Fullness of Joy in Abiding in Jesus
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 9 2024 | John 15:11
KEY VERSE:
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus shares the purpose behind His teachings on abiding in Him and keeping His commandments: that His joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete. This statement reveals the heart of Jesus' desire for His followers—to experience the fullness of joy that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Him. The joy Jesus speaks of is not a fleeting emotion or dependent on external circumstances. It is a profound, enduring joy that stems from knowing Him, living in His love, and walking in His ways.
Abiding in Jesus and keeping His commandments are the keys to experiencing this complete joy. When we remain in Christ, we draw our life, purpose, and strength from Him. His presence in our lives brings a sense of peace and fulfilment that nothing else can provide. As we align our lives with His teachings and follow His guidance, we discover the joy that comes from living in harmony with God's will. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, a manifestation of the deep satisfaction and contentment found in a life devoted to Christ.
Jesus' joy becomes our joy when we fully embrace His love and allow it to transform us. This joy is not just for our benefit but also serves as a testimony to others of the abundant life found in Christ. As we live out this joy, we become beacons of hope and encouragement to those around us, drawing them to the source of true joy—Jesus Himself.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Commit to abiding in Christ, immerse yourselves in His word, and walk in obedience to His commands, so that His joy may fill our hearts and our joy may be made complete.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, as I determine to abide in your word and in You, may my joy be made full in all I have and in all I receive from you. Thank you for the constant supply of my overflowing joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: COMPLETE
The word "complete" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "πληρόω" (plēroō), which means to fill, fulfil, make full, or complete. It carries the sense of bringing something to its intended fullness or perfection.
Jesus concludes His discourse on the vine and branches in John 15:11 by explaining the purpose of His teachings: to impart His joy to His disciples so that their joy may be complete. The concept of "complete" here signifies a joy that is full, perfect, and lacking nothing. The joy Jesus gives is the same He experiences with the Father which is characterised by perfect love and obedience. This joy is a deep, abiding sense of well-being and fulfilment that comes from being in a right relationship with Jesus
Reflections:
How can you cultivate a deeper abiding in Jesus to experience the fullness of joy He promises, and how does this complete joy manifest in your daily life?
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