Why did Jesus come?

- Jesus came to give hope
- Jesus came to give peace

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) - You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

- Jesus came to give joy.

The arrival of Jesus was a joyful occasion.

Matthew 2:10–11 (ESV) - When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Luke 2:10–11 (ESV) - And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Jesus came to give joy that is full.

John 10:9–11 (ESV) - I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 15:9–11 (ESV) - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

What is joy?

Joy is a state of being, not an emotion; a result of choice, not circumstance (Lexham Bible Dictionary).

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV) - But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) - In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

The truth about joy:

1. Joy trusts the character of God.

2. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

3. Joy is focused on what Christ is doing in us and through us, rather than on our circumstances.

James 1:2–4 (ESV) - Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 8:28–29 (ESV) - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) - …looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

4. Joy is the result of loving obedience.

John 15:9–11 (ESV) - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

5. Joy overflows from thankfulness and contentment.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV) - Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:12–13 (ESV) - I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

6. Joy is the effect of remaining focused on the gospel.

Matthew 13:20–21 (ESV) - As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

7. Joy is a result of serving others – just like Jesus served us.

Matthew 20:28 (ESV) - …even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

To cultivate joy:
1. Trust God’s character.
2. Rely on the power of the Spirit (fruit).
3. Rejoice in what Jesus is doing in you and through you.
4. Pursue obedience, thankfulness and contentment in Christ.
5. Actively serve/love those around you.

Romans 15:13 (ESV) - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Discussion Questions
1. In what way does our culture idolize happiness?

2. Read John 15:9-11. Describe, in your own words, specifically what Jesus is teaching us in verse 11. In what way does this encourage you?

3. How is biblical joy different than the cultural view of happiness? Why is this distinction important to understand in living the Christian life?

4. Seven points were discussed under the truth about joy. Share which of these truths impacted your understanding of joy the most and why. Did any of them cause a question you want to discuss with this group? Feel free to ask it.

5. How does practicing gratitude and contentment influence our experience of joy?

6. How can we, as the body of Christ, help one another remain focused on our joy in Christ during hard times? Maybe share a personal story of how a brother or sister helped you in a particularly difficult time.

7. Read 1 John 1:1-4 (this was not in the sermon notes). What does John say is the purpose of his writing and influence does this have on how important it is to study the Bible?