22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) (RSV)
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/joy.html
Joy [N] [T]
Happiness over an unanticipated or present good. In the Old Testament joy (Heb. sama[;j;m'f])covers a wide range of human experiences—from sexual love ( So 1:4 ), to marriage ( Pr 5:18 ), the birth of children ( Psalm 113:9 ), the gathering of the harvest, military victory ( Isa 9:3 ), and drinking wine ( Psalm 104:15 ).
Draw me after you, let us make haste.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
We will exult and rejoice in you;
we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. (Song of Solomon 1:4) (RSV)
Draw me after you, let us make haste.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
We will exult and rejoice in you;
we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. (Song of Solomon 1:4) (RSV)
1 Solomon’s Song of Songs.
She[a]
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine.
3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
4 Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers.
for your love is more delightful than wine.
3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
4 Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers.
Friends
She
How right they are to adore you! (Song of Solomon 1:1-4) (NIV)
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice with the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18) (NKJV)
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18) (NIV)
9 He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9) (NKJV)
9 He settles the childless woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord. (Psalms 113:9) (NIV)
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.Praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9) (RSV)
3 You have multiplied the nation
And increased its joy;[a]
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (Isaisah 9:3) (NKJV)
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder. (Isaiah 9:3) (NIV)
3 Thou hast multiplied the nation,
thou hast increased its joy;
they rejoice before thee
as with joy at the harvest,
as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (Isaiah 9:3) (RSV)
14 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the service of man,
That he may bring forth food from the earth,
15 15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,And bread which strengthens man’s heart. (Psalms 104:14-15) (NKJV)
14 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
15 15 wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. (Psalms 104:14-15) (NIV)
On the spiritual level it refers to the extreme happiness with which the believer contemplates salvation and the bliss of the afterlife. Unexpected benefits from God are expressed in terms of common experiences. The psalms express the joyous mood of believers as they encounter God. Believers rejoice because God has surrounded them with his steadfast love ( 32:11 ) and brought them to salvation ( 40:16 ; 64:10 ). David rejoices that God has delivered him from the hand of his enemies ( 63:11 ). Joy is a response to God's word ( Psalm 119:14 ) and his reward to believers ( Isa 65:14 ) and their strength ( Ne8:10 ).
10 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
11 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalms 32:10-11) (NKJV)
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart! (Psalms 32:11) (NIV)
The righteous will be filled with joy and gladness, rejoicing often.
16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let such as love Your salvation say continually,
“The Lord be magnified!” (Psalms 40:16) (NKJV)
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!” (Psalms 40:16) (NIV)
Those who seek God will rejoice and be filled with gladness.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him.
And all the upright in heart shall glory. (Psalms 64:10) (NKJV)
10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord
and take refuge in him;
all the upright in heart will glory in him! (Psalms 64:10) (NIV)
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped. (Psalms 63:11) (NKJV)
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced. (Psalms 63:11) (NIV)
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches. (Psalms 119:14) (NKJV)
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches. (Psalms 119:14) (NIV)
12 12 Blessed be thou, O Lord;
teach me thy statutes!
13 13 With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of thy mouth.
14 14 In the way of thy testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 15 I will meditate on thy precepts,
and fix my eyes on thy ways.
16 16 I will delight in thy statutes;
I will not forget thy word. (Psalms 119:12-16) (NIV)
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) (NKJV)
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) (NIV)
Fundamental to the Old Testament understanding of joy are God's Acts in history, the most important of which is Israel's deliverance from Egypt ( Exod 18:9-11 ). Israel's return from the Babylonian exile ( Jer 31:1-19 ) to Jerusalem is above the highest joy ( Psalm 137:6 ). The restoration of Israel will be an occasion for joy ( Psalm 14:7 ) in which nature shares ( Psalm 98:4-6 ).
9 Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord isgreater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” (Exodus 18:9-11) (NKJV)
“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
2 This is what the Lord says:
“The people who survive the sword
will find favor in the wilderness;
I will come to give rest to Israel.”
will find favor in the wilderness;
I will come to give rest to Israel.”
3 The Lord appeared to us in the past,[a] saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
4 I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.’”
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
4 I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.’”
7 This is what the Lord says:
“Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
‘Lord, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.’
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
‘Lord, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.’
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10 “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
11 For the Lord will deliver Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—
the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,”
declares the Lord.
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
11 For the Lord will deliver Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—
the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,”
declares the Lord.
15 This is what the Lord says:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
16 This is what the Lord says:
“Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,”
declares the Lord.
“They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your descendants,”
declares the Lord.
“Your children will return to their own land.
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,”
declares the Lord.
“They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your descendants,”
declares the Lord.
“Your children will return to their own land.
18 “I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning:
‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ (Jeremiah 31:1-19) (NIV)
‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ (Jeremiah 31:1-19) (NIV)
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy! (Psalms 137:6) (RSV)
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy. (Psalms 137:6) (NIV)
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy. (Psalms 137:6) (NIV)
7 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. (Psalms 14:7) (NKJV)
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. (Psalms 14:7) (NKJV)
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Psalms 14:7) (NIV)
When the Lord restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Psalms 14:7) (NIV)
4 4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
5 5 Sing to the Lord with the harp,
With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
6 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. (Psalms 98:4-6) (NKJV)
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
5 5 Sing to the Lord with the harp,
With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
6 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. (Psalms 98:4-6) (NKJV)
4 4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 5 make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
shout for joy before the Lord, the King. (Psalms 98:4-6) (NIV)
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 5 make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
shout for joy before the Lord, the King. (Psalms 98:4-6) (NIV)
We ought to be expressive in our joy to the Lord. We should shout, sing, dance for joy. Let us sing joyfully.
