Message Summary

This is the third of several messages focusing on the “Fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22–23. This week we finish our look at “joy.” Pastor A emphasized joy in the midst of suffering. How can this be? Only if our ultimate pleasure is in Christ and the hope we have in him, can we exhibit joy in difficult times. Today we will look at three specific texts on “joy.”
1. Justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Rom 5:1–5) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

What is the basis or foundation of our “peace with God” (v. 1a)? Justified by faith through Jesus Christ. Justification is a forensic term, meaning God declares us righteous, not because of any good we have done, but on account of the righteousness of Jesus.
What is this “peace” believers have with God as a result of Christ’s sacrifice for us (cf. v. 10)?
In what things/areas are believers to “rejoice” (vv. 2–3)?
What is your first reaction when you read “we rejoice in our sufferings” (v. 3)? How or why can we rejoice in our sufferings (vv. 3–4)? Are you taking the short view (our finite momentary perspective) or the long view (how this might work in God’s sovereign plan)?
What is this “hope” that “does not put us to shame” (v. 5a; cf. v. 9)?
How do we know we should have no fear when we finally stand before the Lord (v. 5b)? What is “poured into our hearts” and by whom is this done?
What things or persons do you know that some people put their hope in? What or who are you putting your hope in? Remember, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”

2. The manifestation of God’s love (Rom 5:6–11) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now tat we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation

In what is our subjective experience of God’s love grounded (vv. 6–9)?
According to verse 6, were we able to save ourselves?
How does Paul refer to Christians for whom Christ died (vv. 6–11)? weak, ungodly, sinners, enemies. Knowing this, how should we respond to God’s grace?
How does God show his love to us (vv. 8–9)?
What is the means by which we are justified (put in right standing before a holy God) [v. 9]? What does this say about our salvation, for instance, our assurance of faith?
If we are saved from God’s wrath, who bore God’s wrath (v. 9)?
What does it mean to be “reconciled” to God (vv. 10–11)? Reconciliation has to do with the removal of hostility between God and us. We were enemies, but now, on account of Christ’s sacrifice, we are not his friends.

3. What is the source of your joy? (Luke 10:17–20) The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

What caused the seventy-two joy (v. 17)? Was this wrong?
By whom and in whom are they able to do such things (vv. 17, 19)?
Even though such joy may not be wrong, it shouldn’t be paramount. What are the seventy-two to ultimately find their joy (v. 20)? Why is this important (cf. Matt 7:21–23)?

Application

Take time this week to evaluate where your joy and hope ultimately are grounded.
Discuss with your small group how you respond to suffering. How have you responded in the past? What does the Bible teach about suffering? Do Christians suffer? How are we to respond?
Take time this week to meditate on Romans 5:1–11. Be reminded of what God has done for you in Christ (justified before God and reconciled to God). Thank God for the glorious hope we have in his Son. How might the truths of Rom 5:1–11 affect how you respond toward others (those inside and outside of the church)?

Further Study

For more on joy in the midst of suffering you could read:

1 Peter
D. A. Carson, How Long O Lord: Reflections on Suffering & Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990).