Fruitfulness is not about doing more stuff but about being more like Christ. So, we want to be intentional this year in identifying and studying how we can be more like Him. One of the ways we’re seeking to do that is through studying the fruits of the Spirit. In this series, we will investigate joy, which is the second “fruit of the Spirit” that Paul identified in Galatians 5:22, by looking at the most relevant passages that address it.

Romans 14:13-17

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Lesson Resources:

James D. G. Dunn. Romans 9-16. Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 38b. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1989.

Ralph P. Martin, The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Volume. 11. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1987.

Paul Pollard. Romans: An Exegetical Study, Truth for Today Commentary. Searcy, AR: Resource Publications, 2018.