We are to be a joyful people. Pull writes quite personally; he renounced everything and rejoices in Christ Jesus, his Lord. Joy is a great characteristic of the believer in God. He is a God who has created beauty, the senses. He has made us for joy with him. He is a God who would have us rejoicing in him. Here we read of a joyful shout to the Lord. It’s an affirmation of joy that silence is every other voice of guilt and shame (Habakkuk 3). Here is a voice of affirmation that rises above other voices. Look up and see who God is. In trust all to him.
There is also a joyful service of the believer. Paul writes, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1). His mercies towards us make us glad to serve Him. It is a matter of delight and joy. God has taken us to Himself, we live to please Him. When we serve the Lord gladly, we do all unto him.
In verse 2 we see a joyful song; we are to come with singing.
God rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
In verse 3 we read,
“Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
We are to be mindful of God. Yes, we are to be joyful in God, but there are certain things we ought to know about God. Get to know God better. We need a good dose of theology. There is none like Him, who is all-powerful. He is our maker. How we think determines how we feel (Philippians).
The most important thing about you is how you see God and relate to Him. We see here we have come from God, he has created us. We are a divine heir. This is where our beginning lies. We are designed, made by Him. He stamps individuality on everything he has made. God has not made you to be a cheap copy of someone else. You are uniquely made and fashioned by God. Do not compare yourself to others.
God made you to be you and providentially placed you where you are. He cares for us. We are the sheep of His pasture. He is our Good Shepherd, watching over us. We ought to be joyful and mindful. He will keep us. The older you get in life the more you marvel at the ways God has kept you. We ought to be thankful to God – that is how the Psalm ends.
In Thessalonians we read, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Be appreciative through all things. See the hand of God in everything.
Matthew Henry was once robbed by a highway man. When he got home he thanked God it was the first time he had been robbed. Although everything had been taken, it was not much. He thanked God that he had been robbed and he was not the one who had been doing the robbing. He thanked God the highwayman took his purse and not his life. Be thankful! Be joyful each day in God, ever mindful of who and all He is. Be thankful to God in all that happens.
Penuel Baptist Chapel, Roch 