Lesson Three: The Fruit of Joy

Summary: In this lesson we will be looking at the fruit of joy. We will consider how joy is achieved, and how it should look in the life of the believer. We will also pursue the question of how a person can have joy in the midst of a world that is definitely not set up to make it easy for us.

GROUP NOTE

Question: Have you ever had moments of inexplicable joy like those that C.S. Lewis described? When, where, and how often?

Lead-in Questions:

1. Is there a difference between joy and happiness? 2. Is it possible to have joy in the midst of sorrow? How? 3. Is joy an emotion or a state of being? Explain. 4. What would a person be like who had this fruit evidenced in their life?

A Sign of Something More

C.S. Lewis was a convinced atheist as a young man, but there was always something that tickled his brain about the concept of God. After many years of questioning the existence of God, he was finally converted to the belief in the existence of a personal God at the age of 31. Let’s hear how he describes this experience at Oxford University: “You must picture me alone in that room at Magdalen, night after night, feeling, whenever my mind lifted even for a second from my work, the steady, unrelenting approach of Him whom I so earnestly desired not to meet. That which I greatly feared had at last come upon me. In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.”4 . This was not, however, Lewis’s conversion to Christianity. On that evening, Lewis was simply giving in to his belief that a personal God existed who expected and deserved to have his commitment and service. The final step of his conversion came a little later, and is equally provocative in its description. On September 28, 1931, Lewis, his brother Warnie, and some friends decided to go to visit the zoo. Lewis sat in the sidecar of Warnie’s motorbike, and what happened next is vintage Lewis. “When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did. Yet I had not exactly spent the journey in thought. Nor in great emotion. ‘Emotional’ is perhaps the last word we can apply to some of the most important events. It was more like when a man, after long sleep, still lying motionless in bed, becomes aware that he is now awake.”5 Lewis wrote the book, Surprised by Joy, in an effort to explain how it was that he became convinced of the existence of Christ Jesus, personal salvation, and of the truths of the Christian tradition. For him, the basis of this remarkable change lay in the presence of moments of unexplainable joy in his life that made him aware that there was something or someone standing outside time and space who deserved his complete trust and commitment. This presence he came to believe was God. Though absolutely capable of forcing our hand, this God chose to give humanity the opportunity to choose for itself whether to follow or deny His reality. For Lewis, joy looked like a pattern of individual moments, happening at random times, in which he suddenly felt an incredible sense of something greater; something mystical; something unexplainable that touched him well beyond the realm of his intellect and rationality. Lewis was, at the same time, both drawn to and repelled by this sense of the infinite and supernatural. Though he had traveled down many paths intellectually that led him away from Christianity, he could not shake the fact that there was something (or someone) out there reaching out to him. It took time, but when he converted to Christianity, Lewis became one of the greatest defenders of the faith who has ever lived. Not only did he defend all comers in debates held before the gathered students at Oxford, but his writings became some of the most beloved additions to Christian libraries throughout the world. All this happened because Lewis experienced moments of joy in his life. His conversion story alone should make us curious as to the meaning of the word “joy” as we find it in the list of the various fruit of the Spirit. So, let’s begin our search for the true meaning of this enigmatic, three letter word, “joy.”

The Definition of Joy

One of the dilemmas of preachers and theologians is how to isolate the meanings of words. Terms like “joy” have such a wide range of usages that it becomes difficult to get a handle on its essence. For example, do joy and happiness represent the same thing? If not, is joy an emotion, or a state of being that is beyond emotion? The dictionary definition of the word includes a variety of meanings, many of which overlap with the idea of

happiness. We often think that to have joy is to be happy. So, we often use them interchangeably as we try and express our state of mind. However, though obviously related, most people in the fields of academics and mental health see joy and happiness as distinct from one other. For example, in the online magazine, Psychologies, one writer expresses the difference this way: “Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events.”6 Glory Dy, a writer for Christianity.com, has a similar point of view when she writes: “Happiness is merely external, fleeting, and is only achievable on earth. Joy, on the other hand, is internal, selfless, sacrificial, and a spiritual connection with God.”7 In the Catholic Exchange, we read that “‘Joy’ suggests a more complete, ecstatic, consuming passion than mere happiness. In short, ‘happiness’ can be described as an emotion, while ‘joy’ is more properly related to a state of one’s being.”8 The common message that we get from reading these three different points of view is that happiness is tied to circumstances and emotions, whereas joy is a deep-seated state of being that defies the circumstances or context in which I reside. So, how does joy show up in Scripture? Is there a pattern that we can follow if we pursue the use of the word “joy?” There are four ways that joy is used in scripture across both the Old and New Testaments. We will look at each one in turn, and then try to make a final assessment as we close this lesson.

