Joy: The Catalyst for God's Favor in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we delve into the profound connection between joy and favor in the life of a believer. Our focus is on how joy acts as the catalyst that makes God's favor manifest in our lives. We began by examining Ecclesiastes 9:11, which teaches that time and chance happen to everyone, regardless of their skills or wisdom. This underscores the importance of recognizing and seizing the moments God has prepared for us. Many people miss their divine opportunities because they fail to understand the timing of their manifestation.
We then explored the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who waited for the water to be stirred, not realizing that Jesus, the source of all healing, was already present. This illustrates how we often wait for external signs, missing the internal presence of God that is already with us. The favor of God is always available, but it is joy that activates it, making it visible and effective in our lives.
Being born again means being born from above, into a life that is superior to earthly struggles. This new life is filled with the joy of the Lord, which is essential for manifesting God's favor. Joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a divine attribute that resides within us. It is the oil that keeps the engine of favor running smoothly.
We also looked at the Song of Solomon, which likens the beloved to an apple tree among the trees of the wood, symbolizing the unique joy and delight God finds in us. This joy is crucial for our spiritual growth and productivity. Without it, even the most prepared and skilled individuals can find their efforts withering away.
Finally, we discussed the concept of the "perichoresis" or the dance of the Trinity, which symbolizes the eternal joy and unity within the Godhead. This joy is meant to be reflected in our lives as believers. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, enabling us to endure trials and tribulations with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving.
### Key Takeaways
1. Time and Chance: Ecclesiastes 9:11 teaches that time and chance happen to everyone. Recognizing and seizing these divine moments is crucial for manifesting God's favor. Many miss their opportunities because they fail to understand the timing of their manifestation. Always be spiritually alert to the seasons God has prepared for you. [03:38]
2. Internal Presence of God: The story of the man at the pool of Bethesda illustrates how we often wait for external signs, missing the internal presence of God. Jesus, the source of all healing, is always with us. Recognize His presence and seize your moment of favor. [06:42]
3. Born from Above: Being born again means being born from above, into a life superior to earthly struggles. This new life is filled with divine joy, essential for manifesting God's favor. Joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a divine attribute within us. [09:42]
4. Joy as a Catalyst: Joy is the oil that keeps the engine of favor running smoothly. Without joy, even the most prepared and skilled individuals can find their efforts withering away. Cultivate joy in your life to activate and sustain God's favor. [15:05]
5. Perichoresis - The Dance of the Trinity: The eternal joy and unity within the Godhead, symbolized by the "perichoresis" or dance of the Trinity, should be reflected in our lives. This joy transcends circumstances, enabling us to endure trials with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. [16:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:12] - Introduction to Favor and Joy
[03:38] - Time and Chance
[05:14] - Recognizing Divine Moments
[06:42] - The Pool of Bethesda
[08:14] - Favor and Preparedness
[09:42] - Born from Above
[11:07] - Superior Life in Christ
[12:21] - Joy in the Song of Solomon
[14:05] - Joy in Adversity
[15:05] - Joy as a Catalyst for Favor
[16:02] - Perichoresis: The Dance of the Trinity
[17:32] - Manifesting Joy and Favor
[19:04] - Path of Life and Fullness of Joy
[22:13] - Abundant Life in Christ
[24:12] - Eden Within Us
[26:16] - Joy in Our DNA
[29:01] - Shining with God's Glory
[30:19] - Wisdom and Joy
[33:14] - Christ as Wisdom
[34:33] - Joy Set Before Jesus
[37:28] - Joy in Trials
[40:19] - Joy in the Manger
[41:34] - Stephen's Joy in Martyrdom
[43:18] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 9:11 - "I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all."
