God=Joy - Santosh Poonen - August 18, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/god-equals-joy River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that while we should strive for holiness and likeness to Christ, we must remember that God's primary emotion toward us is joy. The speaker emphasizes that God rejoices over us exactly as we are, even when we are striving for purification. True closeness to God's presence results in an overflowing joy, which should manifest in our lives and relationships.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God rejoices over usWhile crying out to God to be more like Christ, the speaker sensed the Lord reassuring him of His happiness and rejoicing over him.
God is joyJust as 1st John says God is love, getting closer to God reveals an element of joy that permeates His throne.
Anger for a moment, favor for a lifetimePsalm 30 describes how God's anger is temporary, but His favor and rejoicing over His people last a lifetime.
Fullness of joy in God's presencePsalm 16 teaches that ultimate joy is found in God's presence, and entering into the joy of the master is the reward for faithfulness.Psalm 16:11
The image of joy and the lie of SatanGod originally created man and woman in His image to represent joy, but the devil deceived them into believing satisfaction could be found outside of God.
Jesus came to restore our joyJesus spoke words to His disciples so that His joy might remain in them and that their joy might be made full.John 15:11
Avoiding a misrepresentation of GodMany Christians adopt a view of a harsh, scrutinizing God because they scrutinize themselves, leading to a dreary approach to carrying the cross.
Having a joy set before usJust as Jesus carried His cross with a joy set before Him, believers must have joy to successfully carry their cross without becoming discouraged or legalistic.
The Pharisaical trapMatthew 23 warns against trying to obey God's commands out of obligation or fear without joy, which leads to hypocrisy and legalism.
A running commentary with JesusRather than treating prayer as a dry ritual, maintaining a constant, conversational dialogue with Jesus brings relief and companionship in daily life.
Freedom from hypocrisyWhen God frees us from the disparity between our outward appearance and inward reality, we no longer need to pretend because we rest in His rejoicing over us.Matthew 23:28
God values our effortsLike a child who runs back to his father after discipline, believers should run to God knowing He is loving and joyful over them, not angry.
Meditate on the joy of the bridegroomIsaiah 62 depicts God rejoicing over His people just like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.Isaiah 62:5
The treasure of the kingdomMatthew 13 shows that true discipleship and forsaking all else happens from the joy of finding a great treasure.Matthew 13:44
Sowing in tears and reaping in joyPsalm 126 promises that those who go through periods of tearful sowing will ultimately come again with a shout of joy.Psalm 126:6
Ask and you will receive joyJesus explains in John 16 that asking God in His name results in our joy being made full, and finally, Paul urges believers to rejoice.John 16:24
