December 5th, 2024
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is… joy
Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, has decried the fact that the cultural Christian influence that once existed in England has been disintegrating over the years, and in its place is a militant Islam that continues to spread throughout Europe and especially England. But he really is saddened by the cultural Christian influences that seem to be fading away in his country. He said he doesn’t believe in the Christian faith but admits that he feels at home in his “Christian country.” He states,
“I was slightly horrified to hear that Ramadan is being promoted instead (of Easter). I do think that we are culturally a Christian country, and I do call myself a cultural Christian. I’m not a believer, but there’s a difference between being a believing Christian and being a cultural Christian. I feel at home in the Christian ethos, I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense. It’s true that statistically the number of people who actually believe in Christianity is going down, and I’m happy with that, but I would not be happy, if, for example, we lost all of our cathedrals and all of our parish churches. So, I count myself a cultural Christian. I think it would matter if we substituted any alternative religion, that would be truly dreadful. If I had to choose between Christianity and Islam, I’d choose Christianity every single time. It seems to me to be a fundamentally decent religion in a way that I think Islam is not.”[1]
He prefers a Christian country to a Muslim country, which he believes is taking over in England. Though, he’s probably the most notable atheist in the world today and has written extensively against the Christian faith, Dawkins admits that he has benefited from the cultural Christianity of his country. He acknowledges the benefits Christianity brings, but doesn’t want Christ. One of the articles I read about this was entitled “Sawing Off the Branch That Holds You Up,”[2] which is a fitting way to describe how many people who want to reject Christ are sitting comfortably perched on the Christian branch that they are seeking to cut down. In other words, he is comfortable attacking the very faith that he says he wants in his society. Society is better where Christianity has first influenced individual lives. Christ transforms hearts, and then society begins to improve.
What is true of society is also true individually. People are chasing happiness, but God wants to give us joy. True joy can only be found on our way to Jesus. People will search and search trying to find lasting joy, but they will never find it apart from Jesus.
I read a quote from C.S. Lewis that said, “A car is made to run on gasoline and it would not run perfectly on anything else. God has designed the human machine to run on himself. God himself is the fuel our spirits were destined to burn, the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That's why it is just no good asking God to make us happy on our own way without bothering with religion. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
Galatians 5:22-23 says one of the evidences that Jesus is on the throne, and a person is walking full of the Holy Spirit is joy. We need to explain the difference between happiness and joy.
Many people today are chasing happiness, which is often based on external circumstances. Happiness can be fleeting, dependent on a full bank account, a promotion, or other life events. In contrast, joy, as promised by Jesus, is a deep-seated sense of well-being that persists regardless of external conditions. Joy is not about what happens to us but about our relationship with Jesus.
Biblical Definitions of Joy
The Bible uses various words to describe joy, each painting a vivid picture:
Hebrew Words for "Joy":
1. Simḥah (שִׂמְחָה) means, “Joy, gladness, or mirth.” This is one of the most common Hebrew words for "joy." It often refers to feelings of celebration or happiness associated with events such as weddings, festivals, or victories. 1 Samuel 18:6 reads, "Now it had happened... that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy (simḥah), and with musical instruments."
2. Masos (מָשׂוֹשׂ) means, “Exultation, rejoicing, or gladness.” Often poetic, this word emphasizes jubilant or leaping joy. Psalm 48:2 says, "Beautiful in elevation, the joy (masos) of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."
3. Rinnah (רִנָּה) means, “Shouting, singing, or a cry of joy.” This word focuses on the audible expression of joy, such as singing or shouting. Psalm 126:6 reads "He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (rinnah), bringing his sheaves with him."
4. Gil (גִּיל) means, “To rejoice or be glad, often expressed physically (e.g., spinning, dancing).” This word emphasizes a sense of physical, ecstatic joy, often used in poetic or prophetic contexts. Psalm 13:5 says, "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice (gil) in Your salvation."
Greek Words for "Joy":
1. Chara (χαρά) means, “Joy, delight, or gladness.” Chara is the primary Greek word for "joy" in the New Testament, often referring to spiritual joy, such as the joy found in salvation or in God’s presence. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy (chara) may remain in you, and that your joy (chara) may be full.”
2. Agalliasis (ἀγαλλίασις) means, “Exultation or exceeding joy.” This word conveys an overwhelming or exuberant joy, often used in worship or celebration. Luke 1:47 says, “And my spirit has rejoiced (agalliaō) in God my Savior.”
3. Euphrainō (εὐφραίνω) means, “To rejoice, be glad, or celebrate.” Often used in contexts of social joy, feasting, or celebration. Luke 15:32 reads, “It was right that we should make merry (euphrainō) and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.”
How to Experience Joy in the Journey
Psalm 16:1-11 provides a good example of experiencing lasting joy. It reads,
1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.
