Living Beyond Yourself

Living Beyond Yourself

How to Fight For

Joy

"I have been to Church today, and (surprisingly) I am not depressed.“

“I went to church today depressed but left rejoicing as my heart soared above my cares and into my Savior’s arms.”

Having great

joy in God

Romans 14:17-18 - For the kingdom of God is … righteous-ness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

…joy gives it wings to soar

1 Peter 1:7-9 - Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The joy

of the Lord

is your

strength

The joy

of the Lord

is your

strength

joyjoy strengthstrength

Joy enables us to live lives as

“Gutsy Christians.”

How to fight for

joy

How to fight for

joy

Rejoice in the Lord always!Rejoice in the Lord always!

Philippians 4:4 -Philippians 4:4 -

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad…!Rejoice in the LORD and be glad…!

Psalm 32:11 Psalm 32:11

Be joyful…! Be joyful…!

1 Thessalonians 5:161 Thessalonians 5:16

Two major reasons why we need to practice joy

• Joy counters our fallen nature.

What has happened to all your joy?

What has happened to all your joy?

Galatians 4:15Galatians 4:15

Two Major Reasons Why We Need To Practice Joy

• Joy counters our fallen nature

• Joy puts life’s struggles into perspective

Jesus commands us,

“Rejoice and

leap for joy for

your reward is great

in heaven”

Jesus commands us,

“Rejoice and

leap for joy for

your reward is great

in heaven”

• Joy amidst the pain Joy Amidst

The Pain

These things I have spoken to you that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full.

These things I have spoken to you that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full.

John 15:11

…a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Isaiah 53:3

How to Fight for Joy

in Everyday Life . . .

How to Fight for Joy

in Everyday Life . . .

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Joy is found in praise.1. Joy is found in praise.

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

Joy is found in Focus

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song

Joy is found in Focus

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song

Psalm 28:6-7 Psalm 28:6-7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 Romans 15:13

Faith releases Joy

2. Joy is found in thanksgiving2. Joy is found in thanksgiving

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is as close to hell as you are ever going to get!

The tomb was empty so you don’t have to be!

This is as close to hell as you are ever going to get!

The tomb was empty so you don’t have to be!

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

Baptism