Topical Bible: Joy: Enjoined to Saints

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Definition and Nature of Joy:
Joy, in the biblical context, is a profound sense of gladness and delight that is rooted in the spiritual realities of God's presence, promises, and salvation. It transcends mere happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is deeply connected to the believer's relationship with God.

Joy as a Command:
Scripture frequently enjoins joy upon the saints, emphasizing it as a vital aspect of the Christian life. The call to rejoice is not merely a suggestion but a command that reflects the believer's trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

1. Philippians 4:4 · "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This verse underscores the continual nature of joy, urging believers to maintain a joyful disposition regardless of circumstances.

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 · "Rejoice always." Here, joy is presented as a constant state, integral to the life of a believer, and is closely linked with prayer and thanksgiving.

Joy in Trials:
The New Testament teaches that joy is not only possible but expected in the midst of trials and suffering. This joy is rooted in the understanding of God's purposes and the hope of future glory.

1. James 1:2-3 · "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Joy in trials is a recognition of the refining work God is doing in the believer's life.

2. 1 Peter 1:6-8 · "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials. These have come so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Joy is linked to the assurance of salvation and the future revelation of Christ.

Joy in Salvation:
The joy of salvation is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the believer's gratitude and awe at the grace and mercy of God.

1. Psalm 51:12 · "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit." This plea highlights the joy that comes from a right relationship with God and the restoration of fellowship with Him.

2. Isaiah 12:3 · "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Joy is depicted as a natural response to the experience of God's saving work.

Joy in Worship and Fellowship:
Joy is a key component of worship and is often expressed in the context of communal gatherings and celebrations of God's goodness.

1. Psalm 100:1-2 · "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs." Worship is characterized by joy, reflecting the believer's delight in God's presence.

2. Acts 2:46-47 · "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." The early church exemplified joy in their fellowship and communal life.

Joy as Strength:
The Bible presents joy as a source of strength and resilience for believers, enabling them to endure hardships and remain steadfast in their faith.

1. Nehemiah 8:10 · "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." This verse highlights the empowering nature of joy, which sustains believers through challenges.

2. Habakkuk 3:17-18 · "Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!" Joy is portrayed as an unwavering trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even in dire circumstances.

Conclusion:
The biblical mandate for joy is a call to a deeper, more resilient faith that finds its source in the unchanging character of God and the eternal hope found in Christ. Joy is both a gift and a discipline, cultivated through a life of worship, gratitude, and trust in God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous: and shout for joy, all you that are upright in heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... too often forgotten by two kinds of men"saints who have ... while we enjoy God's gifts
is beautifully enjoined here ... Further, 'the joy of the Lord is your strength ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... Let us celebrate it then, even heavenly joy, with those ... individuals, he at the same
time enjoined upon every ... generally, the commands of all the saints urge us ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... in the Bible in which the saints are enjoined or exhorted ... is, that, if the salvation
of the saints is certain ... with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Still Another Triplet
... for the contribution for the poor saints in that ... forms of sympathy which are here
enjoined, the former ... to creep in and mar the completeness of sympathetic joy. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... if any one lacked that which he enjoined, it would ... speak as if they regarded all
true saints as of ... him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... hath made." And intervals of light and joy are given ... In this way the saints had great
trials under the ... Even the religious rites enjoined by the law, were not ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... Here then the saints take shelter from the roaring of the devil, from the ... as to the
conscionable performance of what by this exhortation they are enjoined to. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... slander of Christ or of any of His Saints; to name ... vow to do, or by command, or else
enjoined in penance ... length what should be done soon: having no joy at one's ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

Psalm XCVIII.
... And when the whole earth is enjoined to sing a new ... if your speech cannot: yet let
not joy be mute ... hands together; persecutions arise, and the saints rejoice in ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcviii.htm

A Faithful Witness
... They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. ... brotherly love that Christ
had enjoined, and, saddest of ... not realize that happiness and joy were going ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm