Galatians 5:22; Romans 15:8-13

Introduction:

1. The life led by the Spirit of God produces the fruit of joy.

2. This word is often misunderstood, so we must correct the record.

3. Through Christ’s sacrifice we may live a joyful life in His service.

Discussion:

I. The Worldly Misconception of Joy

A. “Emotion evoked by well-being or good fortune” (Webster).

B. This concept depends on outward circumstances and is fickle.

II. The Biblical Concept of Joy

A. Chara= “calm delight” (Strong)

B. Unlike worldly joy, this joy transcends outward circumstances:

1. It is present in trials (Romans 5:3; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6).

2. Affliction does not squelch it (2 Corinthians 7:4; 8:1-2).

3. Material wealth is irrelevant (Matthew 6:31-34; Hebrews 10:34).

4. It can be spread from anywhere (Philippians 1:15-18; 2:2; 4:4-9).

III. The Source of Biblical Joy

A. This is the reason biblical joy transcends circumstances.

B. The coming and work of Christ is the source (Romans 15:8-13).

1. The salvation He brought prompts joy (Romans 5:3-5).

2. Having our names written in heaven puts the source of our joy beyond the temporal and in the eternal (Luke 10:17-20).

IV. The Process Leading to Biblical Joy

A. Charis= grace, the origin of God’s gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:4-9)

B. Charitoow= favor bestowed, blessings (Ephesians 1:6)

C. Eucharisteo= thankfulness in all things (Colossians 3:17)

D. Chara= joy, the calm delight of a Christian

E. Chairo= rejoicing as a persistent practice (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

F. Synchairo= rejoicing together (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Conclusion:

1. Being led by the Spirit produces the joy described above.

2. We must focus on the grace of God that brought the gift of God and live lives of thankfulness producing the calm delight that prompts us to rejoice together in the Lord as we look to His eternal blessings.