“A Theology of Joy”

“A Theology of Joy”

Joy (part 2)

To begin, it is important that we have a clear understanding of what joy is.  So, below you will find a theology of joy.  I constructed this based upon a sermon by John MacArthur, and I have found it to be incredibly valuable as I have pursued joy in my own life.  I hope you find it to be helpful in your personal pursuit of joy.

A Theology of Joy

Joy is a gift of God…

[7] You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. [8] In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:7-8)

              

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

              

to those who believe the gospel…

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)

being produced in them by the Holy Spirit…

            For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:22)

as they believe and obey the Word,…

            Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)

              

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete (I John 1:4)

mixed with trials…

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, (I Thessalonians 1:6)

            as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. (II Corinthians 6:10)

            In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (I Peter 1:6)

and set their hope on future glory.

            Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

            But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (I Peter 4:13)

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, (Jude 24)

Allow me to put it all together: Joy is a gift of God, to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit, as they believe and obey the Word, mixed with trials, and set their hope on future glory.

We need this theological understanding of joy like a building needs a foundation. From this point on, our aim is to build on that foundation of knowledge as we continue our personal pursuits of joy. Next week I want to impart some practical steps we can take to stir up joy in our lives.  These steps aren’t some original ideas I’ve conceived, but they are all found in Philippians 1:3-8.  Feel free to take a peek and see if you can find how Paul stirred up joy in his own life.