Christians are Joyful in Spite of Suffering.

Holy Spirit of comfort and teaching...wash me with God’s Word.

Joy/Rejoicing is a natural byproduct of God’s beautiful salvation at work.

There are obstacles to joy.

[ 3 Obstacles to Joy ]

1. The first obstacle to joy is suffering/sorrow/grief.

Normal / Necessary / Not forever / Nets reward

Suffering/Grief is normal (expected).

Suffering/Grief is necessary (designed).

Suffering/Grief is not forever (temporary).

Suffering/Grief nets reward (rewarded).

2. We have not seen Jesus.

3. The ongoing revelation of following Jesus may not be what we’d prefer.

Christians are joyful in spite of suffering.