Joy is found in an intimate knowledge of our Savior.

Philippians 2:3-8

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

A life of sacrifice is the foundation for a life of joy.                                          

You rejoice in suffering (sacrifice) when you love what you gain through suffering more than what you are giving up in suffering.

--J. D. Greear

The Upside-Down Kingdom

The first will be last, and the last will be first

The rich will be sent away empty

The least of these will become the most valued

The humble will become the most powerful

The one who sacrifices or suffers will experience great joy

Matthew 20:28

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We can have joy in the midst of sacrifice

Acts 16:25

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

Philippians 2:17

But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.

Future joy sustains a life of sacrifice.

Hebrews 12:2

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

John 16:20

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.

John 16:22

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.

A sacrificial life reflects the life of Christ.

“Joyful sacrifice is giving up something you love for something you love even more.”

--J. D. Greear

John 15:9-11

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

1. Joy is found in an intimate knowledge of our Savior.
2. As we get to know Him, we realize that the secret ingredient to a life of joy is a lifestyle of sacrifice and service for others.
3. When we experiment with a life of sacrifice, we discover there can be great joy even in the midst of great sacrifice.
4. Along the way, we will encounter times where our sacrifice may result in sorrow. But our confidence of future joy (eternal victory) will sustain our ability and desire to continue to live sacrificially.
5. When we live selflessly (sacrificially), we reflect the attitude and image of Christ and therefore we glorify God and point others to Him.
6. Motivation to live selflessly and the ability to grow in our love for others is found only in staying connected to the source of perfect love – Jesus Christ. 

2 Timothy 3:2

For people will love only themselves…

Galatians 5:22-24

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.