Embracing Joy: Strength Through Trials and Faith
Summary
As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's important to remember that while God is not bound by time, we are. As we transition from 2024 to 2025, we can look forward with expectation for God to move in our lives in ways we haven't yet seen. The theme for this coming year is joy, a concept that transcends mere happiness. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a profound gift that stems from our relationship with Jesus. It is crucial to understand that joy is not an elevated form of happiness; rather, it is a spiritual force that empowers us to persevere, overcome, and flourish regardless of our circumstances.
The devil often targets our joy because he knows it is our strength. When we lose our joy, we become vulnerable and less effective in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. The joy of the Lord is our strength, as Nehemiah reminds us. This joy is not something we can manufacture; it is a gift that comes from being close to Jesus, confident in His promises, and content in our relationship with Him. To truly walk in joy, we must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, valuing time spent in His Word and in prayer over worldly distractions.
Testing and trials are inevitable, but they are not meant to destroy us. Instead, they are opportunities for growth and for God to reveal His strength in our lives. Embracing these challenges with faith allows us to experience the fullness of joy that God intends for us. The devil seeks to steal our joy by deceiving us, causing us to doubt God's goodness and our identity in Him. However, by staying rooted in God's truth and being vigilant against the enemy's schemes, we can maintain our joy and strength.
As we enter 2025, let us commit to putting Jesus over ourselves, allowing His joy to be our guiding force. By doing so, we will walk in a fulfillment and peace that surpasses all understanding, regardless of the trials we may face.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy vs. Happiness: Joy is not dependent on circumstances like happiness is. It is a spiritual force that comes from our relationship with Jesus, empowering us to persevere and flourish in any situation. [04:12]
2. The Devil's Target: The devil targets our joy because it is our strength. By attacking our joy, he weakens us and hinders our ability to fulfill God's purpose. Understanding this helps us guard our joy more diligently. [05:27]
3. Embracing Trials: Trials and tests are opportunities for growth and for God to reveal His strength in our lives. Embracing these challenges with faith allows us to experience the fullness of joy that God intends for us. [12:33]
4. Rejoicing as an Action: Joy is a state we receive when we come to Jesus, but rejoicing is the action that activates this joy. Gratitude and praise are key to cultivating and maintaining our joy. [20:41]
5. Putting Jesus Over Yourself: True joy comes from prioritizing Jesus above all else. By putting Him over ourselves, we walk in a fulfillment and peace that surpasses all understanding, regardless of the trials we may face. [23:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Expectation for 2025
[02:15] - Understanding Joy
[03:34] - Joy vs. Happiness
[04:12] - Conditions for Joy
[05:27] - The Devil's Target
[06:53] - The Joy of the Lord
[07:59] - Nehemiah's Lesson
[09:11] - Definition of Joy
[10:26] - Trials and Testing
[11:25] - Growth Through Trials
[12:33] - Embracing the Fire
[13:16] - Recognizing Deception
[14:04] - Doubting God's Goodness
[15:45] - Identity and Authority
[17:21] - Staying Vigilant
[18:31] - Activating Joy
[19:52] - Joy and Rejoicing
[20:41] - Gratitude and Praise
[22:13] - Jesus Over Yourself
[23:04] - Walking in True Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 8:10 - "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
2. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
3. 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the devil target our joy, and why is it significant for our spiritual strength? [05:27]
2. What are the three conditions mentioned in the sermon that help us receive the gift of joy? [04:12]
3. How does the story of Nehemiah illustrate the concept that "the joy of the Lord is your strength"? [07:59]
4. What role does gratitude and praise play in activating the joy within us, as discussed in the sermon? [20:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the distinction between joy and happiness, as explained in the sermon, affect a believer's perspective on life's challenges? [03:34]
2. In what ways can trials and tests be seen as opportunities for growth and experiencing God's strength, according to the sermon? [12:33]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers can guard against the devil's attempts to steal their joy? [13:16]
4. What does it mean to put Jesus over oneself, and how does this lead to true joy and fulfillment? [23:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt your joy was under attack. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to protect your joy? [05:27]
2. Consider the three conditions for receiving joy mentioned in the sermon. Which of these areas (closeness to Jesus, commitment to His promises, contentment in Him) do you feel needs more attention in your life? [04:12]
3. How can you actively embrace trials in your life as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles to avoid? Share a specific trial you are currently facing and how you might approach it differently. [12:33]
4. Identify a daily habit or distraction that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take this week to prioritize your time with Him? [04:12]
5. Think of a moment when you experienced profound gratitude or praise. How did it affect your sense of joy? How can you incorporate more gratitude and praise into your daily routine? [20:41]
6. Reflect on the concept of putting Jesus over yourself. What practical changes can you make in your life to ensure Jesus is your priority? [23:04]
7. How can you stay vigilant against the devil's schemes in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to remain alert and sober-minded? [18:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy as a Spiritual Force
Joy is a profound spiritual force that transcends mere happiness, empowering believers to persevere and flourish regardless of circumstances. Unlike happiness, which is often fleeting and dependent on external factors, joy is rooted in a deep relationship with Jesus. It is a gift that comes from being close to Him, confident in His promises, and content in our relationship with Him. This joy is not something that can be manufactured or forced; it is a divine gift that strengthens us in our daily walk. Understanding the difference between joy and happiness allows us to seek a deeper, more fulfilling experience with God. [04:12]
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking happiness instead of joy? How can you shift your focus to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to experience true joy?
