The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy. Sermon by Pastor Andrew on March 9, 2024.
It was a given that Jesus did come into the world to prescribe to a set of beliefs. but also more so to interact with you and me.
His example was to concentrate one's best efforts in dealing with people.
How is joy revealed in the lives of people?
A conference president once was observed nearby a very serious and sober sermon, to be having a conversation with someone separate sharing a hardy laugh wit a colleague. The preacher had a booming voice, "its the worst time in Earth's history." It contrasted with a hardy laugh between two colleagues and friends. The hardy laugh expressed a joy, flowing naturally. Galations 5:22. Joy is not dependent on circumstances of the world around us.
Joy is an adjective. There is a difference between joy and happiness. Natural joy is based in the nature of relationships in life. Happiness is a fleeting emotion, sparked by an event or moment.
Joy is a long lasting feeling. Joy comes from a divine source. Consider the joy you feel when listening to music.
It is wonderful to be filled and overflowing with joy.
2 Peter 2:1. If these things be in you and abound...
Billy Graham said a true Christian should be joyful and illuminating, remains cheerful in the darkest days. When you don't feel joy, ask the Lord where is the joy in my life. Where is the spirit of joy in my life? There is a river of joy!
Matthew 7:16.
Some authors present Christians as glum. Christ says don't be glum, express joy!
Are our lives congruent with the life of Christ.
The disciples were grumpy with children. Jesus said "suffer the children. Let them come to me."
Concentrate on the joy of ministry.
Philippians 4:8 Worry about nothing: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Verse 4 Rejoice: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Verse 5 Relax - gentleness: Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Verse 6 Do not be anxious: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God
Verse 7 Rest: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rest - relax - rejoice
The joy of the Lord - answer to a meaningful life.
Joy is the attitude of the fruit of the Spirit.
Isaiah 35:10: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With verlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
David experienced fullness of everlasting joy during a time of persecution. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Isaiah 35:11 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Everlasting joy!
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
To understand the depths of life we need to strip the things in our life that obscure our real joy.
Habakkuk 3:17, 18. Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
God never fails.
1 Corinthians 15:10 “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me – and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His Grace.”
Life can sometimes be hard. When reality hits, we still have joy.
The fruit of the Spirit is joy. If you want joy, let Jesus come into your heart.