Fruit of The Spirit: Joy

INTRO: Imagine a guy setting out on a long hike with a loaded-down backpack. At first, he’s doing alright—walking steady, making progress. But as the miles drag on, that pack starts feeling heavier. His shoulders ache, his steps slow, and eventually, he just collapses, worn out. Not because the journey was impossible, but because he was missing something crucial, something that would have helped him keep going — he simply didn’t eat right before or during the journey. He was malnourished for that type of venture.

That’s exactly how a lot of Christians are living.

Spiritually malnourished. Dragging themselves through life, weighed down, exhausted, frustrated—just barely pushing forward. But here’s the thing: the problem isn’t that life is too hard. It’s that we’re missing the one of the main things God gave us to sustain us—joy. Not surface-level happiness that comes and goes, but deep, rooted Biblical joy that holds us up against a tough life. Jesus had it. He faced rejection, suffering, and the cross — and yet He endured because He held on. Hebrews 12:2 “...who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

If we’re walking through life without joy, we’re making it harder than it has to be. We’re trying to run on empty when God’s already given us the fuel to keep going.

(PPT) Joy is NOT happiness.

Happiness is not required at all times for Christians. However, in the right circumstance, you ought to be happy. You ought to be gleeful and cheerful when you can be, for one another, not someone who is mean and grumpy all the time. We ought to be happy in many moments and for different things, but we’re not required to be happy all the time because happiness is circumstantial. It depends on what is taking place.

(PPT) Joy, on the other hand, is different. It isn’t based on what’s happening to us but rather on what’s happening inside us. It’s not tied to our circumstances but to our relationship with God. Joy is not just about feeling good—it’s comfort and inspiration that comes from understanding. Where there is Joy there is Resilience, and it’s only found in right relationship with God.

(PPT) Joy isn’t just nice to have. In fact it’s a lack of faith to not seek what God offers. That was true for...

The Israelites with the Promised land

Now with salvation

And of course also with the blessings God gives. Joy being one of those.

Notice Galatians 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit.” Walk is active and intentional, not passive. With walking there is an implied destination. There is a real purpose in it!

Joy is the result of stepping outside of ourselves - the result of pursuing something bigger and better, not as the world sees it but spiritually, its about pursuing your real purpose of life which is to glorify God. That will bring about real joy because it connects you to the source, it’s a byproduct of godly living!

Godly living can be very difficult though…

1. Joy in Jesus’ Ministry

Could you picture stepping into a role where your sole purpose is to help people—genuinely, deeply help them. You offer them wisdom, guidance, and hope, things that could transform their lives for the better. But instead of gratitude, many push back. Some dismiss you outright, insisting that their way is better, even though you see the road they’re on will lead them nowhere good. Others try to steer you toward a different path—one that’s easier, one that fits their expectations of what you should be doing.

Imagine spending years with people who misunderstand your purpose. Some are drawn to you, but only for what you can give them in the moment, not for the deeper truth you’re trying to show them. Others actively work against you, twisting your words, questioning your motives, trying to catch you in a mistake. You pour yourself out, day after day, only to be met with rejection, doubt, and sometimes even hatred. Even those closest to you fail to fully grasp what you’re trying to do.

Wouldn’t that be exhausting? Wouldn’t it be frustrating, even heartbreaking? To know the truth so clearly, to have the answer right in front of people, and yet watch them turn away—again and again? To face resistance not just from strangers, but from those who claim to be on the same side?

And yet, despite all of that, you press on. Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s comfortable. But because you must. Because the mission matters more than the pain. Because even if only a few truly listen, even if only a handful understand, it’s still worth it.

This is exactly what Jesus faced. Not to mention at the end of it all the agony. Jesus hung onto the joy that was set before him. Jesus had joy and exemplified joy in a broken world while heavily involved with broken people, and facing what would be for many the most defeating set of circumstances.... How did you do it Jesus?

(PPT) PERSPECTIVE & PRACTICE

He often would retreat, pray, refocus, be alone with God, and continue in those moments to focus on the larger plan. He would take a step back from the frustrations and discouraging situations so that he could look at things with a broader view.

Luke 5:16, whenever the crowds were seeking only for miracles

Luke 6:12, before making the big decision of naming His 12 apostles

John 6:15, when they tried to make Him king

Matthew 26:36, right before he was betrayed and carried away

Luke 23:34 during His suffering saying “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

He KNEW God, He KNEW God’s plan, He KNEW His part in the plan and the purpose of it all - and so He could have joy. Joy is comfort and inspiration that comes from understanding.

