Some might think it a bit strange that I’ve called this Sunday morning series
- "Joy in the Christian Life" = Because this is the 6th message in the series
- And this will be the first week that I’m really dealing with the idea of joy
- But the only joy available in the Christian life is Christian joy
- You can not have nor appreciate Christian joy without obedience to Christ
- So spent 5 weeks in Nehemiah trying to get a handle on obeying God
- Obeying His > Call = Vision = Will = Walk = Word = Ways
- So frankly that point can not be stressed enough
But today we switch gears to bring squarely before us "Christian joy"
- And I want to stress "CHRISTIAN joy" because that is something a bit different from "plain old joy" in the world’s understanding
"Joy" = Passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good
- Excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune,the gratification of desire or some good possessed,
- or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits.
- Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good.
- AKIN = Gayety, mirth, festivity, happiness, "a glorious or triumphant state"
- VERB = To be glad, rejoice or exceedingly happen = To congratulate or exhiliarate
Biblically that’s accurate
- "Joy" is = A positive attitude or pleasant emotion; delight.
- BUT THERE ARE many kinds of joy are reported in the Bible.
- This makes it difficult to give a simple definition of joy.
> 1 Corinthians 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity... = What the wicked rejoice in
- Many levels of joy are also described, including gladness, contentment, and cheerfulness.
- But true Biblical joy = True joy in the Christian life rises to a level above this
Primary reason we are now in the Book of Philippians = [1.3-4]
- First of 17 references to either "JOY" or "REJO*"
- In such a small book = 4 chapters = 104 verses
- 1 reference every 6 verses = A full 16 % of the book
- And another salient and poignant fact = [1.7]
- Paul was writing this letter to the Philippians from prison
- Not a situation or circumstance the world would normally associate with "joy"
- Which only confirms = Christian joy is something different = Better
The joy which the people of God should have is holy and pure.
- Rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God = [Phil. 4.4]
- God is the source > Gal. 5 = v.19, "works of the flesh"
- All we have in our natural state = [5.19b - 22a]
- The best that our sin-filled flesh can produce = Misery = Pain = Shame
- BUT [v.22] = Contrast = "...the fruit of the Spirit..."
Precisely the reason I tried to stress so heavily obedience to God up til now
- PRE-REQUISITE to = Knowning = Having = Experience = TRUE Joy
- Can only be produced by the Holy Spirit
- Will only be produced in those who possess the Holy Spirit > Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
- And that joy will only be produced in those who are in a very real sense possessed by Him > Ephesians 5:18 ...be filled with the Spirit; = Results?
> [Gal. 5.22-26] + Read / Discuss
Biblical joy is the natural outcome of fellowship with God = [Ps. 16.8-11]
- He is at once the source of true joy = Object of true joy > Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
- Meditating on Who and What God is will bring joy
> Ps. 21.1 = Salvation
> Ps. 27.4-6 = Refuge = Presence
> Ps. 31.7-8 = Mercy
> Ps. 33.1-5 = Goodness
> Ps. 100 = Sum of others = Being His = Belonging to Him
And Jesus always intended the joy He brings and provides to be = Deep = Abiding > John 16
> [16.16-20] = Based on His Resurrection = Our life in Him
> [16.21-22] = Transitory trials = Permanent joy = "...and your joy no man taketh from you"
> Rom. 8 = [nelson] This is a joy which looks beyond our present moment
> To our future salvation = [8.17-18]
- And to our Sovereign God, who works out all things for our ultimate good = [8.26-28]
- And to make us just like Jesus = [8.29-30]
CONCLUSION
That’s why Paul could speak of joy even while in prison
- And he could speak of having God’s joy
- Even in spite of the circumstances and situations in this life which try to steal our joy
Are you rejoicing in the Lord today my friend?
- That’s where it all begins
- He will provide a joy that is glorious and true and eternal
- Reminded how important that is this week
- Was asked to visit Mrs. Koegel = Joan’s brother-in-law’s mom, lung cancer
- Tried a couple times in the hospital = Finally got to see her at home
- Genial visit = Tried to politely but quickly come to the heart of the matter
- None of us are guaranteed tomorrow
- But God through the Cross of Christ offers the promise and hope of eternity with Him
Here’s a woman in her 80’s = Various medical concerns
- Facing the reality of death = Willing to consider what God says to her
- And to every human being = Like it or not, we all are
- And to each of us He says, "For God so love the world..."
Salvation in Christ = That’s the most basic step of rejoicing in the Lord
- The most basic step of obedience to the Lord
> 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is ... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- And then once you are in a relationship with Him through Christ
- And you possess His Holy Spirit = And you begin to yield to Him
- Studying God’s Word = Applying it = Living it = Being His witness
- You begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit = Love / Joy / Peace / Patience / Gentleness / Goodness / Faith / Humility / Self-control
And then each day as you live with Christ = Walk with Him and in Him
- Meditate on His = Salvation = Presence = Mercy = Goodness = Belonging to Him
- Will begin to more fully appreciate what a precious possession Christ is
- Especially in dealing with the trials and tribulations of this life > 1 Pet. 1.6-9
INVITATION
Rejoicing in the Lord?
- Unsaved = Simply can not = But God can provide it
- Saved BUT Troubled? = Trials? = Tribulations? = Temptations?
- Saved BUT the burden of a friend or loved one
- COME
Prayer = Instrumental invitation
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Reference sources used in the preparation of this message include
- Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language
- Thomas Nelson’s 1986 Illustratated Bible Dictionary
- The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
