Nehemiah 8:6
The source of strength for the people is the joy of the Lord, which is born by the understanding of the Word.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the source of strength found in the joy of the Lord as demonstrated by the people of Israel during the reading of the Law by Ezra. He highlights their worship, which arose from recognizing God's grace and faithfulness, and the importance of understanding the Word of God for spiritual growth. The unity and determination of the people in rebuilding the wall serve as a testament to their faith and dedication, culminating in the realization that true strength comes from the joy that stems from hope in God. Smith encourages believers to find their strength in the joy of the Lord, which is rooted in His promises and presence.
Text
"THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH"
Intro: Year 445 B .C. King Artaxerxes gave command to Neh. to restore & rebuild the wall. In
spite of opposition task was completed in 52 days on Sept. 25. 5 days later on Oct 5
whole congregation gathered before the street to the water gate. While they stood, Ezra
read out of the Book of the Law till noon.
I. THE WORSHIP OF THE PEOPLE. VS. 6.
A. Inspiration for worship.
1. Reading of the Word.
a. Their God was the creator of the Universe.
b. Their God was faithful to His Word.
c. Their God led their fathers into this land.
d. Their God was ready to pardon, gracious & merciful.
2. Looking at the wall.
a. Like dreaming for they had despaired.
b. True worship is that which arises spontaneously from the
recognition of God's Grace.
B. Their form of worship.
1. Response to Ezra's praise - Amen. "So be it."
2. Lifting up their hands.
3. Bowing heads with face to the ground.
4. They worshipped the Lord.
II. THE WORD TO THE PEOPLE. VS 8.
A. How to read the Word.
1. Distinctly.
2. Gave the sense & caused them to understand.
a. Phi lips question to Ethiopian.
b. Understanding is vital.
c. Chief duty of every minister of God.
B. The result of the Word.
1. Consciousness of the greatness of God.
a. Worship reverence (fear).
b. Faith.
2. Conviction vs 9 "For all the people wept when they heard."
a. For the Word of God is alive, powerful and sharper than any two
edged sword.
Ill. THE STRENGTH OF THE PEOPLE
A. A great seemingly impossible task has been accomplished.
1. The wall stands again.
2. Just 2 months ago lay in ruin.
3. They had worked together - united hearts.
4. They worked with dedication.
5. They worked with determination. . . trowel in one hand & sword in other.
B. Wherein lay their strength?
1. United effort?
2. Dedication?
3. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
a. "Who for the joy of the Lord?"
4. Joy is the result of hope. "And whom having not seen ye love, etc"
5. Fullness of joy is the realization of that hope.
"Some day we shall stand in His presence look upon Him fact to face."
Fullness of joy.
6. Hope is born by the understanding of the Word.
Sermon Outline
- The Worship of the People points: - Inspiration for Worship - Reading of the Word - Their God was the creator of the Universe. - Their God was faithful to His Word. - Their God led their fathers into this land. - Their God was ready to pardon, gracious & merciful.
- Response to Ezra's Praise points: - Their Form of Worship - Lifting Up Their Hands - Bowing Heads with Face to the Ground
- The Word to the People points: - How to Read the Word - Distinctly - Gave the Sense & Caused Them to Understand
- Consciousness of the Greatness of God points: - The Result of the Word - Conviction
- The Strength of the People points: - A Great Seemingly Impossible Task Has Been Accomplished - The Wall Stands Again - Just 2 Months Ago Lay in Ruin
- United Effort points: - Wherein Lay Their Strength? - Dedication - For the Joy of the Lord is Your Strength
Key Quotes
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Chuck Smith
“For the Word of God is alive, powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.” — Chuck Smith
“Some day we shall stand in His presence look upon Him face to face. Fullness of joy.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- To experience the strength of the Lord, we must understand and apply the Word of God in our lives.
- True worship arises spontaneously from the recognition of God's Grace.
- The joy of the Lord is the key to overcoming seemingly impossible tasks.