The document discusses the nature of joy from a biblical perspective. It explores joy as described in the Old Testament as being bright, exuberant and the result of fellowship with God. The New Testament describes joy as a grace and favor that results from recognizing God's grace. True joy comes from abiding in God's love by obeying his word. The early church was characterized by praising God with glad and sincere hearts. Believers can have joy even in persecution, sacrifices, service and trials as their faith is refined.

6. Galatians 5
16
but i say, walk by the spirit, and you will not carry out the
desire of the flesh.
17
for the fleshsets 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.

7. Galatians 5
22
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.

8. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

19. Is God against us being happy?

20. HAPPINESS doesn’t last.

22. The Old Testament
“Simhah”
To shine, to be bright
To spring, to be exuberant, excited, sing & shout, go in a circle

23. JOY is the natural outcome of
fellowship with God.

24. 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.

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

26. Zephaniah 3:17
The 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.

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

28. The New Testament
“Chara”
Grace, Favor
Result of the awareness of His grace and recognition of His favor

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

30. 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.

31. JOY Rediscovered

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

33. 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.

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

35. John 15:10
If 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.

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

37. John 15:11
I 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.

38. How does the God kind of Joy look like?

39. Acts 2:46 – 47
46
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.

40. Acts 2:46 – 47
46
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.

41. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - 8
6
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,

42. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - 8
6
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.

43. Philippians 2:17
But 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.

44. Philippians 2:17
But 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.

45. 1 Peter 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of
trials.

46. 1 Peter 1:6
In 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.