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I. BELIEVERS ARE "THE CHILDREN OF ZION."

1. Zion is often used as an emblem of the Church of God (Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 28:16; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6).

(1) It was stable (Psalm 125:1); so is the Church (Matthew 16:18).

(2) It was secure (Psalm 48:3, 11, 12); so is the Church (Ephesians 5:29).

(3) The situation of Zion was exceeding beautiful (Psalm 48:2); so is that of the Church (Matthew 5:14).

(4) Zion was a holy mountain; because on Mount Moriah, which joined it on the north-east, the temple of God was built (2 Chronicles 3:1; Psalm 48:1); the Church is holy (Ephesians 5:27).

(5) Mount Zion was peculiarly loved by God (Psalm 88:2); so is the Church (Ephesians 5:25).

2. Believers are children of Zion by birth. Naturally we are all "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise" (Ephesians 2:11, 12).

3. Believers can continue children of Zion no longer than while they retain faith (Hebrews 10:38).

4. Zion is emblematic of heaven (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 22:4, 10-27).

5. Believers are children of Zion by a title to heaven (Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3, 4).

II. BELIEVERS HAVE A "KING."

1. Royalty is the centre of supremacy. A king is a supreme governor. God in this sense is the King of believers.

2. Royalty is the source of legislation. God is the Legislator of His people. His code is more pure than any ever conceived by the human mind for the perfection of human jurisprudence (Romans 7:12).

3. Royalty is the fountain of protection (Job 1:10; Psalm 5:12; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 37:17, 39; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 118:8-12; Psalm 146:3-6).

III. BELIEVERS SHOULD BE "JOYFUL IN THEIR KING."

1. Because He is the most glorious and dignified of all beings.

(1)  Consider His nature. He is the independent Jehovah.

(2)  Consider His moral attributes.

2. Because by His charter they enjoy great privileges and immunities. He communicates to them through His Spirit an evidence of their acceptance (Romans 8:16); and through His Word exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). They possess peace and joy (Romans 14:17; Romans 15:13).

3. Because the monuments of their great men are protected. The Bible is a record of the saints. In it are contained monuments of their patience, meekness, courage, faith and heavenly-mindedness, Here we are taught to admire their virtues, and excited to follow their example (Hebrews 11.; 6:12).

4. Because their enemies are totally inefficient to disturb His government (Deuteronomy 33:26-29; Psalm 93:1).

5. Because His kingdom will ultimately be universal, and all opposing powers will be destroyed.

IV. REMARKS.

1. How great and glorious is the moral elevation of a believer, and how insignificant does the honour of this world appear contrasted with the dignity of a Christian!

2. How great should be our solicitude to become subjects of the spiritual kingdom of Jehovah.

3. How indefatigable should we be in spreading the knowledge of God by personal instruction, by example, and by the dedication of property, talents and influence!

(Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)

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KJV: Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

WEB: Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.