SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 8:10

INTRODUCTION:

As Christians, we spend a great deal of time thinking about how greater spiritual strength can be attained, both for ourselves and others.

What is the best source of strength? What is the most solid foundation upon which it can be built?

With respect to spiritual things, consider the relationship between joy and strength.

Is it not true that "THE JOY OF THE LORS IS [OUR] STRENGTH

I. IT WAS FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM THAT THE LORD ENDURED THE CROSS

A. First: We are told that the Lord "learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

And having been perfected. He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

B. Second: What strengthened Jesus Himself to endure the suffering that was necessary to our salvation?

C. Third: looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

II. THE JOY SET BEFORE US IS OUR GREATEST MOTIVATION

A. First: Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15)

Is it not love for the Lord, and the joy of showing our love to Him, that moves us to obey Him?

"Love is the fulfillment of the Law"

(Romans 13:9-10) For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

The other commandments are things we will want to do if we are sufficiently motivated by love, joy, etc.

B. Second: There is no motivation more powerful than the prospect of intense, genuine joy.

The vision of joy in Matthew 25:21) must be the goal that pulls us forward as Christians: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of your Lord."

C. Third: The Joy involved in the "LOVE OF CHRIST," is what must COMPEL" (constrain) us

(II Corinthians 5:14-15) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Labor of love.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected that I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 3:12-14) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehend of Christ. (13) Brethren, I count not mauself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

III. THE JOY SET BEFORE US IS OUR BREATEST STRENGTH

A. First: Along with "BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE" the "HELMET" that protects us to be "THE HOPE OD SALVATION"

(I Thessalonians. 5:8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

(Ephesians 6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

B. Second: The strengthening of Joy can be seen in Paul’s life.

C. Third: Consider Jesus ’ promise in

(Matthew 11:28-30) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

IV. CONSTANT FAITHFULNESS TO GOD REQUIRES CONSTANT FOCUS ON OUR JOY

A. First: Even the most powerfully motivating and strengthening vision will lose its power if we don’t keep our focus on it. Remember its importance

B. Second: Hence we are urged to

(I Peter 1:13) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

C. Third: Keeping focused on the joy of the Lord involves at least two things

Maintaining our eagerness to bring glory to God.

Maintaining our joy in showing gratitude for God’s grace.

If we are interested in being strong spiritually, there is no more important prayer than Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians brethren:

(Ephesians 1:18-19) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.

CONCLUSION

A. First: Love, which is very closely related to Joy

B. Second: (Ephesians 3:14-21) (Read)