Topical Bible: Joy: Saints should Afford, to Their Ministers

◄ Joy: Saints should Afford, to Their Ministers ►

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In the Christian faith, joy is a profound and essential aspect of the believer's life, deeply rooted in the relationship with God and the community of faith. The Bible emphasizes the importance of joy not only as a personal experience but also as a communal responsibility, particularly in the relationship between the saints and their ministers.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides several insights into how believers are to bring joy to their spiritual leaders. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the mutual relationship of joy between the congregation and their ministers. In Philippians 2:2, Paul exhorts the believers, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Here, Paul highlights that the unity and love among the believers contribute to the joy of their leaders.

Similarly, in Hebrews 13:17, the author instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This passage underscores the responsibility of the saints to ensure that their conduct and cooperation bring joy to their ministers, facilitating their work and spiritual oversight.

Practical Implications

1. Unity and Harmony: The saints are called to live in unity and harmony, fostering an environment where ministers can serve joyfully. Discord and division within the church can lead to grief and burdens for ministers, detracting from their ability to serve effectively.

2. Support and Encouragement: Providing support and encouragement to ministers is crucial. This can be through prayer, words of affirmation, and active participation in the church's mission. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul writes, "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another."

3. Obedience and Submission: As highlighted in Hebrews 13:17, obedience and submission to spiritual leaders are vital. This does not imply blind adherence but a respectful acknowledgment of their God-given role and authority, which in turn brings them joy and facilitates their ministry.

4. Fruitful Living: The spiritual growth and fruitful living of the congregation are sources of joy for ministers. In 3 John 1:4, the Apostle John expresses, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." The spiritual progress of the saints is a testament to the effective ministry of their leaders and a cause for rejoicing.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the joy that saints afford to their ministers is not merely a human emotion but a reflection of the divine joy that characterizes the Kingdom of God. It is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within the community, as described in Galatians 5:22, where joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. This joy is both a gift and a responsibility, fostering a thriving spiritual environment where both ministers and congregants can grow in their faith and service to God.

In conclusion, the joy that saints provide to their ministers is a vital aspect of the Christian community, rooted in biblical teachings and essential for the effective functioning of the church. Through unity, support, obedience, and spiritual growth, believers can ensure that their ministers serve with joy, ultimately glorifying God and advancing His Kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:2
Fulfill you my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philemon 1:20
Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"That which we have Seen and Heard, Declare we unto You, that Ye ...
... towards others, when we have fullest joy and satisfaction ... to be fellow citizens with
the saints, with the ... of the renovation of the world, should have some ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v that which we.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... good to see your converts among the saints in glory ... no man that believes an everlasting
joy or torment ... our backs, and prove false-hearted, why should we expect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

God's Love for a Sinning World
... it irritated me, and I said"If I should become a ... Such is the labour, the joy, and
the self-denial ... Martyrs and saints enjoy their sufferings"filling up in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

Herod and Peter.
... sometimes occur in the history of the saints, and for ... had brought him out of prison."
The joy of the ... are deprived of some advantages which we should enjoy by ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... to be fond of having the doctrine of saints' perseverance much ... doing such and such
things, and why should I trouble ... and when he can do it, a holy joy is shed ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords 2.htm

The Ascension of Christ
... What joy there is to us in this triumph! ... filling blessings of the ascension are given
to all the saints. ... If the ministry should become weak and feeble among us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the ascension of christ.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Lord" is the most fitting word of rebuke for erring saints. ... paragraph caught my eye,
my heart leaped with joy, for I ... Who are you that you should use such words ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... was again stretched forth to vex certain of the saints. ... Guessing by the title that
he should find some ... when his terrors were turned into unutterable joy.'. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ...
... How blessed should I have thought myself, had I heard ... the bench tremble; if Christ
and his saints have this ... godly men have been overwhelmed with joy till they ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xv heavenly contemplation assisted.htm

Prayerlessness in the Pulpit
... as it is with all the Apostles, saints and angels in ... Prayer should be the inseparable
accompaniment of all missionary ... peace of God and let the joy of salvation ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/viii prayerlessness in the pulpit.htm