Fruit of the Spirit (Joy and Peace)

The 9 Fruit of the Spirit

• Grace Rooted in God: Love, Joy, and Peace
• Grace in Relation to Others: Long-suffering, Kindness, and Gentleness (Goodness)
• Grace in Regulating Self: Faith, Meekness, and Temperance

Joy means cheerfulness; calm delight.

Jesus is the Center of our Joy

John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

We see that the text refers to His joy remaining in us, which substantiates the thought that Jesus is the center of our joy.

“It seems like happy is the new idol.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

Joy is Not Dependent Upon Circumstances

2 Cor 8:1-2 (NKJV) – Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

“My joy is directly proportionate to my connection with Jesus.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

When we look through the text, we see the people are in deep poverty, yet they still have joy.  Consequently, we can use this as an example for our lives, that our circumstances don’t dictate our level of joy.

Joy is a Demonstration of Faith

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NKJV) – And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

“Joy demonstrates that I still believe that everything is going to be alright.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

Even when it looks like everything is not working the way I want it;I believe that God is still working behind the scenes.  So,I have to increase my trust in Him.

Joy Enables You to Endure

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) – Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was setbefore Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 “For the joy that was set”means a place of view; something that was presented to the mind as an example or reward.  Jesus came to the earth, knowing his purpose.  He knew that He would be mistreated, abused, wrongly-accused, and crucified, but somewhere ahead, He saw you.  And so,because of the joy set before Him, He endured.

Peace

-to join at quietness, at rest, to set at one again.  Untroubled tranquility and contentment.

• We have peace with God
• We have peace from God
• We have the peace of God.

Peace with God

Romans 5:1 (NKJV) – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…

Justification is a legal term that literally signifies acquittal, or a finding of not guilty.  Or in the Christian context, justification means “to declare righteous”.  So now we are without shame.

Peace from God

Colossians 1:2 – To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace of God

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Peace of God is like a military guard warding off anxiety, doubt, and fear.

Peace is a Person, and His Name is Jesus

Ephesians 2:14-17 – For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

• Christ is our peace
• Christ made peace
• Christ preaches peace