Joy--week 1

Intro:

We’re going to be starting a 3 week series on finding Joy.

What is joy

How do we find joy

Why is joy so elusive?

I’m a person that has struggled my entire life being content

I’ve always wanted more.

True joy comes from following Christ’s example of Joy.

Philippians 2:1–11 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A joyful person becomes joyful by looking to Christ (v.1)

They are encouraged by Christ’s example of being Joyful

Christ lived a life of joyful service, in spite of hardships of life

Christ was tempted as we are, yet without sin and with a joyful life

They are encouraged by the Holy Spirit’s help

When we look to Christ, we receive help from the Holy Spirit

This help, helps us to be joyful

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

A joyful person becomes joyful by putting others first

Growing up with 3 brothers, it was hard to do this.

What does it mean to put others first?

Thinking of others needs before your own

Have you ever seen elementary kids getting in line for anyting? It’s always a mad dash to see who can get in front. They’re all going to the same place or they’re all getting something, but they want to be the first ones.

Even as adults we have this ideology

“if you’re not first you’re last”…our culture, but not the gospel

How do we put others first

Realize you need to put others first

repent for not putting others first

request help from God to put others first

Resolve in your mind to put others first\

A Joyful person becomes joyful by serving others (v.7)

Philippians 2:6–7 ESV

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Do you know someone who is just constantly willing to do things for other people?

Emily is such a great servant

My Mom

Patty Cleve

These are people we love having around

We must follow Christ’s leadership of servanthood

v.7 talks about Christ emptying himself

not talking about losing His deity

However, Jesus did give up some things to serve us in our time of greatest need

Gave up: Heavenly glory-Face to face relationship with God

Independent authority—Submitted himself to the will of the father

Divine prerogatives—He set aside the voluntary display of His divine attributes and submitted himself to the Spirit’s direction

Eternal riches-Jesus was poor on earth

Favorable relatinship with God—He felt the wrath of God while on the cross

Was a true servant—Jesus did the will of the Father on earth

Servanthood is not just doing something for someone grudginly, but rather because you love them

A joyful person becomes joyful by sacrificing for others (v.8)

Philippians 2:8 ESV

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

God was a human who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Hebrews 12 says it was because we were His joy

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

A loving person sacrifices for those he loves and it brings him joy.

Think of your parents, have you seen them sacrifice for you. It probably brings them joy

How does this apply to me?

Stop worrying about how this will benefit you

what can we do to affect the lives of other people. What will it cost us

Conclusion

I know a lot of this message was just “Be like Jesus”, and to some that may not feel like enough

We need to be looking to Jesus in every part of our life, especially while trying to find joy.