Welcome to Day 10. of our devotional study, Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do online Bible study. Today's Bible study is about the Joy Of The Holy Spirit. We will be studying, Luke 10:21, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Romans 14:17.
The Joy Of The Holy Spirit
Sometimes, joy seems to slip away from our daily lives because of the different challenges we face. But as believers in Christ, we have access to a special kind of joy that rises above our circumstances—the joy of the Holy Spirit. This joy is a deep, lasting sense of happiness that comes from our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
The following passages of scripture show us how the Holy Spirit’s joy can transform us in different ways—from Jesus' expressions of joy to the steadfast joy of early Christians to the defining characteristics of God's Kingdom.
Joy Of The Spirit
Read Luke 10:21
Click on the Bible verse to read it in various translations at Biblegateway.
"In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will." Luke 10:21 ESV.
In Luke 10:21 Jesus expresses joy through the Holy Spirit, revealing key insights for our spiritual journey.
Why is Jesus rejoicing?
After sending out seventy-two disciples to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, the disciples return with joy, reporting that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name.
Jesus rejoices because God has chosen to reveal deep spiritual truths to the humble and childlike (disciples) rather than to the self-proclaimed wise (religious leaders). The disciples, in their simplicity and faith, have understood the truths of God's kingdom, which remain hidden from those relying solely on their own wisdom.
Consider this:
Do you experience the same joy as the disciples in Luke 10:21 when they were out in the community spreading the news of God's kingdom?
Joy Of The Holy Spirit Amidst Suffering
"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 ESV.
After hearing the gospel, the Thessalonian believers began to live their lives like Paul and his fellow missionaries. They also followed the example of Jesus. Just as Paul, his companions, and Jesus experienced suffering, the believers in Thessalonica also faced hardship because of their faith. The Thessalonian believers faced considerable persecution for their newfound faith. Despite this, they embraced the gospel wholeheartedly. The "affliction" refers to the hardships and opposition they encountered from both Jewish and Gentile communities. Their joy amidst suffering is attributed to the Holy Spirit. This is a supernatural joy that transcends circumstances. It is not based on external situations but on the internal assurance and comfort provided by the Holy Spirit.
How were the Thessalonian believers full of joy despite their persecution?
The Thessalonian believers were full of the supernatural joy that only comes from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit provides a deep, abiding joy that is not dependent on external circumstances. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and it sustains believers even in the face of trials. We can have this joy too!
Finding true joy in the Holy Spirit
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 ESV.
Romans 14 addresses the issue of disputes among believers regarding dietary practices and the observance of certain days. Some believers felt compelled to follow specific dietary laws and observe special days, while others did not see these as necessary under the new covenant in Christ.
Paul teaches us that living in God's kingdom isn't about following specific dietary rules or other external practices. Instead, it's about experiencing and living out righteousness, peace, and joy, which come from the Holy Spirit. These spiritual qualities are far more important than just following rituals.
Romans 14:17 teaches us that joy in the Holy Spirit is the deep, abiding sense of happiness and contentment that comes from the Holy Spirit's presence in the believer's life. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's love, salvation, and ongoing work in our lives.
Knowing our place with God is secure brings real emotional stability and confidence.
Steps to Find True Joy in the Holy Spirit
Finding true joy in the Holy Spirit is beautifully explained in Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This means that when we trust God, He fills us with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit. This joy isn't based on our circumstances but on the deep assurance that God loves us and is with us. It's a lasting happiness that stays with us no matter what we're going through.
By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can have a heart full of hope and joy, living the abundant life God wants for us.
Here are practical steps to help you experience this deep, abiding joy:
1. Develop a Close Relationship with God
Spend time each day in prayer, talking to God, and listening for His guidance. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy. Meditate on scripture, focusing on verses that speak about joy and the Holy Spirit. You will find a list of Bible verses about joy HERE.
Regularly read the Bible to understand God’s promises and the joy that comes from His presence. Here is a list of scriptures all about God's promises. They will encourage you!
2. Embrace Righteousness - Live according to God’s will:
Strive to live a life that aligns with God’s standards. Obedience to God fosters a sense of righteousness and peace that leads to joy.
Reflect on areas of your life where you can make choices that honor God more fully.
Seek Forgiveness and Repentance:
Regularly confess your sins and seek God’s forgiveness. A clear conscience and restored relationship with God bring joy. You will find a list of scriptures to lead you in confession HERE.
3. Cultivate Peace
Trust that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. This trust leads to inner peace.
Cast your anxieties on God through prayer and rely on His promises for peace.
Work towards resolving conflicts with others and seek to build harmonious relationships. Peace with others contributes to inner joy. You will find a list of Psalms and devotionals to help you HERE.
4. Engage in Worship and Gratitude
Engage in regular worship, both privately and with your church. Singing praises and worshiping God lifts your spirit and fills you with joy.
Practice Gratitude:
Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of God’s blessings. Regularly thanking God for His goodness cultivates a joyful heart.
5. Fellowship with Believers:
Join a small group or Bible study to connect with other believers. Sharing your faith journey and supporting each other brings joy.
Attend church services and community events to build relationships within your faith community.
6. Rely on the Holy Spirit - Ask for the Holy Spirit’s Help:
Daily invite the Holy Spirit to guide and fill you with joy. Acknowledge His presence and ask for His help in experiencing true joy. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading and prompting in your life. You will be surprised where He leads you.
7. Embrace the Fruits of the Spirit:
Focus on developing the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in your life, particularly joy. The Holy Spirit produces these qualities in you as you grow in your faith.
Conclusion:
The joy of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful and life-changing gift for every believer. Unlike temporary happiness from things around us, this joy comes from the Holy Spirit that lasts forever. As we go through our daily lives, we should seek and cherish His joy, letting it strengthen and support us no matter what we face.
The Holy Spirit brings us joy in many ways: by living within us, revealing God's truths, growing spiritual fruit in us, empowering us during tough times, assuring us of our salvation, guiding us, giving us spiritual gifts, renewing us continually, and inspiring us to worship. This joy is deep, strong, and lasting, anchored in God's unchanging nature and His promises.
Here are cross-references for further study:
Matthew 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 1 Peter 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, Philippians 3;17, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 12:14, Isaiah 32:17.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that comes from Your Holy Spirit. Help us to draw closer to You each day, to live righteously, and to cultivate peace in our hearts and relationships. Fill us with Your joy, no matter our circumstances. Guide us to trust in Your promises and find joy in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? Online Bible Study and Printable Journal
Dive even deeper into this study with our printable journal. This journal is designed to guide you through personal reflections and insights, enhancing your experience as you engage with the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit. Grab your journal HERE.
Here are some questions to consider as you study the person of the Holy Spirit:
What is the most important truth I learned about the Holy Spirit?
Did the Holy Spirit convict me of anything that I need to change in my life?
Come back tomorrow as we study Grieving the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead you into a deeper relationship with God and empower you to live out your faith boldly and effectively.
Resources used in today's study on, Joy In The Holy Spirit:
You may be encouraged by these resources:
Topical Bible plans HERE
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Karen xx.
