Finding Joy in Christ During College Years
Summary
Summary:
In this session, we explored the theme of finding joy in following Christ during the college years. Reflecting on my own experiences, I shared how my college years were marked by a struggle with sin and a lack of joy in my relationship with God. I emphasized the importance of understanding God's commands not as burdens but as pathways to true freedom and joy. The psalmist's delight in God's laws, as expressed in Psalm 119, was something I initially couldn't relate to, but over time, I realized the wisdom and goodness in God's commands.
I discussed the transformative power of joy in the Christian life, drawing from John Piper's teaching that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This joy is not just a personal benefit but a testimony to the world, making our faith attractive to others. I shared personal anecdotes, including a story about showing grace to my daughter, to illustrate how our joy in God can impact those around us.
We also examined Philippians 4:4, where Paul commands us to "rejoice in the Lord always." This is not merely a suggestion but a command that should shape our daily lives. Our joy should be rooted in the assurance that our names are written in heaven, a truth that remains constant regardless of our circumstances. I encouraged everyone to let this joy be evident in their lives, making them a light on their campuses and in their communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy in God's Commands: Understanding God's commands as pathways to freedom rather than burdens can transform our relationship with Him. The psalmist's delight in God's laws (Psalm 119) challenges us to see His commands as precious and life-giving, leading us to a deeper joy and satisfaction in our faith. [15:03]
2. God's Glory and Our Satisfaction: John Piper's teaching that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" highlights the importance of finding our joy in God. This satisfaction not only glorifies God but also makes our faith attractive to others, serving as a powerful testimony of His goodness. [19:57]
3. Rejoicing Always: Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always, emphasizing that joy is a command, not just a suggestion. This joy should be rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the eternal security we have in Christ, which remains constant despite life's challenges. [26:19]
4. Living with Eternal Perspective: Our joy should be based on the eternal truth that our names are written in heaven, not on temporary successes or failures. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Christ. [37:09]
5. Impact of Joyful Living: A life marked by joy and satisfaction in God can profoundly impact those around us. By living out this joy, we become a light to the world, drawing others to the beauty of a relationship with God and inspiring them to seek the same joy and peace. [40:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction and Announcements
[02:08] - Francis Chan Introduction
[03:12] - Connection with College Students
[05:15] - Starting a College
[09:17] - Balancing Multiple Roles
[12:04] - How to Enjoy Following Christ
[14:11] - Understanding God's Commands
[19:40] - Joy and God's Glory
[25:17] - Rejoice in the Lord Always
[35:18] - Eternal Perspective
[40:24] - Impact of Joyful Living
[49:23] - The Nearness of the Lord
[55:03] - Do Not Be Anxious
[01:03:03] - Living Out Philippians 4
[01:08:42] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 119:14, 20, 32, 40, 47, 62, 72, 96, 97, 131
2. Philippians 4:4
3. Luke 10:17-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 119, how does the psalmist describe his relationship with God's commands? What emotions and actions are associated with these commands? [14:30]
2. According to Philippians 4:4, what is the command given to believers, and how often should it be practiced? [25:17]
3. In Luke 10:17-20, what were the disciples rejoicing about, and what did Jesus instruct them to rejoice in instead? [37:09]
4. How did the speaker describe his college years in terms of his relationship with God and his struggle with sin? [12:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to view God's commands as pathways to freedom rather than burdens, and how might this perspective change one's relationship with God? [15:03]
2. How does the concept that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" challenge or affirm your understanding of joy in the Christian life? [19:57]
3. Why might Paul emphasize rejoicing in the Lord as a command rather than a suggestion, and how does this relate to the assurance of salvation? [26:19]
4. How does living with the perspective that our names are written in heaven influence our daily lives and interactions with others? [37:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current view of God's commands. Do you see them as burdens or as pathways to freedom? How can you begin to shift your perspective if needed? [15:03]
2. Consider a time when you felt truly satisfied in God. How did that satisfaction impact your actions and interactions with others? How can you cultivate that satisfaction more regularly? [19:57]
3. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself to rejoice in the Lord always, especially during challenging times? [26:19]
4. How can the assurance that your name is written in heaven provide comfort and joy in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to focus on this truth daily? [37:09]
5. Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle to find joy. How can you apply the teachings from this sermon to transform that area into a source of joy and testimony to others? [40:24]
6. Identify one person in your life who might be impacted by seeing your joy in Christ. What is one intentional action you can take this week to share that joy with them? [23:58]
7. Reflect on the speaker's story about showing grace to his daughter. How can you demonstrate grace in your relationships this week, and what impact might that have? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in God's Commands
Understanding God's commands as pathways to freedom rather than burdens can transform our relationship with Him. The psalmist's delight in God's laws, as expressed in Psalm 119, challenges us to see His commands as precious and life-giving, leading us to a deeper joy and satisfaction in our faith. When we view God's commands through the lens of love and grace, we begin to see them as guides to a fulfilling life rather than restrictions. This perspective shift allows us to embrace God's wisdom and goodness, finding joy in obedience and the freedom it brings. [15:03]
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one command of God that you have viewed as burdensome? How can you begin to see it as a pathway to freedom and joy today?
