The sermon argues that true self-control isn't achieved through willpower, but through "joy power"—a supreme affection for something greater that displaces lesser desires, with the ultimate joy being found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lasting self-control, rooted in the joy of God's unchanging love and the sacrifice of Jesus, is cultivated through engaging with scripture, seeking accountability, and practicing humility.

This sermon defines true, lasting joy not as happiness in circumstances but as a deep-seated rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ, a joy that is only possible when we stop trusting in our own self-righteous "filthy rags" and instead receive His perfect righteousness. This gospel-centered joy comes from the profound truth that, despite our unworthiness, Christ has made us friends of God and offers us a love that is unwavering and eternal.

This sermon reveals that sorrow and grief are a natural part of our human experience, a consequence of a world fractured by sin, yet through the gospel we are given a profound hope. Our ultimate comfort comes from knowing Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, who bore our griefs on the cross, promising a future where He will wipe every tear from our eyes and bring an end to all pain.

This sermon outlines the crucial role of godly fathers, arguing that to be a faithful earthly father, a man must first be a devoted son of his Heavenly Father, modeling faith and character to his children. Through being shapers of their children's lives and students of the Word, fathers are called to raise their children in the gospel, grounding them not in worldly success but in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, who alone can redeem their sin nature.

This sermon confronts the crippling nature of worry, arguing that it can only be overcome not by human effort, but by the supernatural "peace of God," which guards our hearts and minds. This peace is a fruit of the gospel, cultivated by actively thinking on God's truth, thanking Him in advance for His sovereignty, and loving Jesus who has already borne the weight of our sin and worry on the cross.

This sermon contends that our innate human longing for transcendence can only be fulfilled not by following our deceitful hearts, but by a divine reconciliation initiated by God. This profound reconciliation is a free gift, made possible through God's forgiveness and the radical exchange on the cross, where Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might receive His perfect righteousness and be restored to a personal relationship with Him.

This sermon argues that true purpose is found not in worldly success, but in knowing God, becoming like Him, and multiplying His grace in the world. This is achieved by remembering our cleansing from sin, resting in God's promises, and receiving His provision through Jesus Christ.

This sermon encourages Christians, as a new spiritual temple and holy priesthood, to live lives filled with God's presence by offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Rooted in gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to use their unique gifts for the glory of God, the edification of the church, and the advancement of the gospel.

This sermon teaches that Christians can embrace trials not as hindrances, but as divine opportunities for refining their faith, which is made steadfast by its object, the unchanging Christ. Through looking to Jesus's own suffering, believers are comforted and empowered to process grief without resorting to self-pity, ultimately growing in character and experiencing God's goodness more deeply.

This sermon honors mothers as a tangible representation of God's love and self-sacrificial nature, teaching that the way we love and honor them reflects our own relationship with God. By honoring our mothers through gratitude, care, and radical forgiveness, we fulfill a foundational biblical command and grow in our understanding of God's grace.

This sermon redefines Christian obedience as a joy-filled response to God's love, not a burdensome obligation, emphasizing that it is an act of free will that aligns one with God's character. By remembering their freedom in Christ and resting in His righteousness, believers are motivated to obey for the Lord's sake, thereby reflecting God's goodness to the world.

This sermon proclaims that a life of true fulfillment is found in embracing our identity as "elect exiles"—those who are unconditionally chosen by God and live as citizens of a heavenly kingdom in a fallen world. This identity is realized by allowing the Father to define us, the Spirit to change us, and the Son's blood to cover us, thereby freeing us from seeking significance in fleeting worldly things.