That your Joy may be Full
Introduction
Focusing on v11
Do you see Christianity as something joyful?
Jesus joy would be with the disciples
It would remain with them forever
What Jesus promises His disciples – He promises us
Christians should be the most joyful people of all the earth!
Even in difficult times – examples
Sadly this has not always been the case – examples
Not about the ‘negatives’
An external form of Christianity
Yes we are to obey commands – but to put on Christ
To know fullness of life
If we are not joyful Christians – there is something wrong with us
We can be sorrowful – but always rejoicing
Overview:
The Possibility of Joy
The Barriers to Joy
The Experience of Joy
Mankind looks for joy in the wrong places
Joy is not just happiness
It is very deep
It is about fellowship with God
It sometimes bubbles over – example of David
The Possibility of Joy
It is a possibility / his is joy is not automatic
There are many ‘ifs’ in the Bible
v7 – if you abide in Christ
v10 – if you keep my commandments
v17 – love one another
It is a reality
Reading John 16:21-22 – example of child birth
The disciples would see Jesus crucified – but joy would come
It cannot be taken from you
Scripture is real – there may be agony, but there is the promise of joy
The Holy Spirit will bring them joy
It is the joy of Jesus’ love – v9, 11
Even in persecution
1 Thess 1:6 – joy in affliction
Joy despite persecutions – examples
Even in a depressing/dark world
(Do not forget common grace)
Phil 4:4 – rejoice in the Lord
Look to Christ and all that He has done
Is this possibility a reality for you?
It is Jesus’s desire for His disciples and for us
Receive this joy, leave sin behind, live for Him
The Barriers to Joy
Believing the lies of the devil
Everything does not depend on us
Our joy depends on Christ and His finished work on the cross
The devil wants us to own our temptations
Example of Sunday School teacher
There is a difference between temptation and sin
Do not ‘own’ sinful thoughts that arise from the devil
Yielding to temptation
Our conscience pricks us
Letting your own circumstances overwhelm you
Example of Elijah
Do not isolate yourself but remain with others
(Do not seek to take your life)
Have rest (and food)
God came to him in a gentle way
Do not exhaust yourself – but if you do, take a rest with Christ
A critical spirit
Examples – you will be joyless
When thankful – you will be joyful
The Experience of Joy
What things had Jesus spoken of?
John 14:2 – Many mansions in glory
John 14:23 – He will manifest Himself to us
v7, John 16:24 – Answered prayer
Example
Do not be ignorant of the Bible
Example of last week’s preaching
God’s warnings are for our joy – to keep us away from sin
Bearing fruit (v5, 16)
The fruit of the Holy Spirit
The fruit of good works
Other much fruit
1 Peter 1:8 – joy unspeakable and full of glory
Joy indescribable
Closing Remarks
1 John 1:3-4
Walk in fellowship with God