Jesus – Joy in the Midst of our Sorrows

Introduction

I wonder what you think of this statement: “The flavor of Christianity is one of joy.” [ - joy in the midst of sorrow]. I like the statement and think it rings true with Scripture. The journey for following Jesus is one of joy in the midst of sorrow.

So, this morning we will look at and see that angels announced good news of great joy, and made their announcement to people who were in sorrowful circumstances – poor, marginalized shepherds. People who would have experienced loss, hatred, scorn… as is typical for all people living in a fallen world. Common people like us. Men who would have known they did not measure up to the perfect standards of God’s Law, would have known there was a need for Messiah to come – for the one great righteous King, Savior, and Deliverer to establish his kingdom and reconcile them to God. Their state and his absence would have caused them to struggle to have hope, and the struggle with the fallout from Adam & Eve’s fall would have hindered their joy. Fear of not measuring up, fear of loss, and fear of condemnation would have threatened their faith and joy in God. They would have been tempted to settle for what they could do easily, merely seeking their temporary joy in worldly activity.

We are in our second of four Sunday messages in the Advent series, preparing our hearts for celebrating Jesus’s birth. Last week Patrick showed the Scripture teaches that there is hope in Jesus, because Jesus shows us that God loves us. In spite of the fact that the world around us appears hopeless, Jesus brings hope, and there is no greater hope than Jesus. We see that Jesus’s birth brought hope to the world that was estranged from God because of our love for sin, which leads to trusting in our own wisdom for hope and security. Jesus’s first appearing and especially his second appearing were seen to be causes of rejoicing even in suffering, enabling us to count our suffering a blessing because we get to identify with the Suffering Servant King, Jesus.

This morning, our message from , , and is really an exhortation to invigorate and focus our fight for joy in the midst of sorrow.

Luke 2:10 ESV

10 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.

(ESV)

10 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.

[Summarize this context]: (ESV)

[Summarize this context]: (ESV)

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Pray.

Bless you Father, for all the ways you have been gracious to us.

We are grateful for our time together, seeing one another, and your work amongst us.

By your Spirit would you do great things in us as a church, even through this morning.

We ask you for hearts that are joyful and full of faith, so that even in the midst of the trials of life our eyes are upon you, and we stand with you.

Here’s where we’re going:

I. How is Jesus’s birth good news of great joy?

II. How should we respond to the joyful news?

III. What hinders our joy in God?

IV. Jesus’s preaching and saving work enable joy in sorrow

I. How is Jesus’s birth good news of great joy?

What is joy? I want to sketch that for us quickly, seeing that God created the world good, and there was much about it to enjoy and praise God for. But, the joy was hampered greatly when Adam and Eve believed the lie that there was better joy to be found outside of God, outside of His will.

A lot of that good creation is still evident (outdoors scenery, children, friends, weddings, and the fruit of the vine.

But under the curse of sin, these things we celebrate fall short of the full glory of God, or at least our response does. We tend to settle for the pleasures of the world apart from seeing God in and through them. We make idols, substitute saviors out of the things intended to point us upward, to rejoicing in God.

Now, the world would define joy as favorable circumstances with your expectations being met.

But as the record of Scripture moves from creation, to fall, into redemption, we find that the more valuable form of joy that is so central to the Christian life is a joy that is sustained even in trials and hardship.

Think of God’s people in the exile in Egypt, and how upon their escape by God’s mighty hand against Pharaoh were able to rejoice even in the desert.

Illustration from engineering materials. Quenched and tempered and aged materials can accomplish more and cost more to create. God is working to create in us a joy that is more like that special alloy that is put in the fire, then cooled and aged in just the right way. He is creating in us something more valuable.

And that is what God is doing with sending Jesus – He is showing how His redemptive plans are glorious, and bringing greater joy to His people than they can have from any other source.

So, it is good news because…

A. God promised peace through Jesus

… as peace is brought by Jesus, the one who is worthy of honor and respect. “According to Roman imperial propaganda, Caesar Augustus is the savior who will proclaim the good news of peace. In reality, Jesus is the real “Savior” (v. 11) who will proclaim the “good news” (v. 10) of “peace” (v. 14).” [Zondervan Study Bible (“ZSB”)]

Plus, it is good news because…

B. Trust is built

… as promises are shown to be kept, God’s word is true. “Check it out: God is doing something great!”