1. Joy as a State of Being

Let’s begin with the fact that joy represents a state of being in Scripture. As such, it goes deeper than surface emotions or a circumstantial sense of well-being. To have joy is to have a rock-solid foundation of strength at the core of our being, and to be full of calm assurance in the presence of trials and difficulties. The person who has become a Christian is endowed with a deep sense of rightness and confidence that is not easily explained, but simply exists. Of course, the normal occurrences of life will occupy much of our attention, but from time to time we become aware that everything is in the hands of a deeper power, and so all is well in the universe. As Christians, we know that this awareness originates in the God who made the Heavens and the Earth, and who has chosen to make personal covenant with us. Let’s look at a few examples from Scripture that may enlighten us on this inherited state of being called joy. In Psalm 43 the writer says, “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.” (Psalm 43:4) It is the relationship with God that fills him with joy. In a similar sense, in Psalm 51:12, the writer asks God to restore to him “the joy of his salvation.” Our very salvation brings to us a sense of joy that builds us up. So, the Old Testament writers seem to understand that joy is attached to a right relationship with God, and it is a state of being that exists continuously. Jesus emphasizes the same thing when he told his disciples, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) There is something in our relationship with Christ Jesus that creates in us a deep-seated sense of joy, and we can receive this joy by paying attention to the teachings of Christ. In Acts, being filled with the Holy Spirit is connected to joy. In this case, Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch, and have had good success in sharing the message of Christ with the people in the city. However, the Jewish leaders in the city stirred up “the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city,” to begin persecuting them. As a result, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet towards the city, and left to do ministry elsewhere. Luke (the writer of Acts) tells us, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:50-52) So, even though Paul and Barnabas had to leave the city because of persecution, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and as a result they were full of joy.

2. Joy as a Result or Reaction

A second way that Scripture describes joy is as a response that bubbles up out of us. Think of it like our reaction to something that startles us. An example might be when I walk around the corner and almost run in to someone. That moment of excitement comes from being startled. The Scripture indicates that there are times that the sheer majesty of God, or our sudden elevated awareness of the grandeur of the faith, can elicit a response of joy. The Psalms demonstrate this sudden sense of excitement. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:1-2) Here, the Psalmist is joyous because of his awareness of the greatness of his God, and worship spontaneously happens. It is that sense of God’s greatness that causes the psalmist to call for us to make a joyful noise. Psalm 35:9 likewise proclaims, “Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his deliverance. All my bones shall say, ‘O Lord, who is like you?’” Here the experience of God’s salvation causes joy to erupt as it were from the writer’s very bones.

GROUP NOTE

Question: Have you ever had a moment when you considered yourself both unhappy and yet joyful at the same time? Describe the situation.

10 | SUSTAIN We hear this same sense in Mary’s response to the angel who comes to tell her that she is going to have a child who will be savior. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49) Mary’s joy comes from the honor of being chosen by God her Savior to be a servant. Her awareness that she is not worthy is sufficient to make her cry out in joy. This is also the sentiment of the angel who delivers the message of the birth of Jesus to the astounded shepherds. “The angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10) Joy comes from being aware that God has entered the world in the birth of the Christ,

GROUP NOTE who is humanity’s Savior. Romans 12:15 In Luke’s gospel, we are told that Jesus sent out his teaches us to followers to do ministry on his behalf, giving them the

“weep with those power to heal and cast out demons in his name. When who weep,” but it also tells us to “rejoice with those they returned, Luke records their reaction to their experience: “The seventy returned with joy, saying, who rejoice.” ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’” How often do you Their joy comes as a result of knowing that the power experience joy of God is at work in and through them. through focusing on the joy of others? What are Finally, Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi opens with these words: “If then there is any encouragement ways you could in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in become more the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my aware of sharing joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same the joy of others love, being in full accord and of one mind.” What will in the Body of make Paul’s joy complete is the coming together of the Christ? Philippian Christians in complete unity. He wants them to be on the same page, and to have the love of true servants of Christ to one another. If they will do this for him, he will have true joy. Thus, joy starts as a foundational state of being, but then overflows from the spontaneous response that we have when we become aware of the greatness of our God, His relationship to us, and His presence with us in the oneness of the Church.

