But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.             Galatians 5:22, 23 (ESV) 

Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."                                            Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)

Introduction - The joy of a feast

Fallen Condition Focus: Grief and sadness are human experiences when we are faced with our failings, especially our sins before God. The Lord calls us not to dwell in these emotions or our failures to keep His law, but to rejoice in the gift of his salvation and dwell in the joy of his feast. 

Sermon Proposition: Since the joy of the Lord is our strength, we ought to rejoice in him

I. Since the joy of the Lord is our strength, we ought to rejoice in Christ's salvation

II. Since the joy of the Lord is our strength, we ought to rejoice in the Holy Spirit

III. Since the joy of the Lord is our strength, we ought to rejoice in our Father's service

Conclusion and Call to Respond