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1. Working for the Lord (v17)
   • When walking in the name, character, and instruction of Christ, believers will accomplish many works for the Kingdom of God. This begs the question: What should be the source of our joy?
   • The 72 disciples were filled with joy because of the work they accomplished in the Lord's name. In John 15:5, we learn that apart from Christ, believers can do nothing. What brings you joy?
2. Authority of the Lord (v18-19)
   • Since Christ has delegated authority to believers and has conquered sin and death, believers serve the Lord from a place of victory.
   • Jesus has given power to his followers to overcome opposition from the evil one. Through Christ, believers have the ability to escape temptation (1 Cor 10:13) and are given help when facing doubt (Matt 9:24). However, our enemy are not other people inside or outside the church, but the evil spiritual forces at war against the Kingdom of God (Eph 6:12).
   • Jesus instructed his disciples that nothing would hurt them. However, this does not mean that Christ's followers will not suffer at times. Throughout scripture, we learn that God often accomplishes his will in a broken world through suffering. Read about Joseph in Genesis, Paul and Silas in Acts 16, or the crucifixion of Christ. Believers must remember that nothing can harm our eternal status as sons and daughters of God through Christ (John 1:12, Eph 1:13-14).
3. The joy of the Lord (v20)
   • To understand the true source of our joy, we must consider the fullness of this passage and all of Scripture. Our position as reconciled to God the Father through God the Son is based on the work of Christ Jesus, not ours. Our power to overcome the attacks of the enemy is bestowed upon us from the Son, not from ourselves.
   • We must guard our hearts against placing our joy in the wrong areas. Where we place our joy can lead to where we place our identity. If our joy is in the works, our identity will soon follow. However, if our joy is anchored in the person of Christ, then our identity will also be centered on Him.
   • Therefore, Jesus is the source of our joy, not our achievements or work.
   • If Jesus is the source of our joy and our identity, then no matter the successes or failures, emotions or feelings, joy in him alone will sustain us.

• Is Christ Jesus the cause for your rejoicing?