Sermon Recap
First Read I Thessalonians 1:1-10
The NKJV uses the word affliction instead of Severe Suffering. This word affliction in the original Greek is the word thlipsis. This is a strong word that leaves no room for misunderstanding the intensity and severity of the afflictions the Thessalonians were facing.
Paul uses this specific word to alert us to the moments when he and others went through grueling and crushing situations that would have been unbearable, intolerable, and impossible to survive if it had not been for the help and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
And one of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us in these situations of affliction is by giving us a supernatural joy in the midst of them.
It’s important for us to understand that this supernatural joy is on a whole other level than mere happiness. Happiness church is based on circumstantial pleasure, amusement, or excitement. Happiness is an emotion that is fleeting. It quickly comes and goes, usually based on whatever experience we are undergoing at that moment.
All it takes for our happiness to evaporate is one piece of bad news, or one harsh word from our boss or our spouse, or a property tax bill that is outrageous. All of a sudden our once happy feeling emotion is quickly fleeting and turns into anger, offense, or disgust. The feeling of happiness can disappear right before our eyes because again it is based on outward circumstances!
But not Joy! Joy isn’t based on our outward circumstances. In Fact the fruit of Joy that comes through the Holy Spirit thrives when times are tough.
The Greek Word for Joy is “chara”. It comes from the Greek word “charis”, which is the word Grace. This is important for us to understand because the chara or (JOY) is produced by the Charis or grace of God.
This means that “joy” isn’t a human-based expression like happiness that comes and goes. Rather true joy is divine in origin, its source is not of this earth, and this fruit of the Holy Spirit is produced in us particularly in hard, strenuous, stress filled times. This is the example that is given in I Thessalonians 1:6 as they were under great persecution causing great stress. Yet in the midst of all of this they continued to experience great Joy.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Who is the author of Joy in your life?
What is the difference between happiness and joy?
Why is it hard when we endure suffering or hardship to do it with Joy?
During difficult times where should our focus remain?
Can a believer operate and function with Joy even when life is difficult? Why?
Prayer
Lord Jesus help me to focus my heart upon you today. Remind me of your goodness and faithfulness. Help me to yield my life, my will, and my day today to your Holy Spirit. And Holy Spirit I give you permission to manifest and produce the fruit of joy in my life at all times and in all seasons. Remind me of your truth when I forget it. Remind me of nearness when I can't seem to feel you. Remind of Your never ending faithfulness to me. And through it all produce in me the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Life Application
Practice Joy this week! At all times, in whatever situations you face, keep your heart focused on God’s realities and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with JOY!
Don’t Forget!
A Lifestyle of Prayer Class begins January 24th.
Rhythms of the Spirit, Online Class begins January 25th.
Starting Point Class begins January 28th.
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