How to Be Joyful John 15:9-11

At Christmas one of the usual themes is joy You see it on cards & decorations You hear it in songs… The reason for this theme is not hard to find… It is interesting to see how many times joy occurs in Scripture I wonder if we really experience joy as God intended...

I. Understand the Relational Aspect of Joy “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” (John 15:9, NKJV)

A. Joy is a byproduct of a loving relationship As relational beings, we find joy in being loved As intelligent beings, we find joy in being secure “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9, NKJV) “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NKJV)

B. Joy is a byproduct of loving obedience There is joy in knowing we are rightly related to God through our personal faith in Christ There is joy in knowing we are rightly related to God in our daily walk with Christ

II. Joy is a byproduct of loving obedience “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10, NKJV)

A. We may experience consequential joy from good decisions and proper A. We may experience consequential joy from good decisions and proper behavior We may lack joy, even as a believer, if we are in disobedience “The joy of our heart has ceased; Our dance has turned into mourning.” (Lam 5:15, NKJV) We may lack joy as a believer if we are living in fear, instead of living in confidence in Him

B. We may experience residual joy from providential circumstances Seeing God at work behind the scenes brings joy “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” (Jn 16:22, NKJV) Knowing He is at work at all times brings joy

III. Undertake the Personal Responsibility for Joy “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11, NKJV)

A. Our experience of joy is affected by our personal responses The words of Christ were given to provide joy amid trials The Word of God is given to provide joy in His truth The Holy Spirit was given as a means of joy “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering…” (Galatians 5:22, NKJV)

B. Our experience of joy is affected by our personal attitudes Our trust in His Word affects our attitudes Our rest in His love affects our attitudes “But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.” (Psalm 68:3, NKJV) “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Neh 8:10b)