The Secret to Real Happiness

The Secret to Real Happiness

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:24-28. (v.25). “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”

1 Cor 10:24‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.’

Matthew 16:25

Aim: Everyone in this room wants to be happy. No one wants a nervous breakdown. No one wants to be depressed. No one wants to be miserable. No one wants to live a wasted, unhappy life. There are many reasons in this life for us to be unhappy. There are many pressures, problems, disappointments, failures, struggles, trials, difficulties and losses to make us unhappy. BUT, as a Christian, we CAN be happy.

“How?” you may ask.

What is the secret to real happiness? It is found in one word:

OTHERS.

Let me explain this in 4 statements:

1. You’ll never find happiness by looking for it. “Hell &...so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs 27:20.

When you look for happiness, you are being selfish. Selfishness never leads to real happiness.

Money won’t make you happy. Fame won’t make you happy. Worldly success won’t make you happy.

Possessions won’t make you happy. Prestige won’t make you happy. Power won’t make you happy.

Illustration: Solomon spent his life looking for happiness. He gained great wealth and power. He had more beautiful women than his heart could desire. He was the wisest man in the world. He was famous.

He was well respected. But, did he find happiness by looking for it? “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3).

A selfish person will never be a truly happy person. So, stop looking for happiness. 2. Forget your own need for happiness “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Phil 2:21

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4. We are selfish by nature. We always look out for number one. There was an ad years ago that said: “For the most important person in the world: YOU.” That’s our nature. But, we’ll never be truly happy unless we forget our own need for happiness. That’s why you fight. That’s why your marriage is in trouble. “But he doesn’t meet My needs”. That’s why you are unhappy. “She doesn’t meet My needs”. That’s why you are unhappy.

The happiest people are those who don’t rely on others for their own happiness. Eg: The only time “backslider” is used in the Bible is concerning selfishness. “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways” Proverbs 14:14.

It’s not enough to stop looking for our own happiness.

We must FORGET our own need for happiness.

How? By:

3. Living only to make others happy. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40.

Romans 15:1-3 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself;”

Illustration: General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was at the end of his life. He lay sick in bed, and was unable to attend the annual Salvation Army workers’ conference. The workers were devastated that General Booth could not be there to encourage and inspire them. General Booth sent a telegram to be read at the opening of the conference. A hush came over the auditorium as a man stepped to the platform to read the telegram.
The telegram read just one word: OTHERS. He had learned the secret to happiness is to live for others.

Question: What, you may ask, can I do for others? Answer: Tell someone dear that you love them. Write your parents or a friend a note of encouragement. Phone a friend to remind them that you are praying for them. Try to lead someone to Christ. Have a Bible study with a new Chriistian. Give your spouse or children a special treat.

Illustration: As I studied the lives of great preachers, I found them to be the most unselfish people. They lived for others. They prayed for others, gave to others, encouraged others, taught others, and helped others.

4. As you live for others, you will stumble upon happiness. “So labouring, ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

Matthew 16:25 “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: & whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Everyone wants a happy marriage.

You don’t get a happy marriage by finding someone to meet your needs.

You get a happy marriage when you forget your needs and are consumed with meeting the needs of your spouse. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, &gave himself for it;” (Ephesians.5:25).

If you give yourself to your spouse, you will have a happy marriage. “Let every one of you so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (5:33). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph.6:1). You will be so busy serving others, that you will forget your own needs. You will find happiness on the path of unselfishness.

Conclusion: Jesus’ whole life was living for others. When He was dying on the cross, what did He think of? Self-pity? NO! He asked John to take care of His mother. He led the repentant thief to salvation. “To day shalt thou….”

2 Cor 8:9 “Jesus..though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Mark 10:45 “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

The Secret to real happiness is:

1. You’ll never find happiness by looking for it.
2. Forget your own need for happiness.
3. Live to make others happy.
4. As you live for others, you’ll find happiness.

Question: Are you living for others? Let’s pray. Maybe God has spoken to you about an area in your life to work on? Marriage, church, home?

SCRIPTURE SWORDS FOR PERSONAL BATTLES

SCRIPTURE SWORDS FOR PERSONAL BATTLES

If neglected, the battlefields listed below may give way to enemy strongholds (see Ephesians 4:26-27 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). When tempted in these areas quote these scriptures to gain victory.

Each sword will force the enemy to make a speedy retreat.

ANGER: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27.

ANXIETY: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33-34.

BITTERNESS: “Love your enemies... pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28.

BURN-OUT: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matt11:28-30

COMPLAINING: “Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15.

CONFUSION: “Shew me thy ways, O Lord, teach me thy paths... for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:4-5.

