The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
The Fruit of the Spirit
Aaron Lee | February 22, 2026 | Youth Sunday School
Logos
The nature of Christian joy extends beyond mere happiness. Joy is deeper and more durable than happiness—functioning as a basic disposition rather than a fleeting emotion, grounded more in broad perspective than in passing circumstances.
Unlike happiness, which depends on circumstances, joy does not rely on external conditions; instead, it represents an inner animation of the soul that finds gladness in God’s sovereign working.
A significant practical consequence of this fruit is resilience. Spirit-filled believers living with joy do not depend on circumstances going their way to maintain their equilibrium because they have great confidence in God’s sovereign control. This enables Christians to experience joy even amid difficulty, knowing that God remains in control of all circumstances.
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (2 Cor 6:10)
1. Joy as a Feeling
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (1 Cor 13:16)
13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matt 18:13-14)
51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:51-53)
2. Joy as a commanded action
and rejoice in the wife of your youth, (Proverbs 5:18)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (5 Thess 5:16-18)
3. Joy in God, Christian Hedonism
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence (God) there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
These things (abiding in Jesus, obeying his commands) I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (in Jesus), so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
Christian Hedonism
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” – John Piper
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:20-21)
Challnenges
Get more of God in your life. Get as much of God in your life. More Bible, more prayer, more church?
What can you cut out to get more of God in your life? Cut out TV, phone, habits, friends?
How can you do more things for the glory of God? (1 Cor 10:31)
Open Discussion
Have you ever struggled or found yourself at odds with God wanting you to be happy in him?
What do you think prevents you from finding your ultimate joy and satisfaction in God alone?
What are ways that you can go harder after God?