Day 2: God's Glory and Our Satisfaction
John Piper's teaching that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" highlights the importance of finding our joy in God. This satisfaction not only glorifies God but also makes our faith attractive to others, serving as a powerful testimony of His goodness. When we find our deepest satisfaction in God, we reflect His glory to the world, drawing others to the beauty of a relationship with Him. This joy becomes a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [19:57]
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." (Psalm 73:25, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking satisfaction outside of God? How can you redirect your desires to find true satisfaction in Him?
Day 3: Rejoicing Always
Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always, emphasizing that joy is a command, not just a suggestion. This joy should be rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the eternal security we have in Christ, which remains constant despite life's challenges. By choosing to rejoice in the Lord, we anchor our joy in the unchanging truth of our relationship with Him, allowing us to navigate life's ups and downs with a steadfast heart. This command to rejoice is a call to live with a perspective that transcends our circumstances, focusing on the eternal hope we have in Christ. [26:19]
"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: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you can choose to rejoice in the Lord? How can this choice impact your perspective and response to the situation?
Day 4: Living with Eternal Perspective
Our joy should be based on the eternal truth that our names are written in heaven, not on temporary successes or failures. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Christ. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the temporal with confidence and assurance, trusting that our lives are part of a greater story. This eternal perspective empowers us to live with hope and resilience, even in the face of life's uncertainties. [37:09]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the eternal perspective in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary?
Day 5: Impact of Joyful Living
A life marked by joy and satisfaction in God can profoundly impact those around us. By living out this joy, we become a light to the world, drawing others to the beauty of a relationship with God and inspiring them to seek the same joy and peace. Our joyful living serves as a testimony to the transformative power of God's love, inviting others to experience the fullness of life in Christ. This impact extends beyond words, as our actions and attitudes reflect the joy and hope we have found in God. [40:24]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from seeing the joy of Christ in you? How can you intentionally live out this joy to be a light in their life today?
Quotes
"Understanding God's commands as pathways to freedom rather than burdens can transform our relationship with Him. The psalmist's delight in God's laws (Psalm 119) challenges us to see His commands as precious and life-giving, leading us to a deeper joy and satisfaction in our faith." [00:14:11]
"I discussed the transformative power of joy in the Christian life, drawing from John Piper's teaching that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This joy is not just a personal benefit but a testimony to the world, making our faith attractive to others." [00:19:40]
"Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always, emphasizing that joy is a command, not just a suggestion. This joy should be rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the eternal security we have in Christ, which remains constant despite life's challenges." [00:25:17]
"Our joy should be based on the eternal truth that our names are written in heaven, not on temporary successes or failures. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Christ." [00:37:09]
"A life marked by joy and satisfaction in God can profoundly impact those around us. By living out this joy, we become a light to the world, drawing others to the beauty of a relationship with God and inspiring them to seek the same joy and peace." [00:40:24]
"I remember when I first started reading some of his works and his big Mantra or whatever you want to call it is God is most satisfied no God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." [00:19:40]
"Rejoice in the Lord always and I'll say it again Rejoice when's the last time think about this when's the last time you really rejoiced in the Lord see because the Bible says to do it always always." [00:25:17]
"However do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but Rejoice that your names are written in heaven that's a very key phrase he goes don't Rejoice that the demons submit to you rejoice that your names are written in heaven." [00:37:09]
"Let your gentleness be evident to all the Lord is near let your gentleness be evident to all the word gentleness is the word sweet reasonableness it's the idea the of when something difficult happens you have this reasonable attitude toward it." [00:40:24]
"Think about it is there any other command in scripture that's written like this he says rejoice in the lord always then he says and I'll say it again rejoice is there any other command that's written that way." [00:25:17]
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him and I I love that statement because that was so far from me I wasn't really satisfied with god um and and and in understanding that he was saying you know so then you're not really bringing glory to God." [00:19:40]
"Rejoice in the lord always Rejoice because of this relationship you have in Jesus Christ be so pumped about it and do it always and and not only I mean think about it is there any other command in scripture that's written like this." [00:25:17]
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