That Your Joy May Be Full

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

Everybody loves a happy ending. Song: "Everybody Will Be Happy Over There."

Songs in our song book:

O Happy Day

Sing And Be Happy

I'm happy today

What we can understand from these songs and even from scripture that we will read is that there is reason for our happiness. In a world full of sorrow, we can still find joy because God is with us.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

How could Paul say this while in prison for his faith?

Because of his thinking: Philippians 4:8 on praiseworthy things

Because of his confidence: Philippians 4:4 "in the Lord"

Paul was able to rejoice and be content in any situation because of Christ; He was in Christ, Christ was in him and strengthened him.

Jesus spoke about his death to his disciples, then He said,

Let not your hearts be troubled. John 14:1

"Don't Stop Trusting" John 14:1

You Are Not Alone (I will send the Comforter) John 14:15-18

Stay Close To Me (I am the true vine) John 15:1-8

While speaking about being the true vine, Jesus also made this statement:

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

What does that mean?

Keep in mind: "Joy" is part of the fruit of the spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

So, it may be similar to, but not exactly the same thing as what the world says is joy.

The world is happy when things around them are good and enjoyable

The Christian is happy because Christ is in us and with us. John 14:1-15:11

Why Should We Or Why Can We Be Happy?

1. We Can Be Happy Because Of The Blood Of Christ

The Forgiveness that comes from it

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

The Confidence Before God that comes from it

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

The Fellowship with God and Unity with brethren that comes from it

Ephesians 2:12-14 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

2. We Can Be Happy Because This World Is Temporary

I know there are times that we do not like what is going on in this world, but it is temporary

Someone once asked an elderly woman her favorite Scripture verse. She replied, "And it came to pass." "And it came to pass? But that doesn't mean anything." "Yes it does," she answered. "I know that whenever a trial comes, it doesn't come to stay; it comes 'to pass.' It's not going to be around forever."

It may be that that phrase actually means "It happened that...;" but she has a point!

That's why one of my favorite songs is, "This World is Not My Home, I'm just a passing..." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient (they're not here for long), but the things that are unseen are eternal.

3. We Can Be Happy Because Heaven Is Eternal

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient (they're not here for long), but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Revelation 21:4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Conclusion:

We have something for which we can rejoice:

If we are in Christ we can know the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus and the

assurance of forgiveness.

If we are in Christ we can know that this world will not go on forever, there will not

always be death, there will not always be disease, and there will not always be troubles. If we are in Christ we can go to our eternal home with the Father who is in heaven and

never have to leave. INVITATION