Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Intro: Seagulls (Stop it Now)

The joy of the Lord is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

*As Christians we lead with joy!

Galatians 5:22–23 CSB

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Point #1: There is Great Joy in finding The Lord!

Matthew 13:44–46 CSB

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46 When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

1 Peter 1:8–9 CSB

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Point #2: There is Great Joy in Following The Lord!

John 15:9–11 CSB

9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

1 Chron 16:25-28

1 Chronicles 16:25–28 CSB

25 For the Lord is great and highly praised; he is feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Point #3: God is the God of Joy, He made it…He is the definition of Joy!

Point #4: God Commanded Three Major Celebrations a Year So the People Lived in Joy.

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)

Feast of Weeks (Feast of Ingathering) (Pentecost)

Feast of Booths

*God calls Christians to be a people who celebrate!