· Son of the Most High, reign on the throne of David, everlasting kingdom ()

· The people who walked in darkness would see a great light, they would increase in joy, their burden from their oppressors would be lifted. More than all of that, a child was promised with the titles Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And he will have an everlasting kingdom. ()

Jesus’s birth is also good news because…

C. Love and mercy are displayed

in Almighty God’s heart for the poor and marginalized. Mary is quoted in (ESV) saying

Luke 1:52 ESV

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

And

But God shows his love in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Not only love, but mercy. We cry for mercy as humans when we realize that circumstances cannot provide lasting joy, when hope in substitute saviors fails. And his mission is to save us from those false joys.

God is glorified in the birth and mission of His Son. What is that mission? To redeem His children who are enslaved to sin, and transform them into a holy people.

D. Transforming ministry is initiated.

It’s great that this Savior is born to bring peace and reconciliation, keep God’s promises, display His love and mercy – all of that shows us there is a lot more to follow the birth!

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

Luke 4:18 ESV

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

Do you hear the transformations? And it’s evident in…

(ESV)

Titus 2:14 ESV

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Again – transformation (redeem from all lawlessness and purify us, and making us zealous for good works.

Again – transformation (redeem from all lawlessness and purify us, and making us zealous for good works.

So he redeems, forgives, and brings us into His family to take part in His transforming mission with Him!

These are the reasons that I wanted to highlight as to why this birth is good news – there is nothing greater in the history of the universe than to have God Almighty giving His great love, even for sinners, and making a way through Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself for us, in our place, for our sins, giving us His perfect righteousness so that we could be with our loving and gracious Heavenly Father forever. That is the gospel.

II. How should we respond to this joyful news?

[Be brief here, as it is merely pressing on the will.]

(ESV)

Psalm 32:11 ESV

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Philippians 4:4 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

(ESV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 ESV

16 Rejoice always,

(ESV)

16 Rejoice always,

(ESV)

8 I have set the Lord always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8–11 ESV

8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

Matthew 5:11–12 ESV

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(ESV)

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

So we ought to be happy in God!

A. Ought to be happy in God

And if the birth is good news of great joy for all people, then as recipients of this grace we …

B. Ought to be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven.”

But, not with a trite joy, based on worldly pleasures or glibness (circumstantial happiness). This joy enables us to go deep into the suffering of others because we know the one who has descended into the deepest pain and suffering, and has overcome. Now we are more than conquerers through Him. So, we…

C. Ought to weep with those who weep

(ESV)

Romans 12:15 ESV

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

But it isn’t just others who weep, and are struggling.

2 Corinthians 4:9 ESV

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

(ESV)

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

(ESV)

2 Corinthians 6:2–10 ESV

2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

2 For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you,

and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

So there is a joy that is real, even in the midst of sorrow. Some of you have experienced that.

Yet, even with our best efforts, we know joy is hindered.

III. What hinders our joy in God?

Hindrances to our happiness in God – sin underneath the sin.

A. Clues in Israel’s sadness and mourning ()

(hit highlights from Isaiah and history – emphasis here on not having the power of the Spirit to defeat sin since Jesus had not yet come to bring the new covenant)

tells us that there was true Israel who trusted God, and then there was everyone against them who had turned from God, hated justice, righteousness, and truth, but loved their sin. The Lord sees it and came to make war against all the unrighteous, defeating.

show Israel had mourning, ashes / grief, faint spirit, and lived in ruins. Because of their both humanities sin in Adam, and their own sinful turning from God, they were in need of redemption and restoration. So their joy was hindered, especially if they had they eyes on their current situation.

B. Snares along our journey ()

For us, we too have our joy hindered as we look to circumstances… residual effects of sin (death, sickness, disease, special needs, relationships broken, temptations in a still fallen world). There are both corporate and individual snares.

Rich fool in treasured this world.

Luke 12:19 ESV

19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’

(ESV)

19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”

Things of the world have a temporary glory that cannot sustain, but having our eyes upon things that are above will not disappoint. The joy of Christ’s kingdom will not fade.

