Developing Joy

a. "For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He offers salvation to me.

-God offers us the only true source of joy "Salvation".

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

-God’s heart is to see everyone accept that gift.

John 3:16-18

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

-God rejoices when we do.

Luke 15:10

10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

b. "He has covered me with the robe of righteousness," He justifies me

Rom 3:22-24

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

- Justification = Just-if-I-had-not-sinned.

- We don’t deserve this He graciously gives this to us.

- Christ redeems me from my sinful ways.

c. "As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,"

- He wants the best for me in my life, my future, and for eternity.

John 14:2-3

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

- If you have a personal relationship with the Lord you have every reason to be joyful.

- If you don’t Jesus stands at the door of your heart saying "Let me come in, Let me bring Joy to you."

Rev 3:20 I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Abiding in Christ brings "Joy". John 15:1-4

Abide is a primary verb (an action) and means; to stay in a given place, state, or relation) to continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry

When you abide you will:

Vs.5 You life will bear "much fruit"

- Your life will count for much so when you stand before God you will hear those words " Matt 25 Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.

Vs.7 You will be able to "Ask"

- You will have an open line of communication.

- You will be an acting agent for the work and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Vs.8-9 Christ’ love will abide in you.

Vs.10 The Fathers love will abide in you.

Vs.11 because of all this your "Joy" will be full.

Conclusion:

Maybe your hear today and have fallen away from the Lord and your "Joy" is depleted and you need to pray as David did in Ps.51

Ps 51:12

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

Maybe you’re here today and you have never been grafted in and its time to ask the Savior to come into your life.

Maybe you’re here today and you need to start spreading your joy around why wait, start today!

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Joy will sustain us when our happiness is revoked by a harsh word or deed. I still have joy!