Pastor Jonathan Northern preaching at Baldock Baptist Church.

As we continue examining the fruits of the Spirit, we come to 'joy'.

There are two types of joy: a natural happiness that anyone can experience and the deeper joy that arises from the Spirit’s work in the believer’s soul. In 1 Peter 1, we see believers enduring great trials yet still possessing a profound, indwelling joy rooted in their faith and love for Christ.

This passage reveals how different earthly joy is from spiritual joy. Earthly joy is variable and tied to circumstances, while spiritual joy is anchored in spiritual assets. This is why believers can rejoice even amidst suffering.

Yet, Satan seeks to undermine our joy. We conclude by exploring his tactics and the antidotes outlined by Thomas Brooks in 'Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices'.

Joy is a fruit that will not grow
In Nature's barren soil;
All we can boast, till Christ we know,
Is vanity and toil.

But where the Lord has planted grace
And made His glories known,
There fruits of heavenly joy and peace
Are found, and there alone.

A bleeding Saviour seen by faith,
A sense of pardoning love,
A hope that triumphs over death,
Gives joys like those above.

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