Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:2-11
Advent/Christmas Series
I. LAYING THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR JOY
A. Straightening Out the Myths about Joy
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- Joy is not a bumper sticker: Jesus, Others, You
- Joy is not that different than happiness
i. Happiness is a relational value: one is made happy “on account of” or by means of something else.
B. So What is Joy?
1. Joy, in the Old Testament, signifies not only an inward feeling, but an audible and visible expression. Many times joy is used in the context of shouting, crying aloud, exulting, singing, dancing, clapping and feasting.
People find joy in ordinary daily life: the love of a spouse (Prov. 5:18; Eccle. 9:9), wise children (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 23:24-25), good meals (Eccl. 10:19; Ps. 104:15), harvest time (Is. 9:3 Ps. 126:5-6, Heb. 9:2), the fruit of one’s labors (Eccl. 3:22), an “apt” answer (Prov. 12:20; 15:23), and good news (I Sam. 11:9).
More often, joy occurs in theological contexts that celebrate who God is and what God does.
Joy occurs to those who have experienced deliverance (Ps. 21:1; Is. 25:9; Hab. 3:18), protection (Ps. 4:7), steadfast love (Ps. 21:6-7; 31:7; 90:14), forgivenss and restoration (Ps. 30:5; 51:8; 12); righteousness judgments (Ps. 48:11; 67:4; 96:11-13).
Joy in God is not only in thanksgiving for past deliverance but also in anticipation of future salvation (Ps. 40:17; Is. 30:29; 35:10; 55:12; 61:7; Jer. 31:12-13).
There is “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” whenever one is in the presence of God (Ps. 16:9-11).
2. Joy, in the New Testament, is everywhere. Joy is characterizes the new era inaugurated by the coming of the Messiah. At his birth, angels announce “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10-11). The joy that characterizes the kingdom of God surpasses all other joys. A person discovers this hidden treasure of the kingdom, “in his joy he goes and sells all that he has” for the sake of attaining it (Matt. 13:44). The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son speak of the rejoicing in heaven over a sinner’s repentance and salvation (Luke 15:3-32). In John’s Gospel, the statement that joy is “fulfilled” or “complete” (3:29. 15:11; 16:24; 17:13; see also I John 1:4; 2 John 12) indicates that its object has appeared in the person of Jesus. Abiding in him is the key to attaining it.
II. BUILDING THE BIBLICAL FRAMEWORK FOR JOY IN OUR LIVES (Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11)
A. The Primary Emotion that Destroys Joy: FEAR
Isaiah 35:3-4 “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God . . . He will come and save you.”
B. The Example of John the Baptist: Even the Most Committed Can Be Robbed of Their Joy by Fear (When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”)
Other Examples: Joseph, the husband of Mary (Mt. 1:20); Twelve (Mt. 8:26); Disciples (Mt. 10:31); Peter (Mt. 14:30); Mary Magdalene (Matt. 28:5,8 “afraid and filled with joy)
Fear comes in all sizes: failure, doubt, suffering, survival, overwhelmed, opposition, persecution, death, etc. It robs us of the ability to see clearly, think accurately, and put our feelings under control.
1. The Expression of Jesus is Important: DO NOT FEAR (Matthew 10:26,28; 31; 14:27; 17:7; 28:10; Mark 4:40; 5:36; 6:50; Luke 8:50; 12:4; 12:7, 32; John 6:20. 12:15; 14:27)
C. The Primary Tools that Helps Overcoming Fear: FACTS, FAITH, AND LOVE SURROUNDING JESUS! (Matthew 11:4-11; Is. 35:1-10)
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- Jesus tells John the Baptist the Facts of His Ministry (Beatitude no one knows, Matthew 11:6 “Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me”)
- Isaiah announces coming transformations of weapons, economies, social orders, animals, land, human disabilities, locations, power, and destinies.
- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear,(I John 4:18)
III. LEARNING TO LIVE OUT OUR JOY DAILY
A. Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry and Create Margins in Your Life
B. Relax and Be Content Where God has Placed You in this Season of Life
C. Intentionally Improve Your Marriage to Jesus. Eliminate dating or thinking you are simply engaged to the Coming King.
Advent 3, December 12, 2010, The Way Christian Fellowship, Fr. Tony Baron, teaching pastor.