Count It All Joy
We are to count it all joy by reckoning the things of God as blessings and rejoicing by faith, even in difficult circumstances.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of counting all experiences as joy, regardless of our feelings. He explains that the act of 'reckoning' is crucial, as it involves treating ourselves as dead to our old nature and choosing to rejoice in faith. Simpson encourages believers to fix their hearts on God and to develop a habit of rejoicing, which leads to a spirit of gladness and praise. He reminds us that even in times of hardship and lack, we can still find joy in the Lord, as our peace comes from knowing Jesus is in control. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a steadfast commitment to joy and faith amidst life's challenges.
Text
We do not always feel joyful, but we are to count it all joy. The word "reckon" is one of the key words of Scripture. It is the same word used about our death to self (Romans 6: 11). We do not feel dead. We are painfully conscious of something that would gladly return to life. But we are to treat ourselves as dead and neither fear nor obey the old nature. So we are to reckon the thing that comes as a blessing. We are determined to rejoice, to say, my heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise (Psalm 57:7).
This rejoicing by faith will soon become a habit and will bring continually the spirit of gladness and the spontaneous overflow of praise.
Then, although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17). Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging 'round? On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Sermon Outline
- Counting It All Joy
- The Word 'Reckon'
- Reckoning Our Death to Self
- Reckoning the Things of God as Blessings
Key Quotes
“We are to reckon the thing that comes as a blessing.” — A.B. Simpson
“This rejoicing by faith will soon become a habit and will bring continually the spirit of gladness and the spontaneous overflow of praise.” — A.B. Simpson
“Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging 'round? On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make a conscious decision to rejoice in the Lord, even when things seem to be going wrong.
- Treat yourself as dead to the old nature and live according to the new nature in Christ.
- Find perfect peace in Jesus, who is on the throne and is our future all unknown.