The Gift of Joy

The Gift of Joy

One of our core set of values at FSC, is JOY.  Values tell what is important to you.  The Bible mentions JOY 200+ times. The highest of the highest joy is when the angel heralds Jesus birth, he says, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). And when wise men traveled far and find him, “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10).

I. Understanding True Joy

Thermostat vs. Thermometer living.  Joy isn’t based on circumstances but is a gift that sustains believers even in trials. Habakkuk 3:17-18: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  The reason:

Joy is a choice rooted in faith in God’s purposes and control, not in external situations.

II. Jesus: Our Source and Model for Joy

1. He is the Model for joy.  Hebrews 1:9. Even in suffering Jesus shows a better path (Hebrews 12:2) “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross”. He understood living in light of something far greater.  That our circumstances aren’t the final word.
2. He is the Source for joy: Is. 61:3: “To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

III. Cultivating Lasting Joy

1. God’s presence (Psalm 16:11) – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” John 15:9-11: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 
2. God’s Word Jer. 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight. Psalm 119:111 “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.”
3. God’s Spirit Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Joy is a fruit of the Spirit within us that grows in proportion to our nearness to God by staying in step. 

IV. Joy is meant to be shared

Joy isn’t just for us to hold onto; it compels us to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 leading people to Christ and into relationship became his Joy.

Grow Group Questions:

1. The message contrasts thermometer living (reacting to circumstances) versus thermostat living (choosing joy regardless of situations). Share a specific time when you experienced this difference – how did your perspective and response change when you chose joy despite difficult circumstances?
2. What holds you back from sharing your joy in Christ with others? How might understanding joy as a gift rather than just a feeling change how you approach sharing your faith?
3. Looking at the ’empty boxes’ metaphor – which worldly sources of happiness have you pursued thinking they would bring lasting joy? How has your understanding of true joy evolved through your faith journey?
4. Cultivating lasting joy comes through God’s presence, His Word, and His Spirit. Which of these three areas do you feel needs the most development in your life right now, and what practical steps could you take this week to grow in that area?