Table Of Grace Church
Week 3 Joy

      • 1 John 1:5–10ESV

  • the stand
  • We Sinners
  • No One Like You

  • ADVENT WEEK 3

    WHAT IS JOY?
    OR
    WHAT ISN’T JOY?
    Joy is not a fleeting feeling but a steady state of delight rooted in God’s presence and promises.
    John 15:1–17 ESV
    1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
    The Source of Joy: Abiding in the True Vine (v. 1-4)
    John 15:1–4 ESV
    1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
    ​
    Jesus declares Himself to be the true vine, distinguishing Him as the ultimate source of spiritual life and joy.
    Key Insight: Joy is not found in circumstances but in remaining connected to Christ.
    Illustration: A branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine—neither can we experience lasting joy apart from Him.
    • 1. The Fruit of Joy: Evidence of Abiding (v. 5-8)
    5:22
    John 15:5–8 ESV
    5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
    ​
    Abiding in Christ naturally produces fruit—love, peace, and joy among others (Galatians 5:22).
    Fruitfulness brings glory to God and fulfillment to our lives.
    Application: What fruit is your life producing? Is it joy rooted in Christ or fleeting happiness tied to this world?
    Galatians 5:22 ESV
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
    • 1. The Command of Joy: Love and Obedience (v. 9-10)
    John 15:9–10 ESV
    9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.
    ​
    Jesus connects abiding in His love with obedience to His commands.
    Joy flows from a life that walks in obedience, trusting His ways above our own.
    •Reflection: Are we choosing obedience out of duty or delight?
    Abiding in Christ transforms duty into joyful worship.
    ​
    The Fullness of Joy: A Gift from Jesus (v. 11)
    John 15:11 ESV
    11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
    ​
    Jesus promises His joy—complete, abundant, and overflowing.
    Key Point: This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but anchored in Christ’s unchanging presence.
    Connection to Advent: The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate joy—God with us, offering redemption and relationship.
    ​
    Abide in Christ: Commit to staying connected to the true vine through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
    Bear Fruit: Let God’s joy transform your daily actions, relationships, and attitude.
    Share Joy: This Advent season, bring joy to others—share the Gospel, serve the needy, and reflect Christ’s love.
    Share the fruit!
    ​
    Light the third Advent candle, symbolizing joy.
    • • Reflect on Psalm 16:11: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
    Psalm 16:11 ESV
    11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
    Closing
    Encourage the congregation to seek lasting joy by abiding in Christ this Advent season.
    Benediction: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)
    Romans 15:13 ESV
    13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
    ​
    ​

      • John 15:1–17ESV

      • John 15:1–4ESV

      • John 15:5–8ESV

      • Galatians 5:22ESV

      • John 15:9–10ESV

      • John 15:11ESV

      • Psalm 16:11ESV

      • Romans 15:13ESV

  • Joy to the World (2)
  • Like A Lion - E
  • Build Your Kingdom Here - E
  • Eye of the Storm-E
  • Captured - E
  • Zion's Daughters
  • Yahweh
  • Psalm 14 O Savior, Come
  • Captured - E
  • I saw the light
  • Psalm 8
  • Come to the Table
  • After All (Holy) (2)
  • Strong Enough
  • I Will Rise
  • No One Like You
  • Eye of the Storm-E
  • Courageous
  • Revelation Song E
  • Strong Enough
  • Lord Of The Dance
  • Lord, I Need You-E
  • Revelation Song E
  • Psalm 14 O Savior, Come
  • Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - TOGC
  • Breathe
  • O'Lord
  • Come to the Table
  • Psalm 14 O Savior, Come
  • Better is one day in Your courts
  • Stars - TOGC E
  • City On A Hill (2)
  • Death Was Arrested
  • Dwell
  • Your Grace is Enough
  • Eye of the Storm-E
  • Holy Holy Holy
  • Captured - E
  • Redeemed
  • Forgiven
  • Here I Am To Worship - TOGC
  • Come, Thou Fount
  • You're Beautiful - TOGC
  • Deliver Me -E
  • He Loves Us
  • Forgiven
  • Manifesto
Table Of Grace Church
info@togc.org
239-273-1266
http://www.togc.org
10 members • 1 follower