Ice kept many of you home this weekend. We continued on in our series on the Fruit of the Spirit as we looked at a Definition of True, Spirit-Given Joy from 1 Peter 1:6-9.

Below is the sermon audio from Sunday and some of my sermon notes. I pray it is a blessing and an exhortation to walk in the Spirit in Joy.

http://oldpowhatan.sermon.net/widget/player/6603

Sermon Notes:

What is a real Christian?

1. One who finds their greatest joy in Jesus, with a faith in Him and hope to the eternal salvation of our souls.
2. One who is tested by the temporary trials of life and finds joy in the eternal truth of Jesus and His glory.

Joy is the very purpose of the saving work of Jesus Christ Colossians 1:11-14

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Joy is the very result of obedience to Christ and a life in Christ  John 15:10-11

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joy is the very heartbeat of the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17-18

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Joy is the very result of the resurrection and return of Christ. John 16:19-22

Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Joy Finds its very fulfillment in the presence of God Psalms 16:1-11

A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.