The Joy of Being a Christian

1
The Joy of Being a Christian

• No matter your trials it is a joy to be a
  Christian.

2
Introduction

• Being a faithful Christian means there are many
  trials following in the footsteps of our Christ.
• That is part of the cost of being in Christ.
• Such is necessary if we are to be faithful unto
  death.
• It will include times when we will need to endure
  the wrongs of life.

3
Introduction

• Yet for all these toils and persecutions a
  faithful servant will go through, there is no
  greater joy than being a Christian because
• You know youre saved by Gods grace.
• You know brethren are there for each other.
• You have the Gods peace and mercy are with you.

4
Joy Knowing Youre Saved

• God has done everything short of forcing mans
  will to bring great joy by His saving grace. 1
  Pet. 18
• Those saved through the good news of Jesus Christ
  will have great joy. Acts 839
• Knowing youve been delivered from the bondage of
  sin. Romans 617, 22-23

5
Joy Knowing Youre Saved

• To have this joy
• You must know the message of the gospel. Romans
  1017 116-17
• Through this message you learn of Gods tender
  mercies and desire for mans salvation. 1 Tim.
  23-4
• When you doyou can joyfully leave the watery
  grave of baptism as the eunuch or the Philippian
  jailer and his family did when they received the
  gospel. Acts 838-39 1625-34

6
Joy Knowing Brethren Are There For You

• NOTE The church is made up of imperfect sinners.
• Youre not alone Youre a part of the body of
  the saved! Acts 246-47 Rom. 1215 (1 Cor.
  1225-26)
• When you are hurting brethren are praying for you
  and sharing in your burdens.
• When you are honored brethren are there rejoicing
  with you.

7
Joy Knowing Brethren Are There For You

• You cannot have this joy if
• You shut members of the body out of your life.
  Cp. Galatians 61-5
• You never strive to be give yourself over to
  the needs (spiritual/physical) of your brethren
  or those outside the body of Christ.
• Remember Jesus taught, it is more blessed to
  give than to receive. (Acts 2035)
• This also reveals a great truth there is joy
  (happiness) in helping others.

8
Joy Having the Peace of God Within You

• Because Gods peace will guard your hearts and
  minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 46-7
• This kind of peace must be learned (so you know
  what it is)
• This kind of peace comes by the culminating means
  of the previous two points
• Joy of salvation.
• Joy of intimate fellowship with brethren.

9
Joy Having the Peace of God Within You

• To have this joy Gods peace must rule your
  hearts. Colossians 315 (see v. 12-14)
• This joy comes when your walk/fruit is in harmony
  with Gods will.
• The confidence you have is in Gods faithful
  promise to ensure your salvation.

10
Conclusion

• You see, there is no greater joy than being a
  Christian, despite the toil and struggles that
  will be endured along the way.
• Would you like to have this kind of joyhumbly
  submit yourself to the saving grace of God and
  let Him rule over your life.