Joyful Occurrences in the Bible I. Introduction. A. Would you rather be happy(joyful) than sad? 1. There are sad occurrences in the word of God. 2. There are far more passages that speak of joy. 3. Are you aware that heaven is mentioned manifold more times than Hell? B. The Bible uses the word joy 165 times in 155 verses(KJ). 1. In contrast to the few passages that speak of sadness. 2. Too many remember the sadness--not enough remember the joy. 3. First occurrence: I Chronicles 15:25. 4. Last occurrence: Jude 24. C. Define: Intense and especially, ecstatic happiness(American Heritage Dictionary). D. Greek: cara - delight; to rejoice; be glad. 1. The Lord does want his people to be happy and joyful. 2. Some are unhappy by their own choice. 3. Describes a mood(joy-a good mood). 4. More than the physical. II. Body. A. This joy is not found in materialism. 1. The rich man tried it. 2. Judas found it not in 30 pieces of silver. 3. All of the wealth of Solomon did not bring the happiness he wanted. 4. Comment on II Corinthians 8:2. 5. Many place child in spiritual poverty while rich in materials. 6. Note: Romans 14:17. B. This joy is not found in human relationships. 1. Except as those relationships are regulated by the Lord's will. 2. Wonder why so many divorces? a. Christians follow God's pattern--not man's ways. b. A marriage built on materialism and selfishness is robbed of real and lasting joy. 3. Imagine the joy of the early disciples being with the Lord: Luke 10:17. C. This joy can be experienced in the midst of overwhelming difficulties(trials). 1. Paul toward Corinth: II Corinthians 7:4(vs. 5). 2. Note: Psalm 126:5. 3. The Thessalonians: I Thessalonians 1:6. 4. Perhaps affliction could bring an appreciation of joy: Luke 6:22-23. 5. Do we have it too easy today? Can that take away joy? 6. Note: James 1:2-3. D. The joy can be(and is) shared with others. 1. Paul spoke so often of his joy with others and toward others. 2. John also: III John 4. 3. Joy came when people were converted. 4. Hence: II Corinthians 1:24. 5. Saints bring joy or sorrow: based on attitude and action. E. The joy of Christians comes from the sacrifices of others. 1. Jesus Christ. a. The wise men had great joy or sorrow: based on attitude and action. b. "Good tidings of great joy" were brought to the shepherds. c. His birth brought hope and joy to all mankind. 2. The real joy was in His death, burial, and resurrection. a. This brings joy to all who follow him: John 16:20, 22, 24. b. The sadness: the majority will not accept and obey: they miss the joy! F. This joy can turn the greatest problems and sorrows into joy. 1. David realized this in his day: Psalm 30:5. 2. We realize it as Christians. 3. Seen in the sacrifice of Christ. 4. Offers the only hope for mankind. 5. Turned the heathen: Acts 8:8. 6. Any sin can be washed away by the blood of Christ. G. This joy belongs to you--no man can rob you of it. 1. Though many try--only you can give it up: John 16:22. 2. It is a fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22. 3. This joy is infectious: II Corinthians 7:13. H. Keep this joy throughout life. 1. Paul would so finish: Acts 20:24(KJ). 2. The result: Matthew 25:21, 23. III. Conclusion. A. Are you experiencing the joy of being a Christian? B. Will you have the joy of a home in heaven?-jy