Fruits of the Spirit - Joy

September 29, 2013

Galatians 5:22-23“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Introduction• God promised He would impart the oil of joy for

mourning Isa 61:3• Joy of the Lord is a fortified place, my defense, my

strength Nehemiah 8:10• A significant hallmark of God’s people• Fruit that clearly causes God’s people to stand out

compared to “happy” people

Review• You recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16• Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts• Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit• Rocky People – Without deep roots• Thorny People – Lost in the weeds• Productive People – Good ground• Love is the most irresistible force on the earth• First fruit of Spirit, unique, comes from above, expressed

in Christ

Joy is not Happiness• Happiness established on unreliable & unpredictable

ground.• Happiness is dependent on circumstances.• Happy in scripture refers to favored, fortunate• People who derive happiness from possessions only see it fade.• Recognize happiness is dependent on circumstances and

is not lasting.

Joy comes from God’s Presence• Allow in Christ and you are surprised by joy.• God is alive in my life and I have joy. Rom 14:17• I have joy of forgiveness, right standing, clean.• Joy is a profound compelling quality of life transcending events.• Without true joy people become skeptics.• Take time in God’s presence asking for a release of joy.

Joy is an Integral Part of God’s Character

• He is the God of all joy.• His knowledge of me guarantees my joy.• Love rejoices in the truth.• As I spend time with Him, discover true dimensions of His

nature.• Dig deep into scripture to reveal more of God’s character

Conclusion• Fruit of joy is evident in lives of believers• Joy is not happiness• Joy comes from God’s presence • Joy is integral part of God’s character