Embracing Lasting Joy Through Closeness to Christ
Summary
In this new series, "I Still Have Joy," we explore the profound and transformative power of joy as a gift from God, accessible to all through Jesus Christ. As we approach 2025, it's crucial to understand that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a spiritual force that sustains us through life's ups and downs. The birth of Jesus was proclaimed as good news that brings great joy to all people, a joy that transcends circumstances and is available to everyone who receives it.
Joy is distinct from happiness, which is temporary and dependent on external conditions. True joy is rooted in a close relationship with Jesus, confidence in His promises, and contentment in His presence. This joy empowers us to persevere and thrive, regardless of life's challenges. It is a spiritual force that should drive our actions and decisions, motivating us beyond mere emotions.
To access this joy, we must draw near to Jesus, for the closer we are to Him, the more joy we experience. This closeness is cultivated through daily devotion, prayer, and meditation on His Word. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we develop confidence in His faithfulness and promises, which in turn strengthens our joy.
Contentment in Jesus is another key aspect of experiencing joy. It means being satisfied with who He is and what He provides, regardless of our circumstances. This contentment is a sign of spiritual maturity, allowing us to remain joyful even in the face of adversity.
As we prepare for the new year, let us commit to deepening our relationship with Jesus, removing the pursuit of temporary happiness, and embracing the lasting joy that only He can provide. This joy will sustain us through every trial and triumph, ensuring that we are never alone and always supported by His presence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy as a Spiritual Force: Joy is not an emotion but a spiritual force that empowers us to persevere and thrive regardless of circumstances. It is born from closeness to Jesus, confidence in His promises, and contentment in our relationship with Him. [10:25]
2. The Distinction Between Joy and Happiness: Happiness is fleeting and circumstantial, while joy is lasting and sustaining. Joy is rooted in our relationship with Jesus and is not dependent on external conditions. [08:59]
3. Closeness to Jesus: To access true joy, we must draw near to Jesus. The closer we are to Him, the more joy we experience. This closeness is cultivated through daily devotion, prayer, and meditation on His Word. [12:24]
4. Contentment in Jesus: Contentment is a sign of spiritual maturity, allowing us to remain joyful even in adversity. It means being satisfied with who Jesus is and what He provides, regardless of our circumstances. [31:44]
5. Confidence in Jesus' Promises: As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we develop confidence in His faithfulness and promises, which strengthens our joy. This confidence removes the word "impossible" from our vocabulary, allowing us to dream big and trust in His provision. [28:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:55] - The Proclamation of Joy
- [02:42] - Joy for All People
- [03:54] - The Greatest Gift of Christmas
- [05:31] - Christmas Joy Every Day
- [07:12] - The Pursuit of Happiness
- [08:02] - The Fleeting Nature of Happiness
- [08:59] - Joy vs. Happiness
- [10:25] - Joy as a Spiritual Force
- [12:24] - Closeness to Jesus
- [13:33] - The Importance of Worship
- [14:54] - Getting Close to Jesus
- [15:31] - Young Love and Jesus
- [16:27] - Daily Devotion to Jesus
- [17:49] - Joy in His Presence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "I Still Have Joy"
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:10-11
- Psalm 16:11
- John 15:4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:10-11, what is the significance of the angel's proclamation of "good news that will cause great joy for all the people"? How does this relate to the birth of Jesus? [01:55]
2. According to the sermon, how is joy described as different from happiness? What are some examples given that illustrate this difference? [08:59]
3. What does Psalm 16:11 say about the presence of God and its connection to joy? How does this verse support the sermon's message about joy being found in closeness to Jesus? [17:49]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of developing confidence in Jesus' promises? What role does this confidence play in experiencing joy? [28:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of joy as a "spiritual force" challenge or change the common understanding of joy as merely an emotion? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [10:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that contentment in Jesus is a sign of spiritual maturity? How might this contentment manifest in a believer's life, especially during challenging times? [31:44]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of closeness to Jesus for experiencing true joy. How might this closeness be cultivated in practical terms, according to the sermon? [12:24]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of removing the word "impossible" from one's vocabulary in light of confidence in Jesus' promises? What does this suggest about the nature of faith and trust in God? [28:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What specific steps can you take to draw closer to Him and experience the joy described in the sermon? [13:33]
2. Consider a recent situation where you pursued happiness over joy. How might you approach similar situations differently in the future, focusing on lasting joy rather than temporary happiness? [08:02]
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with contentment. How can you practice finding satisfaction in Jesus, regardless of your circumstances? [31:44]
4. Think about a promise of God that you find difficult to trust. What practical actions can you take to build confidence in His faithfulness and see His promises fulfilled in your life? [28:33]
5. How can you incorporate daily devotion, prayer, and meditation on God's Word into your routine to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and access the joy He offers? [12:24]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How might drawing closer to Jesus have changed your perspective or response in that situation? [22:23]
7. What is one specific way you can demonstrate the joy of the Lord to others in your community, especially those who may not yet know Jesus? [03:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy as a Spiritual Force
Joy is a profound spiritual force that empowers believers to persevere and thrive, regardless of life's circumstances. Unlike fleeting emotions, joy is deeply rooted in a close relationship with Jesus Christ. It is sustained by confidence in His promises and contentment in His presence. This joy transcends the ups and downs of life, providing strength and motivation beyond mere emotions. By drawing near to Jesus, believers can access this transformative joy, which is available to all who receive it. [10:25]
"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." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely on the spiritual force of joy to persevere through a current challenge?
