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Message Notes
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:4-6
Abide - to remain, or to stay, or to dwell.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. —Galatians 5:22-23
“The Fruit of the Spirit is the character of Jesus that the Holy Spirit produces in you.”
Biblical joy – Joy is a deep sense of gladness and contentment that is rooted in knowing and experiencing the presence and love of God.
“Joy, then, is that ever-deepening awareness that our lives are hidden in Christ and that we can be led by the spirit through anything. Afflictions, trials, pressures, or frustrations may come, but they cannot destroy us; so we experience joy. We may genuinely hurt (2 Cor. 1:8); we may weep (John 11:33-35); we may be tempted (Heb. 2:18); we may understand what God is allowing to come our way (James 1:2-5); but none of this causes us to lose God’s focus in our difficulties or hampers our ministry to the needs of others, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). This is Biblical joy.”
Question #1 – Why Is Joy Such a Difficult Emotion for Us to Grasp?
• Answer - Because we equate joy with happiness.
Happiness depends on circumstances and how we feel; joy is connected to who God is and what He’s done.
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:11-13
• Happiness weakens in suffering; joy intensifies in suffering.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. —James 1:2-3
Question #2 – What is the Truth about Joy?
• Joy is not about a personality.
• Joy is not always an outward emotion.
• Joy is normal.
• Joy can be lost.
• Joy is a choice.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. —Psalm 51:12
Question #3 – How Can I Live Out a Life of Joy?
• Joy comes when we clearly understand our position in Christ.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: —Philippians 1:1
• We are servants of Jesus.
What is a bondservant? It is one that is bound to another.
“It is someone who is in such a close relationship with someone else that only death could break the bounds.”
“One who serves Christ with such reckless abandon that there is no regard for their own personal interest.”
• We are saints in Jesus.
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! —Philippians 3:10-11
• Joy comes when our focus is in the right place.
What are joy stealers?
• Circumstances
• Worry
• Stress
• People
•Fear
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? —Matthew 6:27
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. —Matthew 6:34
“A man who is intimate with God will never be intimidated by men.” —Leonard Ravenhill
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1:7
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. —Philippians 1:3-5
• Joy comes when our confidence is in Christ.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6
• Joy comes when we let God be God in our lives.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6
• Joy comes when our relationships are right.
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. —Philippians 1:7-11
Biblical joy – Joy is a deep sense of gladness and contentment that is rooted in knowing and experiencing the presence and love of God
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