Attitudes of the Heart - Joy
Christian philosopher C.S. Lewis once said, ”I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.”Our world seems to be on an endless search for joy and satisfaction. Some attempt to find joy in material things, others in accomplishments, others still in sinful indulgences. Each and every one of these pleasures is simply an empty attempt to replace the true, lasting joy which only comes from God.Joy is not the same as Happiness. Happiness depends upon circumstances or “happenings.” Happiness is an expression of pleasure with outward circumstances. Therefore, when circumstances around us are dark or unpleasant, our happiness fails. Joy is much different. Joy is the believer’s satisfaction and contentment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always,
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. When should a Christian rejoice?[/su_box]In Philippians 4:4 we see how it is possible to rejoice “evermore.” In whom do we rejoice?Let’s consider some of the reasons why we can “rejoice evermore”
Reasons for Rejoicing
We Rejoice Because We Are Reconciled
Romans 5:10-11 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. According to these verses, in whom do we have Joy?Q. Considering both v10 and 11, why do you think we “joy in God” through our Lord Jesus Christ?[/su_box]
We Rejoice Because We Have Eternal Life
Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples to rejoice in?[/su_box]
We Rejoice Because We Will Be Like Christ
Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What did Paul say we rejoice in?[/su_box]
We Rejoice In the Character of God
Romans 5:11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In whom do we rejoice? [/su_box]
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh--
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In whom do we rejoice? [/su_box]
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In whom do we rejoice?[/su_box][su_box title="Think and Apply" style="soft" box_color="#E67600"]Considering the above reasons for joy, how is it possible to maintain joy even when our circumstances are difficult?[/su_box]The above verses name each member of the trinity and state that a Christian should rejoice in each of them. The Christian should have joy in God, through Jesus Christ, because he has reconciled us to himself, has given us the Holy Spirit, promises us eternal life and is making us like Jesus Christ.
John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What can no man take from us?[/su_box]Not only should we rejoice in what God has done for us, but we should rejoice in who God is. God’s promises and His promise-keeping character are the unmovable foundation upon which our joy is built. His righteousness, holiness, love, mercy, forgiveness and every other divine attribute should comfort us and cause us to rejoice in Him. Circumstances change but our God is unchanging and our salvation cannot be lost, it is for this reason that we can rejoice evermore (1 Thess 5:16).
Real Joy
Ask yourself the question “What do I really take joy in?” If our joy is found in people, possessions, pursuits or anything other than the promises and person of God, you will eventually be disappointed.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Solomon sought to find Joy in all the things of earth, including his own labour. What was his conclusion?[/su_box]Joy is not mere happiness. Joy is not an artificial grin pasted on the face of a Christian. Joy is a deep-seated satisfaction and contentment in the person of Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us. Pleasures, happiness and circumstances all change, but Jesus and His joy are unchanging.So, why is it important for the Christian to have experience genuine joy?
The Importance of Joy
Joy is Required to Reach the Lost.
Have you ever met a superficial Christian? A great turn-off to those in the world who are seeking answers is that of the phoney Christian who is faking joy. We’ve all seen the forced smile and semi-enthusiastic tones of the joyless Christian who is feigning the appearance of joy. Joy is not to be manufactured in our lives, it is to be produced by the Spirit and displayed by our countenance, demeanor and reactions. If everything we have seen above is true then the Christian should have a lasting joy which is foreign to this world. This supernatural joy not only enables us to witness with sincerity but it serves as a testimony of our own salvation. The genuine Christian displaying real spiritual joy is a powerful witness to the unsaved world.In Psalm 51 we read David’s prayer to God after his sin with Bathsheba:
Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. David desired the joy of the Lord, what did he indicate would be the result of the restoration of this Joy?[/su_box]When it comes to witnessing to others, knowing the gospel message is not enough. If on one hand you are preaching the life-transforming gospel, while on the other hand your life fails to exemplify the joy of salvation, it will be very difficult for others to be moved by your witness.What might others think if they hear the gospel preached by someone whose life bears no evidence of joy and satisfaction in Christ?
Joy Provides Strength for Service
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In the book of Nehemiah we read about a great work for the Lord. Nehemiah desired to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In the midst of this work, the people read and heard the word of God. They wept because of their ignorance and disobedience toward God. In Nehemiah 8:10, he encouraged the people, where did he tell them their strength comes from?[/su_box]It is the joy of the Lord which will encourage us in His work and strengthen us for service. It comes from the confidence that we are saved, that God is unchanging and that He works all things together for our good (Rom 8:28).
