PASTORS OUTLINE

RLJ-643

BEING CONTENT IS THE JOY OF THE LORD

December 20,1998

JOY is not:  having an education, possessions, positions or wealth.
JOY I:  BEING ONE WITH GOD IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WHILE WE ARE STILL HERE ON EARTH IN OUR HUMAN BODIES. Acts 16:16-34

The apostle Paul was content and joyful, but when it came to the goods of this earth, there was very little he could claim belonged to him. 1 Corinthians 4:9-14

A Christian cannot fully worship the Father, unless he is motivated by joy! John 4:22-24

Jehoshaphat, fifth generation and some 100 years later in the bloodline of King David, started out his life as a king, by walking with God. 2 Chronicles 17:1-6

When the king encountered problems that he could not face in his own power, he turned to God: 
2 Chronicles 20:1-4
Prayer and fasting - verses 5-13
God answered with a prophetic word: verses 14-17
The king responded with worship of the Lord; verses 18-19
Now it was time to add FAITH IN GOD to the JOY OF THE LORD! Verses 20-21
The praise and the faith must come before we see God move! Verses 22-24
After the battle the believer in Christ will recover what Satan stole! Verses 25-32

Jesus had joy, because He was in the will of the Father! John 4:31-38,6:37-40,17:4-5

A strong Christian is content at all times; he moves only within the will of God, which creates great joy. Once this platform is built, and the Word of God is applied: Romans 10:17
FAITH WILL EMERGE IN ABUNDANCE! Hebrews 11:1-6

Noah was content in his assignment on earth - verse 7
Abraham was content in his assignment on earth - verses 8-10
Sarah was still a very beautiful woman at the age of 75 - Genesis 12,11-15
Sara did not have a child but was content - and God gave her Isaac - Hebrews 11-12 
They all died being content and full of faith that one day the Glory of God would break forth. V 13-16

When we are looking for earthly achievements and blessings, there will be nothing but SORROW AND GRIEF! Matthew 6:19

But if you die to yourself and put your sight on heaven, you will be content, filled with joy and faith in God! Matthew 6:20

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also - Matthew 6:21

Are you going to be a Paul in your life or are you going to be the rich young man? Matthew 16-22