Course: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Fruit of the Spirit: Lesson Three
Lesson Outline
Lesson Title: Joy
Lesson Goal: …that the student will understand that
the fruit of joy is constant in the believer and is not affected by
circumstances.
Text:
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law,' Galatians 5:22.
Theme: Joy in the Lord Jesus Christ is the
mark of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Introduction:
·
The
evidence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church is joy, Psalm
16:11.
·
Joy
comes through a close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Question: Why do Christians suffer? The supernatural nature of joy, the fruit of the
Spirit is most clearly evident in unfavourable circumstances.
Introductory
Story: Personal
testimony - the joy of knowing Jesus.
When a person is filled with the joy of the Lord it will show on the
face, Psalm
104:15.
Exposition:
1. The fruit of joy is essential in every area of the Christian life, 1 Thessalonians 1:6. Joy must always be evident in our daily lives, our fellowship together, and it is an essential part of prayer .
2. The fruit of joy delights in the Lord, Philippians 4:4. It is joy that is built upon the Lord and rejoices because Jesus is alive and we are one with Him.
3. The fruit of joy gives strength to the believer, Nehemiah 8:10. It gives strength to face trials and persecution, and the strength to serve the Lord. The reason why many believers are weak Christians is because they do not have the joy of the Lord.
Conclusion:
1.
Joy
is essential in every area of the Christian life. It must seen in our daily lives, in our
fellowship with other believers and our prayer life must always be with
joy.
2.
Joy
is founded upon the Lord. The Christian
rejoices because Jesus is alive and we are one with Him. The greatest joy comes from having a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
3.
It
is joy that gives the believer strength to face trials, and persecution. It provides strength so that we can serve the
Lord.
What should the student do?
1)
At
times during the day begin to say thanks to the Lord.
2)
Meditate
on Jesus and rejoice because of what He has done for us.
3)
Look
on difficult circumstances as opportunities to show joy.
4)
Check
that we are joyful and not worried.
5)
Express
joy to the people we meet.