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The Other Side of God · Lesson 11

The Joy Counters

Matthew 5:41 · James 1:2–4

A complete manuscript curriculum lesson from the preserved writings of Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis — structured for study, leadership development, and theological reflection.

Chapter Outline · All Chapters
  1. 01. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity
  2. 02. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul
  3. 03. Why I Believe in the Church
  4. 04. The Lord of the Leftovers
  5. 05. Living Life in the Second Mile Lane
  6. 06. The Religion of a Strange Woman
  7. 07. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity (Part II)
  8. 08. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul (Part II)
  9. 09. Why I Believe in the Church (Part II)
  10. 10. The Lord of the Leftovers (Part II)
  11. 11. The Joy Counters
  12. 12. The Other Side of God
  13. 13. The Other Judas
I. Chapter Overview

The central movement of this lesson

This segment contrasts the mediocre, conditional love of man with the magnificent, comprehensive love of God, urging believers to live in the 'second mile' as a witness to a divided world. It further explores the theology of suffering as presented in the book of James, challenging readers to adopt a mindset of joy, recognizing that trials are governed by God for the purpose of sanctification.

II. Theological Themes

Doctrine and Kingdom emphasis

  1. The contrast between divine and human love
  2. The necessity of the second-mile witness
  3. Theodicy and the sources of human suffering
  4. Practical faith vs. mere religious observance
  5. Sanctification through trials
  6. The authority of the believer over circumstances
III. Scripture Focus

Biblical texts in view

  1. Luke 11:42
  2. Romans 8:38-39
  3. James 1:26
  4. Psalm 116:13
  5. Romans 10:13
  6. Revelation 22:17
  7. 3 John 1:2
  8. Genesis 13:2
  9. 1 Kings 10:14
  10. James 1:1-4
  11. John 9:4
  12. Jonah 1:2-4
IV. Teaching Points

Homiletical and theological insights

  1. God's love is uninfluenced by human performance and inclusive of all who call upon Him.
  2. Going the 'second mile' transforms our witness into something meaningful for a divided world.
  3. James teaches that an authentic faith is a working faith, where deeds match our creed.
  4. Problems occur through four primary channels: divine direction, divine permission, self-inflicted consequences, or general human existence.
  5. The command to 'count it all joy' is a directive for us to take authority over our perspective, regardless of our feelings.
  6. The goal of God's pressure in our lives is our sanctification into the image of Christ.
V. Leadership Lessons

Formation for Kingdom leaders

  1. Leaders must move beyond the 'bare minimum' to be effective witnesses.
  2. Pastoral influence is strengthened when the leader models servant-hood rather than pulling rank.
  3. True ministry requires 'meddling'—going to the heart of matters rather than staying on the surface.
  4. Leaders should teach others to master problems rather than be mastered by them.
  5. Effective witness requires the integration of one's creed and deeds.
VI. Ministry Applications

How the lesson moves into practice

  1. Implement a systematic study of Word-based principles in small, manageable 'bites' for congregants.
  2. Encourage members to identify their specific role in God's work rather than just remaining religious attendees.
  3. Provide pastoral care that validates the reality of suffering while consistently pointing to God's purpose in it.
  4. Call the church to a standard of love that transcends human conditionality and political/social division.
  5. Facilitate environments where believers can transition from 'grinning and bearing' trials to proactively counting them as joy.
Study Tools

Reflection & Study Notes

  1. How does the 'if' and 'because' love of man differ from the 'in spite of' love of God?
  2. What does it mean to be a 'Joy Counter' in the midst of adversity?
  3. How do you distinguish between problems sent by God, allowed by God, self-caused, and those of life’s circumstances?
  4. Why is it essential for faith to be accompanied by works, and how do we avoid legalism?
  5. In what ways does going the 'second mile' validate a Christian's testimony to the world?
Related Kingdom Lessons

Sermons that carry this chapter's thread

Sermons from the Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis Legacy Learning Series that carry the same Kingdom threads.

The transformative power of sacrificial, limitless love, exemplified by Christ, enabling believers to live a 'second-mile' life that generates a compelling witness in a divided world.

The Testimony of the Second Mile

Matthew 5:41, Matthew 27:32, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 116:13, Romans 10:13, Revelation 22:17, 3 John 1:2, Genesis 13:2, 1 Kings 10:14, Luke 11:42

In a world often driven by reciprocity and contractual obligation, Rev. Dr. Lewis's sermon is a profound call to a higher standard of love and service. It challenges believers to move beyond superficial compliance and self-interest, offering a compelling vision for Christian witness that transcends cultural norms and truly reflects the nature of God's love. This message is critical for cultivating authentic spirituality and demonstrating the Kingdom of God in tangible ways.

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Resilience and faithfulness in adversity, understanding God's justice and sovereignty, and proactive living in 'Babylonian situations.'

Singing the Lords Song

Psalm 137:1-4, with references to Acts 20:27, Hebrews 12:8, Job 14:1, and John 14:2-3

This sermon matters because it robustly addresses the human tendency to question God's presence and purpose during suffering and adversity. It challenges a truncated view of God that only acknowledges His love and blessings, while ignoring His justice and discipline. By calling believers to 'Sing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land,' it offers a powerful framework for navigating personal 'Babylonian situations' with theological grounding, practical action, and proactive faith, preventing despair and fostering spiritual growth even in the most challenging circumstances.

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The Sovereignty of God in orchestrating deliverance through obedient praise and worship, even in the midst of overwhelming adversity, revealing His Kingdom as a realm of divine provision and protection.

Praising God in the Midst of Pain

2 Chronicles 20:18-21; Genesis 3:8-9; Genesis 35:1; Exodus 4:31; 2 Chronicles 7:3; Philippians 2:10; Numbers 11:29; Luke 9:49-50; Luke 9:51-56; Isaiah 45:22; Psalm 150:6; Psalm 116:12; Psalm 124:2-4

This sermon matters because it addresses the universal human experience of confronting overwhelming challenges and fear. It offers a profound theological and practical framework for responding to adversity, shifting the focus from human might to divine power. By emphasizing praise and worship as a commanded, corporate, and diverse response to God's revealed will, it provides a counter-cultural perspective on spiritual warfare and dependence on God. The message is particularly relevant for believers seeking to cultivate an unwavering faith and find peace in turbulent times, reinforcing the truth that God fights battles that are not ours to fight.

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