1. We are challenged on a number of levels almost daily. What if we could make these days of challenge good days in spite of the challenges?
2. Four things for my life that would make this day a good day; if able to do this daily – best year of life
1 Thessalonians 5.16-19
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.
a. Rejoice = experience and express great gladness or delight; All have moments of joy – a gift comes; all falls into place
b. Believer’s joy, biblical joy is not just an involuntary emotion as a result of something that happens; it is produced by the divine nature of God and the choice BY FAITH to let God direct his life throughout the day.
c. It is not happenstance – we can choose to live a joyous life this year
d. [How the Grinch Stole Christmas – stole Christmas themed items from homes in Whoville on Christmas eve. Despite his efforts the residents still celebrate. Grinch returns everything and becomes guest of honor at the Whoville dinner. “Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store.”
3. Don’t Play Games That which we have seen and heard we declare to you … and these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:3-4
Have you ever seen a book on the joy of the Pharisees? That’s not to say the subject has never been explored. But where would a writer begin? There is nothing in the Gospels to suggest that the legalistic religious leaders of Jesus’ day were overflowing with joy. Instead, there is plenty to suggest that they spent a good deal of time nurturing their religious outward appearance to conceal a barren inner spiritual life.
Hypocrisy—that’s what Jesus called it (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27-29). His most vivid illustration of the Pharisees’ spiritual life was calling them “whitewashed tombs,” beautiful on the outside but filled with “dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” How can anyone cultivate joy when their attention is focused on being right about religious rules and living a double-standard life? Joy is found in fellowship with God and others (1 John 1:3-4). We can’t live a hypocritical life and walk in that fellowship.
As we transition from spiritual darkness to light, we are tempted to play spiritual games. Stay true; stay joyful; stay in fellowship with God.
I. The Promise of Joy for Jesus’ Followers
John 15.11
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (overflowing).
John 16.24
24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 17.13
13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
A, Joy is birthright of children of God –
1. Many live below their birthright; like a man taking cruise, living off of bread and cheese he brought with him b/c he didn’t know room and board were included in the fare.
2. Questions:
• Are you a follower of Jesus? – No joy without him; only occasional happiness
• If so, experiencing joy? – would people say you are full of joy?
• If not – God wants you to experience a life-changing event – to gain joy
• Joy is promised – real, genuine joy, not a happenstance event
• How do we get this?
o As a believer you can choose it – BY FAITH that gives us a big picture
o Psalm 16.11
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
B. Experience joy by always following Christ
1. Many do not experience this — Galatians 5.16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
2. A Great Goal – Draw Near to God – James 4.8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
He is not playing hide and seek with us – wants us to be near
Gain joy and peace, etc. when near him
II. The Power of Joy for Jesus’ Followers
A. An Imperative (like forgive; pray; love enemies) and An Invitation to a daily habit of rejoicing
Philippians 3.1
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
Philippians 4.4 – rejoice always
1. 74 times in NT – “rejoicing” (more than baptism) – when God speaks a lot about a subject we should learn it
2. Joy is not just when things go right – even in times of trouble
James 1.2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
All of are tested – rejoice because we KNOW a tested faith is productive – God is with us in it
B. Rejoicing Impacts Others
Paul and Silas in Philippian jail – Acts 16.25
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
CF Psalm 119.61-62
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. 62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
• Paul practiced what he preached
• Paul knew the secret and it became part of the rhythm of his life
• What if we learn the secret and practice what we know to be true?
• What would happen if people around us saw JOY in our lives?
• Would homes change? Workplaces? Churches? City?
C. Rejoicing Impacts Us with MORE Joy
2 Corinthians 6.10
Paul recounts his trials and says. . . . 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
1 Peter 4.13
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1. One man – Before I learned to rejoice always, I complained always. My vocabulary contained the word, TOO, at all times. It’s too hot, cold, long, short, much work, little work. Complained from the moment he got up until he went to bed – grumbled through life, even though a believer. He learned the truth that God was everywhere, including with him in each thing. He said when he learned this truth, he learned to rejoice in everything (we are rejoicing in the presence of God – pray for the face of God, not just his hand – there are things worse than illness and death) – fearfully and wonderfully made; capabilities of God in situations; rejoicing caused him to be filled with joy as he started seeing God work out his purposes.
2. Practical steps – rejoicing always is the consistent choice empowered by HS – to always believe in and confess Jesus; We realize who God is and what he is doing; where he is – with us; know his promises – rejoice right now
a. The world can take away things from us – job; possessions; money; experiences but cannot take joy, rejoicing from a true believer – that’s a matter of choice. That happens when we walk away from Jesus, even slightly – doing my selfish agenda rather than His; do not choose the means of rejoicing.
b. Joseph embraced the sovereignty of God at every point in his life – as favored son; in a pit; as a slave; in a prison; as an exalted leader
c. Rejoice for who God is and what he does – always
• We have 7000 promises from GOD concerning our present
• Our future is secured by his grace
• Why do we worry, complain, and struggle? Why can’t we rejoice always?
3. This year we have a choice – it is a blank page, what will we write on it?
a. Bitterness? Anger? Complaining? Grumbling? Self-pity?
b. Year of faith in which we believed God and rejoiced in everything?
SY 12.31.17
