Developing Joy"
Gal 5:22, John 15:1
Joy a directive a strong basis for the faith of a Christian
And in our Christian journey we will find that Joy is the opposite of Happiness!
Why?
Well Happiness is the reaction to an action where as Joy is an action derived from God!
What do I mean....
Find money that we didn’t remember having - happy
Get a new home or a new car - happy
Find a new love - happy
Get a new job - happy
Get out of trouble or find a reprieve from a difficult situation - happy
However, if something were to transpire to cause the thing that made you happy to expire or dissolve or disappear. ....such as new home termite infested - happiness gone ....new job is terminated -- downsizing...happiness is gone. ….New love becomes a big dud --- happiness evaporated ...new car breaks down - happiness gone.
But joy - the strength provided to believers enables us in the face of adversity to endure.
Joy allows us to say in the times of trouble....I still have joy...I still have joy....after everything I have been through....I still have JOY!
Joy is the result of recognizing that God is Good even in the midst of a trial.
I want to take a survey this morning:
..1..How many of you would like to live a "Joyful life?"
..2..How many of you rate "Joy" on their top ten list of importance?
-…Now the real question, how many of you are experiencing a life of "Joy"?
Wouldn’t it be great if every day---
..we got up to face the world the sun was shining,
..the birds chirping, and we hadn’t a care in the world?
But in reality we face rainy days, the birds have gone south, and the trials of life overwhelming.
Have you been there when it feels like all the joy of your life has been drained right out of your very being? Are you there now?
The very word joy or (care-e-o) in its original language means to be "cheerful", happy, well off, glad, and joyfully rejoicing.
Paul talks about what produces that kind of "Joy" 1 Thess 2:19 "19After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!
20Yes, you are our pride and joy.
Our "Joy" needs to be focused on the very fact that we will eventually in the presence of the Lord.
I believe that most Christians desire to have "Joy" in their lives. However, I have met a few that challenge the theory that Christians are "Joyful" and they don’t even have to say a word.
ILL: Eleanor Roosevelt said, "One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.
When we choose to cultivate "Joy" we reap incredible benefits.
Jesus tells us in John 15 that He wants us to be full of "Joy"
However, if you fill your life with strife, hatred, jealousy and envy you will reap the byproducts of your actions.
Every Christian has the capacity to have "Joy" within his or her lives, Gal 5 tells me that. It tells me that "Joy" is a vital part of my make-up when I become a Christian and cannot be separated from my "Christian Character."
Don’t believe me? Take a look back to verse 19 where the scriptures talk about "the works of the flesh" (plural). Read Gal 5:19-21. These are individual offenses that I can commit.
Now take a look at the "Fruit" (singular) vs.22 this concept tells me that my entire Christian package includes all these: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
These are all critical elements that build one upon the other in order to produce a well-balanced Christian. One increases the value of the other i.e.:
-Love builds upon joy and peace.
-Which produces happiness
-Long-suffering builds upon gentleness, goodness and faith.
-Which produces compassion.
-Meekness builds upon self-control.
-Which produces spiritual discretion.
The problem is that when I don’t work on developing the individual components of the "Fruit of the Spirit" I end up with a lopsided or disproportionate fruit.
ILL: When I was younger and lived in Oregon there was an old cherry tree orchard that a buddy and me loved to play in. Far into the woods I don’t think anybody remembered that this orchard still existed. Overgrown and abandoned we claimed it for our own. I remember on those warm summer days climbing to the top of those trees where the biggest, juiciest cherries grew. We would stay up there for hours hanging out in the sun and gorging ourselves one some of the tastiest cherries around. We would have a contest to see who could find the biggest cherry and also the funniest looking one. Many of the cherries we found would be deformed, growing together, lopsided, or extremely out of shape.
It’s the same when we understand "The fruit of the Spirit". We have the "Fruit of the Spirit" in us, but if you are not developing it evenly then you will become lopsided and deformed.
You might be growing in temperance or love, however your "Joy" may be starving.
So, this morning we are going to look at how to cultivate and grow healthy "Joy" (because we know its there) and I believe that we can. But we have to ask two questions about "Joy"
First, What is Joy?
Second, How do I get it?
Let’s tackle the first question. What is Joy? Let me start off by telling you what "Joy" is not.
1."Joy" is not happiness
a. Now don’t get confused between "Joy" and "happiness" because they are two different animals. The Bible mentions "Joy" or "Rejoicing" 330 times and "happiness" only 26 times.
b. Happiness is something that is rapidly changing. I might wake up one morning feeling happy, however there is no guarantee I will remain that way through the day. Things happen, problems arise, and by the end of the day I might feel anything but happy.
2. "Joy" is not elation
a. It’s not an enthusiastic state that I have to work myself into.
b. "Joy" is not something that has to be mustered up.
3. "Joy" is not dependent on circumstances.
a. If you think that cars, money, position, or power will bring you "Joy" you are grossly misled.
What is "Joy"?
1. "Joy" is an indicator
a. It’s an indicator of a genuine growing relationship with the Savior.
