Today I conclude sharing my sermon notes on Joy.
7. Joy in Reunion—separation kills joy
2:28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy.
Context is about death and being spared from death. At each reunion perhaps we should think—they could have died… Appreciate family more. Enjoy each other. “Rejoice in the wife of your youth”
Joy in friendship or something along those lines.
Spugeon once said of someone when meeting them that it was like being on a week’s holiday.(Off track; don’t need that.)
Prov 15:15 “cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”
Friends together often create much LAUGHTER—this is encouraged by scriptures….GOOD medicine!
8. Joy in the Lord—godlessness kills joy
Phil 3:1 “rejoice in the Lord.”
In a world which is dead to God, we LIVE to him!
9. Joy in the future—the lack of purpose kills joy
Phil 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
If you are preoccupied with yourself you will never know joy. Self-pity vs REJOICING in the success of others and seeing it reflecting on you for an ETERNAL reward
Lack of purpose makes life and all its trouble harder to endure
10. Joy at all times— happenings can kill happiness
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
PRAISE is a great way to bring joy….rejoice in Lord. instead of murmuring and complaining give thanks ALWAYS MEANS ALWAYS!!!
contentment.
Never know when circumstances will change. Vulnerable. Can know a joy that goes beyond situations!
Sometimes “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”–>mixed emotions e.g. when we hear good news and bad news.
Can feel like world is too serious to be joyful, but because the world is so serious we NEED joy all the more. God shares sorrows and JOY—weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice.
There was a real joy that Paul and Barnabas? took to prison in Phillippi.
Jesus tells us in Luke 6:22—leap for joy…when imprisoned and persecuted!
“Joy is superior to happiness as it is in no way derived from or dependent on what happens in this world. It is the gift of God. . . joy is at the heart of grace. God himself, then, is the fountain of joy. Such joy is constant . . . it never freezes in winter or dries up in summer. . . this joy is forever.” Henry Tyler page 12-13
As long as we know God reigns we can be joyful!
Frank Gamble—Funny pastor from a wheelchair. DRILLING teeth. Imagine going to that pastor to complain that your life wasn’t going the way you wanted it to!
11. Joy in giving—stinginess kills joy
Phil 4:10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
NB Joy of the Lord is our strength… Neh 8:10
Can do ALL things through this strength!
As we began, it is “Joy in the Holy Spirit” Look, we DO find joy in doing all these things, and in God’s Word:
Psalm 119:162 “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.”
BUT, ultimately it is GOD HIMSELF who gives us joy!
Preaching the law or even principles is like telling a man to fly. WE CAN’T DO IT! No matter how much exhilaration there is during any attempt, soon he will be smashed to the ground. The gospel of Jesus gives us wings! (see Henry Tyler page 59)
DO YOU KNOW HIM?
HE is the joy-giver. JESUS was and still is the one anointed with the oil of joy more than anyone (Psalm 45:7) He gives us joy through the SpiriHe prays in John 15:11—“my joy in you” that “your joy may be full”
As the psalmist says:
“in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11)
“Joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
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