The Joyful Church

2 Corinthians 7:4-7, John 21:1-19

“I am overjoyed in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 7:4

This month and part of next month, our sermon series will focus on joy. The word “JOY” is well known to us, and we are all praying to have joy in our lives! According to Webster's Dictionary, joy is the emotion that arises from well-being, success, good fortune, or the prospect of attaining one's desires. We will explore its significance, examine why many people struggle to experience it, and how to cultivate a joyful church. Arthur Gossip once stated, "The New Testament is the happiest thing in literature, filled with the sound of singing everywhere, from the choir of angels over Bethlehem to the Hallelujah chorus of the redeemed."

This morning, I ask you: Do you have real and everlasting joy? Do you want to have joy? Joy is the birthright of every child of God, and living without joy means living beneath our privileges as Christians. Are you happy to be here this morning? Do you feel the joy of being present? It’s important to understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is often temporary and lasts only for brief moments, while joy can endure over time. While happiness tends to be fleeting and quickly fades away, joy can be more lasting. Happiness is usually dependent on our surroundings, particularly our situations and experiences. In contrast, joy remains unaffected by external events. Joy represents a state of mind characterized by peace and stability, even in the face of life’s inconsistencies.

Many people seek joy in various ways, yet they often fail to find it. Can joy be found in pleasure? Not necessarily! Lord Byron, who led a life filled with extravagant pleasures, ultimately expressed regret in his later years, stating, "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone." Similarly, joy cannot be found in wealth or riches, as evidenced by our contemporary social and political landscapes. Furthermore, joy is elusive when sought in prestige or fame. Lord Beaconsfield, who enjoyed significant recognition, reflected on life, saying, "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

How can we discover true joy? Just like Apostle Paul, we must remember that Jesus Christ is the only source of genuine and everlasting joy! He alone can provide joy in every situation and condition. In John 15:11, Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Trusting and believing in Christ leads to joy. 1 Peter 1:8 states, “…believing in Him, you rejoice with unspeakable joy and full of glory.”

The essence of this mindset is exemplified in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. Despite enduring significant suffering and afflictions, he stated, “I am overjoyed in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 7:4-7). Although he faced sleepless nights, a worn-out body, disputes with others, fears, and anxieties, Paul remained filled with joy because his trust and confidence were grounded in the Lord.

Christian joy triumphs over all circumstances and is strengthened through trials. In times of suffering, challenges, and the loss of worldly possessions, we can still find joy knowing fully that by looking to Jesus, we “possess something better and more lasting.” Tim Hansel, a Christian author who experienced a severe climbing accident in 1974, offers insight from his journey. Despite numerous instances where doctors have given up hope for his survival, Tim continues to look to Jesus. He confidently states, “Happiness is a feeling. Joy is an attitude.” As we keep our focus on Jesus, we learn to live not by feelings of happiness but by an attitude of joy.

Dwight L. Moody captures this well by saying, “Joy continues in darkness; it is present in both night and day. Joy persists through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart—a secret spring the world cannot see and knows nothing about. The Lord grants His people perpetual joy when they obey Him.” This is crucial: continuous joy stems from our consistent obedience to Jesus as the Lord of our lives.

Engaging in fellowship with fellow believers brings joy. According to 1 John 1:3-4, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you, that your joy may be full." An individual filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit delights in Christian fellowship, where they worship God, care for one another, and express love sincerely. This sentiment is reflected in Hebrews 10:25, which states that we should not neglect the assembly of brothers and sisters.

Finally, joy is present in the atmosphere of praising God. Luke 2:20 reminds us, "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” The shepherds returned to their daily routines, “glorifying and praising God,” because they had found their source of joy in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Living a life of “glorifying and praising God” is how God intends us to approach each day, regardless of our situations, problems, circumstances, or trials.

The joyful church is a place where the joy of the Lord shines brightly on the faces of the congregation. It is where God's love is consistently demonstrated, faith in God is upheld every day, and love among brothers and sisters is practiced regularly.

Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you and cultivate a lasting sense of joy within you. May the Lord give you strength to experience His joy even during times of disappointment and difficulty. As you continue to focus on Jesus, may the Holy Spirit empower you to glorify and praise God, no matter your circumstances.