1 Thessalonians 5:16
SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy
THEME: We
can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is
the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!
INTRODUCTION: As
Christians our inner life is awfully important to God and our spiritual welfare—attitudes,
motives, and behaviors are equally weighty aspects of our inner and external growth
in grace. Doing the right thing should stem from being the right person. You
may recall, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about
someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitudes
include our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; all of which are to be
consecrated to the glory of our Lord God. Our focus today is on the attitude of
joy.
Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts. The Bible distinguishes joy from pleasure. The Greek word for pleasure is the word from which we get our word “hedonism,” the philosophy of self-centered pleasure seeking.”[1]
The Apostle Paul characterized
false teachers as “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4).
Let this be a warning to us all; we are to love God first and foremost. Joy
will prove evasive and illusive as long as we pursue joy, but if we refocus and
pursue the Lord then joy will be a benefit of our lavish communion with him. Rejoicing
can become our habit…our practice…our character…our destiny.
Joy as Action. There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Proverbs 5:18 tells the reader to rejoice in the wife of his youth, without reference to what she may be like. Christ instructed his disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered (Mt 5:11, 12). The apostle Paul commanded continuous rejoicing (Phil 4:4; 1 Thes 5:16). James said Christians are to reckon it all joy when they fall into various testings because such testings produce endurance (Jas 1:2). First Peter 4:13 seems to include both action and emotion…. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian (Gal 5:22).[2]
All of this means our
attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful. This is further supported
by the fact that God commands this behavior—rejoice. “Rejoice” is a firm
authoritative command; not merely a suggestion we can take or leave. We must
cultivate attitudes of Joy to ensure it marks our character.
FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY CONTINUED….
1Thes 5:16, Rejoice
evermore.
Recall also the Apostle
Paul’s wise counsel, “Rejoice in the Lord alway:
and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4).
Thesis: We can foster
the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the
Source, Subject, and Sovereign of our Joy!
A.
First, Rejoice because Jehovah God is Our Source
of Joy (Neh. 8:10-12).
1. We can rejoice always and, in all things,
because the Source of our joy is a constant unchanging and all-sufficient
origin.
2. Joy of the LORD—Jehovah, Yahweh—the existing One! It denotes
absolute rule and authority of the Creator, Owner, and Master of the universe!
3. It is the “joy of the Lord”
that strengthens us and empowers holy resilience—God-wrought buoyancy—divinely
provided elasticity. We can continually rejoice because He always supplies all
we need as we need it and whatever we need.
4. You can rejoice in the Lord as the infinite
Source of our Joy! Joy comes from a supernatural Source—God himself and it is
supernaturally sustained in our experiences. Transcendental, supernatural,
spiritual and mystical are reasonable descriptions of the divine rejoicing; joy
is made available through our faith and dependence upon the Lord for it. As
certainly as the Lord resources our sun and a trillion billion stars in
millions of galaxies He can resource you and me.
5. Nehemiah 8:10-12, Then he said unto them, Go your
way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom
nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. [Power] 11, So the Levites stilled all the people,
saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all
the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to
make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto
them. (Neh. 8:10-12)
6. We make a gross mistake when we pursue joy or
when we expect joy from other sources. While there is natural joy and happiness
that we experience through positive circumstances and healthy relationships.
Some pursue joy primarily in human relationships—spouse, children, friends.
Others look only to things to bring them joy—houses, cars, boats, ect. There
are folks who expect joy in their occupations—promotions, more money and
raises, new joy, bonuses, recognition ect. Yet, others hunt for joy in
achievements—advanced degrees, and on the list goes. The Lord is your real
Source of Joy! Look to Him!
B.
Secondly, Rejoice because Jesus Christ is our
Subject of Joy (Phil. 4:8).
1. Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things
are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
2. Your thought life matters when it comes to
cultivating a joyful character! We can perceive what is involved in rejoicing
evermore by focusing on the Lord. My heart has been rescued from downcast
feelings and thoughts by refocusing my thoughts on the Lord Jesus. Thinking
about Him stirs joy deep within.
3. Reflecting on His compassion, mercy, and love
gives rise to comfort, assurance, and security in the deepest centers of my
soul. Meditating on His patience, wisdom, and courage awakens persistence,
confidence, and peace in my heart—again I am helped!
4. Beloved, concentrate your thoughts on Calvary,
the empty tomb, your resurrected Savior, the ascended Christ, the enthroned and
powerful Lord, our all-glorious Advocate, our compassionate High Priest, and
the coming King of kings and Lord of lords!
5. Remember Jesus saved you, forgave you, brought
you into the family of God and gave you his blessed Holy Spirit. Heaven and
forever with the Lord is your eternal reality. Beloved, shout for joy! Let it
rise from the depth of your ever-deepening conviction that you have many
reasons to rejoice in the Lord. O’ the impact of Christ on our inner life is
reason to rejoice evermore! (Phil.
1:4, 18; 2:16-18; 3:3; 4:4, 10; 1 Peter 1:5-8; 1 John 1:1-4)
6. If you merely ruminate on what’s wrong, bad,
evil, sinful, awful, or negative then you will naturally be down cast and
mitigate the joy you seek to build in your life!
C.
Thirdly, Rejoice because Father-God is Our
Sovereign of Joy (Acts 16:19-35).
1. JOY is an acrostic for Jehovah over You! He is
wonderfully in control of our circumstances! The command to “Rejoice evermore” (1Thess. 5:16) certainly rises out of a firmly fixed
conviction that God is in complete control of our circumstances and challenges!
His plan concerning you and me is good! We really believe that…come what may.
