1. J O Y Better than Happiness Galatians 5:22-26; James 1:2-4

2. Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

3. The fruit of the Spirit is . . . JOY. Joy ( chara ) is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing, which was promised to those who abide in Christ.

4. John 15:11 “ 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete .”

5. Joy does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God’s sovereign control of all things.

6. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

7. James 1:2-4 says, Consider it PURE JOY 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

8. THE PROCESS: Perseverance – mature – complete – not lacking anything.

9. How can a person find joy in the midst of trials? It is by looking at the advantages of trials to a Christian; 1. It is a Reminder 2. It is an Approval 3. It is the start of a Benefit 4. It is a work in Progress 5. It is Goal oriented [mature, complete]

12. FINAL THOUGHTS Result: The fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Joy will just naturally burst in your life.

13. FINAL THOUGHTS Our inner joy sustains us because it depends on God, as we are walking with the Lord.

14. HAPPINESS depends on happenings; JOY depends on Jesus.