The mature believer in Christ is supposed to have certain identifiable characteristics. In this manner not only do we give glory and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ, but we also encourage the body of Christ. By our faithfulness in the face of a fallen world we proclaim the Gospel by our trust in Jesus Christ and His written word, the Bible. Let us briefly examine the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit – joy!
Paul the Apostle begins Galatians 5 commanding believers to stand firm in our freedom in Jesus Christ and to no longer be bound by sin. (Gal. 5:1) Later in this same chapter we are told what manner of character a Christian should in fact demonstrate. We are to live a godly life showing the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, good, faith, meekness, and temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)
But what in fact is joy? The world defines joy as simply being happy or having happiness. How then can we truly live a joyous life it seems that a happy life is not possible? What about circumstances that are in opposition to having a joyous and victorious life?
You and I must remember that “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10b) We serve a risen Savior (Rom. 10:9) who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. We are not of this world any longer and therefore have better promises (Heb. 8:6). Pleasure is another name for joy.
God has joy in us because of one simple reason – we are His children (Rom. 8:16-17) and because we support the Lord (Psalm 35:27). We “shout for joy” and are glad (another name for joy) when the will of the Lord is done in the Earth! Because of our joy in faithfulness to God, He is even more faithful to us!
Should we ever anger the Lord we know we have repentance and restoration available (1 John 1:9). Should we ever need encouragement in troubling times we know that God has equipped us! How has God equipped us? 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The true believer on Jesus Christ walks in joy because there is no other way to be than happy while serving the Lord. When temptations come upon us we are encouraged by James 1:1-3 that we should be joyful because our patience is being built up when our faith is tried!
We should also be happy that we will never be without God! Jesus Himself said He would ask God to send us another Comforter (John 14:16). This Comforter also known as the Holy Ghost will be with us forever according to Scripture. Acts 13:52 and Romans 14:17, 15:13 tell us that believers are filled with joy by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their lives! We are to be joyful in all tribulation! (2 Cor. 7:4).
There are many more scriptures on joy. But we must discuss some specifics on how to activate spirit-filled joy in our Christian lives. A short list of spiritual habits needed for maintaining joy are as follows:
1. Submit to God (not to man) – John 4:7
By doing this the devil will run from us. It is extraordinarily important to remain submitted to God. Acts of submission include faithfulness in service, church attendance, reading the Word, tithing, and ministering the Gospel to others.
2. Rejoice in the Lord always and “Pray without ceasing” and give thanks to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
A believer who has joy is a prayer warrior! Also our praise and worship includes thanking the Lord for His many blessings. All of these things are needed!
God wants us to be truly blessed and we are specifically encouraged to prosper and be healthy (3 Jn. 1:2). There is no greater joy when Christians walk in truth (3 John 1:4). Let us let our spiritual light shine so the world can see good works and glorify God the Father (Matt. 5:16).
SOBI Alumni
Minister George H. Lewis
