Count It All Joy

Count It All Joy

James 1:2

Powerpoint Template at:

http://www.gbcdecatur.org/sermons/CountJoy.html

James makes it sound so easy. "My brethren, count it all

joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (James 1:2). the "all"

here means everything that could possibly come our way. Paul

urged the Thessalonians, "Rejoice evermore" (I Thess. 5:16). He

told the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I

say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4).

Jesus said of His disciples, " . . .And these things I speak

in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in

themselves" (John 17:13). John said, "And these things write we

unto you, that your joy may be full" (I John 1:4).

Let us notice five areas of joy.

I. JOY IN THE SCRIPTURES

There was great singing for joy when Pharaoh and his army

were drowned in the Red Sea. Hannah said, "My heart rejoiceth in

the Lord . . ." when little Samuel was born (I Sam. 2:1). Naomi

was thrilled and rejoiced when Boaz took Ruth as his wife.

Israel shouted for joy when Saul was crowned king. The streets

were filled with women singing and shouting for joy when David

killed the giant and the soldiers came home.

There was a time of great joy and celebrating when the

captured Ark of the Covenant was brought home to God’s people.

All Israel joined in the rejoicing at the dedication of the

Temple. Nehemiah led the people in a time of great joy when the

city walls were finished. Esther, Mordecai and all the Jews were

filled with joy when Haman hanged on his evil gallows. The birth

of Christ was an occasion of joy to the angels, the shepherds,

Mary and the others.

When the prodigal son came home, a joyful celebration was

held. The followers of Jesus cried, "Hosanna" or "Joy to the

Highest," when He rode into Jerusalem. There was great joy at

Pentecost. The impotent man leaped with joy after the healing of

his body. Paul and Silas rejoiced and sang praises at midnight

in the Philippian jail.

On and on the story goes. The Scriptures are filled with

incidents that brought joy to multitudes.

II. JOY IN SALVATION

When Philip brought revival to the city of Samaria, many

turned to Christ, and we read, "And there was great joy in that

city" (Acts 8:8). In the story of the prodigal son, we clearly

see the joy of salvation. Notice, first, the father’s joy. "his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on

his neck, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). This pictures God,

"not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to

repentance" (II Pet. 3:9). The Lord rejoices when sinners come

home.

Notice, too, that the neighbors and friends rejoiced. He

called them to come and rejoice with him.

Thirdly, see the angels of Heaven rejoicing. They really

get excited in Heaven over one repentant sinner. " . . .joy

shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over

ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Luke

15:7).

Then, notice the sinner’s joy. What a relief and blessing

to get the load of sin off your back! This poor, sinful boy came

back fully expecting to be a bond servant, but ended up as a son

again.

{Oh, happy day that fixed my choice,

On Thee, my Saviour and my God.

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad.}

III. JOY IN SERVICE

The Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon. She had heard of

all the glory of his kingdom. When she saw for herself, she

said, "Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants." There

is a joy in service. The servants of the Lord Jesus are happy,

too! Isaiah 65:14 says, "...my servants shall sing for

joy of heart..."

Solomon said, "There is nothing better for a man, than that

he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy

good in his labour" (Eccles. 2:24). David said, "I delight to do

thy will, O my God..." (Ps. 40:8). Someone has said, "Happy

is the man whose occupation becomes his hobby."

Many in GBC love their service opportunities…they love the time they have…maybe not the work as much as the fellowship and fulfillment…they wouldn’t want to do the same things for money, but they take joy in doing them for the Lord!

IV. JOY IN SORROW

"Your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20). Jesus

spoke of a woman in travail and sorrow because her hour was come,

"But as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no

more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world"

(John 16:21).

Paul continually emphasized this great truth. "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (II Cor. 6:10); "I am filled