1 John 1:4 – “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be
full.”
One of Dr. Sightler’s favorite methods in describing or
defining a subject was to describe what it is not. In order to explain where joy may be found,
let’s explore where it cannot be found through some characters from history:
Alexander the Great thought
it could be found in military might. But
no – after conquering the known world, he wept, declaring “There are no more
worlds to conquer.” – No joy!
Lord Byron thought it could
be found in pleasure. He lived a life of
hedonism – but he wrote, “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.” – No
joy!
Voltaire thought he would
find it in infidelity. This noted French
infidel wrote, “I wish I had never been born.” – No joy!
Jay Gould, the American
millionaire, tried to find it in wealth.
But in spite of all his riches, he came to his death declaring, “I
suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” – No joy!
Benjamin Disraeli tried to
find it in power and fame. This great
British Prime Minister declared in despair, “Youth is a blunder; manhood a
struggle; old age a regret.” – No joy!
So where can one find joy?
A man traveling by train through the South got off at a station during a
stop. While taking a walk, he came
across a native of the South and asked him, “Do folks down here enjoy
religion?” He received this reply, “’Em
‘at’s got it does.” Though we don’t put
much confidence in religion, what is usually referred to as “old time religion”
is really true salvation. And true
salvation brings true joy. In fact, our
text verse tells us that salvation brings a joy that is full – that is complete
– that is perfect. What are some things that
salvation brings us joy in?
Salvation brings us joy in
sins forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Can you imagine any greater feeling of
rejoicing that to know that our wrongs against God can be totally forgiven?
Salvation brings joy in
fellowship with the Father. “And truly our fellowship is with the
Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)” That’s what salvation is all about –
restoring our fellowship with the Father – a fellowship broken by the fact of
sin.
Salvation brings joy in
fellowship with God’s people. “That ye also may have fellowship with us.
(1 John 1:3)” The fellowship that we
can have with fellow believers is one of those marks by which we know we are
saved.
Salvation brings joy in
tithing. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “For God loveth a cheerful [hilarious]
giver.” Giving back to God in
proportion to how He has blessed us brings about a wondrous joy – a hilarious
joy – a cheerful joy.
Salvation brings joy in
soul-winning. Paul declares this joy in
1 Thessalonians 2:19 in thinking of those he has won, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye
in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
Salvation brings joy in
seeing Him. This should be one of the
greatest joys we look forward to. Titus
2:13 says, “Looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ.”
Salvation brings joy in the
Word of God. The psalmist says in Psalm
119:162, “I rejoice at thy word, as one
that findeth great spoil.” His Word
is so wonderful, so marvelous, so richly rewarding, that we cannot help
but to rejoice in plumbing its depths.
"Lord, Thank you for the true joy that knowing you brings - For without you there is no joy. thank you for that precious gift that you give to believers. Help us to enjoy the joy that comes from you. Amen."
