1. The Joy of a Christian Philippians 4:4

2. What is Joy?
The quality or attitude of delight and gladness, happiness
In Greek, from the same root word as grace
Joy and rejoicing found 120+ times in NT Thanks(giving) – 50+ times

3. What is Joy?
As Christians, joy is more than just being happy, or at some fun place.
It is a disposition that helps define who we are
Manifested always, including the difficult times

4. What is Joy? We are commanded to be joyful Philippians 4:4
1 Thessalonians 5:16
James 1:2
Matthew 5:12
But how do you command an emotion? You don’t! It is an attitude or disposition. You develop it

5. For what should I be joyful?
I am saved – Luke 10:20, Acts 8:39, Romans 5:1-2
I have a God and Savior that care about me – John 3:16, Romans 5:8; John 15:13, Matthew 11:28-30
The opportunity to serve God – 1 Corinthians 15:58

6. For what should I be joyful?
My liberties and blessings in Him – Ephesians 1:3
I have brethren that care – Philippians 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 2: John 4, 3 John 4 Romans 12:15
When one obeys the gospel – Luke 15:7, 10ff Acts 2:41, 16:34

7. For what should I be joyful?
In my trials – James 1:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 1 Peter 4:13, Acts 5:41 2 Corinthians 12:10
As I consider my eternal reward – Matthew 5:12, Luke 6:22-23 Hebrews 10:34-35

8. What stands in the way of my joy?
Satan
A failure to understand what it means to be a Christian – commitment Matthew 16:24 Mediocrity leads to misery
I am not growing as I should – Hebrews 5:12-6:1, 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 4: Peter 3:15

9. What stands in the way of my joy?
The roots of sinful behavior - Matthew 13:22, Romans 7:23-24, Galatians 5:16-17 Unrepented sin will make us miserable
The burdens of life – worries Matthew 6:25-33 Change what you can, don’t worry about the rest

10. Developing joy
It is a mindset – Colossians 3:1-2, Romans 12:2
Take care of what stands in your way Acts 8:20-23 Hebrews 12:1-2 – get rid of the obstacles
Obediently serve God – John 15:10-11

11. Developing joy
Avoid, when you can, negativity – don’t spend unnecessary time with cynics, complainers and critics 1 Corinthians 15:33
Associate with those who are joyful Romans 12:15 Philippians 2:17-18

12. Are you joyful?