The Difference between Joy & Pleasure

2006032

Topic # 1245 (joy)

Introduction:

A.     All kinds of pictures and games out there that challenge our focus.

1.      Think of pictures that have an “obvious” view and a “hidden” view.

2.      When we look at the picture we all see the obvious.

3.      We see the “hidden” picture only when we change our focus, only when we look for it.

4.      It is essential to change focus in order to see the “hidden” picture. Once you see it, it is quite obvious.

B.      PIC 1 – look at the picture – what do you see? See face of an old man?  Yes?

C.     PIC 2 – now look at picture minus two details.

1.      What do you see? Do you see a lady sitting under a tree?

D.    Now back to PIC 1. Do you now see both pictures? Certainly you can see the difference changing your focus makes.

E.      By using these images – want to make an important point – to change what you see, you must change your focus. Our focus always determines what we see. Please remember & hold on to this point today.

F.      Gal. 5:22-23 – one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy.

1.      How do we define joy?

2.      Often we feel little difference between joy and pleasure.

a)      Usually the end result of both is happiness.

3.      And if we focus on this kind of definition of joy our concept of and desire for happiness can easily control us.

4.      What usually happens is that pleasure commonly rules our lives.

 

I. Joy is a wonderful part of spiritual life.

A.     But…if we do not clearly understand the nature of joy, we may live life fooling ourselves. We may miss what we are to focus on and be lead away from a deeper relationship w/God.

1.      Is the focus of joy physical happiness?

2.      Is the foundation of joy physical well being?

3.      Is the expression of joy some sort of euphoria?

4.      In other words, can joy exist in our life only if things are going like we want them to go in our physical existence?

B.      Our focus as a Christian is extremely important.

1.      When it comes to having joy, our expectations determine our focus.

2.      Is joy just a matter of physical feelings? Is it just an emotional response?

3.      If joy from the fruit of the spirit is present, what do we expect?

4.      How will we know if there is joy or not?

 

II. Joy and New Testament Christians:

A.     Want to challenge us to increase our understanding in this matter.

1.      All would agree that FC Christians possessed a great amount of joy.

2.      Acts 2:43-47 – take a look at the joy they possessed.

3.      Acts 8:8 – so there was much rejoicing in that city. (Samaria)

4.      Acts 13:52 – Paul/Barnabas visit Piscidian Antioch.

a)      Converted people, had many dangerous, difficult circumstances…

b)      The disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

5.      Rom. 15:13 – Paul had written very hard things through Romans. Dealing with Judiazing teachers. But yet he encourages these Christians as he begins to wrap up the book:

a)      truly difficult teachings in Romans

b)      But Christians could accept these teachings and still experience joy!

c)       This was true in many of the writings of Paul.

B.      Now please consider this:

1.      What did being a Christian cost Peter?

a)      Struggle, physical difficulty, his life.  Remember Jesus’ conversation w/him in John 21:18-19

b)      But did he possess the true joy found in Christ?  Absolutely!

2.      What did being a Christian cost Stephan?

a)      Acts 7:59-60 – cost him his life.

b)      But did he possess the true joy found in Christ? Absolutely!

3.      What did being a Christian cost Paul?

a)      2 Cor. 11:24-33

b)      But yet we would not argue that he didn’t possess the fruit of the spirit! He often declared he had that joy!

C.     We stand back in amazement. How can that be?

1.      How can Christians endure struggles and still experience joy?

2.      We will not understand unless we make a distinction between pleasure and the NT concept of joy.  We must change our focus.

 

III. Seeing the contrast…

A.     Our concept of pleasure is based on physical feelings that we like.

1.      And so, we often indulge in our physical desires.

2.      They feel good, delightful, pleasurable.

B.      NT concept of joy is based on purpose in existence.

1.      Rom. 6:11-12 – Christians are no longer slaves to the physical.

2.      We are living for something more important than the physical!

a)      2 Cor. 4:16-5:2

b)      Our existence here is not about the slavery of physical indulgence!

c)      Our citizenship is in heaven! Phil. 3:20.  We’re living for God!

3.      We understand life does not end at death.

4.      NT teaches us that our joy is based on a sense of fulfillment/purpose that pleasure cannot understand.

 

IV. Joy in Hebrews 12:1-3

A.     Heb. 12:1-3

B.      Here we are challenged by the example of those who have gone on before.

1.      Let us get detangle ourselves from things that hamper our spiritual progress.

2.      A matter of urgency. Too often we head off in directions away from God w/o realizing it.  Drift out farther than we can imagine.

C.     We need to view life as though it were a long distance race. Running life w/endurance!

1.      Need to remain focused – set on the goal, the prize.

D.    12:2 – we should never take our eyes off Jesus.

1.      He dedicated his entire existence to faith – and so should we.

2.      He showed us how to live by faith despite incredible opposition.

a)      Suffered even to death, death by crucifixion.

b)      But even this did not destroy him.  How?

E.      12:2 – He knew the joy set before Him.

1.      He knew the joy of living with God & accomplishing His purposes.

2.      Because He knew the joy, he ignored the hostility he experienced.

 

Conclusion:

A.     So what about us? Where is our focus? What do we see?

1.      Remember our focus determines what we see.

2.      How to find true joy is right in front of us. It’s been there the whole time.

3.      If we are focused only on pleasure – we will never come to experience the kind of joy that is seen in the scriptures…

4.      One focus leads us only into self and self gratification

5.      The other focus leads us into a deeper, closer relationship with God where we realize our true purpose in life.

B.      True, real, lasting joy in this life is found by

1.      Living for God.

2.      Living to accomplish His purposes.

C.     For what purpose are you living?

1.      Are you living for a greater purpose? A higher calling?

2.      If not, why not? Become a Christian today!

D. I N V I T A T I O N