Last week, we learned how Jesus sent out 70 disciples into the great harvest. This week, we see them return. And, we see them return with joy. This is a section of Scripture that calls us to consider true joy.
Joy is different than happiness. When we are happy, we focus on ourselves. When we are joyful, we focus on God. Joy is a a confident trust in the love and plan of the Lord, regardless of what obstacles seem to be in our way.
And, in this portion of chapter 10, we learn that we should have joy knowing that Jesus has defeated the enemy; we should have joy knowing that our names are written in heaven; we should have joy in the work fo the Holy Spirit; and we should have joy in the great doctrines of God, doctrines that affirm His love for us.
Do you know real joy? Consider how it can change your life as you listen to this message.
To help you with your study of this topic, we are also including the study questions prepared each week for our congregation. May the Lord use them, and the sermon, to be a blessing to you. You will find them, as well as a short prayer, directly below the audio link.
Reasons for Joy
Luke 10:17-24
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
- Contrast happiness and joy in your life experience.
- What is the source of all authority?
- What works of the Enemy do you see around you? How can you exercise authority over these works today?
- Why should we rejoice more in our salvation rather than our authority?
- What has the Holy Spirit done for us? How should this bring us joy?
- How is the doctrine of election confirmed by Jesus in His prayer?
- When can our study impact our joy?
- Understanding that God is the one who reveals truth, how should this motivate our prayer?
- How is joy the power for successful service?
Father in Heaven, we are so quick to forget who we are in You. We become dismayed and depressed when confronted with the manifold challenges of this sinful world. We strive to deduce ways to survive in the miry clay rather than availing ourselves of the sure path out. Yet, Jesus reminds us that He has given us authority over the works of the Enemy, through His name! The Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide, leads us into all truth! And, amazing as it is, our names have been written in Heaven since before the foundation of the world. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to see who we are in Jesus. Drive the reality of our relationship with You deep into our hearts. May the reality of that relationship outshine the most glorious treasure that the world could give, and also give us confidence of Your love in the midst of every situation, regardless of the darkness we perceive ahead. Lord, use Your Word to increase our joy that we might always live faithfully and thankfully before You. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
