Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship

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