Point of Grace Online Worship 6.21.20 Sermon Notes - “His Present is His Presence – What a Difference!”
Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, 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.
JOY – a taste of Eden
What is Joy?
The Spirit of God actually produces the fruit of “Joy” in my life as I live under Him.
Galatians 5 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 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 … … …
“Joy is a fruit of a right relationship with God rather than a result of right circumstances in life.”
- Comfort, happiness, excitement etc. are much more circumstantial – Joy is foundational.
-Joy is not extinguished by suffering, discomfort or loss but shines there.
Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!....... 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord
Acts 16 19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
Hebrews 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I get to join the Spirit and His fruit-bearing work in my life as I celebrate the Goodness of God in all circumstances.
God is Good … … … even when life is not!
Come Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh. I Surrender myself and my agenda and - I repent and let go of “giving up” on JOY or settling for cheap substitutes. I Receive You and Your agenda for and - I receive JOY as mine to experience and share as a fruit of You Jesus living in me. You are good! I will Act like it! - I get to join You, Holy Spirit, and not fight You as You do your fruit-bearing work in my life!
Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Facebook Live or go to www.pog.church to view.
Resources which will help you “walk in the Spirit bearing His fruit of Joy” in your life!
A new resource I am particularly encouraging this week is this book:
Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – Nehemiah 8:9-12 Tues – Philippians 4:4-9 Wed – Philippians 1:3-11 Thu – Hebrews 12:1-13 Fri – John 15:5-11 Sat - 1st Thessalonians 5:16-28
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”
Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.
Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.
Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.
Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Holy Spirit and Acts.
The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)
“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)
Ransomed Heart website and app - many helpful resources including prayers, readings, podcast etc
Moving Mountains by John Eldredge (excellent teaching on spiritual warfare and prayer)