But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
This morning we will continue our discussion about “The Fruit of the Spirit”. The upcoming message is the 3rd in this series. We opened this study with an introductory message on the general topic of Biblical fruitfulness. In short, we learned that God desires for His children bear fruit, and that this process begins internally. As the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of the Spirit within the life of a believer, their character and conduct will increasingly mirror that of Christ Jesus.
Last week we talked about love, which is the first attribute or nutrient of the fruit of the Spirit. Love comes from the Greek word agape and means to “seek the highest good of others” regardless of cost or circumstance. Love is not based on fleeting feelings or emotions, but rather grounded in a conscious commitment. God’s greatest demonstration of love for mankind is seen in the substitutionary death of His Son Jesus Christ. We as Christians are commanded to express this same type of agape-love to both God and one another.
In today’s sermon, we will explore the second nutrient contained in the fruit of the Spirit - joy. Following the same basic format as last Sunday, we will begin by defining and describing what joy means. Then we will talk about how joy was clearly evident in the life of Christ. Finally, we will explore a few other scriptures to discover various causes for joy. Are you ready? Let’s get started…
I. JOY DEFINED
Joy can be defined as “gladness not based on circumstances”. It is more than temporary happiness. Joy is not based on good health, financial success, prosperity, or any other such accomplishment or achievement. Rather, joy results from believing in God, obeying His will, receiving His forgiveness, participating in fellowship with other believers, ministering to others, and sharing the gospel. Those who know and follow the LORD will experience true and lasting joy.
The Greek word for joy found in the New Testament is chara. It is very similar to the Greek word for grace or gifts, which is charis. These words are related in that we as Christians have joy because of God’s grace. The word charismatic is typically used to refer to certain churches or individuals that emphasize the sensational spiritual gifts (or “sign” gifts), such as speaking in tongues or instantaneous healing, in their worship. In a broad sense, however, all Christians are charismatic because all are recipients of God's gifts and grace.
Those who possess the characteristic of joy express it by rejoicing. We are called to rejoice as an open and visible display of the joy within us. Furthermore, Christians are strengthened by joy (Nehemiah 8:10). There is nothing so exhausting as continual gloom and despair. When we as Christians choose to focus on the hardships and disappointments of life, our joy is stolen from us. But when we dwell on God’s goodness, favor, and grace, we find the necessary energy and strength to face every obstacle with perseverance and joy.
II. JOY EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus exemplified joy in many ways throughout His earthly ministry. For example, at one point He appointed 70 (or 72) of His disciples as missionaries and sent them out in pairs to the various towns and villages of the region. After some time, they returned having had amazing success. As they shared their experiences with Christ, Jesus rejoiced - that is, expressed His great joy - because the Father had revealed the truth of the gospel to ordinary people (Luke 10:21).
Despite being doubted, rejected, and persecuted, Jesus had constant and abiding joy because of His close fellowship with God the Father. On the night of His arrest, after the Last Supper had concluded, Jesus offered a lengthy prayer to the LORD. Among other things, He prayed that the disciples would have the full measure of His joy within them (John 17:13). Christ’s words indicate that He was personally filled with joy and desired that His followers be also.
Not only did Jesus demonstrate sincere joy from day-to-day, but He also looked forward to the joy that would come from completing His mission. Jesus came to give His life as a substitute for sinners, thereby making forgiveness and salvation possible. With this purpose in mind, He willingly endured the pain and shame of the cross. After defeating sin and death, Jesus ascended to Heaven and was seated at the right hand of God, having attained the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
III. CAUSES OF JOY
There are numerous reasons that we as Christians should be joyful. Let’s list and briefly discuss a few of them. First, we can rejoice whenever God delivers us and/or our brethren from harm’s way. For example, the servant girl rejoiced upon hearing Peter’s voice after he’d been freed from prison (Acts 12:14). Second, we can rejoice in suffering because we know that it develops perseverance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Third, we can rejoice simply because of the LORD’s presence and nearness to us (Psalm 16:11).
The greatest cause of joy is salvation. In fact, all of Heaven rejoices whenever a sinner is born again (Luke 15:7). We as Christians should be joyful whenever we think about our own salvation (1 Peter 1:8-9) or see it come to others (Acts 15:3). We should pray, as King David did, that the LORD would constantly renew the joy of our salvation so that we might walk in it and be sustained by it (Psalm 51:12).
CONCLUSION
In the end, joy is a choice. We must choose to value God’s presence, promises, and work in our lives. Apart from these things, there is nothing this world has to offer that will provide us true and enduring joy. Scripture implores us to embrace a joyful attitude that is intent on rejoicing every single day (Psalm 118:24). We are to be glad at all times, always thankful for and acutely aware of God’s goodness and undeserved blessings.
Though I am a Christian, there are times when I am sad, discouraged, angry, and upset. Life isn’t always easy, as you well know. Jesus never said that it would be. But even in the seasons of unhappiness and hardship, I still find joy in knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. And I pray that this joy is evident in my life, displayed as a critical nutrient of the fruit of the Spirit.
