Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—The joy of Jesus and of his people in the strength and salvation of God.

Verses 1, 2.—The doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ contained in the text, may be considered under three heads:—I. As an answer to prayer. II. His joy therein—even in the resurrection. III. As a necessary appendage to this—our own individual concern in his glory and in his joy.—Hamilton Verschoyle.

Verse 2.—The successful Advocate.

Verse 3 (first clause).—Preventing mercies.

Verse 3 (first clause).—GOD GOING BEFORE US, or, God’s anticipation of our necessities by his merciful dispensations. God prevents us with the blessings of his goodness:—I. When we come into the world. II. When we become personal transgressors. III. When we enter upon the duties and upon the cares of mature life. IV. When, in the general course of life, we enter upon new paths. V. In the dark “valley of the shadow of death.” VI. By giving us many mercies without our asking for them; and thus creating occasion, not for prayer, but for praise only. VII. By opening to us the gate of heaven, and by storing heaven with every provision for our blessedness.—Samuel Martin.

Verse 3 (second clause).—Jesus crowned. I. His previous labours. II. The dominion bestowed. III. The character of the crown. IV. The divine coronant.

Verse 4.—Jesus ever living.

Verse 5.—The glory of the Mediator.

Verse 6.—The blessedness of Jesus.

Verse 7.—Jesus, an example of faith and of its results.

Verse 8.—The secret sinner unearthed, and deprived of all hope of concealment.

Verses 8, 9.—The certainty and terror of the punishment of the wicked.

Verses 11, 12.—The guilt and punishment of evil intentions.

Verse 12.—The retreat of the grand army of hell.

Verse 13.—A devout Doxology. I. God exalted. II. God alone exalted. III. God exalted by his own strength. IV. His people singing his praise.