A
JOY THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE
Luke 10:17-24
Introduction: There are so many unhappy people in the world today. More money is being spent in this country today on medications and other therapies to deal with unhappiness and depression than ever before. Notice these reasons to rejoice.
I. THE VOCATION
OF A CHRISTIAN (V.17)
God uses the common to do the uncommon. God takes humans and fills them
with Himself and uses them to bless mankind. Maybe you’re not happy
because you’re not seeking to (in the service of God) see others happy.
Helping others find joy will bring you joy! In serving God and others we
find happiness.
 | Stability & Growth (from 12-70) |
The joy of the Lord is contagious. Since our resources are not of this world I’ll not allow the world dictate what God can accomplish through a surrendered saint.
| Shouting & Glowing (vv.17; 20-21) |
Jesus told them it would be ruff on the road of discipleship. Yet they returned with JOY (v.17)! Jesus told them to rejoice (v.20); and them he rejoiced Himself (v.21). When you are used by God to lead a lost soul to faith in Christ, or encourage a discouraged believer understanding that God can use me is something to rejoice about!
II. THE VIEWPOINT
OF A CHRISTIAN (V.18)
The Christian has a different outlook on things. God has already won the
victory! Who has won the battle? (Illus: Isa.14 – I, God the Son, as a
member of the triune Godhead witnessed the fall of Satan.) My viewpoint
is:
| Satan Is Defeated
– he may growl at you, lunge at you; but he cannot touch your soul! |
| Jesus Delivers – (Illus: fighting battles that aren’t mine) I’m not marching for victory…I’m marching from victory! I’m not fighting trying to win a battle…I’m fighting a battle that’s already been won! The viewpoint of a Christian is that Jesus is Lord! |
III. THE VICTORY
OF A CHRISTIAN (V.19)
Satan falling is practically lived out in our lives because of the power
that God gives us through the Person of the Holy Spirit. We have been
given victory over:
| The Serpent
of Hell - Power to overcome all enemies – Serpents = the devil is a serpent and he will most times use
other to get to you. Yet, God has given us the power to withstand all
demonic forces. (Isa 54:17) "No
weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; (Psa 3:7) "O
my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone;
thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly." While in the
center of God’s will the Holy Angels are encamped around you! God is
your shield and defender. |
| The Stinger
of Hell – you don’t have to be afraid – (2 Tim 1:7) "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind." Almighty God is in you in
the Person of the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit that raised
Jesus from the grave! - (1 Cor 15:55-57) "O
death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? {56} The
sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. {57} But
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ." |
IV. THE VALUE
OF A CHRISTIAN (VV.20-22)
Where do you get your value? These came back excited – not because of
their ability…it was because of Jesus! When it all comes down to it,
here is where your value is
| In Salvation - My name’s in the Book |
| In Sanctification - The infilling of the Holy Ghost |
V. THE VISION OF A CHRISTIAN (VV.23-24)
· Is Infinite – The eternal view of believers. Those who have gone on before us did not see the things of God we see today (expound – Holy Spirit; Bible; Church).
· Is Ignored – Taking spiritual things for granted. (Illus: reasons you may be a sad-sack today – taking the Bible for granted; the Holy Ghost for granted; the Church for granted; and all the privileges we have in Jesus – for granted!)
Pastor, I don’t have much to rejoice about today…
God
could use you to win a soul to Him or use you as an instrument to bless
someone!
You’re enemy is a dead duck!
All of God’s power is in you – nothing Satan throws at you is going to
overcome you!
Your name is written in heaven if you’re saved!
God has given you new eyes – you can see the kingdom and things others
never have!
Conclusion: There is so much unhappiness in the world today, yet there are things all around us that should make us smile. If there is anyone in this world that has a reason to smile it is the child of God. What do you have to rejoice about?