SoLo Lives! Ministry

The Secrets of Real Joy Part VII
Ptr. JP Masakayan / Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Secrets of Real Joy Part VII:

MODELING JOY

It is a given that when things are sweet and rosy, there is joy. But what if God allows problems in our lives? How can we continue to be salt and light to the world around us? Paul gives some pointers:

1. Follow those who model PURE JOY. “Brethren, join in following my example, and

observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us (Philippians 3:17). A lot can be learned from Paul whose joy shone brightly even in his darkest hours. He may have been imprisoned many times, but he was free enough to be joyful always. Knowing Christ gave him all the reasons to rejoice. Job is another biblical icon in the area of pure joy untouched by people and circumstances. With everything practically wiped out in a single day (home, children, livestock and servants), he still had a right attitude toward God, with joy and faith still intact. We can follow in their footsteps as examples of joy-filled lives worth emulating.

2. Beware of those who model FALSE JOY. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19). False teachers have no real joy because their gospel is counterfeit. Everything about them is false: false joy anchored on false hope. Thus, they can be spotted through the fruits they produce: false sense of happiness, false sense of security and false sense of righteousness. Therefore, we must:

· Be aware of their wrong theology. There are many deceitful doctrines that come in various forms: Health and wealth gospel; new age; mysticism; teachings regarding the Holy Spirit’s outpouring which paints a questionable image of God; salvation by good works; and salvation by some other mediator or through church membership. But genuine believers know that the true gospel is about salvation found in Jesus Christ alone through faith in Him. The resurrection of our Savior is the basis of our hope from which springs genuine joy.

· Beware of those within who model false thinking. Even in the Christian circle, there are some rotten eggs that may spoil the whole basket. They are those who set low standards of Christianity; those who cause others to stumble, and those who say “Do as I say, not as I do.” ‘As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:24).

3. Be models of REAL JOY. We, as Christ’s bride, can joyfully anticipate seeing and being with our Groom in our real home. Such is our joy when Jesus comes to gather His people. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21). As citizens of heaven, we should:

a) Model our citizenship by our CONDUCT:

• Live in unity (Philippians 2:1-2);
• Live in humility (Philippians 2:5);
• Live without grumbling (Philippians 2:14).

b) Model our citizenship by our ATTITUDE

• Do not be terrified by adversaries (Philippians 1:28);
• Do not be anxious (Philippians 4:6-7).

c) Model our citizenship by our PERSPECTIVE. Joy is the by-product of a Christ-centered mindset. By seeing circumstances from God’s perspective, it is possible to rejoice in the midst of trouble for we are assured of God’s abiding love: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5); God’s absolute sovereignty: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28); God’s grand plan: “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus our Lord” (Philippians 1:6).

Since we are only transients on earth, we can endure pain and suffering knowing that they will enrich us spiritually and prepare us for our homecoming. All that we are and all that we have here are nothing compared to the incomparable riches that await us in heaven. As Joel Rosenberg wrote in his book, “Epicenter”, when others “look around and when they see believers in Jesus enjoying internal peace during a time of such violence and fear, they want Jesus too”.

“Charity begins at home,” so the saying goes. Modeling should, therefore, begin at home. Are we doing just that? Is our joy contagious to our family members that they see Christ’s countenance in our faces and feel His love through our caring acts? For us to be effective, we must follow those who model pure joy, beware of those who model false joy and be models of real joy.