Joy comes from deep within and from a resolved mind.  James 1:2-3

• Joy is not happiness.
  • Happiness depends on circumstances. EBC
• Joy is rooted and more of a constant outlook.
  
  
• A joyful core, will receive trials as a means of growth that lead to the perseverance of faith.

Joy looks beyond the moment of an unexpected challenge.  1 Peter 1:3-7

• Because we are born again through Jesus’ resurrection, we get a new hope. (3)
  
  
• We have an inheritance that is not a part of a volatile market, rather it is guaranteed. (4)
  
  
• Until then, by faith we are shielded by God’s power until that salvation is realized. (5)
  
  
• Regardless of trial, we can rejoice it is a temporary challenge that does not hinder our inheritance. (6)
  
  
• Joy sees the trial as an opportunity to reveal your faith which will give glory to Jesus who is revealed in you. (7)

Joy begins when we hitch our wagon to Jesus.  Hebrews 12:1-3

• Joy finds space in us when we throw off all that distracts us from Jesus leading us. (1)
  • Some of those things are not sin, but merely unnecessary distractions.
  • Some of those things are sin. Anything that is more important to us than walking with Jesus. 

• Run the long race fixed on Jesus.
  • Persevering, and not wearing out due to poor weight/health in faith. (2)
  • He is the example, the model, the standard for doing life with complete joy.

• Consider the Jesus way. (3)
  • In looking at what would be the outcome, endured the scourge of the cross.
  • He thought nothing (scorn) of the shame of such a death. EBC
  • He chose to go forward with the Cross because joy would be the outcome. (2b)
• Perseverance and hope become our joyful journey when we run to and run like Jesus, regardless of the times. (3)

Benediction:

Joy to the World Verse 3  “No more let sins and sorrow grow, or thorns infest the ground.  He comes to make his blessings flow. Far as the curse is found.”   

Hebrews 12:1, 3 “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…consider [Jesus] who endured the [cross] so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Result: Joy to you! Joy in you! Joy through you!  Regardless of life’s context.

Discussion Guide:

1. According to James 1:2-3, joy is the mindset of one who is going through various kinds of trials. Why is this the case?  How can you differentiate the term joy from happiness, especially during a trial?
2. Read 1 Peter 1:3-7. What is different about an earthly inheritance versus the inheritance mentioned in this text?  How does mindfulness of our heavenly inheritance affect our ability to rejoice during a trial of life?  Verse 7 says that such trials reveal our genuine faith and give glory Jesus.  How does that happen by rejoicing during a trial?
3. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What are some things in your life that may or may not be sin, but could be hindrances to you being joyful in your faith?  What is the joy that Jesus saw ahead that made it worth him choosing the Cross?  How does someone fix their eyes on Jesus daily?  Verse two says we are to fix our eyes on Jesus and verse three says in considering his way we will not lose heart or grow weary.  Why is joy the evidence of someone whose faith in Jesus is persevering and strong of heart?