Joy for the Journey
God's Gifts at Christmas - Joy • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 85 viewsGod gives His people the gift of joy now and in the future
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Creation will experience joy in the Millennium when God restores it to its full glory (, )
Creation will experience joy in the Millennium when God restores it to its full glory (, )
Explanation: The Prophet is given a glimpse of the conditions that will be present in the Millennium. The Millennium is the 1,000 years of Christ’s physical rule on the earth following His Second Advent, but prior to the Eternal State. (cf., ; , )
The desert and wilderness will be transformed from wastelands to locations of glory and majesty. No longer will they be places of desolation and horror, but they shall become places that refresh the soul.
Illustrate: Consider the temporary, but still awe-inspiring power of a snowfall. The 4-5 inches we received Friday / Saturday transformed our landscape. The beauty of a fresh snow at Christmas brings joy and wonder if only for a short time.
Argument: The Apostle Paul informs us that creation is presently groaning under the curse () and longs for the day of redemption.
Application: Even though we live in a creation that is marred by the effects of sin, we can still experience joy at the creative power of God. As we live life, let’s not be so busy we don’t appreciate the wonder of God’s nature. And let’s enjoy the beauty of a fresh snow.
Anxious hearts will experience joy through the presence of God ()
Anxious hearts will experience joy through the presence of God ()
Explanation: The prophet gives assurance to those who are struggling with their faith. Isaiah ministered in turbulent times with God’s judgment on the nation on the near horizon. The uncertainty of regimes during this period caused great unrest, and the prophet reminds them to look to God.
Argument: The people of God have always experienced uncertainty, and will continue to do so until God sets up His Kingdom. Isaiah promised his listeners that God had not forgotten them, and had a plan for their redemption. We live on the other side of the first Advent, but we still experience anxiety and unrest. God’s promise has not changed, and the NT writers continued to emphasize the promise of His presence ()
Application: Practice living in the Presence of God. Of course, He is always with us, but many of us don’t live with the awareness. Remember that Christmas is a great time to be intentional with Joy instead of anxiety and unhappiness
The redeemed will experience joy through the healing power of God ()
The redeemed will experience joy through the healing power of God ()
Explanation: The prophet received a glimpse of what Jesus would do while He was physically here on this earth. While He came to seek and to save the lost (), He also brought healing and wholeness to many. A common reaction to the healing power of Jesus was that of great joy
Argument: We live in the Already / Not Yet, the time between the two Advents of Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is here now, but it is not in its fullest form (The Millennium). We still live in a fallen world and we still deal with the effects of sin, disease and death.
Argument:
It is, however, vital that we realize what Christ has already done for us.
We who were spiritually blind to the things of God have received our sight (; ; )
We who once refused to hear or heed spiritual truth now gladly hear the Word of the Lord (; )
Before Christ transformed us, we were unwilling and unable to serve Him. Now that He has entered our lives, we have feet that are energized to be about His business ()
At one point we had nothing good to say about Jesus and would not talk of Him, but now we speak and sing His name with Joy
At one point we had nothing good to say about Jesus and would not talk of Him, but now we speak and sing His name with Joy
Application: Those of us who are in Christ have much for to praise Him. As we give thanks and praise, it should not be a duty, but a joy.
The redeemed will experience joy as they travel the Highway of Holiness ()
The redeemed will experience joy as they travel the Highway of Holiness ()
Explanation: The prophet foresees God’s Royal Road that will exist in the Millennium. Called the Highway of Holiness, it will be a road that the redeemed will travel with great joy. On this road will be guidance and safety with no chance of danger or getting lost. We now share stories about how things went wrong (losing the trailer, bus breakdowns, no AC on the mission trip, etc) In the MK the road will be traveled with singing and stories of our Great God and His redemption and His faithfulness
Illustration: Traveling the Highway of Holiness will be like bowling with the rails up. No chance of throwing a gutter ball and ever ball is a winner!
Argument: The final form of the King’s Highway is yet future, be those of us who have been redeemed have already begun part of the journey. We can already tell others our story of God’s grace. We make not have the miraculous deliverance like the demon possessed man in , but just like him, we can “tell them how much the Lord has done for [us] and how He has had mercy on [us]” ()
Application: We are each and every one called to be on mission for God. Our effectiveness can be increased as we live and display a continual joy. Believers can share joy in daily living, and not reserve it for special seasons. We live in His grace, We are redeemed, we have been forgiven. Jesus has already come, the Holy Spirit indwells us now, and we can live with rejoicing in our hearts.