Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Defining joy

a. There are joys we experience in life

i. For example, we may experience joy from our families

ii. This is a valid joy given by the Lord!

b. Yet these moments of joy may not last

i. Challenges in life can come

ii. Can we still find joy?

2. Deeper joy

a. We can find a deeper level of joy

b. This joy is to be valued even more deeply

c. It is joy that remains in spite of the hardships of life

d. The Bible calls this “joy inexpressible and full of glory”   (1 Peter 1:8)

HOW WE MAY FIND DEEPER JOY

1. It is found in God

a. He is a God of abundant mercy   (1 Peter 1:3)

b. He is a God who gives salvation   (1 Peter 1:3-5)

c. Joy in God is expressed in praise, “Blessed be God”   (1 Peter 1:3)

2. It is found in the salvation that God gives

a. We have a living hope   (1 Peter 1:3)

b. We have an inheritance that is incorruptible   (1 Peter 1:4)

c. We are kept by the power of God for salvation   (1 Peter 1:5)

3. It is found in the Lord Jesus

a. He made salvation possible by His death and resurrection   (1 Peter 1:2, 3)

b. We may not have seen Him

c. But there is love for Him   (1 Peter 1:8)

d. And continuing faith in Him

JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY

1. A deep joy

a. A joy that remains in spite of life’s challenges

b. Context of joy in 1 Peter

i. Peter wrote to people who were persecuted   (1 Peter 1:1)

ii. They suffered various trials and were grieved at times   (1 Peter 1:6)

iii. Yet this joy may still be found   (1 Peter 1:6, 8)

2. We may draw upon this deep joy

a. Even in the hardships of life

b. When we relate to the Lord in faith and love   (1 Peter 1:8)

ENCOURAGEMENT TO BRETHREN

1. Draw upon joy in every way you can

2. Draw upon human sources of joy

a. This joy also comes from God

b. Take time to rejoice

i. In special people (family, grandchildren)

ii. During special occasions (birthdays, special seasons)

3. But also draw upon the joy that God gives in salvation

a. It is a deeper joy

b. But in the hard times of life, it will sustain you