Phil 2:12-13
NLT 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
b. We are subject to the continual cultivating of "Joy".
- That (conj.) introduces "My joy."
- May (v.) shows what it’s going to do.
2. "Joy" is codependent on Christ.
a. "Joy" flows from a relationship that you have with Christ.
3. "Joy" is present at all times.
a. "Joy" doesn’t go on vacation.
Paul and Silas’s understood this.
Acts 16:21-25 (NKJ)
21and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
22Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
- I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been beaten by any rods, fastened into any stocks, or thrown into the deepest parts of prison lately.
- Paul and Silas had every reason to loose heart and doubt their immediate future, but even when things where at there worst, they still had that inner "Joy".
- Joy is present in times of persecution/from without.
James understood:
James 1:2-3
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
- Joy is present in times of trials/from within.
Peter wrote:
1 Peter 4:12-14
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
- The completion of “Joy” is when we stand in the presence of the Savior.
- Joy needs to be present for the long haul.
4. "Joy" is also a barometer; it measures the inside spiritual condition.
a. Do you know what a barometer does? It’s gives notice of fluctuations i.e the weather changes, market indicator.
b. The spiritual barometer is ‘Joy”
-Low- bad relationship
-High- strong relationship
c. You don’t have to be around somebody for too long before you begin to see what their barometer is doing.
-It doesn’t take long to understand what is truly important in their life.
d. Didn’t Jesus teach that you would know a man’s heart by his actions?
5."Joy" is character.
a. All Godly men and women have one thing in common, their "Joy" barometer runs on full tilt. There is something glowing on the inside. They want nothing more that to be connected with God’s will for their lives and tap into the love of the Savior.
-I love to be around them because they excite me.
-I feel God’s energy from them.
-I like to be around them because the encourage me.
-I Feel God’s love flow out of them.
-I like to be around them because they challenge me.
-I desire to be more like them.
6. "Joyful" Christians are different.
a. Joyful people think different.
-They don’t allow negative thoughts occupy their minds.
-They’re not going to let the cares of this world still their "Joy".
b. Joyful people act different.
-Their attitude is different - its positive
-Their behavior is different - its God honoring
-Their speech is different - its uplifting
c. Joyful people re-act different.
-They don’t respond harshly but encourage lovingly.
-They encourage not discourage.
-They build up not tear down.
How do I find Joy?
10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
A Relationship with Christ brings "Joy". Isa 61:10
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God;" Why:
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!
Joy will retain us when happiness is removed by circumstances and situations.
Joy will maintain us when happiness is dissolved by the actions of friends and family.
Joy will contain us when happiness is replaced with weeping due to loss and pain.
Joy will fortify us when happiness is eradicated.
Joy - is what changes hopelessness to hope fulfilled
Joy is what changes perplexed to praise
Joy is what changes questions to petitions
Joy is what changes depressed to delivered
Joy is what changes giving up to looking up
Joy is what changes sorrow to jubilance
Joy is what changes bewildered to bolstered
I still have Joy!
This is the secret of joy – J O Y - Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third.
• The reason why there is so much unhappiness and discouragement in our society is because we’ve reversed that order to me first, others second and God last (or not even recognised).
• It is a preoccupation with self. What's best for me? What will make me happy? The ME generation. (Experts say this is the cause of rising no. of divorces. Weekend TODAY 10 Apr)
• No wonder there is little joy in our society today, but many heartaches and pain.
When you learn to have a greater purpose in your life than just yourself, you will experience joy more than you ever imagine.
There is no such thing as problem-free living.
• When you live by these biblical principles, then problems just aren't as significant. So what if things haven't worked out as I've planned, God has a purpose that is bigger than my problems.
• God wants you to enjoy the rest of your life. But we need to do it His way.
During the American Revolution, when the Army had experienced several setbacks, a farmer who lived near the battlefield approached General Washington's camp unheard. Suddenly his ears caught an earnest voice raised in agonizing prayer. On coming nearer he saw it was the great General, down on his knees in the snow, his cheeks wet with tears. He was asking God for assistance and guidance.
The farmer crept away and returned home. He said to his family, "It’s going to be all right. We are going to win!"
"What makes you think so?" his wife asked.
"Well," said the farmer, "I heard General Washington pray such passionate prayer I have never heard before. And God will surely hear and answer that kind of praying."
The farmer was right! It happened because man is willing to put his hope in God.
The director of the Institute of Child Behaviour Research, Bernard Rimland, did a study about happiness.
Each person involved in the study was asked to list 10 people he knew best and to label them as happy or not happy. Then they were to go through the list again and label each one as selfish or unselfish, using the following definition of selfishness - a stable tendency to devote one's time and resources to one's own interests and welfare - an unwillingness to inconvenience one's self for others.
In categorizing the results, Rimland found that all of the people labeled happy were also labeled unselfish. He wrote that those "whose activities are devoted to bringing themselves happiness... are far less likely to be happy than those whose efforts are devoted to making others happy." The research concludes, "The happiest people are those who help others."
