Learning How To Enjoy The Journey Series

Learning How To Enjoy The Journey

Introduction

• Key Question: How do we, as children of the King, truly enjoy the journey of life?

• Joy is not based on circumstances but is a fruit of our relationship with God.

• Lets look at how scripture teaches us to embrace joy and abundant life throughout the journey.

1. The Foundation of Joy: Rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)

• Scripture: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

• Talking Points:

• Joy begins and ends with the Lord. It’s not situational but spiritual.

• Rejoicing is a choice, a discipline that shifts focus from problems to God’s goodness.

• Practical Application: Start each day with gratitude and worship.

2. Living Abundantly: Experiencing Life to the Full (John 10:10)

• Scripture: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

• Talking Points:

• Jesus promises abundant life—not just eternal but here and now.

• Abundant life is marked by purpose, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Practical Application: Pursue God’s purpose daily and trust Him with your needs.

• Abundant life is about thriving, not merely surviving.

Jesus offers a quality of life that overflows with purpose, peace, and joy, regardless of circumstances.

• Scripture: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11).

3. Joy Unspeakable: Anchored in Faith (1 Peter 1:8)

• Scripture: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

• Joy is not dependent on what we see or feel; it is rooted in the invisible yet unshakable realities of God’s presence and promises.

• Talking Points:

• Joy flows from faith, even when we can’t see or fully understand God’s plans.

• Faith bridges the gap between present struggles and eternal promises.

• Practical Application: Reflect on moments of God’s faithfulness to strengthen your trust.

4. Building Community: Enjoying the Journey Together (Romans 14:7)

• Scripture: “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”

• Talking Points:

• God designed life to be lived in community; joy multiplies when shared.

• Encourage unity, accountability, and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.

• Engage in regular fellowship and corporate worship. There is no reason any one of us needs to go through life and all its issues alone.

Like coals in a fire, we burn brighter and longer when together.

5. A Joyful Heart: Medicine for the Soul (Proverbs 17:22)

• Scripture: A joyful heart is good medicine,

But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

• Talking Points:

• Laughter and a positive outlook are powerful tools for emotional and physical well-being.

However, In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, highlighting the joy of repentance and the celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents. This is contrasted with the joy that some people have when they engage in sinful behavior. In

Luke 15:29-32, the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son expresses resentment when his wayward brother returns and is celebrated. His "joy" in the supposed righteousness of his own behavior is shown to be hollow. The older brother lacks compassion and a sense of grace.

Luke 15:29-30 (NIV): “But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’”

The older brother’s self-righteous joy contrasts with the true, humble joy that comes from grace and repentance.

• Joy combats discouragement and

• Joy is a gift from God that sustains us on the journey.

• Daily rejoicing, living abundantly, walking in faith, embracing community, and fostering a cheerful heart dose not just happen because…Daily stress, unexpected trials, or the demands of life can pull our focus away from God’s joy and peace. We need to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). It is easier to complain about circumstances than to find reasons to rejoice. But we need to be stronger that our excuses and press in to the promos so that we can enjoy His presence. “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

• Closing Scripture & Call to Action: Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Closing Prayer