Lesson 4: The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy
Thought of the Lesson
Ask yourself:
1. How do I exhibit joy in my daily life?
2. What can I do to develop a more joyful attitude?
3. What blocks joy from working and being exhibited in me?
4. How can I make joy function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainty and stress?
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS JOY
Is the Character of Joy working in you? Here is how you can find out.
Take a careful look at the character and fruit of joy from God’s most precious Word by examining the passages below.
Galatians 5:22-23
Joy will allow us to enjoy a relationship with Christ, His creation, others, and our circumstances with an expression of delight and real, authentic happiness. We will feel in harmony with God and others.
The Bible states to “count it as joy” in hard circumstances, which means that we should declare our situation as happy and fulfilling. This really means to change our mindset to realize the sovereignty of God and that He is in control, even when life seems to be turned upside down and inside out (Psalm 32:7-9; Proverbs 15:13; John 15:11; John 17:13; 2 Cor 12:9; James 1:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Heb 10:34)!
Distress, Sorrow, Despair and Regret are the opposites of Joy! Despair limits us (like
a ball and chain) from growing and enjoying life because we become consumed with worry about our circumstances. Regret is when we have lose control of our attitude and respond by feeling bad about the past. Distress cuts us off from relationships, and keeps us from leaning on God. Not having joy in our lives leads to depression that cuts us off from having hope and feeling a sense of purpose. With depression, we forget what life and eternity are all about!
Positive Examples
Exodus 14: 1-21; 1 Samuel 1:19; 1 Samuel 2:10; Luke 10:17-21; Luke 15:22-32; Acts 16:19-34
Negative Examples
Ruth 1:19-21; Job 3:1-19; John 11:17-44
Questions
1. How would you define joy?
2. Are you a grouchy person when you get up?
3. Read James 1:1-4. What does it mean to you to Count it joy?
4. How does self-pity counteract joy?
More Destination Heaven Lessons:
Note from Rev. Mirlande Besson:
The information that you will be learning are not written by me, but are studies that I myself have studied. I saved them and wanted to share this information with you so that you can know what I know and grow spiritually mature. I hope that you take advantage of this and become formidable spiritual warriors for Christ.
