1. Galatians 5: 22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

2. The Greek Word for “Joy” is chara Definitions: “rejoicing, gladness, bliss, celebrating” “Joy” is used more than 60 times in the New Testament. “Rejoice” is used more than 72 times.

3. Happiness Feelings of gladness because of outside stimuli or circumstances -------------------------------- Joy Internal & external rejoicing because of the amazing, free grace we have in Jesus Christ.

4. In a world where so many people run after anything that promises escape from their pain and the slightest possibility of happiness; we also can miss out on God’s precious gift of joy.

5. John 15: 9-11 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

6. Stumbling Block to Joy # 1 Sin in our lives, or Sinful attitudes in our hearts

7. Psalm 32: 3-4 3 “When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your Hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation”

8. Stumbling Block to Joy # 2 Misplaced Confidence

9. Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”

10. Luke 10:20 “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.”

11. Isaiah 61:10 “I delight greatly in the L ORD ; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

12. Stumbling Block to Joy # 3 Disciplining from God (“pruning”)

13. Proverbs 3: 11-12 (Hebrews 12: 4-12) 11 “My son, do not despise the L ORD ’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke, 12 because the L ORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

14. Stumbling Block to Joy # 4 Experiencing Trials of Faith

15. Job 1:21 “…The L ORD gave and the L ORD has taken away; may the name of the L ORD be praised.” ---------------------------------------------- Job 34:9 “There is no profit in trying to please God.”

16. Lamentations 3: 32-33 32 “Though [the Lord] brings grief; He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. 33 For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.”

17. Stepping Stone to Joy # 1 The Holy Spirit uses His Word to spark joy in us.

18. Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

19. Stepping Stone to Joy # 2 Confess and Forsake Sin (Psalm 32: 5-11)

20. Stepping Stone to Joy # 3 Maintain an eternal perspective in all phases of life

21. Hebrews 12: 2-3 2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

22. Stepping Stone to Joy # 4 Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances!

23. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 16 “Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

24. “None But Jesus” There is no one else for me None but Jesus. Crucified to set me free, Now I live to bring Him praise. All my delight is in You, Lord All of my hope, and all of my strength