Part 6 | JOY: Living the Vine Life
John 15 | September 21, 2025
Eric Wooten, Altared Marriage Ministries – SCBC Sugar Land
Biblical Definition of Joy: Biblical joy is a deep, internal contentment and a choice rooted in the knowledge of God's promises and the presence of the Holy Spirit, rather than a temporary emotion tied to circumstances.
John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.
1. JOY IS A GIFT - that means... “joy is not IN you”
John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
2. JOY IS A FRUIT - that means “joy is not FOR you”
John 15:5 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.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law...
3. JOY IS A TESTIMONY - that means “joy is not ABOUT you”
John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Daniel 3:29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.
4. JOY IS A CHOICE - that means “joy is not forced UPON you”
John 15:10 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.
Do’s for Experiencing Joy
• Do stay close to God’s presence (Psalm 16:11)
• Do practice gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
• Do obey God’s Word (John 15:10–11)
• Do rely on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
• Do share your faith & serve others (Philippians 1:3–5; Acts 20:35)
• Do remember eternity (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 1:6–9)
Don’ts that Steal Joy
• Don’t chase happiness in circumstances (Philippians 4:11–13)
• Don’t live in unconfessed sin (Psalm 51:12)
• Don’t isolate yourself (Hebrews 10:24–25; Philippians 2:2)
• Don’t compare yourself to others (Galatians 6:4–5)
• Don’t let bitterness or unforgiveness take root (Hebrews 12:15)
• Don’t forget your identity in Christ (John 16:22; Romans 8:16–17)"