A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

296

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

2. Key texts

a. Celebration of the Lord is our strength, Neh. 8.10 – Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

b. We are commanded (not requested) to rejoice in the Lord always.

(1) Joel 2.23 – Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. (2) Zech. 9.9 – Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having

salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

(3) Phil. 4.4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

(4) 1 Thess. 5.16 – Rejoice always.

(5) 1 Thess. 5.18 – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

(6) James 1.2-4 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfast ness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.