Embracing Joy: A Personal Relationship with Jesus

 

Summary

In our Advent series, "Embrace," we explore the profound meaning of embracing Jesus Christ, not just as a belief but as a close, personal relationship. Embracing Jesus means drawing Him close, holding Him in our hearts, and living out our faith with enthusiasm. This relationship with Jesus is the source of true joy, a joy that is distinct from happiness. While happiness is an external, temporary emotion dependent on circumstances, joy is internal, constant, and rooted in our spiritual well-being and relationship with God.

Joy is a reaction to the kingdom of God and must be learned through our relationship with Jesus. It is a state of mind and an attitude that persists even in chaos. The Parable of the Sower in Luke 8 illustrates how joy is intertwined with our reception of God's word. The seed on rocky soil represents those who receive the word with joy but fall away due to temptation, highlighting the need for a firm foundation in faith to sustain joy.

Joy is a gift from God, exemplified in the parables of Luke 15, where joy in heaven is celebrated over one sinner's repentance. This joy is not just for heaven but is available to us on earth through Jesus Christ. Our joy is directly proportional to our relationship with Jesus, and it is a fruit of the Spirit, expected in the life of a Christian. Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a result of understanding our salvation and the eternal hope we have in Christ.

As we approach the celebration of Christ's birth, let us embrace the joy that comes from knowing Him. This joy is inexpressible and full of glory, rooted in the salvation of our souls. Let us worship together, filled with anticipation and joy, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Jesus: A Personal Relationship
Embracing Jesus goes beyond mere belief; it involves drawing Him close and holding Him in our hearts. This personal relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true joy. By embracing Jesus, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and salvation. [03:02]

2. Joy vs. Happiness: Understanding the Difference
Happiness is a fleeting emotion dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a constant state of being rooted in our relationship with God. Joy persists even in adversity, as it is based on our spiritual well-being and understanding of God's kingdom. [05:18]

3. The Parable of the Sower: Joy in Receiving God's Word
The Parable of the Sower illustrates the importance of a firm foundation in faith to sustain joy. Those who receive the word with joy but lack deep roots fall away in times of temptation, highlighting the need for spiritual maturity and perseverance. [09:45]

4. Joy as a Gift from God
Joy is a divine gift, exemplified in the parables of Luke 15, where joy in heaven is celebrated over one sinner's repentance. This joy is available to us on earth through Jesus Christ, who is the source of our joy and salvation. [12:44]

5. Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Joy is a natural result of receiving salvation and walking with Jesus. It is expected in the life of a Christian and is not dependent on circumstances. By understanding our salvation and the hope we have in Christ, we can experience joy inexpressible and full of glory. [37:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:02] - Defining Embrace and Joy
- [04:34] - Happiness vs. Joy
- [06:45] - The Parable of the Sower
- [09:45] - Joy in Receiving God's Word
- [11:44] - Joy in Heaven and Earth
- [13:54] - Joy as a Gift from God
- [15:33] - The Rocky Soil and Temptation
- [18:07] - The Search for Joy
- [19:38] - The American Church and Joy
- [22:08] - The Futility of Pleasure
- [25:24] - The Importance of Joy
- [29:32] - Joy in Scripture
- [30:17] - Joy in the Birth of Christ
- [34:40] - Jesus as the Source of Joy
- [37:40] - Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embrace Series - Joy

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower
2. Luke 15:7, 10, 32 - Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son
3. John 15:9-11 - Jesus on Joy

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Observation Questions:

1. In the Parable of the Sower, what happens to the seed that falls on rocky soil, and how does this relate to joy? [09:45]

2. According to the sermon, how is joy different from happiness, and what are the key characteristics of each? [04:34]

3. What is the significance of joy in heaven as described in the parables of Luke 15? [12:44]

4. How does the birth of Jesus bring joy to all people, as mentioned in the sermon? [30:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Parable of the Sower illustrate the importance of having a firm foundation in faith to sustain joy? [09:45]

2. Why is joy described as a gift from God, and how does this understanding affect a Christian's perspective on life's challenges? [11:44]

3. In what ways does the relationship with Jesus influence the level of joy a Christian experiences, according to the sermon? [37:40]

4. How do the parables in Luke 15 demonstrate the connection between repentance and joy in the Christian life? [12:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. How can you draw Him closer to your heart to experience deeper joy? [03:02]

2. Think about a recent situation where you felt happy. Was this happiness temporary, and how did it differ from the joy described in the sermon? [04:34]

3. Identify an area in your life where you feel your faith lacks deep roots. What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in faith to sustain joy? [09:45]

4. Consider a time when you faced adversity. How did your understanding of joy as a gift from God help you navigate that situation? [11:44]

5. How can you actively cultivate joy as a fruit of the Spirit in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [37:40]

6. Reflect on the joy in heaven over one sinner's repentance. How can this perspective influence your interactions with others who are exploring faith? [12:44]

7. As we approach the celebration of Christ's birth, what specific actions can you take to embrace the joy of knowing Him and share it with others? [30:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Jesus: A Transformative Relationship
Embracing Jesus is more than just a belief; it is about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true joy. By drawing Jesus close and holding Him in our hearts, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and salvation. This embrace is not passive but active, requiring us to live out our faith with enthusiasm and commitment. As we deepen our relationship with Jesus, we experience a joy that transcends circumstances and fills our lives with purpose and meaning. [03:02]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus and embrace Him more fully in your daily life?


