NOTES: Wonder, part 2
Sermon: Wonder: Joy
Text: 1 John 4:7-13
Date: Sunday Dec.3, 2023
Let’s Connect:
“MORE JOY NOW”:
God designed us to NEED joy!
Text Explained:
John 15: 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Incomplete joy?
Since the fall- humanity has experienced the lack of joy:
Life that was once only joy, will now have separation, pain and sorrow in the mix.
The fall of mankind was the fall of joy.
The commands of God protect the joy!
But the fullness of joy was yet to come.
Isaiah 25:8–9 (ESV) 8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. 9 It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
The advent of Jesus- “great joy”
Joy is found throughout the account of Jesus’ coming.
John 15:9–11 (ESV) 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Insights on this text:
Joy is the unshakable soul satisfaction we experience because of God’s love
we are kept in this love by the Father in Jesus Christ through the Spirit.
The result of the abiding obedient relationship is joy!
This is our present joy…More Joy NOW!
Let’s Relate:
What awakens His joy in you?
What disconnects you from His joy?
Practical ways to awaken this joy:
Paul—Joy and suffering can coexist. 2 Corinthians 6:7–10
“The core demand of the Bible is not just embracing Jesus as Savior or Lord, but treasuring the Savior and Lord as your chief delight.” (Piper)
God invites our wonder when He is the object and source of our curiosity.
Whatever most awakens His joy will lead you to an abiding obedient relationship with Jesus!
Our Challenge:
More Joy NOW! Keep singing your “more beautiful song!”