Topical Bible: Joy: Ministers should Esteem Their People As Their

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In the Christian faith, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that stems from a relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22, and is integral to the life of a believer. For ministers, joy is not only a personal experience but also a vital aspect of their relationship with their congregation. Ministers are called to esteem their people as their joy, reflecting a deep, spiritual connection and mutual edification.

The Apostle Paul provides a compelling example of this relationship in his letters to the early churches. In Philippians 4:1 , Paul writes, "Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!" Here, Paul expresses his deep affection and esteem for the Philippian believers, considering them his "joy and crown." This metaphor highlights the honor and delight he finds in their faithfulness and spiritual growth.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 , Paul states, "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." Paul’s words underscore the profound joy that ministers derive from the spiritual well-being and perseverance of their congregants. The Thessalonian believers are not merely members of a church; they are the source of Paul’s joy and a testament to his ministry.

This esteem is not one-sided. The relationship between ministers and their people is reciprocal, fostering a community where joy is shared and multiplied. Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This passage emphasizes the importance of a harmonious relationship, where the congregation respects and supports their leaders, enabling them to serve with joy.

The joy that ministers find in their people is also a reflection of their commitment to shepherding the flock entrusted to them. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , Peter exhorts church leaders, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This eagerness and willingness to serve are rooted in the joy of seeing God’s people flourish in their faith.

In the context of ministry, joy is both a gift and a responsibility. Ministers are called to nurture and cherish their congregations, finding joy in their spiritual progress and unity. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit within the community of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:20
For you are our glory and joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... who can say, "We count not our lives dear unto us that we may finish our course
with joy, and fulfill ... Christian ministers especially should be no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... fear and trembling:" so that whether I should never see ... in admiration; but esteem
all your ministers highly in ... in whose presence is the fullness of joy, and at ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Consider what a joy it will be in heaven, to meet ... 3. Physicians that are much about
dying men, should, in a ... 5. As for the ministers of the Gospel, it is the ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Man's Chief End
... looks glorify God; religion does not take away our joy, but refines it ... (2.) Ministers
should study to ... Ministers, by virtue of their office, are to glorify God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... compassion, and think in what a state of joy or torment ... while they are accounted
excellent preachers and godly ministers by men, they should be accounted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... we may but finish our course with joy, and the ... And how sadly do many ministers come
off under such ... he produces orators.' The most learned men should think of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation
... they can rest till they have gone to their ministers, and learned ... Oh, that heaven
and hell should work no more on ... what it is to be everlastingly in joy or in ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/baxter making light of.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... the history of this singular man, we should like to ... They like to hear of the falls
of Christian ministers. ... began from that hour to rejoice with joy unspeakable ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... thou hast consumed us, so that there should be no ... mixing ourselves with those whom
the ministers preach against ... repent it, but to their greater joy and peace of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... and to secure their future happiness, should, instead of ... inspire the soul with
confidence and joy, in the ... of God against themselves: and His ministers, in all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm