Embracing Joy: Fun as a Spiritual Value
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of joy and fun as core values in our spiritual journey. We began by acknowledging the importance of giving and supporting world missions, emphasizing our commitment to being a church that actively participates in global outreach. We also highlighted the upcoming events, such as the "Finish Strong, Start Stronger" offering and Friendsgiving, which are opportunities for us to come together as a community and support one another.
We delved into the essence of Pentecostalism, affirming our belief in the continuation of the gifts of the Spirit and the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. This led us to a prophetic word shared by a member of our congregation, reminding us that God's word always demands a response, whether through worship, prayer, or obedience.
Our series on core values brought us to the theme of fun, a value that might seem unconventional but is deeply rooted in scripture. We examined Nehemiah 8, where the completion of the Jerusalem wall was celebrated with joy and feasting, illustrating that holiness and joy are not mutually exclusive. Similarly, Solomon's reflection in Ecclesiastes 8:15 encourages us to find joy in our labor and life.
We discussed the importance of making our spiritual journey enjoyable by inviting others to the table, living from a place of sonship rather than servitude, and ensuring that we make it fun for ourselves so that we can extend that joy to others. By embracing our identity as sons and daughters of God, we can transform what might feel like a drudgery into a vibrant and fulfilling experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Joy in Holiness: Holiness is not about solemnity alone; it includes joy and celebration. Nehemiah 8 teaches us that a holy day is a day of joy, not mourning. Embrace the joy of the Lord as your strength, and let it transform your spiritual journey into a celebration. [57:33]
- Live from Sonship, Not Servitude: Our relationship with God should be rooted in sonship, not servitude. Like the prodigal son's father, God calls us His children, inviting us to live in the freedom and joy of being His sons and daughters, rather than feeling burdened by duty. [01:19:34]
- Invite Others to the Table: Community and relationships are vital. Jesus demonstrated this by dining with tax collectors and sinners, showing us that life is more enjoyable and meaningful when shared with others. Invite others into your life and spiritual journey. [01:08:31]
- Make It Fun for Yourself: To make faith enjoyable for others, it must first be enjoyable for you. Prioritize self-care and find joy in your spiritual practices, ensuring that your faith journey is a source of life and energy, not exhaustion. [01:26:02]
- Respond to God's Call with Joy: God calls us to a relationship, not just tasks. When we respond to His call with joy and enthusiasm, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of life He intends for us. [01:34:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:01:00] - Introduction to Giving and World Missions
[00:05:00] - Upcoming Events and Offerings
[00:10:00] - Understanding Pentecostalism
[00:15:00] - Prophetic Word and Response
[00:20:00] - Core Values Series Recap
[00:25:00] - The Core Value of Fun
[00:30:00] - Nehemiah 8: Joy in Holiness
[00:35:00] - Solomon's Wisdom on Fun
[00:40:00] - Inviting Others to the Table
[00:45:00] - Living from Sonship
[00:50:00] - Making It Fun for Yourself
[00:55:00] - Responding to God's Call
[01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 8:5-10
- Ecclesiastes 8:15
- Luke 5:27-32
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Observation Questions:
1. In Nehemiah 8, what was the people's initial reaction to the reading of the law, and how did Nehemiah instruct them to respond instead? [57:33]
2. According to Ecclesiastes 8:15, what does Solomon recommend as a way to find happiness in life?
3. In Luke 5:27-32, how did Jesus demonstrate the importance of community and inclusion through His interaction with Levi?
4. What are some of the upcoming events mentioned in the sermon that emphasize community and support within the church? [01:00:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Nehemiah's instruction to celebrate rather than mourn on a holy day challenge traditional views of holiness? [57:33]
2. What might Solomon's advice in Ecclesiastes 8:15 suggest about the balance between work and enjoyment in a believer's life?
3. How does Jesus' choice to dine with tax collectors and sinners in Luke 5:27-32 reflect His approach to ministry and community?
4. The sermon emphasizes living from sonship rather than servitude. How does this perspective change one's relationship with God and their spiritual practices? [01:19:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel more like a servant than a child of God? How can you shift your perspective to embrace sonship? [01:19:34]
2. Nehemiah encouraged the people to celebrate with joy. How can you incorporate more joy and celebration into your spiritual practices this week? [57:33]
3. Jesus invited Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Who in your life might be considered an outsider, and how can you invite them into your community or spiritual journey? [01:08:31]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of making faith enjoyable for oneself. What are some specific ways you can make your spiritual practices more enjoyable and fulfilling? [01:26:02]
5. Consider the upcoming church events like Friendsgiving. How can you actively participate in these events to foster community and support within your church? [01:00:00]
6. Solomon's reflection in Ecclesiastes suggests finding joy in labor. How can you find joy in your daily work or responsibilities, and how might this impact your overall well-being?
