Joy

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

Nowhere in the Bible does God advise us to pursue – because it is not a Biblical concept!

Happiness is external ——- Joy is

Happiness is temporary——- Joy is

Happiness is based on chance——- Joy is based on

Happiness is based on circumstances——- Joy is based on

THREE JOY KILLERS

1.

James 4:1-2(TEV) Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight.You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it.

James 3:16 (NLT) For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.

2.

Resentment says, “.”

Hebrews 12:15(LB) Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.

Proverbs 11:29(LB) The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.

3. FEAR

Fear says “.”

Proverbs 12:25(NKJV) Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Fear does three things to relationships:

o Fear makes me . I won’t admit it when I’m wrong.

o Fear makes me . I won’t share my real feelings.

o Fear makes me . I must always be in control.

JOY IN LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS DOESN’T COME FROM RECEIVING, IT COMES FROM !

Acts 20:35 NKJV

³⁵ … And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

The Old Testament uses several different words to express the joy and rejoicing that is an aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit:

· Simchah – “bright and shining” (i.e. the eyes of a child)

· Masos – “leaping for joy” (i.e.lame man at the temple)

· Rinnah – “shouting for joy” (i.e.Pentecostal worship)

· Giyl – “spinning for joy” (i.e. God Himself in Zephaniah 3:17!)

Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV) The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Psalm 16:11 (KJV) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

John 16:24(NKJV) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

The Bible says, “the fruit of the Spirit is joy.” That means joy is not something you can manufacture on your own. But it is the natural by- product when you let Jesus Christ live in and through you!