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

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 297

(7) 1 Pet. 4.13 – But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

c. The people of God, Israel, were commanded to celebrate the Lord’s goodness in party, festivity, and feast three times a year.

d. The entire spirit of the Christian life should be the fragrance of celebration and anticipation of the fulfillment of the hope of Christ’s return, and the transformation of all things under God’s reign, 2 Cor. 2.15-16 – For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, [16] to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

e. Celebration is anchored in the finished work of Christ, given to us through the love of God and made real in our lives by the Holy Spirit.

3. Central principles

a. Celebration is a fundamental element in the spiritual life: the joy of the Lord is our strength, Neh. 8.10.

b. Celebration is the central element and result of the practice of the Disciplines, when done under the direction of the Spirit.

(1) Rom. 12.12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.