Holiness, Godliness, Usefulness
04/30/2014, by John Kincaid
Lesson 222: Joy From Anticipating God's Reward
Holiness causes joy when we anticipate the reward God has promised.
Heb.12:1-2 since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus was motivated to endure the greatest suffering as He considered the joy of His reward.
In the parable of the talents, the 2 faithful servants were rewarded with His joy. Matt.25:21-23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
God gives every believer the ability to walk in holiness, free from sin’s dominion.
Holiness produces joy. But in God’s wisdom, joy also helps to produce holiness.
When the exiles returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, they were discouraged to find the city in ruins. Nehemiah encouraged them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh.8:10
About This Series
The goal of this series is to become more useful in serving the Lord Jesus Christ, as an instrument in the Redeemer's hand. The theme verses for the series are Ephesians 4:22-24, Philemon 11, 2 Timothy 2:21
- to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
- and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.
- Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