CRITICAL SPIRIT: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians. 4:32.

DISCONTENTMENT: “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content....both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13.

DISCOURAGEMENT: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

DOUBT: “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” Mark 9:24. (Isaiah 41:10.

ENVY: “Charity (love of Jesus) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not...” I Corinthians 13:4.

FEAR: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

GOSSIP: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19.

MATERIALISM: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:19,20.

GUILT or CONVICTION: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse use from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9.

GUILT FEELINGS (when you have already confessed): “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.

IMPATIENCE: “Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand.” Psalm 31:14-15.

FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY: Hear God say: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

LAZINESS: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23.

LONELINESS: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee... when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned... for I am the Lord thy God.. since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee.” Isaiah 43:2-4.

LYING: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.” Ephesians 4:25.

PRIDE: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12.
(Proverbs 3:5.

RATIONALISING: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart:and lean not unto thine own understanding”

REBELLION: “Father... not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

RESENTMENT: “(Charity) seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” I Cor. 13:5.

RESTLESSNESS: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

SELF-CENTREDNESS: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3.

SELF- PITY: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not: but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:21-23

WORRY: “The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want (lack).” Psalm 23:1.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND ADVERSITY

HOW TO UNDERSTAND ADVERSITY

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-15.

Aim: To understand God’s purposes for adversity.

Key 1: Our first response to adversity should not be to try to remove it, but to allow adversity to reveal our true weakness.

Introduction: Adversity can be our greatest motivation for spiritual growth or our deadliest means of discouragement. The difference depends on us understanding God’s purposes in adversity.

What does adversity do for us? What does God achieve through adversity?

1. Adversity is God’s Way of Getting Our Attention.
The cares of the world can choke out the Word of God and drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit. While we are busy with our plans, goals, projects and friendships, God patiently reminds us in Jeremiah 35:14, “I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto us.”

When adversity comes, we are suddenly faced with problems and pressures that are too big for us to resolve. Our inward response should be, “Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.” Psalm 25:1,2.
As adversity continues and our human strength is drained, Christ’s invitation becomes more attractive, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. God’s ultimate purpose in getting our attention is to conform us to the image of Christ. Because of this, all adversity works together for our good (Romans 8:28,29).

Through it we learn of Christ, who is meek and lowly. His burden is light.

2. Adversity is our Assurance that God Loves Us.

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” Hebrews 12:6,7,10,11. Three results of chastening: 1. We give God reverence. 12:9.
2. Our profit, to be partakers of God’s holiness. 12:10.
3. It yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. 12:11.
When we recognise God’s love in adversity, we can:
i) Lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees. v.12. This means to get back serving God with our hands and legs.
ii) Make straight paths for your feet. v.13.

This means to get back on the path of righteousness. “He leadeth me.” Psalm 23:3.
iii) Follow peace and holiness with all men. v.14.
This means that right relationships are restored with men and God.
iv) Avoid failing of the grace of God or bitterness will follow. v.15.
Failing of the grace of God means that one can not respond with the grace of God, but with envy, bitterness, nervousness, then carnality.

3. Adversity is God’s Call for Self Examination.

“If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 11:31,32.
God requires that we search out, confess and forsake every sin.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.” Proverbs 28:13.

God established the Lord’s Table as the time and place for self-examination. If this is neglected, God may give physical adversity as a further motivation for self examination. 1 Cor. 11:28-30.

-If things are not going well for us, the reason may be that we dishonoured our parents “Honour thy father and mother..…that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2,5.

-If it seems that evil will not depart from our household, it may be because we have rewarded evil to those who did good to us, “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Proverbs 17:13.

4. Adversity is God’s Way of Conquering Our Pride.
-The adversity of contention reveals pride.“Only by pride cometh contention.” Proverbs 13:10.
-The adversity of destruction is the result of pride in a person.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18. -The adversity of shame is God’s means of humbling us.
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2.
“A man’s pride shall bring him low.” Proverbs 29:23.
“Whoso exalteth himself shall be abased &he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” Luke14:11
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” James 4:6,7.

5. Adversity is a Reminder of Our Weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

When all is going well, we are tempted to think that we don’t need God. If we have a thorn in the flesh (v.7), Christ’s grace is sufficient (v.9) and we learn to glory in our unchangeable features (v.9). We then experience the power of Christ upon us (v.9). When I am weak, then am I strong (v.10). I take pleasure in infirmities
(weaknesses), reproaches and necessities (v.10).

6. Adversity Motivates us to Cry Out To God.

God responds to the cry of His children when we are in adversity.
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth,and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17.
We should cry out in the right ways:
1. Cry out to God with our voice.

