A Joyful Life
John 16:16-24
John 16:16 A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.
John 16:17-18 Then some of His disciples said among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is saying.”
John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’?”
John 16:20 “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep (sob or wail) and lament, (outward demonstration of inner grief) but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful (sad, grieving, heavy) but your sorrow will be turned into JOY (exceedingly great or wonderful JOY).”
This is the JOY of the resurrection!
John 16:21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
The anguish of child birth is followed by exceedingly great and wonderful JOY.
John 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your JOY no one will take from you.
The apostles lives would FOREVER be marked by exceedingly great and wonderful JOY!
A JOY that no one could take from them!
All TRUE BELIEVERS in Jesus are marked by JOYFUL lives!
( True or False ? )
I’m NOT saying that TRUE BELIEVERS don’t experience, sorrow, lamentation, anguish… we do! We will!
But a GENUINE FAITH in Jesus brings the most wonderful, even inexpressible JOY to the human soul!
Let’s back up – let’s zoom out!
Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people.” (exceedingly great and wonderful JOY)
When we’re saved, we’re filled with the Holy Spirit.
You?
Galatians 5:22 The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, JOY, peace. (exceedingly great and wonderful JOY)
Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Acts 2:46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great JOY and generosity.
Acts 8:8 And there was great JOY in that city.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and REJOICE in hope of the glory of God.
This JOY is a full JOY!
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My JOY may remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.
John 16:23-24 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full.
As we mature, this JOY is a JOYFULNESS that no one and nothing can take away from us!
Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Paul discovered His JOY was in the Lord in spite of his circumstances!
Philippians 4:4 REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS. Again I will say, REJOICE! (16 times)
1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with JOY of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
2 Corinthians 7:4 I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly JOYFUL in all our tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 REJOICE always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
REJOICE always (1 Thessalonians 5:16) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
It is possible by the Holy Spirit to have JOY always even in much affliction!
Psalms 30:11-12 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. (renew, repair)
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and REJOICE in hope of the glory of God.