The Fruit of the Spirit is JOY

							Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy

Aim: Jesus experiences joy in providing us with salvation and we experience joy by
      accepting His salvation.
Know: Joy comes only from salvation in Jesus but happiness comes from favorable
      circumstances.
Feel: The joy of salvation in Jesus.
Do: Allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate in you internal joy in the midst of favorable or
      unfavorable circumstances

                                        Introduction

Is there a difference between joy and happiness?
How is it possible to have joy without happiness?
How can you have happiness without joy?
Who or what is the source of your joy?
This week’s lesson seeks to answer these questions from the Bible.

Read: Philippians 4: 4; 1 Peters 1: 8-9
Meditate:     vertical relationship
Question:     What is the central idea in these verses?
Share in twos: horizontal relationship
Application question: Our joy in Jesus is constant inspire of changing circumstances!
                      What does this mean to you?

Statement:          Repentance brings joy but joy is not repentance.
Read:                Hebrews 12: 2; Luke 15: 22-24
Meditate:           vertical relationship
Question:           How would describe to a friend the joy of Jesus?
Share in twos:      horizontal relationship
Application question: How can you experience for yourself the kind of joy that Jesus
                     experienced?

Read:                John 15: 10-11
Meditate:            vertical relationship
Question:            What is the central truth in these verses?
   1. Obedience brings joy
   2. Joy leads to obedience
   3. Salvation leads to joyful obedience
Share openly with the class teacher
Application thought: Joy and obedience reveal the reality of your salvation in Christ.
Question:           Why should we be joyful in the midst of our trials?
Read:               James: 1: 2-4
Meditation:         vertical relationship
Question:           Why should we be joyful in the midst of our trials?
Share in twos:      Horizontal relationship
Application question: How does your assurance of salvation in Christ help you to face
                    your trials with joy?

Summary Points:
  1. Our joy and security are derived from knowing Jesus
  2. The repentance of one sinner gives Jesus joy
  3. The assurance of personal salvation in Jesus is the source of our joy
  4. We face our trials, inspite of the pain, because of the joy we have in Jesus

General Application question
How would your life be different this year if you allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate joy
in your heart?