Day 2: Joy vs. Happiness: A Spiritual Perspective
Understanding the difference between joy and happiness is crucial for spiritual growth. Happiness is a fleeting emotion dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a constant state of being rooted in our relationship with God. Joy persists even in adversity, as it is based on our spiritual well-being and understanding of God's kingdom. This joy is a reaction to the kingdom of God and must be learned through our relationship with Jesus. By focusing on our spiritual health and connection with God, we can cultivate a joy that endures through life's challenges. [05:18]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking temporary happiness to cultivating lasting joy through your relationship with God?


Day 3: The Parable of the Sower: Building a Firm Foundation
The Parable of the Sower in Luke 8 highlights the importance of having a firm foundation in faith to sustain joy. The seed on rocky soil represents those who receive the word with joy but fall away due to temptation, emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity and perseverance. To maintain joy, we must nurture our faith, allowing it to take deep root in our lives. This involves regular engagement with God's word, prayer, and community, which help us withstand the trials and temptations that threaten to uproot our joy. [09:45]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual foundation and ensure your joy remains steadfast?


Day 4: Joy as a Gift from God
Joy is a divine gift, exemplified in the parables of Luke 15, where joy in heaven is celebrated over one sinner's repentance. This joy is not just reserved for heaven but is available to us on earth through Jesus Christ, who is the source of our joy and salvation. Our joy is directly proportional to our relationship with Jesus, and it is a fruit of the Spirit, expected in the life of a Christian. By understanding our salvation and the eternal hope we have in Christ, we can experience a joy that is inexpressible and full of glory. [12:44]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: How can you actively recognize and celebrate the joy that comes from your salvation and relationship with Jesus in your daily life?


Day 5: Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Joy is a natural result of receiving salvation and walking with Jesus. It is expected in the life of a Christian and is not dependent on circumstances. By understanding our salvation and the hope we have in Christ, we can experience joy inexpressible and full of glory. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through our ongoing relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we grow in our faith, we are called to embody this joy, sharing it with others and allowing it to shine as a testament to God's love and grace. [37:40]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate joy in your life, and how can you share this joy with those around you?

Quotes


And so, it's only through a close personal relationship with Jesus that we can begin to understand and accept some of the benefits we receive from our relationship with him. And one of the benefits that we gain is joy. [00:02:45] (18 seconds)


There's some important things that you need to recognize, that happiness comes from an external source. It's something outside of us that's triggering our happiness. It relies on favorable circumstances, right? Nobody's happy when the world's falling apart, in other words. So, it's based on also what is happening. It relies on things going right. It's temporary. [00:03:29] (25 seconds)


Joy can only come from the salvation we receive from Jesus Christ. So you think about the chart that I just showed you a little bit ago. I want to be clear about this. Can people outside the church have happiness? Of course they can. Can people outside the church have joy? Now, as a pastor, we sing songs about joy. You may think you have joy, but what you really have is happiness. [00:11:07] (32 seconds)


I'm not going to read chapter 15, but I'm just going to read a portion of each parable and listen to this. So Luke 15, verse 7, this is the end of the parable of the lost sheep. And it says, I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. [00:11:49] (27 seconds)


Our source of joy is found in Jesus Christ. We have to start from that place. So if we're Christians, we're talking that joy can only be found if you believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ. So if you believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, the kind of joy that I'm talking about, which is joy, can only be found if you believe in Jesus Christ. He is our source. [00:14:53] (24 seconds)


They search for joy, and I believe they actually want joy, but they too have never let go of the life they once had to embrace the new life in Christ that awaits them. See, here's the danger. If you're in the church, and you've been in the church for a long time, and you're not in a Bible study, you're not in a life group, you never serve, you never volunteer, [00:20:02] (36 seconds)


I want to read a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, and I've got to be honest, this sums up America, or most Americans right now. The title of this passage is called The Futility of Pleasure and Possession. It begins in verse 1. It says, I see what good there is for the sons of men to do under heaven the few years of their lives. I enlarged my works. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. [00:21:51] (59 seconds)


You see, joy, is the fruit of a right relationship with God. It's not something people can create by their own efforts. You cannot create joy. This is something that comes from God. Let us look at the last part of the parable to understand this. Luke 8 .15 Jesus says, But the seed and the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. [00:29:40] (37 seconds)


Notice who brings joy to all the people. Jesus. I bring you good news of great joy for a few people. No, no, no. For most of the people, for all the people. I love when you look at Scripture and how there's so much continuity. You look, as an example, when we look at John, and it says that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son so that all would be saved. Not some. Not a few. Not the ones I'm going to point out. [00:31:07] (50 seconds)


The amount of joy a Christian has in their life is indirect. It's in proportion to the relationship that they have with Jesus Christ. [00:36:58] (12 seconds)


Joy isn't dependent on circumstances, not dependent on the world bringing you something. Joy is in your heart. It's something you carry with you because you understand your salvation. You understand that the baby that was born in a manger came and died for you so that you could have joy, so that you could have more to this life than just joy. [00:38:20] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
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