Scriptures:

Galatians 5:16-25:

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Luke 22:15:

“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;

Isaiah 52:14:

Just as many were appalled at Him –

His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man,

and His form was marred beyond human likeness—

Hebrews 12:2:

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame

Gen. 41:51-52:

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Biblical JOY: Is a hope-filled feeling of pleasure, happiness and/or contentment, given by God’s Spirit, regardless of the circumstances or events happening around us that His followers can choose to receive at any time or place as they stay connected to Jesus.

Romans 15:13:

May the God of Hope fill us with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Gal. 5:22:

But the fruit of the Spirit is… joy

James 1:2-4:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

John 15:4-5: ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

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

Biblical JOY: Is a hope-filled feeling of pleasure, happiness and/or contentment, given by God’s Spirit, regardless of the circumstances or events happening around us that His followers can choose to receive at any time or place as they stay connected to Jesus.

Stumbling Blocks to Joy:   Common Hinderances to Joy

1. Experiencing Trials of Faith

Stumbling Blocks to Joy:   Common Hinderances to Joy

1. Experiencing Trials of Faith
2. Chastening or Discipline

Stumbling Blocks to Joy:   Common Hinderances to Joy

1. Experiencing Trials of Faith
2. Chastening or Discipline
3. Misplaced Confidence

Stumbling Blocks to Joy:   Common Hinderances to Joy

1. Experiencing Trials of Faith
2. Chastening or Discipline
3. Misplaced Confidence
4. Sin in Our Lives