Jan9-15: The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy

Teaching Points

1. Read John 15:10, 11 and answer the following questions.

QUESTIONS:

• What are “these things” Jesus has spoken?
• What is Jesus linking joy to here?
• What does it mean to have joy “remain” in you?
• What does it mean to have full joy?
• What is joy? Strongs 5479: cheerfulness, calm delight,gladness.
• Who gives us joy?
• How does Psalm 1:2 and Psalm 40:8 relate to John 15:10, 11. 

2. Read Philippians 4:4 and answer the following questions.

QUESTIONS:

• What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord?
• Does this mean when we are faced with trials or bad things happen to us we should rejoice?
• According to James 1:3 what is one reason for joy in trials? 
• Why should we rejoice always?

3. Read Luke 15:4-24 and answer the following questions.

QUESTIONS:

• What is the common element in all three parables?
• What insight do these parables give about God and the angel's interest in you?
• Do you have joy when you have found something you have lost?
• Does the value of what is lost change the amount of joy you have when you find it?
• Do you values souls as Christ values them and does it give you deep joy when they are saved?

4. Read Hebrews 12:1-2 and contemplate the following questions.

QUESTIONS:

• What was set before Jesus that helped Him endure the cross?
• What was this joy? (see Isaiah 53:11)
• How can we have this joy to carry us through our cross or trials? 

5. Read Hebrews 11:24, 25 and consider the following questions.

QUESTIONS:

• Why did Moses refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter?
• Why did Moses choose affliction rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season?
• What was the motivating factor behind this decision?
• Where was Moses' focus in order to make this decision?
• What “joy” was set before Moses?
• Would others around him knowing the position he could have had say he did the right thing?

OBSERVATION:

• There is a direct connection between joy, obedience and abiding in Christ.
• The is a direct connection between having joy in a future goal or reward and being able to endure trial.
• There is a direct connection between saving souls and joy in heaven.
• Sometimes what looks like a good decision may not be the best decision because it will keep us from experiencing ultimate joy of Christ. We need to make decisions as Moses did.

CONCLUSION:

• True joy comes from loving obedience and abiding in Christ. This joy is not something that quickly comes and goes. It remains in the one who is abiding in Christ. This joy is based upon full confidence in Christ, and trusts that the end result is worth the pain and suffering in this world required to achieve that goal. True joy is found in service for others particularly in saving souls. Our hearts can thrill with heaven's joy as we cooperate in winning souls. True joy from Christ gives strength to endure. True joy turns from temporary position and pleasure to seek something eternal and fully satisfying. 

APPLICATION QUESTION:

• Do you delight to do God's will always in your life?
• Do you have great joy in seeking to save others?
• Does the Joy of heaven rebound in your heart when others come to Christ?
• Does the joy of seeing others saved and responding to Christ's sacrifice for you strengthen you to endure?
• If you are not experiencing joy in your walk with Christ will you have strength to endure to the end?
• Do you find yourself constantly complaining or rejoicing in Christ?
• Do you allow offers of position or education to turn you from the path of real joy?