2. 1 Peter 1:3-8

3. 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.”

4. 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…”

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

6. 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!

7. 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”

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.”

11. 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

12. 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”

13. 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”

14. 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

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