Motivated by Joy
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 12:2 ESV
“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
1. God Gives us Joy when we Praise
Psalm 4:7 ESV
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”
Isaiah 61:3 NIV
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
2. God Gives Us Joy when we receive Answered Prayer
John 16:24 ESV
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Answered prayer
A. Tells us God Hears us
1 John 5:14-15 ESV
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
B. Glorifies God
John 14:13
Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
C. Reminds us we are His
Zechariah 13:9
They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
3. God gives us Joy in His Presence
Psalm 16:11 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Acts 13:52 ESV
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 ESV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness....”
