sermon may 3 2026 (2)

The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

James 1:2–8 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice. One of the fruits of the spirit. Have joy is part of the experience of being a Christian.

3 Things about Joy

Joy is always a gift from God. We cannot produce real joy on our own.

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:24 NIV

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 15:11 NIV

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

2. Because true joy is from God it is possible to have joy even in the midst of personal trials.

James 1:2–3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

—> We can have joy in trials because our trials bring us closer to God. They strengthen us and purify us.

—-> Trials aren’t punishment they are opportunities.

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3. Joy abounds not because we see what’s going wrong but we see what’s going right. Joy changes our focus.

Acts 13:48–52 NIV

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

—> The Spirit helps us to see the win over the loss.