Being happy is very different than experiencing joy. Joy is the byproduct of the life of God in us; a gift that cannot be contained, and that inspires life and joy in others. Pastor Bill Johnston distinguished between happiness and joy in his second message in the Fullness series.

 

FULLNESS: FULLNESS OF JOY

Message by Bill Johnston – August 5, 2018

John 15:4-11 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

 

THE SOURCE OF JOY

1. THE PERSON OF GOD

Psalm 43:4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy.I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!

2. THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Psalm 16:11 (NASB) You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

– Fullness leads to vigour

Nehemiah 8:10b This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!

 

THREE THINGS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR JOY

1. PEOPLE

2. PROBLEMS

John 16:22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.

3. DISOBEDIENCE OR SIN

 

THREE REALITIES OF JOY

1. JOY IS IMPARTED

Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

John 17:13 Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.

Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2. JOY IS EMBEDDED

John 15:11 (NASB) These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

3. JOY IS PRACTICAL

John 3:29-30 … Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

 

TAKEAWAY

  • Identify if or where there is “leakage” in your joy. What could the remedy be?
  • Is your journey with Jesus characterized by nearness or distance?
  • Ask Jesus to bring to your heart the fullness of joy He promises to those who ask. (John 16:24)
  • Nurture a joy-filled life instead of a happy life. The presence of joy brings life.
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