Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life Real Joy
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Nov 7, 2025 The discussion highlights the importance of joy as the hallmark of a genuine Christian life, contrasting it with mere willpower. Keller critiques modern pursuits of happiness, arguing they fall short of enduring joy, which is rooted in God rather than circumstances. He emphasizes that true joy combines present experiences and future hope through the Holy Spirit. Using C.S. Lewis, he points out that earthly joys are mere signposts directing us to ultimate joy in God, ultimately revealing how the gospel fosters lasting joy through understanding Christ's sacrifice.
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Joy As The Core Mark Of Faith
- Joy is the central mark of a truly justified Christian life according to Romans 5:1-11.
- Timothy Keller argues a deep, abiding joy belongs at the heart of Christian identity, not mere moral restraint.
Phillies Collapse And A Broken Heart
- Keller recounts being a 13-year-old whose baseball team collapsed, vowing never to give his heart that way again.
- He uses this childhood heartbreak to show how people react to transient joys and protect their hearts from future pain.
Detachment Steals Life’s Richness
- Philosophical detachment (Epicurus, Buddhism) offers serenity but risks dehumanizing and narrowing life.
- Keller and C.S. Lewis argue that refusing attachment protects from pain but robs life of richness and joy.