In next week’s message we will talk about peace. Until then, rejoice and share God’s love with others…
This morning we will continue our discussion about “The Fruit of the Spirit”. The upcoming message is the 3rd in this series. We opened this study with an introductory message on the general topic of Biblical fruitfulness. In short, we learned that God desires for His children bear fruit, and that this process begins internally. As the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of the Spirit within the life of a believer, their character and conduct will increasingly mirror that of Christ Jesus.
Last week we talked about love, which is the first attribute or nutrient of the fruit of the Spirit. Love comes from the Greek word agape and means to “seek the highest good of others” regardless of cost or circumstance. Love is not based on fleeting feelings or emotions, but rather grounded in a conscious commitment. God’s greatest demonstration of love for mankind is seen in the substitutionary death of His Son Jesus Christ. We as Christians are commanded to express this same type of agape-love to both God and one another.
In today’s sermon, we will explore the second nutrient contained in the fruit of the Spirit - joy. Following the same basic format as last Sunday, we will begin by defining and describing what joy means. Then we will talk about how joy was clearly evident in the life of Christ. Finally, we will explore a few other scriptures to discover various causes for joy. Are you ready? Let’s get started…
I. JOY DEFINED
Joy can be defined as “gladness not based on circumstances”. It is more than temporary happiness. Joy is not based on good health, financial success, prosperity, or any other such accomplishment or achievement. Rather, joy results from believing in God, obeying His will, receiving His forgiveness, participating in fellowship with other believers, ministering to others, and sharing the gospel. Those who know and follow the LORD will experience true and lasting joy.
The Greek word for joy found in the New Testament is chara. It is very similar to the Greek word for grace or gifts, which is charis. These words are related in that we as Christians have joy because of God’s grace. The word charismatic is typically used to refer to certain churches or individuals that emphasize the sensational spiritual gifts (or “sign” gifts), such as speaking in tongues or instantaneous healing, in their worship. In a broad sense, however, all Christians are charismatic because all are recipients of God's gifts and grace.
Those who possess the characteristic of joy express it by rejoicing. We are called to rejoice as an open and visible display of the joy within us. Furthermore, Christians are strengthened by joy (Nehemiah 8:10). There is nothing so exhausting as continual gloom and despair. When we as Christians choose to focus on the hardships and disappointments of life, our joy is stolen from us. But when we dwell on God’s goodness, favor, and grace, we find the necessary energy and strength to face every obstacle with perseverance and joy.
II. JOY EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus exemplified joy in many ways throughout His earthly ministry. For example, at one point He appointed 70 (or 72) of His disciples as missionaries and sent them out in pairs to the various towns and villages of the region. After some time, they returned having had amazing success. As they shared their experiences with Christ, Jesus rejoiced - that is, expressed His great joy - because the Father had revealed the truth of the gospel to ordinary people (Luke 10:21).
Despite being doubted, rejected, and persecuted, Jesus had constant and abiding joy because of His close fellowship with God the Father. On the night of His arrest, after the Last Supper had concluded, Jesus offered a lengthy prayer to the LORD. Among other things, He prayed that the disciples would have the full measure of His joy within them (John 17:13). Christ’s words indicate that He was personally filled with joy and desired that His followers be also.
Not only did Jesus demonstrate sincere joy from day-to-day, but He also looked forward to the joy that would come from completing His mission. Jesus came to give His life as a substitute for sinners, thereby making forgiveness and salvation possible. With this purpose in mind, He willingly endured the pain and shame of the cross. After defeating sin and death, Jesus ascended to Heaven and was seated at the right hand of God, having attained the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
III. CAUSES OF JOY
There are numerous reasons that we as Christians should be joyful. Let’s list and briefly discuss a few of them. First, we can rejoice whenever God delivers us and/or our brethren from harm’s way. For example, the servant girl rejoiced upon hearing Peter’s voice after he’d been freed from prison (Acts 12:14). Second, we can rejoice in suffering because we know that it develops perseverance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Third, we can rejoice simply because of the LORD’s presence and nearness to us (Psalm 16:11).
The greatest cause of joy is salvation. In fact, all of Heaven rejoices whenever a sinner is born again (Luke 15:7). We as Christians should be joyful whenever we think about our own salvation (1 Peter 1:8-9) or see it come to others (Acts 15:3). We should pray, as King David did, that the LORD would constantly renew the joy of our salvation so that we might walk in it and be sustained by it (Psalm 51:12).
CONCLUSION
In the end, joy is a choice. We must choose to value God’s presence, promises, and work in our lives. Apart from these things, there is nothing this world has to offer that will provide us true and enduring joy. Scripture implores us to embrace a joyful attitude that is intent on rejoicing every single day (Psalm 118:24). We are to be glad at all times, always thankful for and acutely aware of God’s goodness and undeserved blessings.
Though I am a Christian, there are times when I am sad, discouraged, angry, and upset. Life isn’t always easy, as you well know. Jesus never said that it would be. But even in the seasons of unhappiness and hardship, I still find joy in knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. And I pray that this joy is evident in my life, displayed as a critical nutrient of the fruit of the Spirit.
In next week’s message we will talk about peace. Until then, rejoice and share God’s love with others…