FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE Jan.22 – Feb 11. 2024 (Day 10)
Click here to download the outline 👉2024 JAN-FEB FFFP DAY 10
Theme: JUMPING IN THE JOY OF JUBILEE
Texts: Ps.4:3-8; 32:11; 126:1-6
Sub-Texts: Neh.8:10; Rom.5:1-2; Gal.5:22; Phil.4:4
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that should blossom in every believer’s life. Unfortunately, many believers, after the initial encounter at salvation, lose this precious grace, being overwhelmed by carnal challenges. Yet, the joy of the Lord is the strength of the just, and if absent, will cause lethargy and fainting (Pro.24:10).
The Philippian church was a generous congregation and was perfused with joy, which was reflected in the tone of Paul’s apostolic letter (Phil.2:17,19; 3:1,3; 4:4,14-19; cp. 4:2).
We shall describe the joy and its modality of growth.
Joy was translated from the Greek word Chara (pronounced khar-ah’), and it means cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight, gladness. So joy is a lasting state of gladness, which is more than an emotional reaction to our circumstances.
That gladness arises from knowing the Lord, abiding in Him and being filled with the Spirit.
It emanates from the spirit of man and is so superior to happiness that arises from the soul.
It can remain unscathed in the midst of the turbulence of life (Jn.16:24,33; cp. 2 Cor. 11:24-28)
Though the Lord Jesus was a man of sorrows following the recalcitrance of the Jews, He manifested joy in His ministry, hence the accusation of being too joyful by His distractors (cons. Lk.7:34; 10:21). He equally desired that His disciples enjoy the grace (Jn.16:24, 15:11).
The early church was characterized by the joy of the Lord/gladness (Acts 2:46; 13:52).
Joy is a distinguishing mark of the kingdom of God (Zeph.3:17; Lk.2:9-14; Acts 16:25; Rom.14:17; Phil.3:1-3; 4:4; 1Pet.1:8).
The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest as:
- Joy of salvation (Neh.8:10; Lk.15:7; Acts 8:8)
- Joy of the Holy Ghost (Rom.14:17; Acts 13:52)
- Joy of deliverance (1Sam.2:1; Acts 12:14-17)
- The joy of spiritual maturity increases as we bear more fruit (Jn.15:11; 2Cor.1:24; 2:3; 7:4; 1Thess.2:19-20; 3:9)
- Joy of God’s presence (Ps.16:11; Matt.2:10; Lk.1:14; 1Jn.1:4)
This precious fruit can be grown by doing the following:
- Limit negativity: as the heart is kept with all diligence (Pro.4:23; cp. Rom.8:28)
- Dedicate yourself to doing good and helping others (Heb.10:24)
- Be intentional in retaining joy via waiting on the Lord (Isa.40:31; Ps.118:24)
- Regularly recount the deeds of the Lord and express appreciation or thanksgiving (Ps.9:1; 103:1-5).
He must resolve to maintain and grow his joy while he follows the Lord.