Hindered when we try to skip the reality of our sin and get around our grief, skipping straight to the joy. It must be that we truly grieve, and bring our sadness into the light.

NCCm struggles/transitions.

Family struggles.

Health struggles.

[skip this quote]

[Quote from Piper to transition / focus back on Christ:

The "No Vacancy" signs over all the motels in Bethlehem were for your sake. "For your sake he became poor." God rules all things—even motel capacities—for the sake of his children. The Calvary road begins with a "No Vacancy" sign in Bethlehem and ends with the spitting and scoffing and the cross in Jerusalem.

And we must not forget that he said: "He who would come after me must deny himself and take up his cross." We join him on the Calvary road and hear him say: "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you" (). To the one who calls out enthusiastically: "I will follow you wherever you go!" Jesus responds, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

Yes, God could have seen to it that Jesus have a room at his birth. But that would have been a detour off the Calvary road.

]

But is God silent about help for us in the midst of the sorrows of a fallen world? No!

In the same book where Paul stated that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, he says this:

(ESV)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31–39 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

IV. Jesus’s preaching and saving work enable joy in sorrow

Another way to say this is: It is not enough for us to be told we should be joyful. It’s only through Jesus’s ministry, being rightly related to Him that we can have this true joy in sorrow.

Let’s hear what Jesus said about the joy He wants for us and how it comes:

John 15:1–11 ESV

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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.

(ESV)

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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.

John 15:1–11 ESV

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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.

All of this talk about fruit reminds me of the fruit of the Spirit, one part being JOY.

All of this talk about fruit reminds me of the fruit of the Spirit, one part being JOY.

What then is Jesus saying is the way to have joy?

First…

A. Hear and believe

They already had his word, so they were clean. There can be no joy for us if we are not believing the word he taught about His salvation, his life given for our reconciliation, his death as the atonement for our sins (wages of sin are death).

We cannot be united to the vine, the source of life if we don’t trust all that this vine tells us.

NCC and guests: Hear and believe in the good news of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection as the way we can be reconciled to God and live with Him forever.

Now, when he said these things in , it was the night before his crucifixion. So, …

B. See that Jesus is not far from our suffering but entered into it

Even from birth He was on the Calvary road, at an inn with no room, so cast out into the dirty stable.

He came to His people Israel, but was rejected by nearly every single one of them. So, since then the non-Jews have enjoyed the blessing of salvation promised long ago to Israel.

Later in the passage we read earlier, his hometown rejects Him.

(ESV)

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

Isaiah 61:3–4 ESV

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

C. Pursue joy in Jesus amidst sorrow (Abide in Him)

Jesus said to abide or remain in Him. I take from this that we are to stay with Him, and not seek our joy outside of Him.

Personally, in my times of deepest suffering, I have not found it easy to have joy. In fact, at times I felt like I was suffocating. At other times I felt like everything was just ending, and there was no hope.

But, Jesus didn’t promise us it would be easy.

And thank God, I had others around me who would speak the truth of God’s word and His promises to me.

So, part of pursuing joy and abiding in Jesus is that we not try and handle sorrow alone. We need to entrust ourselves to the body of Christ who loves us and will speak the truth to us, remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

D. Bear fruit of Spirit and harvest of people (be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy)

So, NCCm, I want to encourage us to reach others with the news of joy in Christ. That is, in tough circumstances, Jesus is enough because He is good, faithful, loving, and true. He is a companion for us in suffering, embodied by us as believers going to one another.

· Can weep with those who weep

[skip reading]

Romans 12:14–21 ESV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

[skip reading]

· Holy Spirit’s enabling to kill sin (, )

Romans 8:12–13 ESV

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

(ESV)

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

· Can be happy in God, knowing Him as Father ()

[skip reading]

Romans 8:14–17 ESV

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

· Enjoyment of righteous living (, )

[skip reading]

(ESV)

Titus 2:13–14 ESV

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

(ESV)

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

Psalm 23:6 ESV

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

· Free from the power of sin, the fear of death, because Jesus defeated death ().

Conclusion: We will rejoice fully ()

As a bride united with bridegroom (Knowing God’s love fully) (also )

As children with Father ( on adoption)

As having eyes opened (, )

Believe the good news of a great joy!

