Joy

Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 Joy

The Greek word for joy is 'chara', it's meaning is simple: "joy, delight" (noun), it is related to the Greek word 'chairo' which means "to rejoice"(verb).

What is Joy?

Pronunciation: \ˈjȯi\ Function: noun

• Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
• Date: 13th century

1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3 : a source or cause of delight

What is the source for a Christian's joy?

· 1 Thess. 3:8-9 Brethren standing firm

· Acts 16:34 Salvation

· Rom. 15:13 God

· 2 Cor. 7:4 other Christians

· Philippians 1:25 maturing in the faith (ours and others)

· Phil. 1:26 confidence in our leaders (we should be a source of joy for them, too)

· Philemon 7 love

· Heb. 13:17 Elder's joy is in a flock that is doing the right thing

· James 1:2 trials and tribulations

· 3 John 4 our 'children' are those who we planted a seed with and/or helped bring to Christ. Their faithful walk is a source of joy for us.

When do we need to have joy?

· Mt. 13:20 when we hear the Word

· Luke 15:7 when someone repents

· Acts 13:52 continually

· James 1:2 during trials

· 3 John 4 when other Christians are being faithful

· Jude 24 when we are able to stand before God blameless

How do we exhibit joy as a fruit of the Spirit?

· Romans 14:17 righteousness and peace

· Romans 15:13 hope

· 2 Cor. 7:4 encouragement

· 2 Cor. 8:1-2 by giving even when we are in need ourselves

· 1 Pet. 1:6-9 by believing in Jesus even when we have not physically seen Him

Combine joy with our agapo and we begin to see a clear picture of what a Christian should look like. Next week we will add Peace to the picture.