December 11, 2022
THE WAITING: COMPLETE JOY
December 11, 2022
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Our current series, “The Waiting,” looks forward to Christmas Day, when we traditionally celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ as Immanuel: “God with us.” From the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the prophets throughout the Old Testament, many were the prophecies that foretold the coming of the Messiah who would be God coming in human flesh. As we look back at history made clear for us, we know that Baby who was born in the manger at Bethlehem grew to be the sacrifice for our sins, and today reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, sitting beside the Father in heaven until He returns for His children. Is it any wonder we have great joy?
Focal Passages: Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-11; John 14:15-17, Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:2-4.
The Presence of Christ is the beginning of joy
· Read Luke 2:10-11. Why did the angel say to the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid”? (Realistically, if an angel appeared where you were with a small group of friends, do you have any idea how you would react?)
· What good news did the angel bring? Why did he say the news was of great joy? The tribe of Israel (Jacob) had been chosen by God to be His chosen people; what type of Messiah were they expecting, based on their scrolls and prophecies?
· The Messiah was coming to save people “from their sins”; what kind of joy probably filled the shepherds as they looked at this newborn king?
· How can you get this joy? When you accept Jesus’ payment for your sin and receive eternal life, how much joy can you have?
Following Christ brings complete joy
· Read John 15:9-11. Who is speaking in this passage? About how old is Jesus now? Who is He speaking to? What commandment is He passing on to His followers?
· If you follow Him, how will that give you His joy? Why did He tell His followers (and us!) how much joy one can receive by following Him?
· How can you have complete joy? What is the difference between joy and happiness? How can you lose your happiness? Can you lose your joy?
Abiding in Christ multiplies joy
· Read John 14:15-17. How do you multiply your joy? What are some ways you follow Him daily? Who is the Spirit of Truth? Why does the world not know Him?
· Read Gal. 5:22-23. Besides joy, what are other fruits of the Spirit? Why does it say that there is no law against those things? How contagious is someone who is filled with these fruits? How do we multiply fruits?
Standing Strong in trials is the benefit of joy
· Read James 1:2-4. How does the testing of our faith produce patience? Can anyone give an example? Why did Dr. Falwell, Sr. always say, “Trials can make you better or bitter”?
· What are your options for handling a trial when you are going through one? If you choose to believe God knows best, how does that lead to more faith?
· Read Job 23:8-10. To persevere in a trial, knowing God is doing something you do not understand, leads to a deeper faith; how did Job react in this passage? Why should we be joyful that we choose to trust God when a trial is upon us?
Close:
All of us can identify with “waiting.” There are few days that go by wherein we do not have to wait, at some point, for something. It may simply be to pay for an item in a store, or it may be long-anticipated guests are arriving to spend the holidays. The waiting can be swift or slow, dreaded or anticipated highly, uncertain and “iffy” or days filled with anticipation of pleasure. How many of us are waiting for an event that the whole world will tune in to watch?
The coming to earth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us, was of such importance that God dispatched some of the angelic host of heaven to announce His birth to a selected few. The sad truth is, though, that because His coming was not in the manner that myriads of individuals thought it would be, their minds were closed to the truth that Messiah had come.
For those of us who have received Him gladly, we are recipients of joy for all eternity. And we know, to us who received Him, that He gave the right to become children of God! (John 1:12). What unspeakable joy! As the song in the praise and worship part of our service says, “joy…an overflowing well, no man can tell.” And it is. Knowing God has paid for one’s sins (and only that particular person knows the amount of them) gives a joy that no one can take away. Our happiness? It ebbs and flows like the tides of the sea, depending on circumstances. But our joy? It is always and ever our very own, as we continually abide in God’s presence, with His complete joy in us, always flowing strong during trials. It bubbles up inside of us until it fills our being! Can there be any better good news than “this day…a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord,” and who has paid for our sins, giving those of us who believe eternal life. What joy!
By Sandy Day December 11, 2022