3. Joy as an Exercise in Faith

A third way that the Scriptures talk about joy is as an exercise of faith. The Psalmist proclaims that studying the laws of God will result in the increase of joy in our lives. “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart,” he says. (Psalm 19:8) Similarly, another Psalm relates joy to recalling the testimonies or stories of God found in the Bible: “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111) This is evident in a metaphorical way in the book of Jeremiah: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” (Jeremiah 15:16) By ingesting words and lessons of God, which are the source of faith, we find ourselves full of joy. In his letter to the Romans, Paul expresses this thought repeatedly. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NIV) Joy here is a core element of Christianity, to the same degree as “righteousness” and “peace.” Later in the letter, Paul reiterates the same theme when he writes: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans. 15:3) Joy, peace and hope go together, and are the natural result when the power of the Holy Spirit is manifested. Peter also notes that even though his readers can’t see Christ, they have chosen to love him and believe in him, and the result is that they are filled with the “indescribable and glorious joy” that comes with having the “salvation of their souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9). John says that he becomes “full of joy” when he hears that his children in the faith are continuing to “walk in the truth.” (III John 1:4) Thus, joy comes not only from the exercise of our own faith, but also from seeing the faith passed on to the next generation.

4. Joy in Suffering, Trials, and Tribulations

One of the unique ways that the Bible addresses joy is by linking it with suffering, trials, and tribulations. Although this idea seems counter-intuitive, it is a cornerstone of the Christian journey. God wants us to become the kind of Christians who are not adversely impacted by life circumstances that go wrong. Jesus taught this in the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that his followers should expect to receive persecution if they continue as his disciples. Nevertheless, he portrays this persecution, not as a source of sorrow, but as a spring of joy: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) Jesus says that we should rejoice because, if we are persecuted, it will prove that we are good representatives of Christ in the world. If they persecuted the righteous prophets who spoke God’s world, we can be sure that they will also persecute us if we represent God’s word faithfully. Moreover, if they put Jesus to death, then they will certainly persecute us because we are his followers and representatives. The reason this is a source of joy is the promise that we will be rewarded in heaven. Though the World may temporarily revel in the suffering of the believers, Jesus says his followers should take heart in the knowledge that, eventually, their pain will be turned into joy. (John 16:20) This is what happened to the Apostles. When the authorities arrested and punished them, they took joy in the fact that they were suffering dishonor on account of their association with the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:41)

Paul compliments the Corinthian church because, in the midst of their afflictions, they still had the joyfulness to be generous with their finances. (II Corinthians 8:2) His point is that God can not only bring us joy in the midst of affliction, but also can turn that affliction into an opportunity for mission. In a similar sense, the writer of the book of Hebrews compliments his readers for having a relationship with the Lord that is so strong that they even accept the confiscation of their properties with joy. (Hebrews 10:34) The loss of property or freedom is insignificant compared to the greater reward of God’s favor and, eventually, heaven. Similarly, Paul tells the church at Colossae that he is praying for the Christians in that city to be “strengthened with the power of God” so that they are prepared for whatever they may face. He encourages them to “joyfully give thanks” to the Father who has granted them the honor of sharing the “inheritance of all the saints in the light.” (Col. 1:11-12) He wants them to realize that the eternal inheritance is of such great value that their temporary trials are not to be feared. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians indicates that the Holy Spirit helped them receive the Word in the midst of affliction. His encouragement to them is to endure hard times here on earth by keeping an eye on the glory to come for them when Christ returns (I Thessalonians 1:6-10). The last point to be made here is that we can have joy in times of trials because of the transformation the trials bring about in us. As James puts it: “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) James is saying that when we are stressed in our afflictions or trials, we grow in endurance and become able to handle even more difficulties. Ultimately, these trials will cause us to grow into mature believers, if we remain strong in our faith. Paul echoes this same sentiment in his letter to the Romans. “And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Peter likewise writes, “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (I Peter 5:10) Here we have three leaders of the Early Church teaching the same principle: Don’t waste your troubles—take the trials and bad situations to heart as opportunities to grow in your faith toward spiritual maturity. What a great challenge for us to live out in our daily lives and to model for our Christian brothers and sisters, so that they can have hope in their own personal hard times!

GROUP NOTE

Question: Have you ever felt that you were unfairly treated or ignored due to your Christian faith? Would you share it with the class? Did you experience joy during that experience? Explain how you felt, and what you learned from it.

APPLICATION IDEA: This week, conduct a search for joy. Don’t look for things that make you happy (temporary and related only to emotions); look for what touches your soul with a deep sense of God’s presence and joy. Focus on whatever you find, and devote time to giving thanks to God for this free gift.