WISDOM would be for us to also take a step back, and do as Hebrews 12:2 says “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Because if Jesus needed it for His ministry, then we better be seeking Joy too.

2. Joy is Needed for Leadership and Your Ministry

(PPT) Without Joy, leadership/serving is burdensome. (backpack getting heavier)

As God’s people, we’ve got to reset our thinking. It’s easy to get distracted by the world, but Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

If leadership is only fueled by responsibility and not joy, it will eventually lead to burnout, frustration, and discouragement.

Nehemiah 8:10 – “...Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Israelites were overwhelmed by the realization of their sin, but Nehemiah reminded them that God’s joy is their strength—not their own abilities, but the joy that comes from God.

Additionally - what does a “non-joyful” person look, sound like, and feel like to be around? You could probably list quite a few things, but suffice it to say “Someone that you’d actually rather not be around”. And it’s worse if that someone is supposed to be a leader.

Proverbs 17:22 “A glad heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

When any Christian lives with Joy, it heals those around. However, bitterness is corrosive and spreads.

Without joy, we become bitter, frustrated, and exhausted. But when joy is present, we serve willingly and enthusiastically, even in challenging moments.

Joy is the mark of an effective servant of Christ! A joyful leader serves willingly, not grudgingly.

Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.”

A joyful leader attracts people to Christ, while a joyless leader repels.

In this case, feelings and knee-jerk impulsive reactions or decisions are the enemy of God-Given Joy. You can’t do the natural thing, you have to rely on Him who is outside of the natural to plant and grow something unique and Godly in you. You have to learn to REJOICE always.

How can that be? Follow the example of Jesus. Never neglect time alone with God. When the pressure builds, retreat with a focus of remaining rooted but not to escape, examine the situation from outside of the weeds and from a broader perspective, and get back in staying determined to finish the course.

When you retreat to be alone with God, you’re not actually leaving the situation - instead you’re reexamining from the proper perspective.

3. Joy Is A Gift From God, A Blessing

Why is it a blessing? Because it’s fuel for endurance, it’s what we need to get to the end. Joy is part of God’s answer to brokenness in the world.

I can’t help but think of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. The faithful Christian who has dealt with Cancer for many years will consider it momentary and light when they get to heaven. The person of God who had dementia or Alzheimer will get to heaven with a fully restored mind and be excited to be in the presence of God. The person who has lived with major physical disabilities will have a fully perfected body and rejoice forever before God. Couples that have experienced miscarriages and loss of children will be reunited with their children together with God. And we can make so many more awesome points about what a great day awaits those of us who belong to Him, about how great Heaven will be, about how there is no more sadness or tragedies or heartache and difficulties —and because of knowing what awaits we can have joy in the here and now!

I can face the worst, and yet still have the best. In Christ alone is assurance of what awaits.

Joy keeps us tethered, it keeps us focused, it keeps us resilient to any circumstance. Real Joy produces the same mindset that Paul is teaching here: that it doesn’t have to be the weight of the world on our shoulders but instead “momentary and light affliction” - a blip on the spectrum of eternity. Whats the point? This isn’t the end, this life is going somewhere!

And so I face what I face practicing daily Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

Paul is telling us you have to see past the pain and look to the promise.

Joy isn’t an emotion that comes from the heart but instead it’s training for our hearts.

The one who is living for something bigger and better, cannot have their joy smothered.

3rd time this sermon: Joy results is comforting knowledge that inspires continued Faith.

And when others remain growing in Joy, steadfast joyfully, constantly rejoicing in God, it gives ME joy because of their faith. Paul said the same thing. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our Lord Jesus at His coming?”

Remember, fruit isn’t just for the tree. Joy is needed for those outside of yourself as well.

Joy is within us. But it is not developed by us - instead The Spirit plants it and grows it, while the Christian’s around us inspire it as well.

Why is Joy necessary and vital as a Christian? It helps you arrive at the goal no matter the obstacles. It builds resilience, without which we are weak and wordly.

If you don’t have Joy in the journey you likely won’t make it to the end as God wants you to. It’s not optional, it’s required for us.

I need to learn to grab a hold of what God wants for me, I need to seek the blessings that God says He gives me remembering that He says “It’s already yours”. It’s a lack of faith to not seek what God promises.

I need to understand that God is good, and God is always active. If I get that I can say “OK God, use me up. And when you’re done with me bring me home.”

I need to practice rejoicing ALWAYS.