Sermons

Introduction:

Traditionally, this scripture from Philippians that we are going to focus on this morning is read during the season of Advent. With the season of Advent comes Christmas carols. What Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service would be complete with a rousing version of Joy to the World? It's classic.

It might surprise you to find out that when Isaac Watts wrote the words to this famous hymn, he did not intend for it to be a Christmas hymn. He wrote it about the joy that would come when Christ returns. Thus, the "joy" of the hymn is the assurance that we have of eternal life when Christ returns.

So, this morning Pastor Jim is going to talk about the second fruit of the Spirit: joy. There is a difference between joy and happiness. Human beings are always seeking ways to be happy. It's not a bad thing to be happy, but after a while our pursuits to be happy will never ultimately be satisfying.

That which truly satisfies is the joy that comes in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is this joy that we have, through good times and in bad. If this is the case though, why is it that so many Christians are so grumpy? Why don't live out that joy more regularly in our lives?