Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
Joy Comes from Knowing we Serve a Risen Savior
We all like to be happy, and we all like the things that make us happy. The people who make commercials are always trying to sell us on happy. They tell us we can be happy if we get the new sandwich on the menu, or the new toy just released in stores, or a brand new car. New things can make us happy for a moment. These are wonderful moments when they happen. But what happens when that new thing is used up, or not so new and the special moment is quickly gone? We’re left feeling empty. We’re not content. We’re ready for the next new thing.
The problem with happiness is that it never lasts. It comes and goes. It’s an emotion that can come out of nowhere and then be taken away the next moment.
If you are living only for happy moments, you’re always going to be frustrated. But if you are living for God, you will find something more lasting than happiness. God wants to fill your heart with joy, and that joy only comes from knowing Jesus and what He has done for you.
Read Luke 24:50-53
The Bible says the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Jesus had left them, and they were told to do nothing until further instructions, but they were filled with joy. Why were they filled with joy? Because of the hope of Jesus' promise. They were willing to wait on the Lord for the fulfillment of His promises. In the meantime, they were "continually in the temple praising and blessing God."
God has made many promises to us; we're His children. Much of our life in Christ is spent waiting for the fulfillment of His promises. Do we worry or fret while we wait for those promises to be fulfilled, or do we occupy ourselves with worship and praise while we wait? The disciples were busy praising God when the fulfillment of Jesus' promise came to pass. We honor the Lord and experience the abundant life Jesus came to give when we occupy our lives with praise.
Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit because it grows in our hearts. The more we take root in Jesus, the more joy we will produce. We will have joy in all circumstances, and God will make us a witness to others, showing them the kind of joy he gives to those who trust him.
Family Discussion
Memory Verse
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
The problem with happiness is that it never lasts. It comes and goes. It’s an emotion that can come out of nowhere and then be taken away the next moment.
If you are living only for happy moments, you’re always going to be frustrated. But if you are living for God, you will find something more lasting than happiness. God wants to fill your heart with joy, and that joy only comes from knowing Jesus and what He has done for you.
Read Luke 24:50-53
The Bible says the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Jesus had left them, and they were told to do nothing until further instructions, but they were filled with joy. Why were they filled with joy? Because of the hope of Jesus' promise. They were willing to wait on the Lord for the fulfillment of His promises. In the meantime, they were "continually in the temple praising and blessing God."
God has made many promises to us; we're His children. Much of our life in Christ is spent waiting for the fulfillment of His promises. Do we worry or fret while we wait for those promises to be fulfilled, or do we occupy ourselves with worship and praise while we wait? The disciples were busy praising God when the fulfillment of Jesus' promise came to pass. We honor the Lord and experience the abundant life Jesus came to give when we occupy our lives with praise.
Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit because it grows in our hearts. The more we take root in Jesus, the more joy we will produce. We will have joy in all circumstances, and God will make us a witness to others, showing them the kind of joy he gives to those who trust him.
Family Discussion
- How is happiness different from joy?
- Where does Joy come from?
- The disciples watched Jesus ascend to heaven. Why were they joyful?
- How did they express their joy to the Lord?
Memory Verse
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Posted in Calvary Kids