Simchat Torah - The Joy And Desire For God's Word

2023.10.08.Sermon Notes. Simchat Torah – The Joy of GOD’s WORD - Torah

William Akehurst, HSWC

BIG IDEA: Simchat Torah – the Joy of GOD’s WORD (Torah).

How do you respond to GOD’s WORD? Is it an integral part of your life? Do you find Joy in it? Or is it a burden to read it? GOD’s WORD gives joy, and is a treasure chest that must be searched out and cherished. Allow GOD's WORD to change you forever!

The Fall Feasts, The Joy of GOD’s Word. How do you receive GOD’s WORD? Do you find Joy in it?

SCRIPTURES: John 1:1, Psalms 19:7-11, Jeremiah 15:16, John 15:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 13:44, Isaiah 55:8, Matthew 5:6, Matthew 13:16-23, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11, Joshua 1:8, Psalms 119:1-176

Simchat Torah!

The Joy of Torah (God’s Word)

IS GOD’s WORD a joy and delight to your heart?

Are you digging in to find new truths and being encouraged by it?

If it’s difficult to find joy in GOD’s WORD, perhaps you need to look for it specifically.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Psalms 19:7-11

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.

GOD’s WORD is Perfect, Sure, Right, Pure, Enduring Forever, True and Righteous in itself.

DESIRABLE more than riches

SWEETER than pure honey.

A WARNING that if heeded, bring GREAT REWARD.

KEY VERSE: I LOVE THIS VERSE!

Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT) When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.

TREASURE – Unearth Heaven’s treasure

God’s Word is a treasure from Heaven to Earth in which we can find golden nuggets and precious jewels.

Psalm 19:10 “More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

JESUS said that HIS Words would give us joy.

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

So to find a treasure, you have a map, the bible, and all that is needed is to dig in and mine it.

Search the scriptures and find that joy. That nugget, that precious gem.

What Scripture(s) do you carry in your heart?

Do you not realize what you have before you when you open the WORD OF GOD?

OBEDIENCE BRINGS JOY AND REWARD

Psalms 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

GOD’S WORD tells us that by following and obeying HIS WORD, that we can find Joy and Great Reward in it.

Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(NLT) 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

GOD gave us HIS commands as an instruction manual to having a happy life. HIS laws are meant to lead us to a joyful and abundant life.

DESIRE GOD’s WORD

Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

THE MAN WAS HAPPY TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING he owned because he knew that what he had found was so much better!

ASK THE LORD to help you give up the things that really don’t give joy (even though you might think you need them to be happy).

ASK THE LORD to open your understanding to HIS Ways and Thoughts, so that HE would satisfy you with what really brings joy.

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.