He has given us light by entering into our darkness brought about by our sin.

… strength by becoming weak

… rest by His work on our behalf

… life by His death in our place

… victory by taking our loss

… reconciliation by taking our shame

… eternal joy and peace by taking our sorrow

Outline for bulletin

Title: “Jesus – Joy in the midst of our sorrows”

, , , ;

Big idea: We should diligently pursue genuine joy in God through Christ - the joy of salvation and righteousness that Jesus preached and which he enabled by his victory over everything that is against us. This pursuit of joy happens through repentance, belief, remembrance, and putting to death the deeds of the flesh.

I. How is Jesus’s birth good news of great joy?

II. How should we respond to the joyful news?

III. What hinders our joy in God?

IV. Jesus’s preaching and saving work enable joy in sorrow

Christmas Advent 2019

Dec. 1 - Week 1- Jesus, Hope in Suffering ; -

Dec. 8 - Week 2- Jesus, Joy in Sadness –

Dec. 15 - Week 3 – Jesus, Love for Sinners - ;

Dec. 22 - Week 4 – Jesus, Peace with the Father;

Dec. 24 - Week 5 – Jesus, Light of the World & 8

Background / notes material

FCF

Christmas Joy. Tis the Season! So - this is so often NOT a season of Joy Why not? What are we not believing that lets this holiday steal our Joy? 2 things that showed the joy of the shepherds - 1) they left everything immediately to go and see the baby. That is unusual for a shepherd but they had to! Nothing would keep them from that. Man. I want to be more like that! Ugh! I am so easily pulled away from what I am preaching this week! 2) They told everyone. Piper says that sharing our joy is the natural overflow of joy. In other words, we naturally share because we are so excited - like talking with friends about a favorite show or recapping a big play from the football game. What does this say about us and the gospel?

Man - I want this joy! So I am praying for it. for me and my family and for you and all of New City. Help us to see the beauty of prophecy fulfilled - how amazing is our God! Help us to believe that Jesus is truly the promised King - and to understand how huge this really is. In our sorrow and hurt help us see what is yet to come - help us see and long for the final kingdom when all that is broken will be fixed. Help us find joy in the faithfulness of our Father.

FCF

Fear, sadness

From add: captivity, faint spirit, dishonor/shame

Exegetical Big Idea of

Messiah announces good news, it is confirmed by God in an everlasting covenant, and it transforms those who are in covenant relationship.

Sermon Big Idea (draft)

We should diligently pursue the joy of salvation and righteousness that Jesus preached and which he enabled by his victory over everything that is against us. This pursuit happens through repentance, belief, remembrance, and putting to death the deeds of the flesh.

Quotes

I. Intro – like Ortlund’s, the flavor of Christianity is one of joy. Introduce both hindrances and the FCF in here, where we seek joy in worldly activity. Give Advent series background. Give big idea (exhortation to invigorate and focus our fight for joy) and direction for the flow of sermon. Read , then context of 2:8-20. [Keller’s (1) above.]

II. How is Jesus’s birth good news of great joy? [Keller’s (2) above.]

A. Trust is built as promises are shown to be kept, God’s word is true. “Check it out: God is doing something great!”

B. Love displayed in Almighty God’s heart for the poor and marginalized.

C. Transforming ministry is initiated. It’s great, and there is a lot more to follow!

III. How should we respond to this joyful news? [Keller’s (4) above]

[Be brief here, as it is merely pressing on the will.]

, , , ,

A. Ought to be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy

B. Ought to be happy in God

C. Ought to weep with those who weep

Use as transition (rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep)

IV. What hinders our joy in God?

Hindrances to our happiness in God – sin underneath the sin.

A. Israel’s sadness and mourning ()

(hit highlights from Isaiah and history – emphasis here on not having the power of the Spirit to defeat sin since Jesus had not yet come to bring the new covenant)

show Israel had mourning, ashes / grief, faint spirit, and lived in ruins.

B. Our journey, corporately and individually ()

Emphasis here on residual effects of sin (death, sickness, disease, special needs, relationships broken, temptations in a still fallen world).

Rich fool in treasured this world. Could also go with , and 19:6.

Things of the world have a temporary glory that cannot sustain, but having our eyes upon things that are above will not disappoint. The joy of Christ’s kingdom will not fade.

