Title: Joy

Series: Fruit of the Spirit

Icebreaker: Have you ever tried to watch something grow (like a plant, or a child)? Were you able to notice "instant" progress, or did it take a long time to see noticeable change?

This Sunday our Bishop delivered a dynamic message as he continued his latest sermon series, Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5 outlines characteristics that we know as "fruit" that the Holy Spirit helps to develop within us as we grow to be more like Christ. Last week we discussed love and this week's focus is joy. Many people confuse joy and happiness, but they are two very different terms. Happiness is contingent on what happens to you, which means it comes and goes quickly. Joy, however, is a deeper sense of well-being and delight that has no regard for present circumstances. This deep-seated joy can only come from God, which is why we must lean into his presence as we aim to cultivate this fruit in our lives.

Nehemiah 8:10

I. Joy vs. Happiness (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

a. We have been created in the likeness of the Trinity. We are a spirit, we have a soul, we live in a body. The body is the source of physical pleasure, while we experience happiness and similar emotions in the soul. When we speak of joy we are not speaking of a soul-felt emotion, but a trait of the spirit. You can have joy in your spirit and be unhappy in your soul, or uncomfortable in your body, all at once.

b. Joy is actually a Person, and must be cultivated through relationship with Him. We can learn much about leaning into the joy of the Lord from biblical figures like David (Psalm 43:4). David suffered much, but he didn't allow his suffering to steal his joy. David knew that the presence of God was his source of exceeding joy, especially in his lowest moments of despair. In fact, the only way David managed to endure every trial was with the joy of the Lord strengthening and sustaining him.

c. There are many other heroes of the faith that we can point to in Scripture that also learned to lean into the joy of the Lord from their low places to find strength (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Their testimonies also serve as warning to us, when we don't know how to maintain our joy we allow the enemy to have his way with us. We can lean into the joy of the Lord, or find our faith waning...

Discussion:

Growth is a process, meaning a key ingredient to growth is patience. How can we learn to grow in joy, especially during hard times, when it feels like we need instant results rather than a drawn out process?

II. Grow In Faith, Grow In Joy

a. It takes a decision of your will to turn to God in moments of crisis. You will either choose to succumb to your circumstances, or to rejoice in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. This decision is the moment where growth begins.

b. We grow in faith by placing our hope in the right place. We can confidently hope in God, trusting that he will show up for us. This is why we can rejoice as we endure hard times, because we know that God works all things, even the bad things, for our ultimate good and his glory (Romans 5:3, 8:28). God allows trials to develop our character and cultivate true, lasting fruit in us (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, James 1:2).

c. We only find true joy in the presence of God (John 15:5, Psalm 16:11). Like David, we must learn to run to the Father and continue to lift up praises to him as we go through trials. In his presence, we are continually filled with his Spirit, and it is impossible to be filled with the Spirit and not have joy (Acts 13:52, Galatians 5:25).

d. If we are to grow in the fruit of the Spirit we must stay in position, in the presence of God, to be filled. It all comes down to the work of the Spirit in us, it is he who fills and sustains us in the growth process.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!