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Joy comes from gazing on Jesus and helping others to do the same. 

1) Joy comes from how we view what we have (V10-13) All we do, would be for God’s glory.  We need to be content despite what our circumstances are.  Verse 13 really means: I can be content in any situation through Him who strengthens me.  Contentment comes from trusting God in times of need and in times of plenty.  A content believer is marked by 5 things: 

1. Confident in God’s providence (faith)
2. Satisfied with little (humility)
3. Independent from earthly circumstances
4. Dependent on the divine power of God
5. Preoccupied with the wellbeing of others

 2) Joy comes from what we do with what we have (v14 – 17) We receive spiritual blessings in heaven for our generosity and God supplies every physical need we have in this life.  Believers should bring what they have to give the church and take what they lack then trust that God will provide.  We aren’t called to know the results of our generosity, we are just called to be generous.  Our generosity provides God pleasure to see us providing for each other out of confidence He will provide for us.  In our lack, God will provide. 

3) Joy comes from trusting God with the things we don’t have (v18-19) God will supply all our needs. We give because Christ gave His life for us.  It is not a burden to give but a great joy to give.  When we sing and sacrificially give, it is a sweet aroma to God.  He will provide for what we need, not for our greed.  Trust Him that He is faithful and will provide.    

4) Joy comes from worshiping Him with all we have (v20-23) Seeing His faithfulness will move us to worship Him with all we have.  Joy comes from worshipping Him.  God gets all the glory and true joy comes.  Our gaze should be transfixed on Jesus’ face. 

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