THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY
Real Hope In Real Times - Part 3

TEXT- 1 PETER 1:6-9

INTRODUCTION


A very sad and unhappy woman sat in a psychiatrist's office.  The doctor came in and questioned her as to why her family wanted to have her locked up.  "Now, tell me" the doctor asked, "just what is your trouble?"  "Well," the woman replied, "it's just that I love pancakes."  "Is that all that's troubling you?" said the doctor.  "I love pancakes myself."  "Oh doctor," responded the woman, "am I glad to hear you say that.  You would make me so happy if you'd come to my house for breakfast.  I've got suitcases full of them."

This morning our text is found in 1 Peter 1:6-9 and the title of my message is, "The Christian's Joy."

It is important that we remember that the people Peter was writing to were going through severe problems in their lives.

Because of this, Peter wanted them to realize that there was hope.

Last week we learned that the Christian's hope is Jesus Christ.

This week we are going to learn that since we have hope in Jesus we can also have joy even during times of trouble.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  (NIV)

Here in our text Peter mentions two aspects of the Christian's joy.