Topical Bible: Joy of Saints Is for the Success of the Gospel

Bible > Topical > Joy of Saints Is for the Success of the Gospel

◄ Joy of Saints Is for the Success of the Gospel ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The joy of the saints, as depicted in the Scriptures, is deeply intertwined with the success and advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a profound spiritual state rooted in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the proclamation and acceptance of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently expresses his joy in the progress of the Gospel. In Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Here, Paul's joy is directly linked to the Philippians' active participation in spreading the Gospel. This partnership in the Gospel is a source of mutual encouragement and joy among believers.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 , Paul declares, "After all, who is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy." The Thessalonian believers themselves are a testament to the success of the Gospel, and their faithfulness brings Paul immense joy.

Joy in Evangelism and Discipleship

The joy of the saints is also evident in the act of evangelism and discipleship. In Acts 13:48-49 , it is recorded, "When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region." The Gentiles' reception of the Gospel brings about a communal joy that is both a response to salvation and a catalyst for further evangelistic efforts.

Moreover, the joy of the saints is not limited to the initial acceptance of the Gospel but extends to the ongoing process of discipleship and spiritual growth. In 3 John 1:4 , the Apostle John writes, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." The continued faithfulness and spiritual maturity of believers are sources of profound joy for those who labor in the Gospel.

Joy Amidst Suffering

The joy associated with the success of the Gospel is not diminished by suffering or persecution. On the contrary, it often flourishes in such contexts. In Acts 5:41 , after being persecuted for their witness, the apostles "left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Their joy is rooted in the privilege of participating in Christ's sufferings and the assurance that their trials serve to advance the Gospel.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 7:4 , Paul writes, "Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows." Despite facing numerous hardships, Paul's joy is abundant because of the Corinthians' steadfastness and the Gospel's continued impact.

Eternal Perspective

The joy of the saints is ultimately anchored in an eternal perspective. The success of the Gospel is not merely measured by earthly standards but by its eternal implications. In Luke 15:7 , Jesus states, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent." The heavenly joy over a single repentant sinner underscores the eternal significance of the Gospel's success.

This eternal perspective is further emphasized in Revelation 7:9-10 , where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne, worshiping God. The ultimate success of the Gospel is the gathering of a diverse people who share in the joy of eternal salvation.

In summary, the joy of the saints is intricately connected to the success of the Gospel, manifesting in evangelism, discipleship, perseverance through suffering, and an eternal perspective that celebrates the redemptive work of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 15:3
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy to all the brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 2:73. Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual joy restored. ... The example: of Christ and
the saints. ... The effusion of the Spirit; or, The success of the gospel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Prayer --Fills Man's Poverty with God's Riches
... and the conditions of the advance and success of the ... for man, living and life-giving,
joy and joy-giving ... The saints universal are to be helped on to victory by ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ii prayerfills mans poverty with.htm

The Psalms of David
... Christ exalted, and multitudes converted; or, The success of the gospel ... Psalm
125:2. SM The saints' trial and safety; or ... Psalm 126:2. CM The joy of a remarkable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 73 Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual joy restored ... HYMN 140 The examples of Christ
and the saints. ... HYMN 144 The effusion of the spirit; or, The success of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

The Two Effects of the Gospel
... than that of the perseverance of the saints; for if ... do the same; and then where is
the joy and happiness ... that THE MINISTER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS SUCCESS. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the two effects of the.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I ... And there was great joy in
that city.". ... Philip's work in Samaria was marked with great success, and, thus ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

The Gospel Supper
... But glad tidings of great joy to the publicans, harlots ... but blessed their labors
with such success, that three ... above are ready, and the blessed saints below are ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ...
... Rejoicing in God, [956]18: see Joy, Delight. ... mindedness, [1115]119, [1116]2nd part:
see Saints, Grace, etc. ... Success of the gospel, [1132]19,110. Sufferings. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/an index to find a.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... Saints, see Church, Spiritual; God their avenger, 2:115; and hypocrites ... 1:48; sloth
and dulness, 2:25, 2:34; joy, 2:73 ... Success of the gospel, 1:11, 1:12, 1:119; 2 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

Recognitions of Clement.
... Chapter LII.--The Saints Before Christ's Coming. ... Chapter XL.--Proved by the Success
of the Wicked in This Life ... Chapter IV.--Clement's Joy at Remaining with Peter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/recognitions of clement /