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of responding to God's call with joy. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you, and how can you respond with enthusiasm and joy? [01:34:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in Holiness: A Celebration of Faith
Holiness is often perceived as a solemn pursuit, but it is deeply intertwined with joy and celebration. In Nehemiah 8, the completion of the Jerusalem wall was marked by a day of joy and feasting, illustrating that holiness and joy are not mutually exclusive. Embracing the joy of the Lord as your strength can transform your spiritual journey into a celebration. This perspective encourages believers to see their faith not as a burden but as a source of joy and strength. By celebrating the holy moments in life, you can experience a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant spiritual journey. [57:33]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate joy into your daily spiritual practices, transforming them from routine tasks into celebrations of faith?
Day 2: Living from Sonship: Embracing Your Divine Identity
Our relationship with God should be rooted in sonship, not servitude. This means living in the freedom and joy of being God's children, rather than feeling burdened by duty. Like the prodigal son's father, God calls us His children, inviting us to live in the freedom and joy of being His sons and daughters. This perspective shifts the focus from obligation to relationship, encouraging believers to embrace their identity as beloved children of God. By living from a place of sonship, you can experience a more fulfilling and joyful spiritual journey. [01:19:34]
Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV): "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your mindset from servitude to sonship, embracing your identity as a beloved child of God in your daily life?
Day 3: Inviting Others to the Table: Building Community
Community and relationships are vital to a fulfilling spiritual journey. Jesus demonstrated this by dining with tax collectors and sinners, showing us that life is more enjoyable and meaningful when shared with others. Inviting others into your life and spiritual journey can create a sense of belonging and support, enriching your faith experience. By building a community around your faith, you can experience the joy of shared experiences and mutual support. This approach encourages believers to open their hearts and lives to others, fostering a sense of community and connection. [01:08:31]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to share in your spiritual journey, and how can you create opportunities for meaningful connection and community?
Day 4: Making It Fun for Yourself: Finding Joy in Faith
To make faith enjoyable for others, it must first be enjoyable for you. Prioritizing self-care and finding joy in your spiritual practices ensures that your faith journey is a source of life and energy, not exhaustion. This perspective encourages believers to explore new ways to engage with their faith, making it a joyful and fulfilling experience. By finding joy in your spiritual practices, you can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of joy and enthusiasm in your community. [01:26:02]
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV): "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."
Reflection: What spiritual practices bring you joy, and how can you incorporate them into your daily routine to ensure your faith journey is a source of life and energy?
Day 5: Responding to God's Call with Joy: Aligning with His Purpose
God calls us to a relationship, not just tasks. When we respond to His call with joy and enthusiasm, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of life He intends for us. This perspective encourages believers to approach their faith with a sense of joy and excitement, rather than obligation. By responding to God's call with joy, you can experience a deeper connection with Him and a more fulfilling spiritual journey. This approach invites believers to embrace their faith with enthusiasm, aligning themselves with God's purpose and experiencing the fullness of life He offers. [01:34:29]
Isaiah 55:12 (ESV): "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Reflection: How can you respond to God's call with joy and enthusiasm today, aligning yourself with His purpose and experiencing the fullness of life He offers?
Quotes
"We don't want to be just a church that meets in a community. We want to be a church that serves our community. Amen? Amen." [00:51:08] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus calls the least likely guy in the crowd, right? If he were trying to make a name for himself, if he were trying to build his popularity and his following in all of the ways that we would know it, Jesus would have gone in, would have pulled from some of the higher ups in Judaism, and if he could have gotten them to follow him, then all of a sudden everybody else would look over and go who is this guy." [01:09:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Most Christians I know live their lives from a position of servitude rather than sonship. We sit back and we go, God, I've done this for you. I've done that for you. I've done the other for you. And yet, and who do we sound like? The older brother. Who was the older brother in this parable? The Pharisees." [01:18:02] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When asked what the greatest commandments were, Jesus replied, He said, There's two of them, really. I can't tell you what the greatest one is because the two are so closely connected that you can't separate them. The first one is, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second, He said, is exactly like it. It's just like it. You can't do one without doing the other." [01:30:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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