1 Peter 1:3-8

Life of a Christian to be Filled With Joy 1 Peter 1:6-9 “in this you greatly rejoice… you rejoice with joy inexpressible & full of glory,” Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always…” 2 Corinthians 7:4 “exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.”

Israel Lost The Joy of Serving God Amos 8:4,5 “When will the New Moon be past, That we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, That we may trade wheat…” Malachi 1:13 “what a weariness! And you sneer at it…”

Ananias & Sapphira Demas Overcome by covetousness – Acts 5:1-5 Demas Turned back to the world – 2 Timothy 4:10

Church at Laodicea Had become lukewarm – Revelation 3:16,17 “you are become lukewarm, & neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” More concerned with Material than Spiritual condition!

Our Service To Be Joyful What Kind of Joy? Negative: Not “light hearted, merry feeling, or fun” due to circumstances – Romans 5:2,3; Acts 16:25 Not “artificial joy” – just telling others “how much fun it is to be a Christian”

Our Service To Be Joyful What Kind of Joy? Positive: “A feeling of gladness; happiness, delight.” Calm assurance, peace of mind. That which comes from knowing one is in the right relationship with God – Romans 5:1; Matthew Chapter 5

Many Do Not Find Service to God a Cause of Joy Colossians 3:23 “as to the Lord & not to men” Bondservants Ephesians 6:5-8 Wives Ephesians 5:22 Titus 2:5 1 Timothy 5:14

Many Do Not Find Service to God a Cause of Joy Worship considered a “duty” by Some “How long until go home, to ball game, sporting events, LUNCH, etc.?” 1 John 5:3 “keep His commandments…not burdensome.”

Reasons For Rejoicing SALVATION: Names written in heaven Luke 10:20 Sins blotted out Romans 4:7,8; 8:1; Acts 8:8,39 NATURE OF THE WORK: Not in vain 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 10:34

Reasons For Rejoicing JOY IN TRIALS: James 1:2 Philippians 4:4 Acts 5:41 HOPE WE HAVE: Romans 5:2 “in hope of the glory of God” 1 Peter 1:8 “joy inexpressible”

Why So Little Joy Among Christians? Not Understanding What it Means to be a Christian Matthew 6:19; 16:24 Just enough religion to make them miserable Lack of Growth in Grace: 2 Peter 3:18 “grow”

Why So Little Joy Among Christians? Too Many Worries: Lack of Faith 1 John 5:13 Fear of being Unprepared Luke 17:10 Holding to Some Sin: Psalm 51:12 Hebrews 10:19-22

Do You Find Joy in Serving God? In Being a Christian?