Hindered when we try to skip the reality of our sin and get around our grief, skipping straight to the joy. It must be that we truly grieve, and bring our sadness into the light.

NCCm struggles/transitions.

Family struggles.

Health struggles.

Use (more than conquerors) as transition into we can rejoice now.

V. Jesus’s preaching and work enables joy in sadness [Keller’s (3) above]

[Be long here, maybe break the one point into multiple]

A. We can rejoice now

i. Can be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy

ii. Can weep with those who weep

iii. Can be happy in God

iv. Can over overcome hindrances to our happiness in God

Or

i. Good news known and believed (, etc.)

ii. God known intimately as Father ()

iii. Holy Spirit’s enabling to kill sin (, )

iv. Enjoyment of righteous living (, )

v. Free from guilt and power of sin through Jesus (ZSB). As the suffering servant, he took the condemnation of our sins. As the Warrior, he defeats the power of sin.

vi. Free from the power of sin, the fear of death, because Jesus defeated death ().

vii. Helping those who weep by weeping with them, that they may rejoice with us ()

B. We will rejoice fully ()

i. As a bride united with bridegroom (Knowing God’s love fully) (also )

ii. As children with Father ( on adoption)

iii. As having eyes opened (, )

Believe the good news of a great joy!

· He has given us light by entering into our darkness brought about by our sin.

· … strength by becoming weak

· … rest by His work on our behalf

· … life by His death in our place

· … victory by taking our loss

· … reconciliation by taking our shame

· … eternal joy and peace by taking our sorrow

VI. Concluding thoughts for MCs.

Old sermon outline

I. We are called to rejoice in God

, , , ,

Use as transition (rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep)

II. Our joy is hindered

a. Israel’s sadness and mourning ()

(hit highlights from Isaiah and history – emphasis here on not having the power of the Spirit to defeat sin since Jesus had not yet come to bring the new covenant)

show Israel had mourning, ashes / grief, faint spirit, and lived in ruins.

b. Our journey, corporately and individually ()

Emphasis here on residual effects of sin (death, sickness, disease, special needs, relationships broken, temptations in a still fallen world).

Things of the world have a temporary glory that cannot sustain, but having our eyes upon things that are above will not disappoint. The joy of Christ’s kingdom will not fade.

NCCm struggles/transitions.

Family struggles.

Health struggles.

Use (more than conquerors) as transition into we can rejoice now.

III. We can rejoice now

a. Good news known and believed (, etc.)

b. God known intimately as Father ()

c. Holy Spirit’s enabling to kill sin (, )

d. Enjoyment of righteous living (, )

Free from guilt and power of sin through Jesus (ZSB). As the suffering servant, he took the condemnation of our sins. As the Warrior, he defeats the power of sin.

e. Helping those who weep by weeping with them, that they may rejoice with us ()

IV. We will rejoice fully ()

a. As a bride united with bridegroom (Knowing God’s love fully) (also )

b. As children with Father ( on adoption)

c. As having eyes opened (, )

V. Believe the good news of a great joy!

a. He has given us light by entering into our darkness brought about by our sin.

b. … strength by becoming weak

c. … rest by His work on our behalf

d. … life by His death in our place

e. … victory by taking our loss

f. … reconciliation by taking our shame

g. … eternal joy and peace by taking our sorrow

Spurgeon’s sermon

· Urged us to be glad in the Lord, to resolve to be glad

· Urged us to build momentum even from the sermon to be habitually glad

Beale’s NTBT

· The big deal is the image of Israel coming back to God as a bride to her new husband. “New” added to “Jerusalem” is from “new name” – shows that the new name is due to the marriage / reuniting with God.

· Restoration idea from the OT has conceptual overlap with reconciliation in NT

Wiersbe says in Be Comforted

· “If you have trusted Christ as your Savior, you are living today in a spiritual “Year of Jubilee”. “

Ortlund Jr says

· “The flavor of Christianity is joy.” Quotes , “good news of a great joy”. But, we know life stinks too. God’s offer of good news of great joy, and when we demonstrate that to a lost world, we give proof God saves folks like them (us).

