Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Notes from Sunday morning message for Shallowford.Church

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Fruit of the Spirit:  Joy
Gal. 5:22-23

Why is it called the “Fruit” of the Spirit?
1. Fruit is something we bear – not produce. (John 15:4-6)
2. Fruit is a result of abiding in Christ (Source). (John 15:4-6)
3. Fruit is different from the “Gifts” of the Spirit. (I Cor. 12:18-20)

In the New Testament, the word “Fruit” is used to describe:
1. Activity (Col. 1:10) “…bearing fruit in every good work”
2. New believers (1 Cor. 16:15; Rom 16:5) called “first fruits”
3. Attitude (Gal. 5:22-23)

How can we define this “JOY” that is produced by the Holy Spirit?
• Joy is a deep-seated feeling.
• Joy is MORE than a feeling
• Joy is inner witness of the Spirit (His Spirit bearing witness in our spirit).
• Jesus wants us to know Joy. (Jn 15:11)

We are all so different — Are we ALL supposed to be Joyful?
• Different temperaments and personalities (some outgoing, some reserved)
• Globally,  cultural differences & expectations- different ways to express emotions.
• However:  The “Joy of the Lord, Rejoicing in Christ, Joy of the Spirit” –  is expected of all believers.  It’s not optional.

How do we see  “JOY”  in the Old Testament?
Different words translated “joy” and “rejoice.”

• God rejoices over His people (Zeph. 3:17)
• God’s people find joy in Him (Ps. 14:7; 32:11; 97:12; 149:2)
• Gentiles are invited to find joy in Jehovah (Rom. 15:8-13 quoting OT)

Be careful to recognize how some find temporary joy in evil.

• rejoice in evil (Prov. 2:14)
• Earthly joy is temporary (Moses reference Heb 11:25-26)
• Nature of joy is found in the source — object producing joy.
• If God as source and object of our Joy, we will never be disappointed.
  (Rom. 10:11 quoting O.T.)

How can we summarize and apply teaching of “Joy” in the Bible?

1. Joy is a Celebration
• Joy is the deep-seated emotion that leaps from within.
• Great Joy expressed in Worship (1 Chronicles 16:10; Ps. 100)
• Commanded to be Joyful in Festivals. (Deut. 16:11,14)
• Feast after returning from exile (Ezra 6:22)

2. Joy celebrates a Connection
• Joy is an internal connection with someone or something we encounter.
• Jesus told three parables about broken connections being restored.

In each case, the restored relationship was celebrated with Joy.
Lost Sheep (Luke 15:6-7)
Lost Coin (Luke 15:9-10)
Lost Son (Luke 15:22-24)

Examples: separated by sin, the need to be reconnected, repentance leading to Joy

• Hearing, conviction, weeping, and Joy of being restored. (Neh. 8:8-12)
• David repenting and asking God to restore his Joy (Ps. 51:10-12)

 

3. Joy is not Circumstantial

• Holy Spirit, from within, moves our heart to see beyond the immediate situation and temporal circumstances.
• Though (things are bad) …. Yet, I will rejoice, I will be Joyful. (Hab. 3:17-18)
• Disciples rejoiced they were counted worthy to suffer. (Acts 5:40-41)
• Count it joy… encounter trials. (James 1:2)
• Paul & Silas sang in jail after being beaten; Jailer rejoiced in Gospel (Acts 16:23-34)
4. Joy is Confidence in God

• Paul and Philippians (Phil. 1:4-6)
Paul, from jail, writes of joy in his life and his joy in them.
Paul assures them that God will finish the good work in their lives.

• Jesus and the cross (Heb. 12:2)
Jesus looked beyond the cross and saw joy.
The “joy set before Him” moved Him to endure the cross and shame.

• When I recognize His presence in my inner man, and entrust my soul to Him, a witness of the Spirit (deep within) moves me to celebrate my connection to the One who runs the universe and knows my name.

 

Conclusion

What tell me about God?

• God wants us to know the Joy of His presence (Ps. 16:11)
• We are created for God’s pleasure (Rev. 4:11)
• We are Redeemed and saved by His will, for His pleasure (Eph. 1:1-22)

 

What does this call out of my heart?

• I can let my sin and external circumstances steal my Joy.
• Or, I can look beyond the circumstances and see God’s is working.

 

Are the commands to obey?

• Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Phil 4:4)
• Rejoice always. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

 

Putting it into Practice

• Confess any sin that steals my joy. Do it right now (I Jn. 1:9)
• Recognize the presence of Christ in my heart and circumstances.
• Celebrate His presence my heart.
• Ask Him to help me see His presence daily, moment by moment, as the Fruit of Joy comes forth in my inner being, from the indwelling Source.