No one else and nothing else occupies the throne of the entire universe! God
alone rules forever on high over all; He is supremely in control. If he rules
over all, then that includes you and me. If he exercises control over all, then
we must accept his control over us. For me, this is reason to rejoice!
2. Accordingly, in Acts 16:19-35, Paul and Silas were simply obeying God and
preaching the Gospel of Christ in Philippi. People were being saved and lives
were changing, but this brought false accusations, physical persecution, public
humiliating beatings, condemnation without a fair trial, and imprisonment in a
dank jail. Rather than being bitter, lapsing into depression, or plotting an
escape, these servants of Christ demonstrated confidence in God’s great plan
for them. Instead of weeping, cussing, complaining, or protesting they rejoiced
and sang praises to God! This was a powerful testimony to the on-watching
prisoners. You see, this is the power of joy in action—strengthening and
sustaining faithful servants to continue in the work of the Lord Jesus. In
fact, God started the church at Philippi with the converts from this
development.
3. Our role is to trust this truth and be
glad in the Lord God. Notice how David agrees with Paul saying, “Be
glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye
righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in
heart” (Ps 32:11). Why not join David and
shout for joy? Why??? You and I are not subject to chance, lucky stars, fate,
or horoscopes. God is managing our affairs with love, grace, wisdom, power,
and this is far more meaningful than impersonal forces randomly impacting our
lives!
4. Since your confidence and trust is indeed
in the Lord “rejoice” and “shout for joy”! "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let
them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful
in thee." (Ps 5:11) Express your love for the Lord Jesus by rejoicing in Him. Envelop
yourself in His defense strategies first and foremost; rejoice in the
impeccable security Jehovah affords. Once again, the Apostle Paul said it
perfectly, "Rejoice in the Lord alway:
and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4). There
is NO need to fret or fear—trust Him implicitly.
5. When we keep our minds and hearts upon the truth
that Christ controls our circumstances, then we can’t help but rejoice. With
the Lord on the throne, everything will ultimately be alright. He does all
things well; He rules with wisdom, power, and love. He is our Sovereign, Source
and Subject of Joy; therefore, keep rejoicing as you go! (Acts
16:19-35)
6. If you find
it difficult to give God control of your entire life, it may be you do not trust
His sovereign wisdom, power, or love! On the other side of full surrender is
victory and joy unspeakable and full of glory! (1Pet.
1:5-9)
II.
Rejoicing Always and in All
Conditions Must be Fostered…How May We Foster Joy? While we fully acknowledge joy cannot be produce through
mere human manipulations, there our spiritual activities that God uses to
produce joyful experiences. So, again what are some ways we may experience joy?
A.
By
Communing with God through Christ (1John 1:4)
B.
By Abiding
(staying) in Jesus Christ to be Fruitful (John 15:11)
C.
By Depending
on the Spirit for his gracious life-changing Fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)
D.
By Reaping a
Harvest of Converts through sharing the Gospel (Phil. 2:15-18)
E.
By Rejoicing
in the Lord Habitually and Intentionally (Phil. 4:4)
F.
By Renewing
the Mind with Scripture (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 4:8)
CONCLUSION:
We can foster the spiritual attitude
of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and
Sovereign of spiritual Joy!
Holy Joy can be the continual
experience of Christians, even in the most contrary conditions. Beloved, this
is because our great God is the source, subject and sovereign of our joy!
Therefore, we can deliberately “rejoice evermore.” In doing so we foster the
attitude of joy. Remember, Christ is fully in control of our circumstances.
Even from
the world of science and psychology, joy and happiness have been linked to good
health:
1. Promotes a healthier lifestyle
- Protects
your heart
- Combats
disease and disability
- Boosts/strengthens
your immune system
- Fights
stress and supports fewer aches and pains
- Promotes longevity—lengthens our lives
Truly, “a merry heart doeth good
like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22; see also Prov. 15:13). The science world is only
beginning to realize the physical and temporal benefits of joy and happiness. For
thousands of years the Scriptures have informed us of these along with the far
reaching spiritual benefits of a joyful life in Christ. Let us explore the wonders
of intimate communion with the Lord; one incredible result is fullness of joy
(1John 1:1-4). In obedience to God’s command, let us “rejoice evermore” in the
Lord!
Finally, as joy-filled believers, we
will make a positive impact for the glory of God. It is easy to conceive how
more people would come to Christ if we were characterized by real joy (Jn.
15:11; 10:10). Christ wills that His people not only have life, but that
we have it more abundantly! Joy should not only create a curiosity, but also a
hunger in hearts for the Lord. Christianity should be marked by saltiness while
providing light to all (Matt. 5:13-16). Joy is solid evidence of Christianity’s
distinctive testimony. Remember the words of the Savior, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven”
(Luke 10:20).
Our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands this behavior—rejoice. “Rejoice” is a firm authoritative command; not merely a suggestion we can take or leave. We must cultivate attitudes of Joy to ensure it marks our character.
ReplyDeletehttps://maxevangel.blogspot.com/2020/04/fostering-attitude-of-joy-2.html
#God #Christ #Joy #Rejoice #Choice #Power #Grace #Strength #Fostering #MaxEvangel
Truly, “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22; see also Prov. 15:13). The science world is only beginning to realize the physical and temporal benefits of joy and happiness. For thousands of years the Scriptures have informed us of these along with the far reaching spiritual benefits of a joyful life in Christ. Let us explore the wonders of intimate communion with the Lord; one incredible result is fullness of joy (1John 1:1-4). In obedience to God’s command, let us “rejoice evermore” in the Lord!
ReplyDeletehttps://maxevangel.blogspot.com/2020/04/fostering-attitude-of-joy-2.html
#God #Christ #Joy #Rejoice #Choice #Power #Grace #Strength #Fostering #MaxEvangel