Fruit of the Spirit: Joy and Peace | Resources
Sermon Text: Galatians 5:16–24
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Discussion Questions
1. Define joy as it is used in verse 22.
2. Define peace as it is used in verse 22.
3. Why do you think joy and peace make the list of Spirit-empowered fruits? Can’t these be produced in other ways?
4. Share a time God gave you either supernatural joy or peace.
5. Are you in need of Spirit-produced joy or peace right now?
Memory Verse
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
Devotional
Are you happy?
I was challenged a couple of decades ago to find someone older than me to do coffee with, just to get to know them. At the time, I was an assistant pastor, so I looked around the church and zeroed in on one older elder who had a way about himself that I naturally found attractive. We met at a local coffee shop, and as we settled in to our booth, he asked me a question that has been pursuing me for over 25 years: “Are you happy?”
I thought for a moment and impetuously responded, “Why, yes. I am.” His subtle smile seemed to say, “You haven’t really thought about that question.” He asked, “Well, what makes you happy?” I went through a litany of things, how things were going right in my life. I mentioned the new truck, how much fun we had with the kids, and how good things were going with my wife.
I could tell I wasn’t answering his question effectively, so I went on the offensive. “Are you happy?” I asked. “I am,” he said. “I know where I’m going and who controls all things, and nobody or no circumstance can change it without His consent. And that makes me happy.”
I learned an important lesson that day: the difference between joy and happiness. Happiness relies on circumstances, joy relies on a position. Happiness is an emotion. Joy is a condition. Psalm 94:19 clarifies: “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
This thought that happiness generated from joy is rooted in our confidence in God is further expressed in Philippians 4:6-7. Notice that we are encouraged to make our requests to God, “then the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.”
If you struggle with happiness or joy, remember, God’s got this! And in that, you and I can be happy.