Topical Bible: Joy: Christ Appointed to Give

◄ Joy: Christ Appointed to Give ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian faith, joy is a profound and enduring state of spiritual well-being and contentment that transcends circumstances. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a gift that Christ Himself is appointed to give to His followers. This joy is not merely an emotion but a deep-seated sense of peace and fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of joy as a divine gift is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament writings. In John 15:11, Jesus declares, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Here, Christ emphasizes that the joy He imparts is not only His own but is intended to fill and complete the believer's joy. This joy is linked to abiding in Christ and obeying His commandments, as outlined in the preceding verses of John 15.

Furthermore, in John 16:24, Jesus encourages His disciples to ask in His name, promising that their joy will be made full: "Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." This passage highlights the relationship between prayer, divine provision, and the fullness of joy that Christ offers.

Joy in Suffering

The joy given by Christ is unique in that it persists even in the face of trials and suffering. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, exhorts believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). This command underscores the idea that Christian joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging nature of Christ and His promises.

James 1:2-3 further illustrates this concept: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The joy that Christ gives enables believers to view trials as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Eternal Joy

The joy that Christ imparts is not only for this life but extends into eternity. In the book of Revelation, the ultimate fulfillment of joy is depicted in the presence of God: "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" (Revelation 21:4). This eternal joy is the culmination of the believer's hope and the consummation of Christ's redemptive work.

Joy in Community

The joy given by Christ is also meant to be shared within the community of believers. In Acts 2:46-47, the early church is described as experiencing gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. This communal joy is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the unity found in the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The joy that Christ is appointed to give is a central theme in the Christian life, characterized by its divine origin, resilience in adversity, and eternal promise. It is a joy that surpasses understanding and is accessible to all who abide in Christ and live according to His teachings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-Third Lesson Bear Fruit, that the Father May Give what Ye ...
... I chose you,' the Master says, and appointed you that ye ... We wanted to have the comfort
and the joy and the ... the Father (xiv.23), the abiding in Christ's love (xv ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-third lesson bear fruit that.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... The redeemed of the Lord." He hath appointed "to give ... them beauty for ashes, the
oil of joy for mourning ... Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Christ Our Advocate
... Had not this been the case, no Advocate had been appointed. ... It is said of Christ,
our Advocate, that "for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm

God's People Delivered.
... The redeemed of the Lord." He hath appointed "to give ... with the powers of darkness
is joy to the ... is satisfied with the price paid; and Christ Himself, beholding ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ...
... reign to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord ... which I would fain call my
Christian joy, be as ... hope, in the method which thou hast appointed; and preserve ...
/.../chapter viii news of salvation.htm

Two Lives There are that Christian Men Live. ...
... the grace of GOD, about the love of JESUS Christ, and also ... agree in one, and body
and soul joy, living in ... A man or woman that is appointed to contemplative life ...
/.../chapter xii two lives there.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... fool, that will refuse to bring joy to his ... and fortunate effects; for He that appointed
an angel ... present the prayers of saints, and Christ makes intercession ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

God's People Delivered
... The redeemed of the Lord." He hath appointed "to give ... with the powers of darkness
is joy to the ... is satisfied with the price paid; and Christ Himself, beholding ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

"And These Things Write we unto You, that Your Joy May be Full. "
... shall cease, as having performed all they were appointed for. ... to wait for that day
when your joy shall be ... As Christ is full, full measure heaped up and running ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii and these things.htm

The Work and the Life
... with Himself, with Christ and the angels, that we might share the blessing, the
joy, the spiritual ... The church of Christ is God's appointed agency for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 9 the work and.htm