· “Just telling people to be happy won’t work. That’s annoying. But the gospel doesn’t do that. It gives us a hope beyond everything that beats us down”

· Outline:

o A1 The Anointed One: his liberating mission (61:1–3)

o B1 A priestly people: shame replaced with honor (61:4–7)

o C1 The Lord’s commitment: an everlasting covenant (61:8, 9)

o A2 The Anointed One: his saving power (61:10, 11)

o B2 A prophetic voice: desolation replaced with delight (62:1–5)

o C2 The Lord’s strategy: tireless intercessors (62:6, 7)

· A1

o “We live in an age of despair. But it’s a smiling despair, softened by consumer convenience, driving through for a “happy meal” along the way. Into our age Jesus says, “I came to bear your guilty despair far away, and to replace it with joy inexpressible and filled with glory.” (409).

o “What is the good news? The gospel announces that Christ has won the victory over everything that’s against us. If you’ve committed what you think is the unpardonable sin, if you’re broken by your failures, if you fear that your chance at life is over—Jesus announces to you a life so new that, if you understand what he’s saying, you’ll have difficulty believing it can be yours. (409).

o The year of Jubilee is akin to , for freedom…

o Good picture of Jesus pronouncing this gospel in to our city.

o Explained the leaving out of vindication with analogy of Isaiah seeing mountain range peaks, but can’t tell how far separated they are. Jesus will finish at second coming (second peak).

· A2

o Allegorizes the ruins of the city of Jerusalem with the ruins of our lives

o “And Isaiah’s point in verse 4 is that gospel-liberated people themselves become a creative force for restoration. That’s our mission.” (411).

· A3

o “Remember that the word “justice” means more than legal rectitude; it means the way human life and human society are supposed to be. God loves patterns of human wholeness. He loves to see his kingdom coming and his will being done on earth as it is done in Heaven. And he hates the “robbery and wrong” of the world as it is today, distorting what he meant us to be. This is who God is: He loves what is right and he hates what is wrong with all the intensity of the divine being. It’s unthinkable that God would fail to keep his covenant. Invest yourself in the new world God is building. You can risk it. You can seek first his kingdom and righteousness above your own kingdom, because he isn’t just recruiting you; he’s promising to bless you.” (412).

NIVAC Summary:

· We ought to live out the righteousness of God by faith, not just be content with the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus forgives in order to transform.

· So, our joy should be part of that transformation. Not just joy in forgiveness, but an increasing joy as we grow in likeness to Jesus.

· What else are we looking to for joy, that that then is the source of our sadness? Are we still trying to be in control of our lives? Are we listening to the lies of our enemy? Look at failures as indications of where we are not trusting Christ / believing the gospel.

·

Zondervan Study Bible (ZSB)

· 61:1-3 is the center of , with chiastic structure

Quotes

Call to joy presses on the will

Acknowledge and bring to light the struggles with joy

Or

Intro gives the goal, tells where we are.

Middle traces out the paths to there and the wrong turns

Central to the right path to joy is the work of Christ

Recall

So, 1-2-4-3 would be: 1 – here is what the text says, 2 – here is what it means, what the original author intended; 4 – here is what you ought to do, but you will never do it because of the sin underneath the sin; 3 – but here is how you can because of the completed work of Christ.

The movements have this appearance to the audience:

· 1-2 feals like a Sunday School lesson (mind)

· 2-4 is hitting the will, and everyone probably is feeling pressure and guilty (will)

· 4-3 is where the heart is impacted. This is where it no longer is mind knowledge, but sensing the reality. It gives them hope (heart / worship)

Therefore, my movement in this sermon could be

· (1) , esp 10 – “good news of great joy.”

· (2) Other texts on joy of the gospel, showing the meaning.

· (4) Ought to be happy in God, but, like Israel, we can’t without the gospel.

· (3) – good news preached and worked by Jesus enables it.

Working that into an outline

VII. Intro – like Ortlund’s, the flavor of Christianity is one of joy. Introduce both hindrances and the FCF in here, where we seek joy in worldly activity. Give Advent series background. Give big idea (exhortation to invigorate and focus our fight for joy) and direction for the flow of sermon. Read , then context of 2:8-20. [Keller’s (1) above.]

