Choose God's Joy Over Circumstances
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INTRODUCTION
Final sermon is our August series “Winning the Good Fight”
Today’s lesson is important and has an immediate practical application
We will look at:
Defining God’s Joy
The Difference between Joy and Happiness
Acknowledging the reality of challenging circumstances
Developing a Joyful Lifestyle
1. Understanding God’s Joy
1. Understanding God’s Joy
Definition of joy from a biblical perspective
Joy is a deep sense of well-being that comes from knowing and trusting God which produces contentment that transcends circumstances.
Joy is a deep sense of well-being that comes from knowing and trusting God which produces contentment that transcends circumstances.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
2. Difference between Joy and Happiness
2. Difference between Joy and Happiness
From a biblical perspective, joy and happiness are related but different concepts
-Happiness
A choice - but depends on what is happening
Often associated with external circumstances
Dependent on favorable conditions
Temporary and fluctuates based on situations
Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief.
This verse suggests that happiness can be fleeting and transient, often leading to disappointment or sorrow.
Joy is a define concept and is a fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit
3. Acknowledging the Reality of Challenging Circumstances
3. Acknowledging the Reality of Challenging Circumstances
The biggest lie of the false teaching of televangelist
Health, wealth, not worries
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
4. Developing a Joyful Lifestyle
4. Developing a Joyful Lifestyle
Will never occur if you not in Christ
The world/flesh/satan can only provide temporary and materialistic substitutes
As Christians
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
CONCLUSION
Emphasis must be placed on the importance of choosing God's joy