Experiencing Unspeakable Joy Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
In this message, I explored the profound joy and glory that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this joy is not reserved for a select few but is available to all believers, regardless of their circumstances. The Apostle Peter's words to the scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and beyond remind us that even in times of trial and tribulation, we can experience a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. This joy is a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits us in heaven, and it is a hallmark of true Christian living.
The joy we speak of is not a superficial happiness but a deep, abiding joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a joy that transforms our lives and compels us to express it through worship, singing, and a desire to glorify God. This joy is evident in the history of revivals, where believers spontaneously burst into song and praise, not out of obligation but from an overflow of the heart. It is a joy that humbles us, convicts us, and lifts us to new heights of spiritual experience.
I shared stories of historical figures like John Howe, William Guthrie, and Blaise Pascal, who experienced this profound joy and were forever changed. These experiences were not the result of emotionalism or psychological manipulation but were genuine encounters with the Holy Spirit that brought clarity, understanding, and a deep sense of God's presence.
As Christians, we are called to live in this joy, to let it permeate our lives, and to be a witness to the world. The world is not moved by our organized efforts or programs but by the visible joy and transformation in our lives. This joy is our duty, our testimony, and our greatest evangelistic tool. It is a joy that casts out fear, deepens our love for God, and compels us to glorify Him in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy Unspeakable: The joy that Peter describes is not limited to special people or circumstances but is available to all believers. It is a joy that transcends trials and tribulations, offering a glimpse of the eternal joy we will experience in heaven. This joy is a hallmark of true Christian living and is a gift of the Holy Spirit. [12:43]
- Revival and Joy: Throughout history, revivals have been marked by an overwhelming sense of joy and spontaneous worship. This joy is not manufactured but is a natural response to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It humbles us, convicts us, and lifts us to new spiritual heights. [14:23]
- Historical Witnesses: Figures like John Howe, William Guthrie, and Blaise Pascal experienced profound joy through encounters with the Holy Spirit. These experiences brought clarity, understanding, and a deep sense of God's presence, transforming their lives and ministries. [21:52]
- Joy as a Witness: The world is not moved by our programs or efforts but by the visible joy and transformation in our lives. This joy is our greatest evangelistic tool, drawing others to Christ as they see the difference He makes in us. [19:39]
- Love and Glorification: Our joy leads to a deeper love for God and a desire to glorify Him. The Holy Spirit's work in us compels us to praise God, share His works, and live in a way that honors Him. This is the true mark of a Spirit-filled life. [36:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:56] - Joy for All Believers
[12:43] - Unspeakable Joy and Glory
[14:23] - Revival and Spontaneous Worship
[16:14] - Transformation Through Joy
[18:23] - Joy as a Witness to the World
[20:08] - Historical Examples of Joy
[21:52] - John Howe's Experience
[24:45] - William Guthrie's Insight
[27:48] - Blaise Pascal's Encounter
[32:01] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[33:21] - Love and Joy in the Spirit
[36:19] - Glorifying God Through Joy
[39:35] - Immediate Results of the Spirit
[41:24] - Light and Understanding Through the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Peter 1:8-9
1 John 1:4
Romans 5:5
Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, what kind of joy do believers experience, and how is it described? [12:43]
2. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the joy experienced by the scattered believers in Pontus, Galatia, and Cappadocia? [12:10]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the joy and transformation of believers, as discussed in the sermon? [13:48]
4. How did historical figures like John Howe and Blaise Pascal experience this profound joy, according to the sermon? [21:52]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the joy described in 1 Peter 1:8-9 differ from ordinary happiness, and why is it significant for believers? [12:43]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between trials and the joy that believers experience? [13:00]
3. How does the joy of the Holy Spirit serve as a witness to the world, according to the sermon? [19:39]
4. In what ways do the experiences of historical figures like John Howe and Blaise Pascal illustrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? [21:52]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in your faith. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? [12:43]
2. The sermon emphasizes that joy is available to all believers, regardless of circumstances. How can you cultivate this joy in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [13:00]
3. How can you let the joy of the Holy Spirit permeate your life and serve as a witness to those around you? [19:39]
4. Consider the role of worship and singing in expressing joy. How can you incorporate more spontaneous worship into your personal or communal spiritual practices? [14:23]
5. The sermon mentions that joy leads to a deeper love for God and a desire to glorify Him. What specific actions can you take this week to glorify God in your daily activities? [36:19]
6. Think about a historical or contemporary figure whose faith and joy inspire you. What can you learn from their example to enhance your own spiritual journey? [21:52]
7. How can you share the joy of your faith with someone who may be struggling or seeking hope? What practical steps can you take to be a source of encouragement and light in their life? [19:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Beyond Circumstances
The joy that Peter describes is not limited to special people or circumstances but is available to all believers. It is a joy that transcends trials and tribulations, offering a glimpse of the eternal joy we will experience in heaven. This joy is a hallmark of true Christian living and is a gift of the Holy Spirit. [12:43]
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: Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy that transcends your circumstances today?
Day 2: Revival Through Joy
Throughout history, revivals have been marked by an overwhelming sense of joy and spontaneous worship. This joy is not manufactured but is a natural response to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It humbles us, convicts us, and lifts us to new spiritual heights. [14:23]
Acts 13:52 (ESV): "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt a spontaneous joy in worship. How can you create space in your life for the Holy Spirit to bring about this kind of joy again?