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.” Psalm 3:4.
2. Cry out to God in humility. “He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.” Psalm 9:12
.

Key 2: Our second response to adversity should be: Not to focus on outward circumstances,
but to realise that we are dealing with unseen spiritual powers.

7.   Adversity is Evidence of Spiritual Warfare.

Note: If we do not recognise when adversity is spiritual warfare, we will be overwhelmed and tempted to give up. When adversity takes the form of confusion, suspicion , division, and anger, then spiritual warfare is on. Paul encouraged Christians to be strong, courageous, and prepared to be good soldiers.

Matt 7:24-27
8. Adversity is God’s Method of Purifying our Faith. This leads to Patience. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
FAITH may need to be tested in the fires of adversity. “the trial of your faith.” 1 Peter 1:6,7. Faith is essential for living the Christian life.

Why? Because the ways of God are opposite to the natural inclinations of man. Adversity may come from: 1. Those who mock God’s principles, or
2. Because we violate God’s principles.
In either case, adversity will strengthen our faith. PATIENCE comes from adversity. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3.
With this kind of faith and patience, we can obtain the promises of God.

“Followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews6:12.

9. Adversity Increases our Hatred for Evil.

When God exposes secret sin, He allows others to see it’s devastating consequences, such as:
Islamic terrorist bombings, Saddam Hussein; Homosexuality, Aids; Fornication, Divorce; Childhood lying, President Nixon’s Lies. In this way, the simple (ignorant) are warned not to be fooled by Satan focusing our eyes on “the pleasures of sin which last for a season.” Hebrew 11:25

God will not be mocked with our sin. Galatians 6:7,8. Our hatred of evil should increase as we realise how:
1. Sin (as a thief) robs us of our potential for achieving & enjoying what God had planned for us;
2. Our sins damage the lives of those whom we love. We don’t hate evil because we don’t realise its final cost. Sin brings death. Adam and Eve did not realise the cost of their sin to all mankind.

10. Adversity reminds us to Pray for our Authorities.

God teaches us that a quiet and peaceable life is related to intercessory prayer for those in authority over us. 1 Timothy 2:1,2.
Note: Those who are in positions of responsibility provide spiritual protection for those under their care, such as parents, pastors. When there are failures in the life of a leader, the “umbrella of protection” develops “leaks”. Satan is given greater freedom to defeat those who are under that authority. Therefore it is important in order to be a good leader to submit to authority yourself. Even a little leak in a roof can let in a great deal of water. Spiritual leaders are judged by a higher standard. James 3:1.When we experience temptations, so do church leaders. They need our prayers.

11. Adversity is a Signal to Re-evaluate our Priorities.

Wrong priorities may result in much painful adversity, not only for us, but also for those who are affected by our lives.
Type 1: When we fail to spend proper time with the Lord in memorising His Word, meditating and praying, we rob others of spiritual encouragement and direction. Instead, we become vulnerable to transgression. Psalm 107:17,19.

God saves us out of our distress with His Word. Psalm 107:20. Type 2: When we try to do more than God intended us to do.
“Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work.” Exodus 20:9.

12. Adversity is God’s way of Testing Our Work.

Every spiritual house that is built must be tested to prove that it is founded on truth. “rain descended (to test the roof), the floods came (to test the foundation), the winds

blew (to test the structure),and beat upon that house,and it fell not:for it was founded

upon a rock.”

“The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.

13. Adversity is God’s way of Testing our Friendships.

It will reveal which friends are concerned about getting. It will reveal which friends are concerned about giving.

“A true friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17. For example, The Good Samaritan’s commitment to his neighbour, who had fallen among thieves, continued until the man’s needs were met. Luke 10:30-37. Contrasting example: The Prodigal Son while spending money, had many friends, but when his money ran out, and hardship came, all his friends then left. On the other hand, Jonathan was loyal to David in bad times.

Key 3: Our third response to adversity should be:

Not to live for Christ in our own efforts, but to realise that Christ must live in us through the power and filling of the Holy Spirit.

14. Adversity is God’s Call to Identify with Christ.

Adversity causes us to want more of Christ’s power in our lives. Galatians 2:20. Paul suffered the loss of all things to win more people to Christ and to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. God’s power becomes a reality to us from Romans 6-8.
-Romans 6. We learn to know that we are crucified with Christ. We learn how to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. We learn how to yield ourselves to God and our members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:6,11,13).

