Galatians 5 16 but i say, walk by the spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 for the flesh sets its desire against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 but if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 522 but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.25 if we live by the spirit, let us also walk by the spirit.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Is God against us being happy?

HAPPINESS doesn’t last.

The Old Testament

“Simhah”To shine, to be bright

To spring, to be exuberant, excited, sing & shout, go in a circle

JOY is the natural outcome of fellowship with God.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of JOY; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the JOY of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Zephaniah 3:17The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will JOY over you with loud singing.

Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be JOYful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;

The New Testament

“Chara”Grace, Favor

Result of the awareness of His grace and recognition of His favor

Luke 2:10And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.

Matthew 13:44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his JOY he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

JOY Rediscovered

John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

Continue abiding in God’s Love.

John 15:10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

John 15:10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Continue obeying God’s Word.

John 15:11I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.

John 15:11I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.

Continuously be found in God’s complete Joy.

How does the God kind of Joy look like?

Acts 2:46 – 4746 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46 – 4746 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Characteristics of the Early Church.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 - 86 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

1 Thessalonians 1:6 - 86 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

In persecution, their joy became known.

Philippians 2:17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Philippians 2:17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

In service and sacrifices, it’s an honor.

1 Peter 1:6In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 1:6In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

In grief and trial, their faith is refined.