Day 3: Witnesses of Joy
Figures like John Howe, William Guthrie, and Blaise Pascal experienced profound joy through encounters with the Holy Spirit. These experiences brought clarity, understanding, and a deep sense of God's presence, transforming their lives and ministries. [21:52]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Consider a historical or biblical figure whose life was transformed by joy. What can you learn from their experience to apply to your own spiritual journey?
Day 4: Joy as Evangelism
The world is not moved by our programs or efforts but by the visible joy and transformation in our lives. This joy is our greatest evangelistic tool, drawing others to Christ as they see the difference He makes in us. [19:39]
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: Identify one person in your life who might be drawn to Christ through the joy they see in you. How can you intentionally share this joy with them today?
Day 5: Love and Glorification Through Joy
Our joy leads to a deeper love for God and a desire to glorify Him. The Holy Spirit's work in us compels us to praise God, share His works, and live in a way that honors Him. This is the true mark of a Spirit-filled life. [36:19]
Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV): "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
Reflection: How can you express your joy in God through acts of love and service today? What specific action can you take to glorify Him in your daily routine?
Quotes
The Apostle doesn't even know their names he doesn't know who they are most Ordinary People and yet he doesn't hesitate to say that about them they rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ whom they haven't seen whom they can't see but they rejoice in him with a joy which is unspeakable it's so marvelous they can't express it indeed he says full of Glory which probably means this that it is a part of the joy and the rejoicing which is known by the Saints in glory who actually see him. [00:12:08]
What you always get as the chief characteristic in every Revival is a great spirit of rejoicing and of singing, singing generally is a part of a Revival not a worked up singing but a spontaneous bursting forth into song and you will always find that the really greatest hyms of all I don't mean these almost modling sentimental hymns that rather characteristic of the last century but I mean the great strong hymns of our himm book such as you get in the 18th century. [00:14:21]
The first effect always of a Revival is to Humble people and to convict them to cast them into an Agony of soul to make them wonder whether they'd ever been Christians at all then suddenly from the very depths they are lifted up to the Heights and the joy and the rejoicing correspond to the former sense of desolation and unworthiness and condemnation. [00:16:02]
The world outside is not going to pay much attention to all the organized efforts of the Christian Church the one thing she will pay attention do is to see a body of people filled with this Spirit of rejoicing that's how Christianity conquered the ancient world it was this amazing Joy of these people even when you threw them into prison threw them to death didn't matter they went on rejoicing rejoicing in tribulations. [00:18:18]
If you really are concerned about it if you really do feel what you say about the evidence of the newspapers day by day of the moral rock that is setting in in this country and which may even ruin the country economically and industrially because people are worshippers and lovers of Pleasures rather than lovers of God if you really believe that and mean it and feel it well then it will be your duty to become a person such as is depicted here. [00:19:08]
After that I had long seriously and repeatedly thought with myself that besides a full and undoubted Ascent to the objects of Faith a vivifying Savory taste and relish of them was also necessary that with stronger force and more powerful energy they might penetrate into the most inward center of my heart and there being most deeply fixed and rooted govern my life. [00:21:55]
It is a glorious Divine manifestation of God unto the soul shedding abroad God's love in the heart it is a thing better felt than spoken of it is no audible voice but it is a ray of Glory filling the soul with God as he is Life Light love and Liberty corresponding to that Audible Voice oh men greatly beloved putting a man in a transport with this on his heart it is good to be here. [00:25:22]
Fire god of Abraham God of Isaac God of Jacob not of the philosophers and of the wies security security feeling joy peace God of Jesus Christ thy God shall be my God forgetfulness of the world and of all save God he can be found only in the ways taught in the gospel greatness of the human soul he just put these things down as best he could recollect them these things that came upon him in such profusion. [00:27:50]
This is life eternal that they might Know Thee the only true God and him whom thou has sent Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ I have separated myself from him I have fled renounced crucified him you see he's mixing past his past with his present he's made to feel by what was given to him what he'd been in the past may I never be separated from him he maintains himself in me me only in the ways taught in the gospel. [00:30:31]
When the Holy Spirit is operating you don't need to work it up you don't need to organize it he does it all it is the vision of him the knowledge of him this immediacy and this is the inevitable result a joy which is unspeakable and full of Glory though we don't see him the people to whom Peter were was writing had never seen him at all they were strangers scattered abroad Peter had actually seen the Lord physically these people hadn't it isn't necessary the spirit is sent in order to bring him to us and this is the result of this knowledge of him and experience of him. [00:32:36]
The first thing that happened when these apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit was this they began to speak and to tell forth the wonderful works of God a re recent writer on the fullness of the spirit tries to say that the first sign of being filled with the spirit is that we speak to one another he's there countering the tendency to speak in and pray in tongues to God and he thinks he disposes of that by saying that in G in in Ephesians 5:18 you and following you find speaking to one another with Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. [00:36:45]
The test of the baptism of the spirit is that it leads a man to the truth and to an understanding of the truth it gives him light and understanding why well he can't witness without that you can't be a witness unless you know you must have something to say you must be ready at all times to give a reason for the hope that is in you so the spirit does this he gives a kind of Luminosity he gives a Clarity of understanding and of apprehension. [00:41:23]
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