Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 1. The desire of happiness is the most powerful and influential principle of human nature. It is common to man in every circumstance of life — the prince in his palace, and the peasant in his cottage, etc. It is that which governs our feelings, forms Our plans, and directs our pursuits. 2. This desire is lawful and beneficial; it corresponds with the design of man's creation, and is in harmony with the will of his Creator. The glory of God is connected with the happiness of His creatures. To promote these, the commands and promises were given, and the plan of redemption executed. 3. Why, then, is there so much misery in the world? The cause is the influence of sin in the heart and on the conduct. Sin is the greatest enemy to the welfare of man. Consider: — I. THE SOURCE FROM WHICH THE JOY OF THE CHRISTIAN IS DERIVED. It does not proceed from himself, or the objects around him — it is not the false joy produced by self-complacency, or by the possessions and amusements of the world. The believer rejoices in God — in Him who is perfectly blessed in Himself, and who is the only source of real happiness to His creatures. The Christian's joy arises from — 1. Reconciliation with God (Isaiah 61:10). He views God, not as an enemy, but as a friend. 2. Communion with God. Reconciliation will promote confidence, and this will lead to intercourse. The Christian "dwells in the secret place of the Most High," holds delightful fellowship with the Father of spirits, and gets nearer heaven in devout meditation, ardent desire, and warm affections. 3. A participation in the blessedness of God. The Lord is his portion: all the perfections of Jehovah are engaged for his welfare, and all the promises of His Word are designed for his comfort and encouragement. He enjoys God in everything; in the bounties of Providence, as well as in the ordinances of religion. He has many blessings now in possession — peace of mind, etc., but he has the fulness of joy reserved for him, of which he has now the foretaste. II. THE MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH THIS JOY IS COMMUNICATED. Christ is the medium of — 1. Reconciliation with God. This arises from that satisfaction which He made to Divine Justice by His voluntary death on the Cross. Those "who were enemies, are reconciled to God by the death of His Son." 2. Communion with God. "No man cometh to the Father but by Him." 3. All spiritual blessings. In Him there is treasured up a fulness of grace, to pardon, to sanctify, to comfort, to direct, to support under all the trials and duties of life, and to prepare for eternal glory; and of His fulness all true believers have "received grace for grace." III. THE PROPERTIES BY WHICH THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY IS DISTINGUISHED. "The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment"; "the pleasures of sin are but for a season"; "the triumphing of the wicked is short." This joy is distinguished from these, as it is — 1. Spiritual in its nature. It is not that which depends on external circumstances. It is deeply rooted in the heart, the proper seat of happiness. It is there that the desire of happiness dwells; and till the heart is filled the desire will not be gratified. 2. Holy in its influence. Carnal mirth has a tendency to dissipate the mind and to corrupt the heart; for its source is polluted. But Christian joy purifies the mind, by bringing it into close contact with all that is worthy of its noblest powers. 3. Permanent. The fountain from which it flows is inexhaustible; and as the Christian pilgrim advances in his journey heavenward he arrives nearer its source.Conclusion: 1. Learn the value of true religion. It is friendly to the best interests of man. 2. Let those who are destitute of this joy seek it by immediate application to the Saviour of sinners. 3. Let the Christian seek an increase of spiritual joy. Parallel Verses KJV: And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. |
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