Text: Hebrews 12:1-3 The Joy of the Lord

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8: 10

What Is So Different about the Joy of the Lord?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1

2. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith 2. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION A. Our Joy AFTER Salvation “I tell you the truth you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION A. Our Joy AFTER Salvation “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION A. Our Joy AFTER Salvation “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION B. God’s Joy PRIOR to Our Salvation “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for prisoners, Isaiah 61:1

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION B. God’s Joy PRIOR to Our Salvation “for sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace . . . 22. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Romans 6:14, 22

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION B. God’s Joy PRIOR to Our Salvation “I put this in human terms because you were weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” Romans 6:19

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION B. God’s Joy PRIOR to Our Salvation “When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” 12. Do not let sin control the way you live; [do not let sin reign in your body] do not give in to sinful desires. Romans 6:10,11,12 NLT

I. THE JOY OF SALVATION B. God’s Joy PRIOR to Our Salvation "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6