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Galatians 5:22,23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

WHAT IS JOY?  

Definition: 

Joy is the positive confidence that I feel from knowing and trusting God, regardless of circumstances.  

THREE KILLJOYS THAT ARE COMMON IN RELATIONSHIPS: 

(Note: This order has been tweaked a bit from last week's episode.) 

1. Resentment 

Hebrews 12:15--See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  

Proverbs 11:29 (LB)--The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left. 

2. Selfishness 

James 4:1,2--What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 

James 3:16--For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

3. Fear 

Proverbs 12:25--An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. 

1 John 4:18--There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

Fear does three things to a relationship: 

• Fear makes me defensive. 

• Fear makes me distant. 

• Fear makes me demanding.  

ANTIDOTES TO KILLJOYS: 

1. Focus on healing rather than hurting. 

Colossians 3:13 [LB]--Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

Romans 5:3-4 [Ph]--We can be full of joy here and now, even in our trials and troubles. These very things will give us patient endurance; this in turn will develop a mature character. 

2. Focus on giving rather than receiving. 

Acts 20:35 [GN]--There is more happiness in giving than receiving. 

2 Peter 1:7 [LB]--Learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly... This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and to like them, and finally you will grow to love them deeply. 

3. Focus on God's power rather than my problems. 

Psalm 62:8--Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. 

Psalm 56:3--When I am afraid, I will trust in you. 

Philippians 4:4--Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Isaiah 43:2,3--When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD , your God... 

Psalm 50:15 [LB]--(God says) I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory. 

Psalm 43:5--Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. What makes you happy? What are some common circumstances that can quickly quench that happiness? 
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. How would you describe joy to an unsaved friend? How might their preconceptions of happiness hinder their understanding of your joy in Christ? 
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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