We can only glorify God when we find true joy in Him. The Westminster catechism asks the question: “What is the chief end of man?” (What is the purpose of man?). The answer is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Since God is absolutely good, truly enjoying Him is the greatest joy possible. A joyless Christian or someone who finds his greatest joy in something other than God, does not glorify God.

Jesus teaches this lesson in our text when he answers the Pharisees when they ask him, "why are your disciples able to enjoy life, while we merely endure it?" There is no greater joy than that of fellowship with God. For the Pharisees, who knew not God, being in His presence was agony, not ecstasy.

We Christians, who were once enemies of God have been reconciled to him through the redeeming work of Jesus his son. This relationship we have with God now is no longer as an enemy, but it is as his children, a relationship that is filled with love, joy and delight.

The joy of the believer should draw others to Christ! We have a hope-filled story to tell a world that has no hope!

Discussion Questions

As Charles Spurgeon put it, "If we have to put one stitch into the garment of our salvation, we shall ruin the whole thing." If you say that something needs to be added to Christ in order for you to be fully Christian, in order for you to be declared righteous, then you are saying that the righteousness of Christ was not enough. It would be the height of arrogance as well as foolishness to say such a thing before the living God!

1. Name some ways or experiences you have had in which people try to add to the gospel.
2. What does Paul mean in Galatians 5:1, when he says that “For freedom did Christ set us free”?
3. According to Galatians 5:3, what is the problem with putting your faith in ceremonial law? Cf; James 2:10, and secondly - how does this make the gospel unique?
4. Suppose an unbeliever were to ask you about the sufficiency of Christ, i.e.; his atoning work, which scripture verses would you give to them?