Joy characterizes Israel's corporate worship life ( Deut 16:13-15 ; 2 Chron 30:21-22 ) in which the individual participates: "I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go the house of the Lord'" ( Psalm 122:1 ). Whereas for the believer. the secular joys common to human existence are distinguished from spiritual ones, they are not separated. Spiritual joys are expressed by the metaphors of feasting, marriage, victory in military endeavors, and successful financial undertakings.
13 “You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. 14 And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. 15 Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the Lord your God in the place which the Lord chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice. (Deuteronomy 16:13-15) (NKJV)
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem. (Psalms 122:1-2) (NIV)
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 2 Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem! (Psalms 122:1-2) (RSV)
The joy of the harvest is used to describe the believer's final victory over his adversaries (Psalm 126:5-6 ). Christ's coming is described by the joy of the harvest and dividing upcaptured military booty ( Isa 9:2-7 ). In turn, spiritual joys elevate the secular happiness of believers. Secular successes are regarded as unexpected benefits from God.
Shall reap in joy.
6 6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalms 126:5-6) (NKJV)
4 4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them. (Psalms 126:4-6) (NIV)
like streams in the Negev.
5 5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them. (Psalms 126:4-6) (NIV)
2 The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation
And increased its joy;[a]
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
And increased its joy;[a]
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:2-7) (NKJV)
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:2-7) (NKJV)
Old Testament imagery for joy is carried over into the New Testament. Jesus joins the joys of marriage and spiritual ones by describing John the Baptist's reaction to his coming as the joy (chara [carav])of the friend of the bridegroom ( John 3:29-30 ). This is accentuated by this pericope's proximity to the Cana wedding miracle where the water changed to a superior wine relieves an embarrassed host ( John 2:1-11 ). Wine, a source of joy, anticipates eschatological joy of which Christ is an endless source( Psalm 104:15 ).
29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:29-30) (NKJV)
29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. (John 3:29) (NIV)
The good wine symbolizes Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, wine was a source of joy. Likewise, Jesus Christ is the "good wine" which will bring the ultimate JOY for the people, forgiveness of sins, deliverance of the people from the bondage of sins, and restoration of the blessing of the people.
15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s heart. (Psalms 104:15) (NKJV)
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s heart. (Psalms 104:15) (NKJV)
Joy is associated with the nativity. The birth of John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah is an occasion of joy for his father and others ( Luke 1:14 ). The angel's greeting (chaire) to Mary followed by "highly favored, " a word of the same family in Greek, may be taken as a command to rejoice as the Redeemer's mother ( Luke 1:28 ). Shepherds hear that news of the birth of Christ is an occasion for great joy for all people ( Luke 2:10 ). Luke's cycle is completed with the disciples returning with great joy after Jesus'ascension ( 24:52 ). The Magi, upon finding the infant Jesus, are "overjoyed" ( Matt 2:10 ).
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’[b] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17) (NKJV)
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”[c] (Luke 1:26-28) (NKJV)
50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and[j]blessing God. Amen.[k] (Luke 24:50-53) (NKJV)
Joy belongs also to the realm of the supernatural. Angels rejoice at an unbeliever's conversion ( Luke 10:20). Luke places three parables together in which God, in two instances with the angels, rejoices at the redemption. Upon finding the lost sheep, the shepherd rejoices ( 15:3-7 ). The woman rejoices upon finding the lost coin ( 15:8-10 ). The prodigal son's return brings rejoicing ( 15:11-32 ). The parable of the man who liquifies his assets to purchase the treasure hidden in the field teaches us that God has joy in bringing about the atonement ( Matt 13:44 ).
20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather[f] rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) (NKJV)
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) (NIV)
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44) (NKJV)
This parallels Jesus who with joy "endured the cross, scorning its shame" ( Heb 12:2 ). Also for believers, trials and persecution are occasions for joy ( James 1:2 ). Peter and John found their scourging an occasion for "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" ( Acts 5:41 ). Suffering brings joy as believers are united with Christ in his suffering ( 1 Peter 4:13-14 ). Paul speaks of his joy in the midst of affliction ( 2 Cor 7:4-16 ).
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3) (NKJV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3) (NIV)
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His[d] name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesusas the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42) (NKJV)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessedare you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.[d] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.[e] (1 Peter 4:12-16) (NKJV)
Joy is a part of faith ( Php1:25 ). Joy expresses the relationship between the apostle and his congregations and an opportunity for thanksgiving ( Rom 15:32 ; Php 2:28 ), with each rejoicing in the other. God's kingdom is described as "righteousness, peace and joy" ( Rom 14:17 ). Certainty of salvation is a cause for joy, as the disciples are commanded to "rejoice that your names are written in heaven" ( Luke 10:20 ). Fellowship with Jesus brings continuous joy (John 15-17).
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:25-26) (NKJV)
31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:31-32) (NIV)
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. (Philippians 2:28-30) (NKJV)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. (Romans 14:17-18) (NKJV)
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
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