Sermon Notes-JOY December 6 2020
Introduction: For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for celebrating the birth of Jesus. Advent is the waiting and hopeful expectation of the return in glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This looks forward not only to celebrating the child in the manger, but even more to Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time.
What brings you joy? When I think of what brings me joy,
I think of memories as a child on vacation to Disney, my first car, my wedding
day, birth of my children, memories with my family, watching my kids do what
they love, graduate…
o
What is joy? Definition:
Feeling of happiness. But what is unique is what brings us joy. Attitude God’s
people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in
God’s love and His promises. Joy is not determined by their struggles but their
future destiny. Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the
power of Jesus own life and love and that is what biblical joy is all about. (The
Bible Project Video)
Past-Luke
2:10-11
Luke 2:10-Don’t be afraid.
o
The shepherds needed to hear this because they had just seen an angel. We
are a fearful people. So, we need this
reminder too. I don’t know exactly how
many times the Bible tells us not to fear but it is a lot.
o This angel proclaims “Good News of great joy” For all the people
§ Good News of Great Joy for All People
·
Vs. 11-To you (this gift of Jesus is for you-don’t miss this)
·
Vs. 11-A Savior who is Christ the Lord
o More than save from Romans--Save us from sin, death,
Satan, and sickness
o Christ-Messiah, anointed one--great Deliverer who had been promised to Israel by
God[1]
o Lord-master, head, guardian, owner-connected to
Yahweh
Present-Psalm
5:11, Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:22-23
·
Psalm 5-“But let
all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and
spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult
in you.
o
Rejoice, sing,
love your name, exult (same root word as rejoice)
o
Why? He is our
refuge-safe location or shelter
o
He protects us
or defends us-We may be exposed to a thousand deaths, but this one
consideration ought abundantly to suffice us, that we are covered and defended
by the hand of God.[2]
·
Romans 15:13-“May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by
the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
·
As followers of
Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and so the fruit that is
produced in our lives is listed in Galatians 5:22-23-“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against
such things there is no law.”
·
Look to God as
Father, Son and Spirit to fill you, to produce joy in you in the middle of
COVID, in the middle of struggles at work or home, in the middle of
uncertainties in our world, in sickness.
Future-Revelation
19:6-7
· Hallelujah!—Literally Praise Yahweh
·
Lord our God
reigns
o
Almighty,
Omnipotent-all powerful
·
Let us rejoice,
exult and give HIM the glory
o
Rejoice-be glad,feel
happiness or joy
o
Exult-be glad, overjoyed,
exceedingly joyful
·
Marriage of the
Lamb and his Bride (church) is ready
o
Presentation of
Bride to the Bridegroom (the Lamb)
§ just as a marriage in every culture is generally
initiated with a presentation ceremony, so there is to be a presentation of the
bride to the Lamb.[3]
o Notice the Bride (the church) is ready
§ We are ready because we are in Christ.
§ Are we ready?
[1]
Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation
of St. Luke’s Gospel (p. 131). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg
Publishing House.
[2]
Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the
Book of Psalms (Vol. 1, p. 63). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible
Software.
[3]
Patterson, P. (2012). Revelation.
(E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (Vol. 39, p. 344). Nashville, TN: B&H.
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