Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

I. Text: Galatians 5:16-23

II. Definition

A. Like love, joy is something that we all think we know about but may misunderstand the Biblical application of the word.

B. Webster: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary , 1996.

C. At first, I really did not like this definition for it seemed too materialistic. At the end of the lesson, we will revisit this definition.

D. As with love, we will let the Bible establish the definition of this fruit of the Spirit that must characterize our lives.

III. Things that should cause us joy

A. Salvation

B. Galatians 3:27 – We are baptized into Christ; into a relationship with Him. Galatians 4:7 – We are heirs of God; His children We should have exceeding joy for we are inheriting a home we do not deserve: an eternal dwelling with God.

C. It gives us hope in this life

D. Romans 12:12 – Paul exhorts Christians to rejoice in hope (reference only)1 Corinthians 15:16-18 – Hope in this life only is worthless Hebrews 3:6 – It is a hope that we must embrace until death

E. Lack of total commitment will rob us of joy

F. We must die to the world and live to Christ or die to Christ and live to the world; there is no middle ground

G. Galatians 6:14 – Crucified to the world through Christ Galatians 2:20 – Crucified with Christ Cannot serve two masters If we are not completely dedicated to serving God, we will never have the joy inexpressible of which Peter writes. An uncommitted heart and divided loyalty will only bring misery.

H. Some want the best of both worlds, the pleasure of sin and the peace and joy of a relationship with God, but do not get either one.

I. They cannot enjoy the pleasure of sin for the guilt of their heart plagues them. They cannot enjoy a peaceful and joyful relationship with God because they will not lose themselves in Him. Sometimes Christians do not express the joy of salvation because they are mourning the things they had to give up instead of enjoying what God has given them.

J. Godly work

K. Our work

L. Galatians 6:4 – We have rejoicing in our own workJ.W. Mc Garvey: “Let each man prove his own work instead of criticizing and judging the works of others, and then shall he have glory in himself alone…for which alone he shall be called to answer in the judgment” Commentary on Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, (Standard Publishing), 285. Acts 20:24 – Paul looked back on his life of commitment and service to Jesus knowing he could finish his work with joy.

M. Work in God’s family

N. We share this joy with our brethren for we share in hope and work.

O. We bear one another’s burdens so we can all enjoy heaven together, Galatians 6:2.

P. Some may never know the joy of teaching someone the truth because they have neglected opportunities. Some will not know the joy of hearing someone say, “I think I would have given up if you had not helped me in a time of need.”

Q. Our assemblies should be a joyful gathering of God’s family to praise Him and encourage one another.

R. Where contentions, hatred, wrath, envy, malice, and pride exist, joy departs. Sometimes we do not have wellsprings of joy because we have poisoned the fountain with ungodly attitudes towards our brethren. Philippians 2:2 – Be like minded

IV. Joy does not depend on our situation

A. A considerable number of passages emphasize joyfulness in dire situations.

B. Rejoice when treated unfairly

C. Hebrews 12:2 – Joy allowed Jesus to endure the cross Luke 6:23 – Rejoice and leap for joy; heaven will be worth the suffering. Acts 5:41 – Apostles rejoiced to be worthy of suffering1 Peter 4:13 – Rejoice if you can partake in Christ’s suffering

D. Rejoice when in unpleasant surroundings over which we have no control

E. Paul was imprisoned in Rome waiting to be tried by Caesar.

F. He did not have freedom of movement to teach, as he wanted. He knew that the charges against him were false.

G. However, Paul did not bemoan his situation but rejoiced and used his situation to glorify God.

H. Throughout the prison epistles, Paul urges his readers to rejoice for he is rejoicing. Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice! Sometimes our tendency is to whine about our situation and how it inhibits our service; instead we should have joy and use our situation to glorify God.

I. Rejoice when sick

J. Paul rejoiced despite a terrible infirmity.

K. Galatians 4:12-15 – He endured despite the infirmity2 Corinthians 12:10 – Paul could take pleasure in infirmities for the strength they produced in him.

L. Rejoice when poor

M. 2 Corinthians 8:2 – They gave in depths of poverty but richness of joy Some believe that when they have arrived financially, they will have joy. Ecclesiastes 5:12 – The abundance of riches takes sleep. We must have joy and contentment with our possessions, 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

N. Rejoice when enduring trials and tests of faith

O. James 1:2-4 – Count it joy when you fall into trials for it produces patience1 Peter 1:6-9 – We endure suffering for a small time to inherit eternal life

P. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 – Paul could rejoice despite all he endured

V. Conclusion

A. Definition

B. Webster: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires” Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary, 1996. We have joy when we have spiritual well-being through commitment to Jesus, success in knowing we are pleasing God, and contentment with the riches of heaven instead of material wealth.

C. It is primarily a characteristic or quality of life more than an emotion or feeling.

D. Bible joy is the deep satisfaction and pleasure that comes from a close relationship with God and the hope of living with Him eternally that abides even in times of trial, persecution, poverty, and illness.

VI. The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy