The Equation of JoyPhillipians 2:1-2

Phillipians 2:1-2If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love,

if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

then make my joy complete by being like-minded,

having the same love, being one in spirit and

purpose.

The Equation of Joy

• Sometimes we feel its hard to enjoy life

• But God gives us an equation, through Paul

• An equation, a mathematical statement of truth

• God provides a pathway to true joy

• This is a “proof”. How?

Structure of an Equation

• It is a conditional statement - if/then

• It tests for four conditions

• If these conditions are true, we are prompted to do something

• Then the result is: “complete joy”

What is Complete Joy?

• What is joy?

• How is it different than happiness?

• Joy is something more than happiness

• Joy is not equal to happiness!

Joy vs. Happiness

• Happiness is accidental

• The word “happy” gets its root from “hap”

• Happenstance, haphazard, all related

• Happy used to mean “lucky”

• Happiness happens!

Joy vs. Happiness

• Joy is intentional!

• Sing for joy

• Replace the word “joy” with money

• You need to work for joy and be dilegent

• Joy doesn’t just happen

If it’s not accidental,then it must be repeatable

Happiness vs. Joy

• Happiness is temporary

• That’s why they call it “Happy Hour”

• It lasts an hour or two!

• How do bars & restaurants make money then?

• They know the happiness wears off !

• You’ll be back for your next fix

Happiness vs. Joy

• Joy is permanent!

• Joy does not leave when the party’s over

• Joy is something you can think back and smile

• Example: Helping people

If you search for happinessyou will never find joy

In Unity

• If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ – be like-minded

• United with Christ ➡ Encouragement

• United means standing for the same thing

• Like-minded is more than united

• Ability to work as one, think the same thing

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

In Love• If any comfort from his love –

have the same love

• Jesus’ Love ➡ Comfort ➡ Same Love

• Jesus showed us how to love, He is the pattern

• Will we lay down our life for a friend?

• Will we have the same love as Jesus?

• Love is powerful to change the world.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this,that he lay down his life for his friends.

In Spirit• If any fellowship with the Spirit

– be one in spirit

• The Holy Spirit ➡ Fellowship

• Teaches us. Guides us.

• Keeps us from killing each other

• We can become one in spirit

• Able to take on any challenge together

John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you all things and will remind you of everything

I have said to you.

In Purpose• If any tenderness and compassion

– then purpose

• Tenderness ➡ Compassion ➡ Purpose

• Let your heart be tender, not calloused

• You will develop a passion for the world

• From that passion, you find what you can do

• You will find your purpose in God’s kingdom.

Hebrews 4:7

Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later

he spoke through David, as was said before:

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Joy is sharing apurpose with othersin God’s Kingdom