The Power of Joy

The Power of Joy

Introduction:

The New Testament places considerable emphasis on joy. In those days, joy was not object of what people were searching for – it was a by-product or result of a healthy relationship w/Jesus. We all need to be pursuing this kind of relationship. Too often, our lives may not reflect true joy. We can project an image of distraction, distress, and depression because of an improper focus in life. If we will learn to focus on healthy relationships that move us out of ourselves, we will be amazed at the amount of joy that is produced. That’s the kind of joy that brings people to God.

I. Power of joy as seen in the New Testament

A. Acts 2:44-47 – incredible joy because of real _______________ with each other.

B. Acts 8:1-4 – what empowered them to share gospel even under persecution?

C. Heb. 10:32-36 – incredible insight into mind/thinking of early Christians…

D. Phil. 2:1-4 – Paul’s encouragement for Christians to look outward – apart from _________________ – to others.

E. Other passages in NT speak of joy. Consider:

1. Acts 8:8 – much rejoicing because of many conversions to Christ.

2. Acts 11:22-24 – Barnabas rejoicing at others who found Jesus.

3. Acts 13:52; 15:3

II. 21^st Century Christians Have This Power

A. We must work on knowing each other if we are to meaningfully share our joy.

1. Involves MORE than worshipping together each week.

2. We need to look for and ________________ opportunities to share our lives & know each other better.

a. Not involved? Don’t wait for someone else to do something. Take the _____________________ & get involved w/each other!

B. Consider how Christians are to encourage each other.

1. Rom. 12:15; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Heb. 3:13, 10:24-25

2. This was activity outside of the _____________ __________________.

C. Healthy relationships help build respect and trust in each other.

D. If we are to discover/share our joy – we must spend some “down time” together.

1. We need to get to know each other when we are _______________ & laughing.

2. We need to laugh together as godly people laugh.

a) We need to have __________ __________ together.

Conclusion:

A. We work hard to create all sorts of opportunities to be together. Thanks for your efforts.

1. Let’s ____________________ the number of opportunities.

2. Let’s continue to ___________________ our friendships and build them to even deeper and closer levels.

B. It is in friendship w/God, Jesus, and each other that we will find our greatest, enduring joy.

1. Christian joy has great power! The power of eternal relationships!

C. How is your relationship with God? Is it a source of joy/pain in your life?



The Power of Joy Introduction: The New Testament places considerable emphasis on joy. In those days, joy was not object of what people were searching for – it was a by-product or result of a healthy relationship w/Jesus. We all need to be pursuing this kind of relationship. Too often, our lives may not reflect true joy. We can project an image of distraction, distress, and depression because of an improper focus in life. If we will learn to focus on healthy relationships that move us out of ourselves, we will be amazed at the amount of joy that is produced. That’s the kind of joy that brings people to God. I. Power of joy as seen in the New Testament A. Acts 2:44-47 – incredible joy because of real _______________ with each other. B. Acts 8:1-4 – what empowered them to share gospel even under persecution? C. Heb. 10:32-36 – incredible insight into mind/thinking of early Christians… D. Phil. 2:1-4 – Paul’s encouragement for Christians to look outward – apart from _________________ – to others. E. Other passages in NT speak of joy. Consider: 1. Acts 8:8 – much rejoicing because of many conversions to Christ. 2. Acts 11:22-24 – Barnabas rejoicing at others who found Jesus. 3. Acts 13:52; 15:3 II. 21^st Century Christians Have This Power A. We must work on knowing each other if we are to meaningfully share our joy. 1. Involves MORE than worshipping together each week. 2. We need to look for and ________________ opportunities to share our lives & know each other better. a. Not involved? Don’t wait for someone else to do something. Take the _____________________ & get involved w/each other! B. Consider how Christians are to encourage each other. 1. Rom. 12:15; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Heb. 3:13, 10:24-25 2. This was activity outside of the _____________ __________________. C. Healthy relationships help build respect and trust in each other. D. If we are to discover/share our joy – we must spend some “down time” together. 1. We need to get to know each other when we are _______________ & laughing. 2. We need to laugh together as godly people laugh. a) We need to have __________ __________ together. Conclusion: A. We work hard to create all sorts of opportunities to be together. Thanks for your efforts. 1. Let’s ____________________ the number of opportunities. 2. Let’s continue to ___________________ our friendships and build them to even deeper and closer levels. B. It is in friendship w/God, Jesus, and each other that we will find our greatest, enduring joy. 1. Christian joy has great power! The power of eternal relationships! C. How is your relationship with God? Is it a source of joy/pain in your life?