VIII. How is Jesus’s birth good news of great joy? [Keller’s (2) above.]

A. Trust is built as promises are shown to be kept, God’s word is true. “Check it out: God is doing something great!”

B. Love displayed in Almighty God’s heart for the poor and marginalized.

C. Transforming ministry is initiated. It’s great, and there is a lot more to follow!

IX. How should we respond to this joyful news? [Keller’s (4) above]

A. [Be brief here, as it is merely pressing on the will.]

B. Ought to be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy

C. Ought to weep with those who weep

D. Ought to be happy in God

E. What hinders us? Hindrances to our happiness in God – sin underneath the sin.

X. Jesus’s preaching and work enables joy in sadness [Keller’s (3) above]

[Be long here, maybe break the one point into multiple]

A. We can rejoice now

i. Can be encouraged to reach others with the news of joy

ii. Can weep with those who weep

iii. Can be happy in God

iv. Can over overcome hindrances to our happiness in God

Or

viii. Good news known and believed (, etc.)

ix. God known intimately as Father ()

x. Holy Spirit’s enabling to kill sin (, )

xi. Enjoyment of righteous living (, )

xii. Free from guilt and power of sin through Jesus (ZSB). As the suffering servant, he took the condemnation of our sins. As the Warrior, he defeats the power of sin.

xiii. Helping those who weep by weeping with them, that they may rejoice with us ()

B. We will rejoice fully ()

i. As a bride united with bridegroom (Knowing God’s love fully) (also )

ii. As children with Father ( on adoption)

iii. As having eyes opened (, )

Believe the good news of a great joy!

· He has given us light by entering into our darkness brought about by our sin.

· … strength by becoming weak

· … rest by His work on our behalf

· … life by His death in our place

· … victory by taking our loss

· … reconciliation by taking our shame

· … eternal joy and peace by taking our sorrow

XI. Concluding thoughts for MCs.

(ESV)

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

(ESV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;

foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;

6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;

they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;

you shall eat the wealth of the nations,

and in their glory you shall boast.

7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;

instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;

therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;

they shall have everlasting joy.

8 For I the Lord love justice;

I hate robbery and wrong;

I will faithfully give them their recompense,

and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,

and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;

all who see them shall acknowledge them,

that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.

(ESV)

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;

my soul shall exult in my God,

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

to sprout up before all the nations.

For non believers:

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

12 "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." -

Quotes

The pursuit of joy in God is not optional. It is not an “extra” that a person might grow into after he comes to faith. It is not simply a way to “enhance” your walk with the Lord. Until your heart has hit upon this pursuit, your “faith” cannot please God. It is not saving faith.

Saving faith is the confidence that if you sell all you have and forsake all sinful pleasures, the hidden treasure of holy joy will satisfy your deepest desires. Saving faith is the heartfelt conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also that He is desirable. It is the confidence that He will come through with His promises and that what He promises is more to be desired than all the world.

We may speak of the “joy of faith” at three levels. First, there is the new spiritual taste created by the Spirit of God for the glory of God. This new taste is the seed and root of joy. Thus, it is the “joy of faith” in embryo, as it were. Second, there is the shoot, the stem, of faith itself reaching out actively for all that God is for us in Christ. The pith of this stem is joy in God. It is not possible for vital, genuine faith in the Fountain of Joy not to partake of that joy. Joyless embracing of the God of hope, for who He really is, is impossible. Third, there is the fruit of daily gladness that Paul speaks of in : “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Here joy and peace flow out from faith into the whole of life[1]

[1] John Piper, Desiring God (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2003), 73–74.

[1] John Piper, Desiring God (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2003), 73–74.

THE happiest state of a Christian is the holiest state. As there is most heat nearest to the sun, so there is most happiness nearest to Christ. No Christian enjoys comfort when his eyes are fixed on vanity. I do not blame ungodly men for rushing to their pleasures. Let them have their fill. That is all they have to enjoy, but Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere than the insipid frivolities of the world. Vain pursuits are dangerous to renewed souls.[2]

[2] C. H. Spurgeon, Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: A Commentary on Portions of John Bunyan's Immortal Allegory (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 161.

[2] C. H. Spurgeon, Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: A Commentary on Portions of John Bunyan's Immortal Allegory (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 161.