EXPERIENCING THE JOY

1 John 1:1-4  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we

have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- 2  the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear

witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was

manifested to us-- 3  that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our

fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4  And these things we write to

you that your joy may be full.

GOD AND JOY

A.Some people see God as stoic and sour, but when you examine the life of Jesus you discover someone who attracted sinners.

B.They enjoyed being with him. Certainly what they encountered was different than the always serious and stern portrait of God that religion so often paints.

C.The scriptures make it clear that God wants us to be happy.

Oh Joy, we are Christians.

I. JESUS CAME THAT WE MIGHT HAVE JOY.

• Luke 2:8-11 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. (10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

II. GOD WANTS YOU TO EXPERIENCE JOY.

A. Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

B. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. (20) For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

III. JOY IS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

• Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

IV. LAUGHTER IS ONE OF THE EXPRESSIONS OF JOY.

• Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

V. JOY IS GOOD FOR YOU.

• Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

VI. THERE IS JOY IN HEAVEN. A. Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be

more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

B. Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

C. Christians also rejoice at others becoming Christians. Acts 15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

VII. THERE IS POWER IN JOY.

• Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

VIII. GOD’S WORD SHOULD PRODUCE JOY WITHIN US.

• 1 John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

IX. JOY IS A KINGDOM ACTIVITY.

A.John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

B.John 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

C.Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

X. WE WILL EXPERIENCE JOY IN HEAVEN.

A.Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

B.1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

YOU AND JOY?

A. Are you a Christian?

B. Are you experiencing the joy that you should have as a Christian?

C. Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

HAVE A JOYFUL WEEK