The Spirit Of Joy
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.”
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
The best things in life are found in God. Money may buy happiness, but joy cannot be bought. It comes by the Spirit of God.
Joy is an indicator of a genuine growing relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is a barometer which measures the inside spiritual condition.
Joy is a command
There are consequences if joy is not manifest in your life.
Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things,…therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, …in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of all things; and he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.
The anointing is the source of joy
Isaiah 61:1,3 -The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me…to give the oil of joy for mourning.
* Comes Supernaturally by God’s Spirit
* Not dependant on natural circumstances
* Cannot buy joy
* Happiness is soulish
* Joy is a spirit
If you lose your joy, you lose your strength
Nehemiah 8:10 - Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Developing the Spirit of joy
1. Prayer
1 Corinthians 14:4 - The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up..
1 Thessalonians 45:16 - Be joyful always, pray continually
Isaiah 56:7 - Give them joy in my house of prayer
John 16:24 - Ask and you will receive and your joy will be full
2. Intimacy
Psalm 100:2 - Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Psalm 16:11 - In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
3. Fellowship
1 Timothy 1:4 - Recalling your tears I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy
2 John 1:12 - I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face so that our joy may be complete
4. Obedience
John 15:11 - These things I have spoken to you that my joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full.
John 15:10-11 - If you obey my commands ..My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
5. Future hope
Romans 5:2 - And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
1 Peter 1:8-9 - Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
