FoTS - Joy

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." - John 15:11

Welcome back for Part 2 of our nine-part study on the Fruits of The Spirit (FoTS). There are nine of "fruits" listed in the Book of Galatians. If you haven't guessed by now, today we will be experiencing joy. Hopefully.

One might wonder what "things" Jesus was talking about in that opening verse that will will make our joy "full." Let's find out.

First of all, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He was telling them about His relationship with The Father and also about His relationship with them. In the first 11 verses Jesus uses the word "abide" ten times. Do you think Jesus wanted them to ABIDE in His love?

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." - John 15:10

What does it mean to "abide?" Got Questions.org describes it this way:

"Abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, rather, it is the position of all true believers. The difference between those abiding in Christ and those not abiding in Christ is the difference between the saved and the unsaved."

We MUST abide in Jesus in order to experience true joy.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4

And in the Book of Psalms it says we will find joy in the presence of God. And not just joy, but the fullness of joy.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:3

There is joy, and then there is joy, in Christ. There IS a difference. And the difference is amazing.

There is a joy that the world can experience, but joy, in Jesus, is far better. We can experience a tragedy in life, but Jesus makes it better, less painful.

"He (God) has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” - Acts 14:17

Questions:

1. List three examples of true joy that you have experienced in your life.
2. Of those three examples, how many are related to Jesus? Describe.
3. How do you find joy in your struggles?
4. How has God made your joy "complete" (James 1:4)?
5. God has given you specific gifts. When you use them for God's glory, do you feel joy? Explain.