-Romans 7. We discover a new problem. We are still overcome by the demands of the Law. We try to live according to God’s principles, but we can’t do it. We learn that our death in Christ also caused us to die to the Law, so that we are free to be controlled by God’s Spirit in order to bring forth spiritual fruit. (Romans 7:1-6). -Romans 8. We learn our source of power over sin. This is the indwelling Holy Spirit of God based on our position in Christ. As we walk in God’s Spirit rather than in our own flesh, God is able to fulfil the righteousness of the Law in us. (Romans 8:2-4).

15. Adversity is Motivation for Open Accountability to God and Others.

Aim to be blameless as we will be accountable to God. God’s key to life, peace, wisdom and achievement is a moment-by-moment awareness of our accountability for all our words, thoughts, actions, attitudes and motives. This awareness is the fear of the Lord. It is the beginning of wisdom. When we lose our continual awareness of God, we think and act as if God did not exist. God responds by allowing adversity into our life. Judges 2:20-22.

16. Adversity Prepares us to Comfort Others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. Irritations are God’s way of increasing our sensitivity to the needs of others, increasing our opportunities to serve God, and developing inward qualities. When God achieves His purposes through an irritation, He is then free to remove that irritation from our lives.

CONCLUSION: How do you respond to adversity? Will adversity make you better or bitter? If we continually retreat from adversity, we force God to raise up new irritations or to set aside His best plan for our lives. Permanent irritations have a permanent benefit in our development and ministry.

HOW TO HAVE JOY

 HOW TO HAVE JOY

“Yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” I Peter 1:8. Aim: To know how to experience joy unspeakable.

Introduction: Many people today are unhappy and without joy. It seems that the more things that people have, the more they want, the more unhappy they are, and the less joy they have. Satan will always try to rob us of joy by getting us to sin. He offers us a swap: sin and reap a perceived benefit, which will cost us our joy and peace. Yet some people with very little material things have great joy. Why? Because joy is not based on having material goods.

Joy is inner contentment, calm delight, cheerfulness and gladness.

This joy that we receive at salvation is described as “unspeakable” (412) which means unutterable and inexpressible. It is so wonderful that it cannot be described fully. The next verse (v.9) describes heaven, so this joy that we have continues to heaven. We rejoice with so great joy that words cannot describe it (now), and this joy is full of glory (later when we get to heaven). This joy is only available to believers in Jesus Christ, so the obvious first step is to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

Question: How can we experience this joy unspeakable?

Answer: We experience this joy as we do or think on the following:

1. STAY IN GOD’S PRESENCE

“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.

Joy is found by: a) following the path of life that God sets out for us, and

b) staying close to God in His presence,

then we experience fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore and sweet fellowship with the Lord.

“Unto God my exceeding joy.” Psalm 43:4. “I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18.
When we draw close to God we experience the exceeding joy of His Person. Habakkuk 3:17,18,19. Even in economic hardship we can rejoice in the Lord. Inner joy and peace does not depend on outward prosperity. Joy comes from staying close to the God of my salvation.

2. HEAVEN

“He shall see his face with joy.” Job 33:26. “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21,23
“I will make thee ruler over many things” is a joyful prospect.
As we think of seeing Christ’s face in heaven, this thought fills us with joy now and joy later in heaven.
We will experience great joy when we enter heaven if we have been faithful to Christ on earth. Faithful service now brings great rewards later.
Christ is able to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Jude 24.

3. FAITHFULLY ENDURING TRAILS

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5.

When we go through life’s trials, the key is to stay in close fellowship with the Lord. When the trial passes, then joy comes to us as we experience the victory.
“Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations.” James 1:2,3,4.

This is because testings produce patience, so that we become complete and entire, wanting nothing. We become joyful when we come through trials, victorious in the strength of the Lord.

4. STAY MORALLY UPRIGHT, AVOID SIN

“Shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11.

If we are upright morally in our heart, this is a cause for joy. To have joy, be morally upright and forsake sin, because sin robs us of joy.
“Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.” Psalm 51:12.
It is right to avoid sin and to keep our joy. When we sin, we lose our joy as David did through adultery and murder. We must then confess our sin to God and make things right with others, then God can restore unto us the joy of our salvation. Remember, sin robs us of joy, so let’s avoid sin, and stay upright as the way to keeping our joy.

5.  GOD PLANS TO PROSPER US

“Let them shout for joy and be glad........Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalm 35:27.

As we serve God obediently, it is a cause for joy to remember that God plans to prosper our hard work for Christ. We all like to prosper in the work that God has called us to do. When we go through difficult times, it is good to know that God will prosper our work for Him. This causes us joy.
“Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58.

6. HOUSE OF GOD

“I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.” Psalm 42:4.
If we want joy we should come to church, the house of God on Sunday so that we can be taught God’s Word, to enjoy the fellowship of believers, and to rest on God’s Holyday. There is joy in God’s house when believers are of one mind in the Word of God and as we praise God in joyful singing.