2. John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
3. Psalm 16:11 - "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 9:11, what factors are not guaranteed to bring success or favor? ([02:12])
2. In the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, what was he waiting for, and what did he fail to recognize? ([06:42])
3. What does being "born again" mean according to John 3:3, and how does it relate to living a life superior to earthly struggles? ([09:42])
4. How does Psalm 16:11 describe the presence of God and its impact on our joy? ([19:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "time and chance" in Ecclesiastes 9:11 challenge our understanding of success and favor? ([03:38])
2. Why is recognizing the internal presence of God, as illustrated by the man at the pool of Bethesda, crucial for seizing divine opportunities? ([06:42])
3. How does the idea of being "born from above" change a believer's perspective on earthly struggles and divine joy? ([09:42])
4. What does the "perichoresis" or the dance of the Trinity symbolize, and how should this eternal joy be reflected in our lives? ([16:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you missed a divine opportunity because you were waiting for an external sign. How can you become more spiritually alert to the seasons God has prepared for you? ([03:38])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's internal presence in your daily life, similar to the man at the pool of Bethesda recognizing Jesus? ([06:42])
3. In what ways can you remind yourself that you are "born from above" and live a life superior to earthly struggles? What practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective? ([09:42])
4. Joy is described as the oil that keeps the engine of favor running smoothly. What are some practical ways you can cultivate joy in your life, especially during challenging times? ([15:05])
5. The sermon mentioned the unique joy and delight God finds in us, likened to the apple tree in the Song of Solomon. How can you embrace and reflect this joy in your interactions with others? ([12:21])
6. How can the concept of the "perichoresis" or the dance of the Trinity inspire you to maintain joy and unity in your relationships and community? ([16:02])
7. Think of a current trial or tribulation you are facing. How can you endure it with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving, reflecting the joy that transcends circumstances? ([19:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Divine Moments
Description: Ecclesiastes 9:11 teaches that time and chance happen to everyone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and seizing the divine moments God has prepared for us. Many people miss their opportunities because they fail to understand the timing of their manifestation. Being spiritually alert to the seasons God has prepared for you is crucial for manifesting His favor.
In the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, we see an example of someone waiting for an external sign, not realizing that Jesus, the source of all healing, was already present. This illustrates how we often wait for external signs, missing the internal presence of God that is already with us. Recognize His presence and seize your moment of favor. [03:38]
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (ESV): "Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you might have missed a divine opportunity. How can you be more spiritually alert to recognize and seize these moments in the future?
Day 2: Internal Presence of God
Description: The story of the man at the pool of Bethesda illustrates how we often wait for external signs, missing the internal presence of God. Jesus, the source of all healing, is always with us. Recognizing His presence is crucial for seizing your moment of favor.
Many people wait for a sign or a miracle, not realizing that the presence of God is already within them. This internal presence is a constant source of strength, guidance, and favor. By acknowledging and embracing this presence, you can activate God's favor in your life. [06:42]
John 5:6-8 (ESV): "When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, 'Do you want to be healed?' The sick man answered him, 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.' Jesus said to him, 'Get up, take up your bed, and walk.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were waiting for an external sign from God. How can you shift your focus to recognize His internal presence in your daily life?
Day 3: Born from Above
Description: Being born again means being born from above, into a life that is superior to earthly struggles. This new life is filled with the joy of the Lord, which is essential for manifesting God's favor. Joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a divine attribute that resides within us.
This joy is a powerful force that can transform your life, enabling you to rise above challenges and manifest God's favor. Embrace this new life and let the joy of the Lord be your strength. [09:42]
John 3:3 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate the joy of the Lord in your life, regardless of your external circumstances? What steps can you take today to embrace this new life?
Day 4: Joy as a Catalyst
Description: Joy is the oil that keeps the engine of favor running smoothly. Without joy, even the most prepared and skilled individuals can find their efforts withering away. Cultivating joy in your life is essential for activating and sustaining God's favor.
This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of God's presence and favor. It empowers you to face challenges with confidence and grace, knowing that God's favor is upon you. [15:05]
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: What are some practical ways you can cultivate joy in your daily life? How can this joy help you activate and sustain God's favor?
