Topical Bible: Joy of Saints should be Exceeding

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The concept of joy is a central theme in the Christian faith, and the joy of the saints is depicted as being profound and exceeding. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated state of being that arises from a relationship with God and the assurance of His promises.

Biblical Foundation

The joy of the saints is rooted in the salvation and grace provided through Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:4, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" . This command to rejoice is not contingent upon circumstances but is a reflection of the believer's position in Christ.

Joy in Trials

The joy of the saints is particularly notable in the context of trials and tribulations. James 1:2-3 encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . This perspective is possible because trials are seen as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

Joy in Fellowship

The communal aspect of joy is also emphasized in Scripture. In Acts 2:46-47, the early church is described as having "glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . The fellowship of believers is a source of joy, as it reflects the unity and love that are found in Christ.

Joy in the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the joy of the saints. Romans 14:17 states, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" . The indwelling of the Holy Spirit produces joy as a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22.

Eternal Joy

The joy of the saints is not limited to this life but extends into eternity. In Revelation 21:4, the promise of eternal joy is vividly portrayed: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This eternal perspective fuels the present joy of believers, knowing that their ultimate hope and joy are secure in Christ.

Joy as a Witness

The exceeding joy of the saints serves as a powerful witness to the world. In 1 Peter 1:8-9, believers are described as being "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" . This joy, rooted in the assurance of salvation, is a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The joy of the saints is a profound and exceeding joy that transcends circumstances and is deeply rooted in the relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a joy that is evident in trials, fellowship, and the work of the Holy Spirit, and it points to the eternal joy that awaits in the presence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 21:6
For you have made him most blessed for ever: you have made him exceeding glad with your countenance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... that wait for him." And now, Christians, should we not ... tremble with terror, while
we triumph with joy; to hear ... shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

The Death of the Righteous
... It should exhort us all to labour to say as the apostle, For to me ... cause a jubilation
of spirit, and create such holy raptures of joy in the saints, as are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the death of the.htm

All Saints' Day
... the bliss of that everlasting All Saints' Day which ... matter, and every created spirit
likewise, should be annihilated ... answered, with a flush of keenest joy, Yes ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... none in heaven but will further your work, and join heart and voice with you in
your everlasting joy and praise. ... O miserable saints in heaven, should you be ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... at the last day; that is, that he should save them ... 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

The Joy of the Lord.
... will be, which will open the graves of the Saints, which will ... Count it all joy when
ye ... come with boldness, a rejoicing and praising spirit should be manifested ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the joy of the lord.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... man, who would hereafter depart to God with more exceeding riches, and ... him in a manner
worthy of saints, as saints should be received with all joy. ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

How we Should at all Times Praise God.
... in the veritable bright reflection of the saints, and this as ... fallen companions;
as that uttered in the joy felt by ... Lord, one thing I should also like to know ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxv how we should.htm

The Seventh Seal.
... before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," Jude 24 ... with coals after the
acceptance of the saints, and the ... time of the dead that they should be judged ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seventh seal.htm

Joy, a Duty
... brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown ... a most desirable thing that
they should speedily come ... himself in a happy mood; these saints in Philippi ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/joy a duty.htm