Joy is a readily understood word, so a Christian’s joy may seem to be self-evident. As a word, “joy” means pretty much the same in the English as it does in the Greek – the language in which the New Testament was originally written.
Webster defines the English word as, “A: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; B: the expression or exhibition of such emotion.” The occurrences of “joy” in the New Testament all stem from the same Greek word “chara” meaning cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness.
Interestingly, Dr. Andy Woods knows what the Christian’s joy is not. At 1:38 in his explanation of 1 John, he says that John wrote because he was afraid, “that they are going to lose their joy (not their salvation, but their joy). And his fear is that they are not going to be fully rewarded at the judgement seat of Christ (he’s not afraid that they’re going to go into hell).” Is that accurate with Scripture?
How Scripture answers "What is a Christian’s joy?"
A Christian’s joy is not devoid of the human emotion5. However, as a fruit of the Spirit13, it must assume more than simply a human emotion. A Christian’s joy is rooted in one’s Christian faith1,2,4,13 (being “in the Holy Spirit”12) and their continued walk/obedience to God’s word3,5,7 – the very spiritual fellowship John1,2 is concerned about. In fact, a Christian’s spiritual joy may include things that would naturally bring us pain or sorrow10,11 or sacrifice12. Ultimately, the lifelong journey of being faithful to the end1,2,5,6,7,9,14 is a “perfect and complete”10 Christian joy.
A “Christian’s joy” is a mutual, shared joy among all faithful saints1,2,3,8,14, including Jesus, Himself4. Contrary to Dr. Woods’ statement, it seems that Scripture generally3,4,5,7,8,9,10,14, and John specifically1,2 is, in fact, equating a loss of Christian joy with a loss of salvation and a heavenly reward in the end11.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
1
John wants “our joy” (his and theirs) to “be complete,” which is directly connected to the previous verse where John tells them to remember the apostles’ teaching so that they would have “fellowship with us” and “with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (vs 3).
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
2
Like his first letter1, John’s overall objective for encouraging and warning these brethren is so that they will remain faithful until the end, and that together (e.g. “our joy”) they will “complete” their salvation.
3
Jesus addresses the apostles to keep His commandments in order that Jesus’ joy would be their joy, and that it would be complete (e.g. “full”).
4
Jesus’ prayer to the Father regarding the apostles’ care is so that Jesus’ joy might be matched in them.
5
John’s greatest joy is that Gaius (and others) continue “walking in the truth.”
6
John the Baptist speaks to his relationship with Jesus the Messiah in metaphorical terms. John is the ‘best man’ that has his joy completed in the coming of Jesus, the bridegroom. John’s “joy” here is his work/ministry in preparing the way.
7
Paul equates “progess” in their faith with “joy” in their faith. The end goal of their progress and joy is their final reward in Jesus (e.g. their salvation).
8
Similar/continued refrains from Paul7, only now it’s his joy that’s completed in their harmony and fellowship of the Spirit. Paul shares the same sentiment as John1,2
9
Paul and his companions’ (Timothy, Silas, etc) joy was in the Thessalonians faith.
10
We are to define “joy” as overcoming trials that test our faith. In other words, in our Christian walk, it is a “joy” by becoming more “perfect and complete” in our faith.
11
Jesus instructs the people to rejoice in persecution (because of Him).
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