The Joy of Being a Christian
Theme: No matter your trials it is a joy to be a Christian. Acts 16:25-34
INTRODUCTION
A. Being a faithful Christian means there are many trials following in the footsteps of our Christ.
1. That is part of the cost of being in Christ.
2. Such is necessary if we are to be faithful unto death.
3. It will include times when we will need to endure the wrongs of life.
B. Yet for all these toils and persecutions a faithful servant will go through, there is no greater joy than being a Christian because…
1. You know you’re saved by God’s grace.
2. You know brethren are there for each other.
3. You have the God’s peace and mercy are with you.
I. JOY KNOWING YOU’RE SAVED
A. God has done everything short of forcing man’s will to bring great joy by His saving grace. 1 Pet. 1:8
1. Those saved through the good news of Jesus Christ will have great joy. Acts 8:39
2. Knowing you’ve been delivered from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:17, 22-23
B. To have this joy:
1. You must know the message of the gospel. Romans 10:17; 1:16-17
2. Through this message you learn of God’s tender mercies and desire for man’s salvation. 1 Tim. 2:3-4
3. When you do…you 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 8:38-39; 16:25-34
II. JOY KNOWING BRETHREN ARE THERE FOR YOU
A. NOTE: The church is made up of imperfect sinners.
B. You’re not alone: You’re a part of the body of the saved! Acts 2:46-47; Rom. 12:15 (1 Cor. 12:25-26)
1. When you are hurting brethren are praying for you and sharing in your burdens.
2. When you are honored brethren are there rejoicing with you.
C. You cannot have this joy if:
1. You shut members of the body out of your life. Cp. Galatians 6:1-5
2. You never strive to be “give” yourself over to the needs (spiritual/physical) of your brethren or those outside the body of Christ.
a. Remember Jesus taught, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
b. This also reveals a great truth: there is joy (happiness) in helping others.
III. JOY BY HAVING THE PEACE OF GOD WITHIN YOU
A. Because God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
1. This kind of peace must be learned (so you know what it is):
2. This kind of peace comes by the culminating means of the previous two points:
a. Joy of salvation.
b. Joy of intimate fellowship with brethren.
B. To have this joy: God’s peace must rule your hearts. Colossians 3:15 (see v. 12-14)
1. This joy comes when your walk/fruit is in harmony with God’s will.
2. The confidence you have is in God’s faithful promise to ensure your salvation.
CONCLUSION
A. You see, there is no greater joy than being a Christian, despite the toil and struggles that will be endured along the way.
B. Would you like to have this kind of joy…humbly submit yourself to the saving grace of God and let Him rule over your life.
