Christians should be the most joyful people on earth. We have redemption in Christ. We have rest in our labors. We have restoration in our failures. We have our record in the book. We have release from the past. We have our reward in heaven.

2. 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.

4. A JOYFUL PEOPLE
A. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord
always. Again I will say, rejoice!
B. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to
you, that My joy may remain in you, and
that your joy may be full.
C. Many Christians live their lives without
joy.
D. So many seem to express hopelessness
rather than hopefulness.
E. Why should we be joyful?

5. I. OUR REDEMPTION IN CHRIST
1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were
not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold, from your aimless
conduct received by tradition from your
fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of
Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot.

6. II. OUR REST IN OUR LABORS
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you
who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me, for I am gentle and
lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and
My burden is light.”

7. III. OUR RESTORATION IN FAILURES
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.

8. IV. OUR RECORD IN THE BOOK
A.Luke 10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice
in this, that the spirits are subject to
you, but rather rejoice because your
names are written in heaven."
B.Hebrews 12:22-24, to the general
assembly and church of the firstborn
who are registered in heaven, to God
the Judge of all, to the spirits of just
men made perfect,

9. V. OUR RELEASE FROM THE PAST
A. Psalm 79:8-9 Oh, do not remember former
iniquities against us! Let Your tender
mercies come speedily to meet us, For we
have been brought very low. 9 Help us, O
God of our salvation, For the glory of Your
name; And deliver us, and provide
atonement for our sins, For Your name's
sake!
B. Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their
unrighteousness, and their sins and their
lawless deeds I will remember no more.“

10. VI. OUR REWARD IN HEAVEN
Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am
coming quickly, and My reward is with
Me, to give to every one according to his
work.

11. YOUR JOY?
A. Are you joyful because of your
redemption in Christ?
B. Are you joyful because of your rest from
your labors?
C. Are you joyful because of your
restoration after failure?
D. Are you joyful because of your record in
the book?
E. Are you joyful because of your release
from the past?
F. Are you joyful because of your reward in
heaven?