chara

The Impact of Joy

The Impact of Joy

12/19/2021 - Dave Riddle 

Luke 2:10 - Good news of great joy! 

Joy is Not the Same Thing as Personal Happiness

  • Happiness is circumstantial

    • Joy is different

  • 1 Peter 1:8 - …inexpressible and glorious joy

    • “Joy unspeakable and full of glory“

    • Joy = chara (χαρά) a calm delight

  • Pipe dream or attainable reality?

Joy is Commanded

  • Philippians 4:4 - Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again rejoice.

    • An imperative.

Joy Requires Intentionality & Commitment

  • Colossians 3:2 - set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.

    • Set your mind = phroneō (φρονέω) To direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for

Joy Can Become Our Orientation

  • Galatians 5:22 - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…

How Do We “Set Our Minds…”?

Remember How Loved You Are

  • The love we experience on Earth pales in comparison to the love the Heavenly Father has for us.

Remember Who(se) You Are

  • 1 John 3:1, 1 Peter 2:9-10 - This is our identity! This is who we are!

Remember What You Have

  • 1 Peter 1:3-7 - …an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading…

John 15:11 -  “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

  • Complete, full, overflowing = plēroō (πληρόω) - to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim