FOS 6- Joy

The picture above marries two things I love: writing about God and architecture. Romans 15:13 is my writing verse (more about that at the bottom) and the photo was taken this summer in Marseille, France at Notre Dame de la Garde

Before we get back into our study of joy, let’s look at Matthew 7 to remind ourselves the importance of working on the fruit of the Spirit. 

Matthew 7:15-20 ESV - 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

People will recognize us by our fruit. What do people see when they look at us? Do they see Christ? Every interaction we have with people can either help them better see who God is or make them think poorly of God and His followers. Every interaction is, more importantly, an opportunity to point them to Christ.

Review from the last lesson:

The introduction to joy focused first on the joy Jesus had in dying to bring us salvation. That is key to our learning to have joy in all circumstances. Many of the other verses I included for you to study focused on our hope for the future—heaven (being in the presence of God).

Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

This Romans verse can be confusing, but rejoicing in the hope of God’s glory encompasses the idea of the hope we have to receive the promised future God has for us, and seeing His glory in its fullness when we see Him face to face.

Matthew 13:44 (ESV)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Our future hope is a treasure. Are we viewing it that way? Does heaven have great value to us? Are we willing to give everything to have the hope of heaven? If we value heaven like this it will help us have joy even when all the world is against us.

Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

If you remember this comes after the verse about people reviling you because of Jesus. Again, we can see this as a gift because that means they know who we belong to and we are being faithful even when it costs us something. Has your faith been tested? Do you stand firm and continue to value it when it costs you something? More than that, can you rejoice when the cost is difficult?

For study:

It can be helpful to look at faithful followers of God in the Bible to see how they maintained joy in difficulties. Below are some verses that will help you do that. I’ve given you several questions to consider.

Psalm 13- Read all six verses and look at how David moves from brokenness to joy and praise. Do you have times like this? Where do you turn when you are feeling broken and hopeless?

Act 16:16-34

1- Where are Paul and Silas when they are singing, and why are they there? (singing hymns is a way to share our joy!) Who had the opportunity to hear them?

2- What miracle did God do as they were singing?

3- How did Paul and Silas use the opportunity to share Christ? What was the outcome of this?

All of Psalm 51: Psalm 51:12 ESV - 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Read all of this Psalm for context. It is especially helpful if you are still struggling to find joy after you sinned and repented. David wrote it after he was confronted by God’s prophet about his adultery with Bathsheba and indirectly killing her husband. Is there an area that you need to lay at Jesus' feet and accept His forgiveness for?

Psalm 67:4 ESV - 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

Romans 15:13 ESV - 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

This is my theme verse for writing—both my fiction and nonfiction. In my nonfiction, I strive to lay out important truths in scripture that will strengthen your relationship with God and help you understand those truths so you will have joy and peace in Him! My fiction takes characters through hard things and brings them to a place where they see God is the only one to place their hope in and they also have glimpses of His mercy (not getting what they deserve) and grace (getting what they don’t deserve or God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense).

As we wrap up this section on joy, what are the things that stand out to you? What have you learned about God? About yourself?

Colossians 1:9-12 ESV - 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Go back to the beginning of the Fruit of the Spirit Study Lesson 1 here.