1. Study of 1 Thessalonians The Moment Begins…

2. 1 Thes. 1:1-8 A Positive Message! (See Acts 17)Acts 17 “The Power of the Joy of the Holy Spirit” v.6 “…received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” Exciting upheaval, spiritual awakening, an awareness of love, joy, peace, patience… 2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! These things are from God…”

3. What is Christian “Joy” ? Not good mood, happiness, stimulation… v.6 “…received the word in much tribulation with the Joy of the Holy Spirit…” It is a response to someone or something.response Deep, very hard to express (1Pet.1:8). Starts with a relationship with God (v.6). Rom.5:1 “We now have peace with God”. Joy spreads, grows, has impact (v.7-8). A Fruit of Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22).

4. Increasing in Joy… Through your attitude and focus: Philip. 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (NASB) Or, see the KMV…Joy Killers.KMVJoy Killers Through prayer and trust in God: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

5. Hope, Trust and Joy Romans 5:5 “And hope does not disappoint us, BECAUSE God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

6. Putting it all together… God, Our Hope You God’s Love, Joy, Hope Trust

7. Putting it all together… You Trust My Job My Way $$$$, Pain!

8. Joy Is a Natural Process God, Our Hope You God’s Love, Joy Trust

9. So What? Who Cares? Endurance Consider Christ’s ability to endure: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” Heb.12:2 Consider 1 Thes.1:6 “Severe Suffering” Joy is still possible! Consider your everyday, boring life… Joy is still possible!

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11. Keith McCallum © Version (the KMV) Philip. 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is a lie, whatever is shameful, whatever is bad, whatever is hurtful, whatever is ugly, whatever is gross--if anything has fault or is worthy of criticism--think about such things.” © 1999, McCallum & Associates, Inc. By Rev. Keith McCallum. Used with permission of author.

12. Examples of Joy Luke 15:7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over the one who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” John 3:29 “‘The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice.’” 1 Peter 1:8 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…”

13. Acts 17-18 Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey

14. Joy-Killers