Sermons on Joy
Jesus, King of Joy
This message focuses on Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, including the confrontation with evil and idolatry, as well as the riot in Ephesus because the gospel was disrupting both spiritual and economic forces. (Acts 19:1-41) Sermon Outline “John’s Baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:4-5) Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)…
The King’s Honor
This week we look at the curious episode of the entrance of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, accompanied by great fanfare. The fanfare includes a great host of singers and dancers, and King David becoming undignified in his worship and celebration, much to the shock of his wife (and Saul’s daughter), Michal. What does it mean to show honor to the King of all kings with our lives, no matter who we are? (2 Samuel 6) Sermon Outline David…
I am the True Vine
Exploring the seven “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, this Easter season we want to encounter Jesus again for the first time. Drawing upon the Gospel context and Old Testament history, we want to step more deeply into what Jesus was saying then and what it means for our life with God today. (John 15:1-11) SERMON OUTLINE “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will…
Living Hope
Along with some final greetings, Paul’s last segment of this letter gives us some basic exhortations to living our hope out in everyday life as God’s new community, the church. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28) SERMON OUTLINE “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Living as the Good Community of God (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15) Acknowledge those who serve Warn those who are idle Encourage those who are…
Living with Joy
Disciples of Jesus are exhorted, even commanded, in Scripture to be joyful. Why is that important? How do we do that? Sermon Outline “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) What is Joy? A definition of joy The difference between happiness and joy Living with Joy in Prayer (Philippians 1:3-8) Cultivating joy through prayer Cultivating joy through gratitude for others Living with Joy Because of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18; 2:19-30) Experiencing joy in the…
Jesus, the Joy Bringer
Jesus brings joy and there is great joy in His birth and ministry. What is joy? How does Jesus really bring joy? How is this different from manufactured joy? How can we experience joy in Jesus? Sermon Outline “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for…
His Glory Brings Joy
At the Transfiguration we receive a glimpse of the glory of Jesus that is seen nowhere else in the Gospels before the resurrection. This brings into focus the glory that comes through Jesus to a world turned inside-out with humiliation. (Matthew 17:1-13) Sermon Outline “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) A…
The Hunger for Joy
Our culture is driven by pleasure-seeking and the pursuit of beauty. In many ways, there is nothing quite like the peaks of pleasure or the depths of awesome beauty. Yet, we often find our hunger goes unsatisfied, even when we taste pleasure and beauty. Why is that? What is it about this hunger that connects with the way God has made us and what we can find in Him? Key Texts: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 19:1; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Song of Songs…
Multiplied Joy
Philippians 4:4-23 highlights the call “rejoice in the Lord always” as Paul brings this letter to a close. Sermon Outline “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Choosing Joy (4:4-7) The decision for joy The gentleness of joy with others The resulting peace in prayer Thinking Joy (4:8-9) The joyful virtues Practicing virtues that bring joy The resulting peace in life Reciprocal Joy (4:10-23) Paul’s joyful contentment in God (4:10-13) The Philippians’ joyful sharing…
Joy that Grows
This week, Pastor Matt unpacks Philippians 3:15-4:3 and explores themes of spiritual growth in relation to joy. Sermon Outline “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters.” (Philippians 3:17) Paul’s Example of Growth (3:10-14) Knowing Christ fully, in His death and resurrection Forgetting the past and straining for what is ahead Unfinished but pressing on for the prize The Right Mindset for Growth (3:15-21) The maturing mindset (3:15-16) Learning from good examples (3:17) Turning from bad examples (3:18-19) Looking…
Focused Joy
This sermon from Philippians 3:1-14 brings attention to Paul’s unstoppable focus on Christ in his life and ministry, and what we can learn from him in that. Sermon Outline Focused Joy speaks against the opponents of the gospel and rejoices in the true people of God (Philippians 3:1-4) Rejoice in the Lord! Opponents of the gospel: Judiazers We who believe in Jesus boast in the Lord Focused Joy does not boast in human abilities, but in Christ’s work in the…
Shared Joy
This week of our “Unshackled” series on Philippians focuses on the call from Philippians 2:12-30 to shine like stars and two examples of joyful service in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Sermon Outline “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16) Working Out a Life of Joy (2:12-13) The obedience of salvation Our work and God’s work Living with Increasing Joy (2:13-18) Joy beyond grumbling Joy that holds…
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