Big Idea: God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” —C.S. Lewis

Psalm 16:11

1. The only way to satisfy our longing for joy is in God: “You make known to me the path of life…”

a. We have a void in our hearts that can only be filled by worshipping God.
b. God has shown us the path to finding life in God is through the gospel.
c. Our deepest longings for joy can only be satisfied in enjoying God.

2. We can confidently step into the presence of God because we are in Christ. “you will fill me with joy in your presence…”

a. Why don’t we step confidently into the joy of God’s presence consistently?
We’re not totally convinced that the gospel is true.
We must refuse the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth.

b. When we are confident in gospel truth we will experience a radical joy that transforms our lives.

3. The only life worth living, is one fighting for joy in God. “with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

a. We settle for temporary pleasures, when eternal pleasures are available at His right hand.
Psalm 27:13
b. We need to cultivate eternal pleasure. How?
1. Refuse to settle for a life of casual Christianity.
2. Marinate in the truth of the Gospel.
3. Seek to know God’s heart.
4. Live a Holy Spirit-filled lifestyle.
5. Dedicate your life to the cause of building Christ’s kingdom.

c. A life that brings God glory is the only life worth living.

Gospel Application

1. God is not mad at me anymore, but only deals with me in love.
Romans 8:1, Zephaniah 3:17, Hebrews 12:7
2. God, through Christ, has removed the darkest stains of all my sin.
Ephesians 1:7, John 1:29

3. God, through Christ, has literally made me holy.
Hebrews 10:10, Philippians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21

4. God, through Christ, has empowered me with the Holy Spirit for daily living.
Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

5. God, through Christ, has given every believer spiritual gifts to build the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Timothy 1:6

Gospel Foundation

1. Propitiation: Wrath

2. Expiation: Guilt

3. Imputation: Identity

4. Infiltration: Power

5. Manifestation: Ministry

Obstacles to Victory

1. Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

2. The Flesh
John 15:5

3. Ignorance
John 8:32

4. Choice
Romans 6:13