The Joy of a Christian Romans 15:13 I. Introduction. A. Some view being a Christian as dull, uninteresting, without challenge, boring and miserable. B. The truth: there is a great joy in serving the Lord. 1. Paul stated: Romans 15:13. 2. Even to--II Corinthians 2:3b. C. The early disciples found joy, peace, and satisfaction: Acts 13:52. 1. The Gentiles: verse 48. 2. But--some would spoil that joy--nonetheless--joy did continue with them and all others. II. Body. The joy of a Christian is experienced: A. By faith, when sins are forgiven and one ceases to be alienated from God. 1. Realized they are in sin, take steps to remove the sin: Acts 2:38. 2. After obedience, can continue to be forgiven if one sins: Acts 8:24. 3. This joy experienced: Luke 15:7. 4. Even when tempted: James 1:2-3. B. In the kingdom of Christ. 1. God is our Father, Jesus our Savior. 2. Unlike any earthly structure or organization. 3. A head without fault, a love without conditions, and a guidebook without mistakes. 4. Paul said: Romans 14:17. C. When we are able to worship the Lord. 1. The joy of praise when we sing. 2. The joy of memory and celebration in the Lord's Supper. 3. The joy of giving: I Corinthians 16:2. 4. The joy of praying together: Acts 12:12. 5. The joy of study and learning: II Timothy 2:2. D. With brethren in Christ. 1. Common ground, common faith, and common aim: Philippians 2:2. 2. Associate with those like Philemon: Philemon 7, 20. a. Saints are to be refreshing and to refresh: II Corinthians 7:13. b. Christians like to be with Christians. c. Who likes to be around miserable, complaining people? 3. Joy is catching: II Corinthians 8:2. E. When teaching others the gospel. 1. The early disciples rejoiced when conversions occurred: Acts 15:3. 2. Any time there is a change in a person: Luke 15:10. 3. How excited one becomes as he sees a person begin to change and accept the truth. 4. Hence: III John 4. F. In a pleasant and fruitful lifestyle. 1. A fruit of the spirit: Galatians 5:22-23. 2. Gospel teaches us not to engage in activities that destroy the life and health of a person. 3. We are instructed to be productive, to share, to help, to love, to be responsible--and to help others do so. 4. Enables us to conquer anger, hatred, malice, jealousy, and other common ills of the world. G. Utilizing the power of prayer. 1. Jesus taught us this: Matthew 6:9. a. The Lord prayed often(publicly and privately). b. We are instructed: I Thessalonians 5:17. 2. The joy of always having someone to talk to who will listen. 3. Others can pray for us: I Thessalonians 5:25. 4. Who has not been happy when others prayed for them? H. As one looks into the future. 1. Growth of individuals and Kingdom. a. See how some disciples have grown of late. b. The church as a body becomes stronger in the faith. c. Capable leadership now and in the future(eventually elders): Hebrews 13:17. 2. The revelation of Christ. a. After the sufferings: I Peter 4:13. b. Note: I Peter 1:6-8. 3. The heaven he has prepared for us: Matthew 25:21. a. Greatest of all joys. b. This is the end of one's faith: I Peter 1:9. III. Conclusion. A. If you are not a Christian, you miss the joy. B. If you are not faithful as a Christian, you miss the joy. C. How happy are YOU?-James L. Yopp