Faith
Has Caught the Joyful Sound
Introduction:
What is the ‘joyful sound’? From all indications it is the natural
response to that which would stimulate joy and excitement. We understand this concept fully. It is
completely natural to want to make noise when we are ignited with elation. So
how might we make application? From
the text we see that those who “know the
joyful sound” are a blessed people.
I. They Walk In The Light of Your Countenance
A.
Metaphor
of light & darkness used throughout scripture:
1.
1
John 1:5; Rev. 22:5; 21:23
2.
Imagine
the radiance of God’s glory. We
have been afforded the opportunity to share in this light.
a.
John
8:12; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:7; Eph. 5:8
B.
It
is no wonder then that a “blessed people”
who has been brought into the Light of God’s countenance from the darkness of
this world’s lair knows the joyful sound!
II. They Rejoice All Day Long
A.
Philippians
4:4 - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again
I will say rejoice!”.
B.
Christ’s
people should be a happy people.
C.
We
need to ponder our redemption from the bondage of sin
1.
1
Peter 1:3-6 - It is no wonder that we, a “blessed
people” know the joyful sound!
III. They Are Exalted In Righteousness
A.
Luke
18:10-14
1.
The
biblical concept of being lifted up or exalted seems like an oxymoron.
2.
It
flies in the face of what our society would have us to believe concerning fame
and prestigious recognition.
B.
God
must be at the helm of our lifeboat, guiding and directing us in all that we
do.
1.
To
allow him to take that lead, we must be willing to deny ourselves in the
fullest manifestation of humility.
Conclusion:
A.
Indeed,
a “blessed people”, who has been
exalted by God, know the joyful sound.
B.
James
4:10 - “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord…and He will lift you up.”