Joy vs Despair

Telos: Joy flows from understanding God’s Great love for us!

Information

What did they have to be joyful over?

Life was hard. Oppression was real every day.

How do we find Joy in despair?

Everything else is inconsistent. Snow, gifts, health, finances, relationships, and family

Inspiration

Luke 2:10 “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Revelation

When we choose love, we automatically step into joy.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 NKJV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 17:3 NKJV

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Application

Joy to the World! The Lord has arrived.

Don’t run away!

Don’t be afraid!

Joy to the world the Lord is come Let earth receive her king Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven and Heaven and nature sing!

Transformation

Jesus

Others

You

Romans 14:17 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

3 Questions:

What is God saying to you?

What are you going to do about it?

How can I pray for you?

Souls, Souls, Souls!!!!!!!!!