Galatians 5:22, The Fruit of the Spirit Is Joy
The Fruit of the Spirit Is Joy, Galatians 5:22
1. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Joy
a. Joy (5479) (chara and rejoice) is a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. Joy for the Christian is marked by celebration and expectation of God’s ultimate victory over the powers of sin and darkness.
b. Biblical joy has a spiritual basis for as Scripture explains this joy . . .
1. . . . is joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
2. . . . is the joy of faith (Philippians 1:25), And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
3. . . . is the joy of the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6), And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
4. . . . is joy in the Lord (Philippians 3:1), Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
5. . . . is the welcome which will be addressed to faithful servants (Matthew 25:21), His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
A. The Joy of Salvation, (Psalms 51:12), Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
1. The joy of knowing sins are forgiven (1 John 1:7), But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
2. The joy of being a child of God (John 1:12), But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
3. The joy of knowing heaven is ahead (Philippians 1:21-23), For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
4. The joy of being at peace with God (Romans 5:1), Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
B. The Joy of a Fruitful Life (John 15:11), These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
1. We need to evaluate our spiritual condition often
2. Is the joy of the Lord our daily experience?
3. Are we abiding in Christ?
a. Fully surrendered to Him
b. Keeping a strong devotional life
c. Feeding on God’s Word daily
d. Confessing all known sin
C. The Joy of Answered Prayer (John 16:24), Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
1. The Holy Spirit and our prayer life
a. He leads us to pray (Romans 8:14), For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
b. He directs us when we pray (Romans 8:15), For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
c. He bears witness when we pray (Romans 8:16), The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
d. He intercedes when we don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26), Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
D. The Joy of Leading Others to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19), For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1. This is one of the reasons for Heaven’s joy
2. This brings joy to the angels (Luke 15:7,10), I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
3. This made the cross bearable for Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
4. The blessed cycle of joy
a. The joyful Spirit-filled life produces converts
b. Seeing fruit from witnessing increases joy
Conclusion:
● Spirit-Produced Joy Cannot Be Worked Up
The fruit of the Spirit comes from within
The Holy Spirit is within every child of God
● Stop Grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
● Stop Quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), Quench not the Spirit.
● Experience the Joy of the Lord