7
Lesson 7

Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship

Course Study
Worship 1
Courses Course Index
Lessons
1The Life of Worship 2Worship in Trials 3The Father is Seeking Worshippers 4The Inner Sanctuary 5Going Up to Worship 6Joy the Characteristic of Worship
7Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship
8Entering into Worship: Thanksgiving and Praise 9Giving Ourselves in Worship 10Turned Around to Seek After Christ

Theme: Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship with Christ

Text: 1 Peter 1:8 "...you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Core Concept

The joy derived from knowing Jesus serves as a gauge for measuring the depth of one's relationship with Him.

Three Measurement Areas

  • Individual Christian experience (Philippians 4:4)
  • Holy Spirit's movement within congregations (Psalm 16:11)
  • Evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence—surpassing other spiritual manifestations

Eight Levels of Joy in Worship

  1. Joy in believing (1 Thessalonians 1:6)—salvation's joy initiates worship
  2. Joy ascending to worship (Isaiah 51:11)—prioritizing God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
  3. Joy through thanksgiving (Psalm 100)—entering worship's gates
  4. Joy in complete surrender (Romans 12:1)—exemplified by Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1)
  5. Joy from Holy Spirit anointing (Isaiah 61:3)—disciples' daily gladness (Acts 2:46)
  6. Joy in suffering shame (Acts 5:40-42)—rejoicing through persecution
  7. Joy united with Christ eternally (Luke 15:10)—angelic-level worship
  8. Joy in heavenly worship (1 Thessalonians 2:19)—eternal hope

Summary

  • Joy indicates relationship quality with God
  • Joy manifests throughout every worship stage
  • Trials paradoxically intensify spiritual joy
  • Deepest joy emerges from understanding God's eternal purposes