• Joy defined: many synonymous terms, the most common used to express the idea is CHARA, "joy" and CHAIRO, "rejoice" – Joy in the New Testament is consistently the

mark of a Christian– Not simply emotions but a quality grounded

upon God and derived from him Rom 15:13– David was glad to worship Psa 122:1

• This joy is wholesome, uninflecting, and permanent

• It is not a by-product because it's constant cultivation is enjoined upon the believer

• The object of the lesson is To demonstrate that in an age of unrest and turmoil, the Christian has ample reason for victorious optimism. Because we are a happy people (Psa 144:15), the melancholy characteristics of the age in which we live should have no bearing on our entering into the possession of this primeval joy which is but an earnest (down payment) of everlasting joy

• THE JOY OF SERVING GOD CONTRASTED WITH THE JOY OF SERVING SATAN– Pleasures (enjoyment) of sin for season

Heb 11:24-26 • Gratifications forbidden by God 1Jhn 2:15-17• The joy in serving Satan is a transient joy,

boisterous mirth, and is but for a moment because it is the gratification of carnal sinful desires

• THE JOY OF SERVING GOD CONTRASTED WITH THE JOY OF SERVING SATAN– "Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of

glory" 1Pet 1:8; Phil 3:1-3; 4:4• Trust makes the Christian life the happiest in

the world regardless of the conditions• Not gloomy and depressing nor artificial like

joys of world. It is genuine with lasting value

• THE JOY OF SERVING GOD CONTRASTED WITH THE JOY OF SERVING SATAN– All that men regard as an index of happiness

Paul found in Christ• Fame Phil 1:13• Pleasure Phil 4:4• Power Phil 4:13• Supplying of wants Phil 4:19

• THE JOY OF SERVING GOD CONTRASTED WITH THE JOY OF SERVING SATAN– This is especially interesting since Paul was

in such distress at this time Phil 1:22,23; (Phil 1:13 1st imprisonment in Rome)

• NATURALNESS OF JOY CULTIVATED IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN– Joy marks the life of the early church

Acts 2:46; 13:52; 15:3– Joy is said to be occasioned by:

• Progress in the faith 1Thess 2:19• Outcome of suffering and sorrow 1Pet 4:13• Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22

• NATURALNESS OF JOY CULTIVATED IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN– No wonder joy is more conspicuous in

Christianity than any other religion, and in the Bible than in any other literature• Joy is said to be the index of health• Sign the soul has found it's object 2Tim 1:12

• JOY IS COMMANDED BY GOD 1Thess 5:16; Phil.4:4– Enforced by examples of saints Acts 2:46

• In trials and persecutions Matt 5:10-12• In prosperity or adversity, health or sickness,

among friends or behind bars -- we should be glad and thankful to God for our blessings

• JOY IS COMMANDED BY GOD 1Thess 5:16; Phil 4:4– Paul was willing to die and be joyful about it

if that was necessary for the cause of Christ Phil 2:17

• There is trouble in the Lord's church, in the world, even in our community and country, but we must not develop a martyr complex, dwell in self pity, or murmur, because such implies a lack of gratitude, it leads to no growth and results in no marked excellency of character

• The joy of serving God extends to all places: In secret at home or anywhere; we are always in God's presence, and his watchful eye is ever over us.

• Are we in Christ, are we God's servants? Let the children of the Lord rejoice in the loving kindness of the Lord.