Joy is Sustaining Through Sorrow
John 16:20-22 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
Every man, woman and child will experience sorrow in their life.
John 16:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
In John 16:20, Jesus was preparing his disciples for the great sorrow they would feel after his death.[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What did he say would happen to their sorrow?Q. v22. What event would cause their sorrow to turn to joy? [/su_box]In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 Paul lists many of the troubles he had encountered as an Apostle.
2 Corinthians 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. According to verse 10, what did he always do, even in the midst of sorrow?[/su_box]
2 Corinthians 7:4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What was Paul joyful in?[/su_box]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. In what circumstances did the Thessalonians rejoice?[/su_box]The Bible says that Jesus was a man of sorrows (Isa 53:3), yet it also says he was anointed with gladness (Ps 45:7). His example is one of maintaining joy even in sorrow. Our circumstances may rob us of happiness, but they should never rob us of joy. Even when we endure the harshest of times we can rejoice in the God who goes with us through trials. It is in times of sorrow and pain that the clearest contrast is painted between happiness and joy. The believer has ample reason to rejoice – even when life hurts.
How to Have Joy
We read in John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Jesus spoke the words in the fifteenth chapter of John so that we could have His joy and that His joy would remain. It would make sense then to examine John 15 to find exactly what he has said. It is in this chapter that we find how to have the joy of the Lord.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What must we do if we want to bear fruit?[/su_box]Jesus spoke these words so that his disciples could have fulness of Joy. The joy filled life is one that is spent abiding in Jesus Christ. In the next section we will learn what it means to abide in him and to thereby receive His joy.
Joy Through Abiding
Possessing the joy of the Lord is a direct result of our abiding in Christ. To “abide” simply means “to continue, remain or endure.” It speaks of the Christian who remains faithful to Jesus Christ daily, and throughout his entire life.We will not rejoice in God, his character and what he has done for us if we are abiding in sin and not in Christ. True joy in God will occur when we are closest to Him. This is what Jesus called “abiding” in Him. So, what does it look like to abide in Him?
1. Full Surrender
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. What did Jesus indicate was the only way for us to bear fruit?[/su_box]The branch has no life, purpose or ability outside of the vine. Its existent is entirely devoted to and derived from the vine. This is a picture of the surrendered relationship we must have with the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are to bear the fruit of joy, we must depend daily upon Christ as our vine. A lack of joy is an indication that we have not surrendered all to our Lord.
2. Dependence
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Abiding in Christ means we do what through His power? [/su_box]In order to have Christ’s joy, we must depend entirely on Him. What can a branch do without the vine? Anything we do of any eternal significance will be done by the power of Jesus Christ. We must continually depend upon Him to do anything that is pleasing to God.
3. Continual Obedience
John 15:9-10 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
[su_box title="Question..." style="soft" box_color="#2AA3CE"]Q. Here Jesus tells us to continue in his love. According to v10, what must we do in order to continue in his love?[/su_box]Jesus spoke the truths in John 15 so that we might have joy. In verse 10 he tells us to keep His commandments. Obedience to Christ’s commands is directly responsible for producing joy. For this reason, the growing, obedient Christian is a joyous Christian whereas the saved man who struggles with sin also struggles to maintain his joy.Since joy is dependent upon obedience and not circumstances, we can have joy no matter what troubles come into our lives. In fact, it is possible for our trials to drive us closer to God and as a result, increase our joy. This joy through trouble is a very difficult thing for the world to grasp. But, for the believer who is willing to trust the Lord no matter what life brings them, it is a special reality.The Christian not only has abundant reason to be joyful but also has the means to be joyful. It is the Holy Spirit inside of us who produces the fruit of joy (Gal 5:22). This happens when we love, trust and depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ.Do a heart check and consider whether or not you have been attempting to find joy in things which at best, can only produce temporary happiness. Then seek to grow deeper in your love and trust of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of real spiritual joy.[su_box title="Review!" style="soft" box_color="#FF4D2C"]1. How do you think this world defines joy?2. How is it possible to still have joy in the midst of sorrow?3. What does it say about us when we allow circumstances to steal our joy?4. If you had to make a list of the things that contribute to unchanging joy, what would you include?5. Why do you think it’s important for us to have the joy of the Lord when we are busy serving Him?6. How does having joy affect our ability to witness?7. How does a Christian lose his joy? 8. How does a Christian maintain his joy?[/su_box]