THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 56 )
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3354
THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 56 )
From Glory to Glory ( Study 35)
Walking By The Spirit #5
The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
The "fruit" is the product of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of character in a heart. Galatians 5:22-23 describes what that fruit looks like; the second characteristic listed is Joy.
The Greek word for Joy is Chara. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God’s kingdom—His influence on earth (Romans 14:17).
At once we can see it is not earthly "joy" where God is not in the equation e.g. winning a gambling bet. It is not circumstantial happiness. It is what pleases our Father God.
The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways:
1. The joy of deliverance
When God sets someone free, rejoicing is in order.
1 Samuel 2: 1
Hannah was filled with joy at her deliverance from her enemies who looked down on the childless and barren state.
2. The joy of God’s presence
The Holy Spirit draws us to God, in whose presence we can know true joy. Without the Holy Spirit, no one would seek God.
Psalm 16:11
“You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
3. The joy of spiritual maturity
As the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit, we become confident in God’s promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and with other believers.
John 15:11
The fullness of joy comes to those who continue in the love of Christ and obey Him.
4. The joy of salvation
Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. Nothing is better than this.
Luke 15:7
All heaven rejoices when a person accepts God’s provision of salvation.
Abba Father, possessing joy is a choice. We choose whether to value Your presence, promises, and work in our lives. When we yield to the Spirit, You open our eyes to Your grace around us and fills us with joy (Romans 15:13).
Joy is not to be found in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with You that can make our joy complete (1 John 1:4).
