“Finding True Joy” Sunday, December 14, 2014 Pastor Rod Enos

I.Joy Is Not of This World A. The Incarnation of Joy

Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 24:50-53 (NIV) When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

Luke 24:50-53 (NIV) 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

II.Satan’s Ploy To Steal Our Joy A. He Offers A Pseudo Joy

James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

III.We Were Created To Know Joy A. God’s Kingdom is Marked with Joy

1 Chronicles 16:26-27 (NIV) For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.

III.We Were Created To Know Joy A. God’s Kingdom is Marked with Joy B. Joy Is A Fruit Of The Spirit C. Joy Is Our Strength Against The Enemy

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalms 51:11-13 (NIV) Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

III.We Were Created To Know Joy A. God’s Kingdom is Marked with Joy B. Joy Is A Fruit Of The Spirit C. Joy Is Our Strength Against The Enemy D. Joy Is A Result of Faith

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

III.We Were Created To Know Joy A. God’s Kingdom is Marked with Joy B. Joy Is A Fruit Of The Spirit C. Joy Is Our Strength Against The Enemy D. Joy Is A Result of Faith E. We Have A Choice To Rejoice

Philippians 3:1 (NIV) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV) Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV) 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

IV.Our Response A. Avoid Joy Killers B. Keep Your Relational Priorities C. Realize That Joy Is A Taste of Heaven

Something To Remember Joy is not found in the best of circumstances. Joy is only found in Jesus. As we pursuit Him we will find the joy we long for, indeed we were created to experience.