True Joy, Not Just Happiness

Galatians 5:22

Pew Bible Pg. 948

I. Joy cannot be based on our circumstances.

A. Joy is not seeking happiness and fulfillment in ourselves or others.

B. Joy is not what the world sees in many of those who profess to follow Christ.

I Peter 1:6-9

II. True joy is an emotional expression of our faith in God’s sovereignty and His plan of salvation.

A. We must confess that we are not in control. Ps. 30, I Thess. 5:16-18

B. In Christ, we find our greatest joy and purpose. Jn. 15:8-12

III. The Spirit of God gives us joy in our relationships with other people.

A. Serving others ought to be a great joy. Rom. 14:13-19

B. Our joy is eternal. Ps. 16:9-11, Isaiah 35

Do I know true joy? Is the joy of the Lord my strength?

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Do I find joy in serving others (even when they treat me like a servant)?

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Do I meditate daily on the eternal joy that is mine in Christ?

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