Joy Of God

Psalms 5:11-12 Joy = CHARA = calm delight --Being a Christian does NOT mean a life of sadness --Living for Christ should not bring misery, but joy

I. TYPES OF JOY

A. Sin offers a TEMPORARY worldly joy (Hebrews 11:24-26)  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;  (25)  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  (26)  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

B. God offers an ETERNAL joy (Matthew 25:21-23)  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  (22)  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.  (23)  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II. ASPECTS OF GOD’S JOY God’s Joy Comes with Salvation (Isaiah 12:1-6) (Luke 15:8-10)  Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?  (9)  And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.  (10)  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Acts 8:39)  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 1 2 God’s Joy is a fundamental part of the Kingdom (Romans 14:17-19)  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  (18)  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.  (19)  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. God’s Joy is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. God’s Joy has no place in a sinful life (James 4:1-10) God’s Joy does NOT mean we will suffer no persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19)

III. WAYS TO KNOW GOD’S JOY In Faithful Christians

1. Paul and John found great joy in brethren being faithful (Philippians 2:1-18) (1Thessalonians 2:19-20)  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  (20)  For ye are our glory and joy. Through studying God’s Word John wrote to give joy (1John 1:1-4)  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;  (2)  (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)  (3)  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  (4)  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. By Resisting Temptations (James 1:2-3)  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 3

IV. THE JOY OF GOD REQUIRES SACRIFICE Harvest of Joy follows a sowing of tears Israel’s release from 70 years of slavery (Psalms 126:5-6)  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  (6)  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. The Christian’s release from slavery of sin (Romans 6:15-18)  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  (16)  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  (17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  (18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Christ Endured Pain for Joy to come (Hebrews 12:1-3)  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (2)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (3)  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

V. CONCLUSION

A. Christian life is meant to be a JOYFUL life

B. God’s Joy in this life is NOT without trials and sorrow

C. We will receive ETERNAL joy in heaven IF we are faithful

D. Viewing THAT day, we rejoice IN Jesus