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Fruits of the Spirit - Joy. September 29, 2013. Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” . Introduction.
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Fruits of the Spirit - Joy September 29, 2013
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Introduction • God promised He would impart the oil of joy for mourning Isa 61:3 • Joy of the Lord is a fortified place, my defense, my strength Nehemiah 8:10 • A significant hallmark of God’s people • Fruit that clearly causes God’s people to stand out compared to “happy” people
Review • You recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16 • Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts • Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit • Rocky People – Without deep roots • Thorny People – Lost in the weeds • Productive People – Good ground • Love is the most irresistible force on the earth • First fruit of Spirit, unique, comes from above, expressed in Christ
Joy is not Happiness • Happiness established on unreliable & unpredictable ground. • Happiness is dependent on circumstances. • Happy in scripture refers to favored, fortunate • People who derive happiness from possessions only see it fade. • Recognize happiness is dependent on circumstances and is not lasting.
Joy comes from God’s Presence • Allow in Christ and you are surprised by joy. • God is alive in my life and I have joy. Rom 14:17 • I have joy of forgiveness, right standing, clean. • Joy is a profound compelling quality of life transcending events. • Without true joy people become skeptics. • Take time in God’s presence asking for a release of joy.
Joy is an Integral Part of God’s Character • He is the God of all joy. • His knowledge of me guarantees my joy. • Love rejoices in the truth. • As I spend time with Him, discover true dimensions of His nature. • Dig deep into scripture to reveal more of God’s character
Conclusion • Fruit of joy is evident in lives of believers • Joy is not happiness • Joy comes from God’s presence • Joy is integral part of God’s character