1. REJOICING & EXULTATION

2. Introduction  Rejoicing and exultation are repeatedly enjoined in Holy Scripture.  A search on the phrase “(rejoice or rejoicing) and (exult or exultation)” in the NASB95 yields the following results (1 Sam. 2:1; 2 Sam. 1:20; Job 3:22; 31:29; Ps. 35:9; 68:3; Isa. 61:10; Hos. 9:1; Hab. 3:18; Zeph. 3:14, 17; 1 Pet. 4:13).  Joy is not dependent upon favorable circumstances, but may be evidenced in the lives of faithful disciples at all times.

3. Shameful Rejoicing  Do not rejoice with the revelry of the wicked (Hos. 9:1-6, esp. vs. 1).  Do not rejoice at the death of an enemy (2 Sam. 1:20-27, esp. vs. 20; Job 31:29-30).

4. Sacred Rejoicing  Hannah rejoiced at the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1-11, esp. vs. 1).  Job rejoiced at the prospective end of physical suffering (Job 3:20-26, esp. vs. 22).  The Psalmist rejoiced at the deliverance of the afflicted (Ps. 35:9-18, esp. vs. 9; 68:1-6, esp. vs. 3).  Peter exhorted the disciples to rejoice in the face of persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19, esp. vs. 13).

5. Sacred Rejoicing  Isaiah prophetically foreshadowed the rejoicing that comes through the preaching of the gospel (Isaiah 61:1-11, esp. vs. 10).  Zephaniah prophesied of the rejoicing derived from divine forgiveness and fellowship (Zephaniah 3:14- 20, esp. vs. 14 & 17).  Habakkuk demonstrated calm repose in the face of destruction and despair (Habakkuk 3:16-19, esp. vs 18).

6. Conclusion  Regardless of circumstances, let us rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:1; 4:4-14).  Do you share a relationship with Jesus (Eph. 1:3-6)? Have you been baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27)?