Day 5: Perichoresis - The Dance of the Trinity
Description: The eternal joy and unity within the Godhead, symbolized by the "perichoresis" or dance of the Trinity, should be reflected in our lives. This joy transcends circumstances, enabling us to endure trials with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving.
This divine joy is a powerful force that can transform your life, enabling you to rise above challenges and manifest God's favor. Embrace this joy and let it be a source of strength and encouragement in your daily walk with God. [16:02]
John 17:21 (ESV): "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Reflection: How can you reflect the joy and unity of the Trinity in your relationships and daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate this divine joy and unity?
Quotes
1. "A lot of us here is going to meet favor in a way that we have never experienced before. God is with us. God primarily is going to touch us. God primarily is going to unleash, release the favor which he has already done. We are going to see it in a different dimension." [02:12] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are some people who have already prepared, but they have lost their time. They have get themselves prepared, waiting for the baton to be shifted, waiting for the idea to come to manifestation, waiting for the time of their manifestation, but they never move or come into the place of manifestation. Why? Because time and chance is happening to them." [05:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, a lot of people, they don't know, they don't know, they don't know, they don't know, they have prepared so much. A lot of people have been wearing but they lack this oil of favor. They lack this oil of favor that will create the moment, that to push that time so that whatever they carry, what God have already deposited inside of them will start to manifest." [06:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Born again is means born from above born from a life that is superior to the earth realm born from a life that is superior to difficulties born from a life that that that is superior to the earth because earth has issue earth cannot give you what you want a born again lies gives you room is that like an oil when you are being born from above it means you are superior to the earth so in other way around you are beginning to carry the life of god born again is born into the life of christ born into a life that is superior to death." [09:42] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is joy in my spirit when I look at you. There is joy that flows within me when I see you. So this joy is what we ought to also duplicate each moment. Because this joy, when you lack this joy, you cannot be able to function the way God wants you to function. You cannot be able to consummate the glory which is the Lord has already bestowed upon you." [14:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The joy don't come because you have something. You have to have the joy to be able to be productive. You have to have this joy to be able to be what God has called you to be. That joy needs to exist inside of you. Whether you are seeing something that looks like it or not, the joy has to be there. The glory has to ooze out within your spirit. You have to feel it within you. You have to feel it within you. You have to feel it before you can be able to see it outwardly." [16:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So the problem we have as a believer, we don't know. The life he has, the abundant life he brought to us, is not a life you have been living. It's not that life you have been living with your parents. It's not a life you have been living with your struggle. It's a totally different kind of life. It's not an ordinary life. It's a total kind of life. You just need to stay with me. Be to God. I have come so that you might have it, you might have it more abundantly." [23:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When joy reside inside of you, you are in the pleasure. When joy reside inside of you, you are in the delight of God. This is what it means. You have to be in the delight for you to be able to experience it in the physical realm. Because the pleasure is inside of you. The Eden is being buried inside of you. The Eden is no longer outwardly, but the Eden is inside of you. So the pleasure of the Lord dwells first inside of you. Because people will begin to see the physical pleasure." [25:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I am the pleasure of the Lord. I am the Eden of the Lord. I am the joy of the Lord. When you stay in this joyful moment, that is where you are going to be able to release the favour of God, in a different way, you have never experienced before. Because you are cultivated in joy. I refuse anything that wants to steal my joy. I refuse to any problem that wants to demean or to deem my joy. No. I am shining like the way God has already positioned me." [29:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When the joy of the spirit fills your soul, when it fills your spirit, it is like a juice. It is like a force that brings out that juice from wherever it ought to be, it's supposed to be. Pull it out and bring it to where you can be able to see. I don't know. If you are hearing me this evening, this is the joy, for Bible said, it was set before Christ. In Amon Shabbat, he enjoyed the cross." [38:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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