Introduction: We have here a look at Jesus' instruction to His disciples. In preparing them for his departure from the world
A. Jesus explained how to get and keep a clean heart
B. How to nurture a praying heart
C. How to have a courageous heart
Notice verse 11: Jesus said His desire for us is that we might be full of JOY!
D. Are your hearts filled with Joy. Not just when things are going well, but all the time.
E. Definition: Joy is the same as happiness. Happiness is largely dependent on events or circumstances. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit of God and can be experienced even in times of affliction.
F. ILL: A waiter carried a bowl of soup high - until he is bump - then we can tell what it is. What spills out when we are bumped? Is it JOY! It will if we are filled with it.
G. The world says that joy can be found through a change in our circumstances: take a vacation, earn more money, spend more money or save more.
H. Jesus had a very different formula for JOY. It is learning to abide in Christ so that we become fruit-bearing Christians. Jesus said it is possible for us to have enough JOY for ourselves and still have enough to share with others. It depends on our relationship with Christ:
I. JOY DEPENDS ON FRUITFULNESS FOR GOD:
A. What is Fruitfulness?
1. It is the outward expression of the inner nature
a. Some folks can walk through the forest and identify trees simply by looking at their leaves and bark. I can't.
b. But if I see the fruit of the tree I can usually know what kind of tree it is
c. The fruit is the outward expression of the inner nature. - oranges, apples, pears all identify…
2. In the case of a believer, fruitfulness is the same:
a. As Christians, we are to bear fruit
b. That means the nature of Christ (who dwells within us - Holy Spirit) should vbe outwardly expressed.
c. Our fruit is not just other Christians, it is the inner nature of Christ that eventually will bring abut new birth in the lives of others
d. Fruit is the product of God, not just something you and I manufacture.
B. Fruitfulness is the purpose of God for our lives:
1. Vs 8 - As far as God is concerned, there is no reason for us to live except to bear fruit
2. Vs 6 - If we are not fruitful, then we are worthless in God's service.
II. FRUITFULNESS IS DEPENDENT UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST:
A. It is one of life:
1. Vs 5 - "I am the vine, ye are the branches.." The connection is a vital one. Each branch is made partaker of the life that is in the vine.
B. It is one of entire dependence:
1. Vs 5 - "Without me ye can do nothing.." The primary purpose of the vine is to supply the necessary nourishment so that the branches can bear fruit - the vine and branch must remain intact for this to happen.
C. It is one of great possibilities:
1. Vs 7 - Our relationship with Christ brings the things which are impossible with men within easy reach - The promise is one of POWER in prayer. It is also a promise of Fruit-bearing which brings glory to God
III. OUR RELATIONSHIP DEPENDS UPON OUR ABIDING IN CHRIST:
A. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
1. Note Vs 10 - also I Jn 3:24 - The foucus of attention is to the Words of Christ and our obedience to them
2. His words must become the focus of of our thoughts and our actions.
3. We must fill our mind with his word and then allow that to influence our wills.
B. Our abiding will result in his blessings:
1. Answered prayer - vs 7
2. Fulfillment of joy - vs 11
3. Release the fruit of the Spirit in our lives
4. Note: Galatians 5:22-23
CONCLUSION: Joy is a by-product of living as a fruit bearing Christian. It is not something that we should seek directly, but is the outgrowth of a personal living relationship with Christ.
Our joy depends upon our fruitfulness
Our fruitfulness is dependent upon our relationsship with Christ
Our relationship with Christ is dependent upon our abiding in Him
