The Pursuit of Joy (Colossians 3:24-25)

This sermon teaches that the chief purpose of humanity is not only to glorify God but to do so by enjoying Him, arguing that joy is not a selfish or secondary motivation but a God‑commanded foundation of genuine Christian obedience. Drawing from Colossians 3:17, 23–24, Psalms, Philippians, and thinkers like John Piper, C. S. Lewis, and Blaise Pascal, it contends that Scripture consistently pairs God’s commands with promised rewards and that pursuing joy in God honors Him rather than diminishes holiness. The message challenges the idea that “pure” obedience should be detached from reward, calling that notion unbiblical and even spiritually harmful. Instead, it affirms that God designed humans to seek joy and that obedience, worship, and service without delight in God becomes hollow and hypocritical. The sermon concludes by urging believers to embrace joyful obedience as the fullest expression of love for God and to pursue enduring joy in Him together.