How To Have Fullness Of Joy

March 11, 2015 Save Article

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John 15:11 (Program 2488, Air date 11.13.11)

1. WHY IS JOY SO IMPORTANT?
   1. It is important in winning the lost to Jesus Christ. (Psalm 51:12-13)
   2. It is important in bearing life’s burdens and in living the Christian life.

2. THE JOY OF JESUS IS ABOUNDING JOY (John 15:11)
   1. Hebrews 1:9
   2. John 17:13
   3. Philippians 4:4
   4. What is the difference between happiness and joy?
      1. Happiness depends upon what happens; it is cosmetic, dealing more with the outward person.
      2. Joy depends upon the Lord; joy goes beyond the outward person to the inward character.
      3. Joy is not the subtraction of problems from life; it is the addition of power to meet those problems.

3. THE JOY OF JESUS IS ABIDING JOY (John 15:11)
   1. It is steadfast in sorrow. (John 16:20)
   2. It is triumphant in tribulation. (2 Corinthians 7:4)
   3. It is lasting in losses. (Hebrews 10:34)
   4. It is abundant in affliction. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

4. THE JOY OF JESUS IS ABUNDANT JOY (John 15:11)
   1. In John 15, Jesus tells us of the relationship between the vine and the branches. In order to have His abundant joy, we must learn to abide in Him.
   2. How do we abide in the Lord?
      1. Surrender (John 15:4-5)
      2. Dependence (John 15:5)
      3. Rest (John 15:9)
         1. We don’t produce joy, we simply bear it. (Galatians 5:22)
      4. Obedience (John 15:10, John 14:15, 21)
      5. Rejoicing (John 15:11, Luke 10:20)

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