7. UNITY

(Philippians 2:2 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” )

There can be no joy in any church unless there is unity of mind and belief. If an entire church all believe the same Bible truths, are of one accord, of one mind, all loving the same things, then there is peace, joy and direction in a church. A church divided against itself cannot stand. Those of different major beliefs should either believe what the church believes, or get out and find another church that believes as they do. Don’t hinder the work of a good church.
True unity can only be based on truth. Then joy can prevail.

8. SOUL WINNING when people are saved.

a) “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5.

When we go out and share the gospel with tears of concern over people’s lost condition then God promises that we shall reap in joy as people get saved. There is joy in seeing people saved.
b) “My brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown.” Philippians 4:1. “What is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20.

Those Paul led to Christ were his joy, hope, glory and crown. Leading souls to Christ brings us joy.

c) “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” Luke 15:10.

We should share in the angel’s joy by trying to lead people to Christ. Events on earth can make heaven rejoice. This proves that those in heaven know much of what happens on earth. Let us be soul winners so as to make heaven’s angels rejoice and share in their joy.

9. KEEP CHRIST’S COMMANDMENTS

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:10,11.

If we keep Christ’s commandments, Christ’s joy will be in us and our joy will be full. Those who rebel against God’s commands, lose Christ’s joy. Thus rebels look angry. Obeying God brings joy.

10. CONVERTS WALKING IN TRUTH

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 4.

When we lead people to Christ, it is our greatest joy to see them walk in truth, in true Bible doctrine, taking their place serving the Lord in a sound Bible teaching Church. It is a grief to see new Christians going back to their old ways or following false doctrines. How do new converts walk in truth? By being taught God’s Word properly as they sit under a sound Bible teacher.

11. PRAYER

When we ask in Jesus Christ’s name, we receive, and our joy will be full. John 16:24. If you are unhappy, check and see if you have had a good prayer time that morning.

Prayer brings joy. No prayer brings no joy.

12. REVIVAL

“The people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake….and there was great joy in that city.” Acts 8:4-8. When the Samaritans turned to the Lord, there was great joy in their city.

13. SUCCESS IN MISSIONS

“Paul and Barnabus declared the conversion of the gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.” Acts 15:3.

We can have great joy by supporting soul winning missionaries. When they report multitudes turning to Christ, we experience great joy with them as we have shared prayerfully and financially in their work. Their blessing becomes our blessing.

14. FINISH YOUR LIFE’S WORK

“That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry........” Acts 20:24.
If we finish our life’s race with joy without being disqualified, we have joy on entering heaven, not having given in to the devil. We must finish the work that God has given us to do on earth.

We lose our joy if we disgrace Christ by sin, and drop out of the ministry.

15. A HAPPY MARRIAGE brings joy

“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity.” Ecclesiastes 9:9.

If we succeed in our career, but fail in our marriage, we lose our joy and have great misery. Men must constantly court and love their wives in order to maintain a happy marriage. Men, watch for the danger signals in your marriage and fix the problems before it’s too late.

16. FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3.

“Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive.” John 7:37.

We can be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit as we take in the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26) from the wells of salvation. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we bring forth the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy peace,.....(Galatians 5:22,23).

17. THE WORD OF GOD

“Thy words were found and I did eat them: and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16. When we read and seriously meditate on God’s Word, applying it to our life and obeying it, we experience great joy and rejoicing. Great joy comes from obeying God’s Word.

18. THINKING OF THE FUTURE MILLENNIUM

“The joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion...” Psalms 48:2.
When we think about when Christ will return to the earth in person to judge righteously and put down all evil, we are excited to see the joy that the whole earth will experience as Christ rules as King from Jerusalem over a regenerated earth.

“Everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10.
When feeling down, think of the future joy that you’ll experience when you come to Jerusalem in the Millennium weekly and monthly (Isaiah 66:23), along with everybody on earth, to receive Bible teaching from Christ in a joyful, festival atmosphere.

19. CHRIST’S FIRST and SECOND COMINGS

Wise men rejoiced with exceeding great joy as they saw the star over the stable. Matthew 2:10.

So do we rejoice as we see Christ’s coming drawing closer. Angels brought the shepherds good tidings of great joy to all people. We experience the joy of Christ’s birth at Christmas. Luke 2:10.

CONCLUSION: Joy comes by doing things God’s way. Sorrow comes to by doing things man’s way. Follow these principles and you will have real joy and purpose in life. Remember the sorrow that Israel experienced because they disobeyed God and did not serve Him joyfully. Deuteronomy 28:47.