Be Strong in the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus
True joy comes from being right with God, living for others, and rejoicing in the Lord, regardless of circumstances.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true joy comes not from the pursuit of happiness but from being right with God, serving others, and rejoicing in the Lord despite circumstances. He outlines four key conditions for experiencing joy: aligning oneself with God, selflessness, finding joy in the Lord, and obedience to His commands. Simpson encourages believers to act faithfully and trust in God's promises, reminding them that joy is a result of living a life dedicated to Him and others. He concludes with a call to action, urging believers to continually strive for growth and fulfillment in their spiritual journey.
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How may we enjoy this day? This enjoyment will never come by trying to be happy, and yet there are conditions which, if met, will produce real joy. 1. Be right with God, for gladness [is sown] for the upright in heart (Psalm 97:11). It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full. 2. Forget yourself and live for others, for It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). 3. When you cannot rejoice in feelings, circumstances or conditions, rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4), and count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2). 4.
Finally, obey the Lord and be faithful to your trust, and again and again His blessed Spirit will whisper to your heart, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21).
Not enjoyment and not sorrow Is our destined end or way, But to act that each tomorrow Finds us farther than today. Let us then be up and doing With a heart for any fate, Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. From "A Psalm of Life" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Sermon Outline
- Be Right with God points: - Gladness is sown for the upright in heart (Psalm 97:11) - God's joy remains in us, making our joy full
- Forget Yourself and Live for Others points: - It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) - Giving brings joy and fulfillment
- Rejoice in the Lord points: - Rejoice in the Lord when circumstances are difficult (Philippians 4:4) - Count it all joy when you face temptations (James 1:2)
- Obey the Lord and Be Faithful points: - Obey the Lord and be faithful to your trust - God's blessed Spirit will whisper 'Well done' and lead you to joy (Matthew 25:21)
Key Quotes
“Not enjoyment and not sorrow Is our destined end or way, But to act that each tomorrow Finds us farther than today.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us then be up and doing With a heart for any fate, Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to be right with God every day.
- Prioritize living for others and giving to others, as it brings joy and fulfillment.
- Rejoice in the Lord, even when circumstances are difficult, and count it all joy when you face temptations.