Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
Series - “Fruit of the Spirit”
January 23, 2000

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22, 23

“For the Fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, against such there is no law.”

JOY

Joy is viewed in several connections in the Bible.

John 15:11 - This is Christ’s joy in us.

“These things I have spoken to you that my joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full.”

Note: Joy is associated with the Word. Jesus said, “the Holy Spirit (Who operates in the realm of written truth) would take of mine and show it unto you.” John 16:13, 14

Psalm 16:11 - “In Thy presence is fullness of joy.” The Holy Spirit leads us into the presence of Christ. In Christ we are in the presence of the Father.

Jesus prays to the Father in John 17:13 -

“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.”

The people in Nehemiah’s day had tried many substitutes for God to be strong. They discovered that joy was the source of their strength and God and His Word were the source of their joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 -

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:12 -

“God’s people rejoiced greatly when they understood The Word read to them.”

Bottom Line: Jesus is our joy. We have nothing without Him.

JOY is Jesus (J) and you (Y) - with nothing (O) in-between!

Love to all - Charles Covington

O to add. Jesus is my joy!

Pastor Dale