46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him.
1 John 1:5 (CSB)
2. We Walk in Darkness
If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.
1 John 1:6 (CSB)
3. Christ Enables Dark People to Walk in the Light
If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:7-10 (CSB)
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2 (CSB)
2. God’s Love is Revealing
The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:4 (CSB)
3. God’s Love is Refining
But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him…
1 John 2:5 (CSB)
4. God’s Love is Rewarding
The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.
1 John 2:6 (CSB)
Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because your strength [comes from] rejoicing in the Lord.”
Nehemiah 8:10 (CSB)
1. WHAT IS JOY?
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 1:4 (ESV)
I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11 (CSB)
…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 (CSB)
2. WHERE DOES JOY COME FROM?
“… Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:4; 11 (NLT)
3. HOW CAN I LIVE JOYFULLY?
A. Overcome Courageously
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various
trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 (CSB)
B. Give Generously
God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (CSB)
C. Devour Enthusiastically
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not
burdensome…
1 John 5:3 (NIV)
D. Overflow Spiritually
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52 (CSB)
