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It always amazes me when multiple sermons from different churches preach from the same scripture on the same day. Today, I listened to three different sermons online and ALL of them referenced Philippians 4.
These sermon notes come from Todd Mullins at Christ Fellowship Church in South Florida. Today’s title was, “Bringing Joy Back to Your Journey”. You can listen to church online wherever you are.
Sunny Side Up: Finding Joy Back in Your Journey
Pastor Todd started off talking about the theology of joy (aka, Joyology). He reminded us that theology literally means “to think about” and later referred to it as “theistic optimism” and referenced Isaiah 55.
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
– A.W. Tozer
However, this should not be based on our feelings, but the word of God. (Is 40:8, Ps 119:105)
Many refer to God as Almighty, Everlasting, and Sovereign – all of which are true. But if joy is not at the foundation, we are missing out.
People have hijacked our happiness and we don’t even know it’s missing!
“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.“
– John 10:10 (AMP)
God cares about your happiness and there are three points the pastor made about joy to kick off this series:
God Wants You to Enjoy Your Life…
…so that is overflows out of you!
In the Beatitudes, “blessed” = makarios, which means “happy”. Sometimes we overspiritualize joy and trivialize happiness.
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.
– Ecclesiastes 8:15
Joy is Not Optional
In fact, it joy is essential for the Christian life. God put in place feasts and festivals. We’re actually commanded to celebrate and are characterized by our joy.
Joy is an overflow of a Spirit-filled life. Think about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
– John 15:11
Your Joy is Your Responsibility
Joy is not something that happens TO you, it’s something God wants to do THROUGH you.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
– Philippians 4:4
2 Steps to Keep Your Joy:
- Focus on God’s purpose (DO), not your problem (WHO) – Phil 1:12-14
- Find the opportunities in the obstacles
Our purpose doesn’t have to be hindered by our problems. Do not tie God’s purposes for your life to something temporary in your life.
– Todd Mullins
Read my other Christ Fellowship Sermon Notes.
You can watch Christ Fellowship live online on YouTube.
Catch up on all my past sermon notes and discover where else you can watch church online.
