"Fruit of the Spirit - Love, Joy and Peace"

Proposition - As we begin a three week study of the Fruits of the Spirit today we are going to zoom in on: 1) love, 2) joy, and 3) peace.

Interrogative question - How can you actively cultivate love, joy, and peace in your daily life?

Logos AI - How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the embodiment of love (John 3:16), the source of joy (John 15:11), and the author of peace (John 14:27). He invites us to experience these attributes in our lives as we walk with Him, demonstrating that they are essential to our faith journey.

Big Idea: By embracing and cultivating love, joy, and peace, we reflect Christ to the world and experience the fullness of life God desires for us.

1. The Foundation of the Fruits -

Galatians 5:22–23 NASB95

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Logos AI - You could explore how cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—especially love, joy, and peace—begins with the inward transformation brought by a life surrendered to Christ. As teenagers grow in these virtues, they become more aligned with God's purpose, impacting their relationships and personal challenges. Perhaps emphasize that these are not just passive feelings but active endeavors and decisions supported by the Holy Spirit.

2. The Bases of Joy -

John 15:9–11 NASB95

9 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Logos AI - Maybe discuss how remaining in Christ's love leads to complete joy. Jesus invites us to live in His love, which is fulfilled by keeping His commandments. For teens, abiding in Christ provides the unshakeable security and identity that anchors joy, regardless of life's circumstances. Encourage them to see joy as a product of a loving relationship with Jesus, not just external circumstances.

3. The Pursuit of Peace -

John 14:26–27 NASB95

26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Logos AI - Perhaps focus on the peace that Jesus promises unlike what the world offers. In a time of anxiety and stress, His peace transcends human understanding. Appeal to teens by illustrating how this peace is a divine assurance, a calmness amid life's storms, that stems from trusting in Jesus' promises and presence. Challenge them to actively seek this peace as a testimony of faith in their daily lives.

SO WHAT?

What are the three Fruits of the Spirit that we are focusing on in this sermon?

How does the passage describe the relationship between love, joy, and peace?

According to John 3:16, who is the embodiment of love?

What is the significance of abiding in Christ's love, as mentioned in the sermon?

What does Jesus mean when he says that His peace is not like what the world gives?

How can you actively cultivate love, joy, and peace in your daily life?

What are some specific ways you can abide in Christ's love this week?

In what situations do you find it hard to experience joy, and how can Jesus help you in those moments?

What steps can you take to pursue peace amidst the stress and anxiety of teenage life?

How can you take the attributes of love, joy, and peace you learn about and share them with your friends and family?