Christians should be the most joyful people in the world. We need to experience and express the joy of our salvation.

1. EXPERIENCING THE JOY

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.

3. 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.

4. Oh Joy, we are Christians.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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;

9. V. JOY IS GOOD FOR YOU.
• Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does
good, like medicine, But a broken spirit
dries the bones.

10. 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.

11. 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."

12. 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.

13. 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!

14. 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?

15. 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.

17. HAVE A JOYFUL
WEEK