5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
How can we experience lasting joy? 6 ways:
1. Be Steadfast in Praise
David begins Psalm 16 by declaring his trust in God: "Preserve me, O God, for in you I put my trust" (Psalm 16:1). He refuses to acknowledge false gods and instead focuses on praising the one true God. By lifting our eyes from our problems and focusing on God, we can find joy even in difficult times.
2. Be Strengthened by God's People
David finds delight in the company of the saints: "As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight" (Psalm 16:3). Surrounding ourselves with godly people can uplift our spirits and provide the encouragement we need to stay joyful.
3. Be Satisfied with God's Provision
David acknowledges that every good thing he has comes from God: "My goodness is nothing apart from you" (Psalm 16:2). By being grateful for what we have and recognizing God's provision, we can find contentment and joy.
4. Sense God's Pleasure
David blesses the Lord for His counsel, even when it comes as correction: "I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons" (Psalm 16:7). Recognizing that God's discipline or instruction is a sign of His love can bring us joy.
5. Be Secure in God's Protection
David feels secure knowing that God is his protector: "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). Trusting in God's protection allows us to rest in hope and experience joy.
6. Surrender to God's Plan
David looks forward to God's eternal plan: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). By surrendering to God's plan, we can find joy in knowing that He has a purpose for our lives.
Applying Joy in Your Life
To experience joy in your journey, start by focusing on God rather than your problems. Surround yourself with positive, godly people who can uplift you. Be grateful for what you have and recognize God's provision in your life. Trust in God's protection and surrender to His plan, knowing that He has a purpose for you. Reflect on a few of these questions:
Remember, joy is not an emotional high but a settled assurance that God is on the throne. By focusing on God, surrounding ourselves with godly people, being grateful for His provision, and trusting in His protection and plan, we can experience joy in our journey, no matter the circumstances.
Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your presence daily and to find fullness of joy in You. May Your presence be my source of strength and assurance. Help me to be satisfied with Your provision and to recognize that every good thing I have comes from You. I surrender my plans to You and trust that Your plans for me are good. May I find joy in knowing that You are in control and that You are working all things for my good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
[1] As quoted here: https://themapletheonomist.substack.com/p/sawing-off-the-branch-youre-sitting?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
[2] https://americanreformer.org/2024/04/richard-dawkins-cultural-christianity/
Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, has decried the fact that the cultural Christian influence that once existed in England has been disintegrating over the years, and in its place is a militant Islam that continues to spread throughout Europe and especially England. But he really is saddened by the cultural Christian influences that seem to be fading away in his country. He said he doesn’t believe in the Christian faith but admits that he feels at home in his “Christian country.” He states,
“I was slightly horrified to hear that Ramadan is being promoted instead (of Easter). I do think that we are culturally a Christian country, and I do call myself a cultural Christian. I’m not a believer, but there’s a difference between being a believing Christian and being a cultural Christian. I feel at home in the Christian ethos, I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense. It’s true that statistically the number of people who actually believe in Christianity is going down, and I’m happy with that, but I would not be happy, if, for example, we lost all of our cathedrals and all of our parish churches. So, I count myself a cultural Christian. I think it would matter if we substituted any alternative religion, that would be truly dreadful. If I had to choose between Christianity and Islam, I’d choose Christianity every single time. It seems to me to be a fundamentally decent religion in a way that I think Islam is not.”[1]
He prefers a Christian country to a Muslim country, which he believes is taking over in England. Though, he’s probably the most notable atheist in the world today and has written extensively against the Christian faith, Dawkins admits that he has benefited from the cultural Christianity of his country. He acknowledges the benefits Christianity brings, but doesn’t want Christ. One of the articles I read about this was entitled “Sawing Off the Branch That Holds You Up,”[2] which is a fitting way to describe how many people who want to reject Christ are sitting comfortably perched on the Christian branch that they are seeking to cut down. In other words, he is comfortable attacking the very faith that he says he wants in his society. Society is better where Christianity has first influenced individual lives. Christ transforms hearts, and then society begins to improve.
What is true of society is also true individually. People are chasing happiness, but God wants to give us joy. True joy can only be found on our way to Jesus. People will search and search trying to find lasting joy, but they will never find it apart from Jesus.
I read a quote from C.S. Lewis that said, “A car is made to run on gasoline and it would not run perfectly on anything else. God has designed the human machine to run on himself. God himself is the fuel our spirits were destined to burn, the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That's why it is just no good asking God to make us happy on our own way without bothering with religion. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
Galatians 5:22-23 says one of the evidences that Jesus is on the throne, and a person is walking full of the Holy Spirit is joy. We need to explain the difference between happiness and joy.
Many people today are chasing happiness, which is often based on external circumstances. Happiness can be fleeting, dependent on a full bank account, a promotion, or other life events. In contrast, joy, as promised by Jesus, is a deep-seated sense of well-being that persists regardless of external conditions. Joy is not about what happens to us but about our relationship with Jesus.