Day 2: The Distinction Between Joy and Happiness
Joy and happiness are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. Happiness is a temporary emotion dependent on external conditions, while joy is a lasting and sustaining force rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Joy is not swayed by circumstances; it remains constant because it is anchored in the eternal promises of God. By understanding this distinction, believers can focus on cultivating joy through their faith, rather than chasing the fleeting nature of happiness. [08:59]
"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." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been seeking happiness. How can you shift your focus to finding joy in your relationship with Jesus instead?
Day 3: Closeness to Jesus
To experience true joy, believers must draw near to Jesus. The closer one is to Him, the more joy they experience. This closeness is cultivated through daily devotion, prayer, and meditation on His Word. As believers grow in their relationship with Jesus, they develop a deeper understanding of His faithfulness and promises, which strengthens their joy. By prioritizing time with Jesus, believers can access the joy that sustains them through life's challenges. [12:24]
"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." (John 15:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to draw closer to Jesus and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?
Day 4: Contentment in Jesus
Contentment in Jesus is a sign of spiritual maturity, allowing believers to remain joyful even in adversity. It means being satisfied with who Jesus is and what He provides, regardless of circumstances. This contentment is not based on external factors but on the assurance of Jesus' presence and provision. By finding contentment in Jesus, believers can experience a joy that is unshaken by life's trials and tribulations. [31:44]
"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." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with contentment. How can you find satisfaction in Jesus in this area today?
Day 5: Confidence in Jesus' Promises
As believers grow in their relationship with Jesus, they develop confidence in His faithfulness and promises, which strengthens their joy. This confidence removes the word "impossible" from their vocabulary, allowing them to dream big and trust in His provision. By trusting in Jesus' promises, believers can experience a joy that empowers them to face life's challenges with hope and assurance. [28:33]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise of Jesus that you need to hold onto today? How can this promise strengthen your joy and confidence in Him?
Quotes
"I want to really kind of make this a prequel to what I'm going to start teaching in January to get us ready for what it means to live a life that's full of joy. And so I've entitled this series, I Still Have Joy. Amen. That has to be your declaration, because if you have that kind of declaration, there's nothing that can ever stop you." [00:00:56] (24 seconds)
"But it's great joy for all people, everybody, which means it is accessible to you. It's accessible to you. It's accessible to you. That when Jesus came, he came to do something specifically for us, not just to get rid of our sin, which we needed, but to give us something that we could not generate on our own." [00:02:51] (28 seconds)
"Joy is a spiritual force, a force of strength born from closeness to Jesus, confidence in his promises, and contentment in our relationship that empowers us to persevere and thrive regardless of circumstances." [00:10:05] (20 seconds)
"Joy is not an emotion. Happiness is an emotion, and that's why it's transitory. That's why it's fleeting. That's why it's not a constant, because sometimes you feel happy, sometimes you don't. But joy is actually a spiritual force that should be the driving impetus for anybody who follows Jesus." [00:10:28] (27 seconds)
"So I get joy because I stay close to him. Amen. Amen. Amen. The further I get away from him, the less joy I have. But it's also confidence in his promises. When I stay close to him long enough and I read his word, his word promises me certain things, and when I see those things come to pass, I then recognize that he's somebody I can trust, that he is faithful." [00:12:13] (26 seconds)
"And then I get up. I get a contentment. I've been with him so long that I get a contentment that everybody can leave me as long as I got Jesus. The job may lay me off. but I got Jesus. People who've been with me since I was a child walk away from me for whatever reason. I still got Jesus. So I'm not losing anything because the only time I'm in a loss is if I lose Jesus." [00:12:47] (26 seconds)
"Because when you walk with him, Romans 15, 13, Paul said, this was Paul's prayer, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him. When you... are trusting God, you'll be full of joy. But also, a companion to joy is peace. That's the companion to it. When you walk with him, you will never be disappointed by him because he will always come through, even if it's in a way that you didn't even think was possible." [00:30:17] (38 seconds)
"And so when you have confidence in Jesus, your joy won't depend on what you have, but on who you have. And that's when you can truly be content. Point number three, be content with Jesus. And this is a time-tested dimension of joy. This means it doesn't matter where I am, what I have going on, I'm satisfied." [00:31:03] (26 seconds)
"Because when I spend time with him, I may get the bad news on the phone, but it's not going to destroy my life because I still have Jesus with me. When I went through that challenge and I wrote about it, Jesus went with me into that jail. Jesus went. Jesus went with me into that camp. Jesus was with me every one of those 800 days that I was in there. And I never, ever, even though I felt alone, I never knew, because I knew who God was, I never once concluded that I was abandoned." [00:33:45] (33 seconds)
"Joy says, I'll be with you even in the valley. Because what I go through does not change who I am or who he is. Placing our trust in temporal things will defeat us every time. So the Bible cautions us, Hebrews chapter 13. Look at what it says. Keep your lives free from the love of money. Do I need to say that again? Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be content with what you have." [00:34:34] (35 seconds)
"And that's why we have to understand that I just need Jesus with me. I just need Jesus with me. If I'm on the mountain, I need Jesus with me. If I'm in the valley, I need Jesus with me. When I'm going to dialysis, I need Jesus sitting right next to me. When I'm laid up in the hospital bed, I need Jesus sitting in that chair right next to me. When I'm in a divorce court, I need Jesus right there as my co-counsel. Whatever I go through in life, I need to know that I'm not going through it alone." [00:35:43] (33 seconds)
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