2. THE SPIRIT FRUIT OF JOY

3. Joy is that ever deepening awareness that our lives are hidden in Christ for all eternity and that we can be led by the Spirit through anything here on earth.

4. Charles Finney

5. Have you ever noticed that we usually wait on joy to come when our circumstances get better?

6. God’s plan for Christ followers is to have joy and have it NOW!

7. First Truth: Jesus commanded us to fulfill this verse.

8. 1 Thess. 5:16-17- “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

9. “Be joyful“

10. Second Truth: We are NOT able to produce this type of joy on our own.

11. in all circumstances

12. 1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

13. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

14. Third Truth: Jesus never intended for us to produce this type of joy on our own!

15. Romans 12:15- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.?”

16. Fourth Truth: The life of a Christian who puts these truths into action will enjoy a MOST EXCELLENT way of life.

17. Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “A cheerful heart is good medicine...”

18. I think about Paul and Silas singing at midnight in prison.

19. Joy is a choice.