Biblical Definitions of Joy
The Bible uses various words to describe joy, each painting a vivid picture:
Hebrew Words for "Joy":
1. Simḥah (שִׂמְחָה) means, “Joy, gladness, or mirth.” This is one of the most common Hebrew words for "joy." It often refers to feelings of celebration or happiness associated with events such as weddings, festivals, or victories. 1 Samuel 18:6 reads, "Now it had happened... that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy (simḥah), and with musical instruments."
2. Masos (מָשׂוֹשׂ) means, “Exultation, rejoicing, or gladness.” Often poetic, this word emphasizes jubilant or leaping joy. Psalm 48:2 says, "Beautiful in elevation, the joy (masos) of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."
3. Rinnah (רִנָּה) means, “Shouting, singing, or a cry of joy.” This word focuses on the audible expression of joy, such as singing or shouting. Psalm 126:6 reads "He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (rinnah), bringing his sheaves with him."
4. Gil (גִּיל) means, “To rejoice or be glad, often expressed physically (e.g., spinning, dancing).” This word emphasizes a sense of physical, ecstatic joy, often used in poetic or prophetic contexts. Psalm 13:5 says, "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice (gil) in Your salvation."
Greek Words for "Joy":
1. Chara (χαρά) means, “Joy, delight, or gladness.” Chara is the primary Greek word for "joy" in the New Testament, often referring to spiritual joy, such as the joy found in salvation or in God’s presence. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy (chara) may remain in you, and that your joy (chara) may be full.”
2. Agalliasis (ἀγαλλίασις) means, “Exultation or exceeding joy.” This word conveys an overwhelming or exuberant joy, often used in worship or celebration. Luke 1:47 says, “And my spirit has rejoiced (agalliaō) in God my Savior.”
3. Euphrainō (εὐφραίνω) means, “To rejoice, be glad, or celebrate.” Often used in contexts of social joy, feasting, or celebration. Luke 15:32 reads, “It was right that we should make merry (euphrainō) and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.”
How to Experience Joy in the Journey
Psalm 16:1-11 provides a good example of experiencing lasting joy. It reads,
1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.
5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
How can we experience lasting joy? 6 ways:
1. Be Steadfast in Praise
David begins Psalm 16 by declaring his trust in God: "Preserve me, O God, for in you I put my trust" (Psalm 16:1). He refuses to acknowledge false gods and instead focuses on praising the one true God. By lifting our eyes from our problems and focusing on God, we can find joy even in difficult times.
2. Be Strengthened by God's People
David finds delight in the company of the saints: "As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight" (Psalm 16:3). Surrounding ourselves with godly people can uplift our spirits and provide the encouragement we need to stay joyful.
3. Be Satisfied with God's Provision
David acknowledges that every good thing he has comes from God: "My goodness is nothing apart from you" (Psalm 16:2). By being grateful for what we have and recognizing God's provision, we can find contentment and joy.
4. Sense God's Pleasure
David blesses the Lord for His counsel, even when it comes as correction: "I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons" (Psalm 16:7). Recognizing that God's discipline or instruction is a sign of His love can bring us joy.
5. Be Secure in God's Protection
David feels secure knowing that God is his protector: "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). Trusting in God's protection allows us to rest in hope and experience joy.
6. Surrender to God's Plan
David looks forward to God's eternal plan: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). By surrendering to God's plan, we can find joy in knowing that He has a purpose for our lives.
Applying Joy in Your Life
To experience joy in your journey, start by focusing on God rather than your problems. Surround yourself with positive, godly people who can uplift you. Be grateful for what you have and recognize God's provision in your life. Trust in God's protection and surrender to His plan, knowing that He has a purpose for you. Reflect on a few of these questions:
- Are you seeking happiness in external circumstances, or are you finding joy in your relationship with Jesus?
- How can you be more steadfast in your praise, even during difficult times?
- Who are the godly people in your life that you can lean on for strength and encouragement?
- What are some ways you can express gratitude for God's provision this week?
- Are you trusting in God's protection and surrendering to His plan for your life?
Remember, joy is not an emotional high but a settled assurance that God is on the throne. By focusing on God, surrounding ourselves with godly people, being grateful for His provision, and trusting in His protection and plan, we can experience joy in our journey, no matter the circumstances.
Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your presence daily and to find fullness of joy in You. May Your presence be my source of strength and assurance. Help me to be satisfied with Your provision and to recognize that every good thing I have comes from You. I surrender my plans to You and trust that Your plans for me are good. May I find joy in knowing that You are in control and that You are working all things for my good. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
[1] As quoted here: https://themapletheonomist.substack.com/p/sawing-off-the-branch-youre-sitting?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
[2] https://americanreformer.org/2024/04/richard-dawkins-cultural-christianity/
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