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Galatians 5:22-22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. I. SOME ENEMIES OF JOY A. Sometimes we’re robbed of joy by the differences between generations. B. A second enemy of joy is unresolved guilt. C. A third enemy might be a wounded ego. D. The fourth enemy of joy is unpleasant Circumstances. II. A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF JOY A. Secondly, let’s look at a perfect example of joy in John 15:5-11. John 15:5-11 New International Version 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. B. But listen to what He says in John 15:8-10. III. HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE THAT KIND OF JOY? A. I believe, first of all, that we need to develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. B. If you’re a Christian, and there isn’t much joy in your life, then you need to be reattached to the vine. C. Secondly, we need to give ourselves in service for others. D. Thirdly, "Focus on the eternal and not the temporal."

LGalatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. THE NEED FOR LOVE Well, first of all, I think we’re misguided. Secondly, I think love is misunderstood. Thirdly, love is missing. THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF LOVE Now let’s look to Jesus for the perfect example of love There are many lessons here. APPLICATIONS First: "Love meets the needs. The second application is. The third application is this:

The Letter to the church at Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 1. The city of Smyrna -- the ancient city of Smyrna had two characteristics that made it difficult to be a Christian there. Caesar worship Crushing persecution 2. The Christ to the church that existed in this ancient city