Joy

Loved listening to a sermon by John MacArthur today on "Elements of Joy." I listened to the one from yesterday, as Mark said it was very encouraging. And actually, I think I played a different sermon than what he described. But still, I'm glad I did because it was really encouraging to me.

MacArthur is parked in Philippians 1 where Paul talks about the various types of joy he's experiencing despite his imprisonment.

There is the joy of recollection. That is the joy that Paul experiences as he thinks about other believers and presumably, the memories he has of them. And of course, that is not because those believers are perfect, because certainly (as with Euodia and Syntyche), Paul experienced the sinfulness of those believers. So all of his memories would not be perfect, but Paul did not live in those memories. He experienced joy and love because he overlooked those things he saw, and delighted in thinking on the good that he remembered in others. It would have been sin for Paul to dwell on poor memories and to fuel any ill will or grudges he could have held against others. So rather, he focused on all of the sweet things he observed in other believers.

The second type of joy that MacArthur talked about is the joy of intercession. There is the love to intercede for others, counting it a delight to pray for others: for their spiritual benefit, blessing and progress.

Finally, MacArthur talks about the joy of participation-- that is the delight we share with others over salvation, and partnership in Christ's work and fellowship in Him.

Well, I summed it up quickly and rather poorly, so if you're interested in listening, here's the link. It's seriously worth the time. I had to listen in two halves (one before the kids got up and then next while they were at swim lessons). But so glad I did. Now to find the one Mark ACTUALLY recommended! http://www.gty.org/Shop/Audio+Lessons/50-2_Elements-of-Joy-Part-1