Beulah Alliance Church
Advent, December 10/11, 2022
Locations & Times
Beulah Southwest Campus
5055 Chappelle Rd SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 3L5, Canada
Sunday 9:30 AM
Sunday 11:15 AM
Joy to the World
December 10/11, 2022
Daniel Im
December 10/11, 2022
Daniel Im
Joy is the distinctive mark of Christians
“Joy,” unmitigated, untrammeled joy, is—or at least should be—the distinctive mark of the believer in Christ Jesus. The wearing of black and the long face, which so often came to typify some later expressions of Christian piety, are totally foreign to the Pauline version; Paul the theologian of grace is equally the theologian of joy. Christian joy is not the temporal kind, which comes and goes with one’s circumstances; rather, it is predicated altogether on one’s relationship with the Lord, and is thus an abiding, deeply spiritual quality of life. It finds expression in “rejoicing,” which is not a Christian option, but an imperative.” - Gordon Fee
“Joy,” unmitigated, untrammeled joy, is—or at least should be—the distinctive mark of the believer in Christ Jesus. The wearing of black and the long face, which so often came to typify some later expressions of Christian piety, are totally foreign to the Pauline version; Paul the theologian of grace is equally the theologian of joy. Christian joy is not the temporal kind, which comes and goes with one’s circumstances; rather, it is predicated altogether on one’s relationship with the Lord, and is thus an abiding, deeply spiritual quality of life. It finds expression in “rejoicing,” which is not a Christian option, but an imperative.” - Gordon Fee
How can we rejoice always?
1. Aim for Jesus, not joy
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 CSB)
Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. (John 15:4 CSB)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… (Galatians 5:22-23 CSB)
I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. (John 15:5 CSB)
1. Aim for Jesus, not joy
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 CSB)
Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. (John 15:4 CSB)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… (Galatians 5:22-23 CSB)
I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. (John 15:5 CSB)
2. Be gentle like Jesus
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness (or gentleness) be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5 CSB)
When we rejoice in the Lord, we will become gentle like Jesus.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
“Jesus is not trigger-happy. Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe. The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms…This is who he is. Tender. Open. Welcoming. Accommodating. Understanding. Willing.” - Dane Ortlund
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness (or gentleness) be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5 CSB)
When we rejoice in the Lord, we will become gentle like Jesus.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
“Jesus is not trigger-happy. Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe. The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms…This is who he is. Tender. Open. Welcoming. Accommodating. Understanding. Willing.” - Dane Ortlund
Conclusion: When we aim for Jesus, we become people of joy. And as that happens, our gentleness will be made known to everyone!
Outwardly, our joy will be expressed as gentleness.
Inwardly, our joy will be felt as peace.
Outwardly, our joy will be expressed as gentleness.
Inwardly, our joy will be felt as peace.
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