Introduction:

I. Everyone wants joy or happiness in life.

A. Research shows that when asked, “What is the most important thing in life,” people most often answer, “happiness.”

B. What brings happiness to one will be different from another.

II. The New Testament is filled with verses about joy and rejoicing.

A. Matthew 13:44; Acts 8:8; Acts 13:52; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4; 1 John 1:4; James 1:2.

III. The words foundation and joy need to be defined.

A. Foundation is the base upon which something stands. It is the underlying basis or principle for something.

B. Joy is a state of great delight or happiness. It is gladness of heart. It is satisfaction of soul, Philippians 4:11.

IV. What is the foundation for your joy?

Discussion:

I. The seventy laborers of Luke 10:1-24.

A. Their Mission:

1. They would go before Jesus 2x2 into towns where He would later come.

2. They were to heal the sick.

3. They were to teach, the kingdom of God is come near to you.

4. They would have disappointments.

B. Our Mission:

1. Go into all the world and preach the gospel. Mark 16:15

2. Love one another. John 13:35

3. Do good unto all men. Galatians 6:10

4. Visit orphans and widows and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. James 1:27

5. We will have trials. James 1:2

II. The foundation for joy is based upon where our names are written.

A. These seventy returned with joy over who was subject to them. (vs 17)

B. Jesus explains they will have authority over the enemy.

C. They were to rejoice because their names were written in Heaven.

III. Jesus rejoices in the same hour.

A. His joy prompted him to pray.

B. He prayed that little children could see these things.

C. His joy is revealed to the disciples.

Conclusion:

Understanding that my joy is based upon where my name is written, and not about my perfect performance can make all the difference in my life, every single day!