OUTLINE:
A Counterfeit Joy
Living to eat and drink is a subtle lie from the KoD, to turn us away from God’s supernatural sustaining of His saints in any and all circumstances.
The Joy of the Lord
Joy isn’t an emotional high, it’s something steady you get to keep.
God’s Provisions SURPASS
Php 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Eph 3:19
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Act 20:35
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed (happy) to give than to receive.'”
Joy Incremental
The more we love on and live for others, the more joy we will receive, being delivered from bondage to self in the process!
The Joy of the Lord
Could this possibly be one of THE greatest gifts in time for a believer???
“Consider It All Joy”
Joy within and throughout trials is evidence of God’s omnipotent grace being given to us. Jas 1:2-4, Php 4:4-7
Being Filled
Submission allows God’s grace to take care of us in every way!
Counterfeit Joy
Worldly attempts at joy get bogged down in the details of life, eventually experiencing the misery of a dead end.
“So Small” by Carrie Underwood
‘Cause sometimes that mountain you’ve been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you’ve been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
And when you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else seem so small
Walking By Faith In Love
Turn away from self-focus and focus on Christ (and His people); He’s right there waiting for us to grab His hand, each and every moment. 1Ti 1:14, 2Ti 1:13-14, Gal 5:6
Gal 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Walking By Faith In Love
Turn away from self-focus and focus on Christ (and His people); He’s right there waiting for us to grab His hand, each and every moment. 1Ti 1:14, 2Ti 1:13-14, Gal 5:6
A. W. Pink on Biblical Joy
As spiritual love is far more than a sentiment, as God’s peace is more excellent than mere placidity or tranquility of mind, so the joy which Christ imparts to the believer is vastly superior to any natural emotion. It is a state of exultation, a complacence of heart, a full satisfaction of soul as it feasts upon a perfect Object.
Glory Be To God!
God is glorified when we reap the fruit of the Spirit (e.g., love, joy, peace… – Gal 5:22-23). (cp. Jn 13:35)
Jas 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.
“Keep Your Chin Up”
Lk 21:28
“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Perspective
The Lord never says to us, “Feel free to pass through the depths of sinful behavior to find my joy.” In fact, He says just the opposite, “Do not be DECEIVED!” (Gal 6:7).
Perspective
Think of your body/life as an instrument that God desires to use to HIS glory (ala Ro 12:1).
Jas 4:9 [TLB]
Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and sincere grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.
Ps 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. [e.g., a relationship w/ God]
Flee From Distractions
The cure for distraction (aka “spiritual ADHD”) is surrender. God essentially has said, “You just need to submit to MY means of salvation/deliverance and I’ll take care of the rest!”
Being Filled
Submission allows God’s grace to take care of us in every way!