Summer Fruit, Week 2: Joy

Misconceptions of Joy I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and me in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV) The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies. And the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 1: That joy is happiness 2: Joy is related to your circumstances. Rick Warren: We tend to think that life comes in hills and valleys. In reality, it's more like a train tracks. Every day of your life, wonderful, good things happen that bring pleasure and contentment and beauty to you. At the exact same time, painful things happen to you or those you love that disappoint you, hurt you, and fill you with sorrow. These two tracks – both joy and sorrow – run parallel to each other every single moment of your life. 3: Joy is a feeling 1: Know what true joy is 2:  Know what God says about you For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10(NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9(NIV) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 3: Know God personally For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)