Scripture Text: John 16:20-28
Memory Verse: Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3
Lesson Aim: To define joy and explain why believers should experience the fullness of joy.
The second element of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy is distinctively characteristic of the Christian life. Joy within the believer is a result of Christ’s work through His indwelling power. Jesus wants to give His joy to the believer.
According to Job 14:1, “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble.” Thus, we can conclude that, in general, man’s life is filled with challenges, distress, suffering and sadness. The troubles in man’s life are magnified when he does not have a relationship with God. On the other hand, the Christian can experience inner joy even when facing difficult situations.
Jesus told his disciples that “in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer” (John 16:33). In essence, Jesus told His disciples that there are sufferings, pain, misery, distress, disappointments and hardships in the world, but be joyful, be optimistic. I am triumphant over the sufferings, misery, and distress. Therefore, in Me you can have joy. Looking to self, results in fear; looking to God results in faith. Looking to self brings sadness and despair, looking to God brings joy and hope.
There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based upon what happens to a person. Joy is based upon the person’s character. It is not what happens to us, it is how we respond that reveals character. True joy is determined not by where we are, but by what we are. Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi due to preaching the gospel. Their bodies were bleeding from being beaten. These godly men, however, did not grumble nor complain. But instead they held a prayer meeting. Scriptures encourage us to rejoice evermore and to be thankful in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18).
The Christian’s heart is filled with joy because he has hope for the future. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. In Titus 2:13 Paul reminds the believers of his hope in Christ, “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The believer has a hope for eternity. He knows what lies ahead. He knows that he will be given immortality when Jesus comes. Although he may fall asleep in death, he knows that he will be raised from the grave, transformed, and glorified to literally experience the fullness of joy in God’s presence.
Interact with God’s Word
- The second element of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. From whom does joy come? Psalm 16:11; 28:7; 33:21; Galatians 5:22
- According to John 17:13; 15:11, what was Jesus’ desire for His disciples? Upon what is this joy based? John 15:9-10
- Discuss the following scriptures in reference to joy and problems. Luke 6:22-23; Colossians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; James 1:2
- How does the joy of the wicked compare with our joy as Christians? Job 20:5; Ecclesiastes 11:9
- What examples are given of rejoicing amidst tribulation? Acts 16:22-25; 2 Corinthians 12:10. What often proceeds times of great rejoicing? Psalm 126:5; Isaiah 61:1-3
- What lesson did Jesus teach in Luke 10:17-20? Discuss.