Day 2: Guarding Your Joy
The devil targets our joy because it is our strength, and by attacking it, he weakens us and hinders our ability to fulfill God's purpose. When we lose our joy, we become vulnerable and less effective in our spiritual journey. It is crucial to understand this tactic of the enemy and guard our joy diligently. By staying rooted in God's truth and being vigilant against the enemy's schemes, we can maintain our joy and strength. This requires a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with God and to be aware of the ways in which the enemy may try to deceive us. [05:27]
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: What are some specific ways the enemy has tried to steal your joy recently? How can you guard against these attacks and remain strong in your faith?
Day 3: Embracing Trials for Growth
Trials and tests are inevitable, but they are not meant to destroy us. Instead, they are opportunities for growth and for God to reveal His strength in our lives. Embracing these challenges with faith allows us to experience the fullness of joy that God intends for us. When we face trials, it is important to remember that God is with us and that He is using these experiences to shape us into the people He wants us to be. By trusting in His plan and relying on His strength, we can overcome any obstacle and grow in our faith. [12:33]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for growth and a chance to experience God's strength in your life?
Day 4: Rejoicing as an Action
Joy is a state we receive when we come to Jesus, but rejoicing is the action that activates this joy. Gratitude and praise are key to cultivating and maintaining our joy. By choosing to rejoice, even in difficult circumstances, we can experience the fullness of joy that God has for us. This requires a conscious decision to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and to give thanks for the blessings we have received. By doing so, we can maintain a joyful spirit and remain strong in our faith. [20:41]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4, ESV)
Reflection: What are some specific things you can rejoice in today, even if your circumstances are challenging? How can you incorporate gratitude and praise into your daily routine?
Day 5: Prioritizing Jesus for True Joy
True joy comes from prioritizing Jesus above all else. By putting Him over ourselves, we walk in a fulfillment and peace that surpasses all understanding, regardless of the trials we may face. This requires a conscious effort to focus on our relationship with Jesus and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can experience a deep sense of joy and peace that is not dependent on our circumstances. This joy is a powerful force that can sustain us through any challenge and help us fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [23:04]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you prioritizing other things over your relationship with Jesus? How can you make a conscious effort to put Him first and experience true joy?
Quotes
"Come on, we're just minutes away, 24 minutes away from a new year. Now, we know that God is not bound by a calendar. We understand that, but we are. Because 2024 is over and 2025 is coming. So while God is not bound by a calendar, we do reckon time because we're under time. God is above time." [00:00:46]
"And so God has given us a word for tonight as well as for 2025 that I want to release to you before we get on our knees and pray this new year in. And it's all around the word joy. It's all around the word joy. No, don't put it up yet, please." [00:01:29]
"Joy is not happiness on steroids. They are completely different, as we saw on Sunday. Happiness is circumstance contingent. If you feel good, you're happy. If you don't feel good, you're not happy. When that rains, you may have been excited about, wow, this is the last day I'm coming to church. Pray to the Lord." [00:03:08]
"Joy is something that comes from an outgrowth of our relationship with Jesus. So we saw Sunday, as we started this series, that we are supposed to receive this gift of joy. And we had three conditions that we were supposed to see that joy in. That was in our closeness to Jesus, that was in our commitment to his promises and our confidence in his promises, and then it was also in our relationship with him, that we are content with Jesus and Jesus alone." [00:04:06]
"And because joy is so essential to the believer, it is the number one thing that the devil tries to attack. See, you think that you're so special, and that's why the devil is coming after you. No, you're not. I'm not. The devil comes after us and our joy because he knows it weakens us, and then we can't accomplish what God has called us to do." [00:05:31]
"Joy is a spiritual force that empowers us to persevere overcome and flourish in any circumstance because we remain close to Jesus, confident in his promises and content in our relationship with him. Joy is what strengthens us. It's what empowers us. It's a spiritual force that causes us to overcome no matter what comes our way." [00:09:39]
"I want to help you re-imagine what testing is all about. The devil wants to tempt you and try you because he wants to destroy you. That's always the devil's purpose. The devil never has a good purpose in anything he does. But God uses those trials and temptations to show you that the best place for you to be when you go through those tests, those trials and those temptations is with Jesus, to break that self-reliant attitude that we all have, that I can make it on my own, because the truth of the matter is we can't." [00:10:43]
"And God is saying to us that we have to get our joy back. And the way we get our joy back is to first recognize how it was stolen. And so tonight, I just want to encourage you for these next few minutes that you can't let the devil steal your joy. He knows what joy is even if you don't. And he knows that you need it in order to succeed." [00:12:59]
"He wants to steal, kill, and destroy. That's John 10 .10. He comes to steal, to kill, and destroy. Whatever good God wants to put in your life, the devil's always lurking around, ready to see how he can take it, ready to see how he can find a way to beat you out of it. And so what he does, in the same way that he tricked Adam and Eve, he does the same thing with us. He causes us to doubt God's divinity." [00:13:32]
"And so that's why we have to be... 1 Peter 5, 8 says we have to be sober-minded. We have to be watchful. Because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. See, the devil's on his job, always trying to find somebody he can go after. So why? Why do you make yourself an easy target?" [00:17:30]
"Joy is a state that we get when we come to Jesus. So when you accept Jesus as your Savior, you've got joy. You've got all the joy that God can give you. Now, what you want to do is you want it to completely overwhelm your life by how you spend time in his word, praying, living for him, and all of that. And if you don't do that, that's why your joy level's low." [00:20:00]
"Joy, J-O-Y, for this coming year means putting Jesus over yourself. This is the year where we take some self-inventory and we say, I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. I'm going to do this. stop putting us before Jesus. And we start saying, Jesus, I want you before I want anything else. And so I'm putting you over myself." [00:23:04]
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