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 is a “perfect and complete”10 Christian joy.
A “Christian’s joy” is a mutual, shared joy among all faithful saints1,2,3,8, including Jesus, Himself4 (e.g. fellowship). Contrary to Dr. Woods’ statement, it seems that Scripture generally3,4,5,7,8,9,10, 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.
our answer is built on the following scripture-blocks
please comment if you feel it’s not adequately or correctly presented
1
The Apostle John’s opening in a letter written to Christians encouraging them to love each other (as God loves) and resist false teaching. This verse begins with the conjunction “And.” It’s connected to the preceding verse where John says that he wants to make sure that they remember everything they had already been told and taught “so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (vs 3).
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
In spite of having much still to write to you, I hope instead to speak with you face-to-face in order that our joy may be complete.
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
This entire section of Scripture (John 13-17) is Jesus in the upper room with the twelve apostles. He is speaking to them directly and giving them instruction about his coming death and what will follow.
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
The apostle John’s third epistle (four books counting the Gospel of John). This short letter is addressed to one brother, Gaius, that he loves “in truth” (vs 1).
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 is in prison in Rome and is uncertain of his future – whether release or death. He’s writing to the church in Philippi with greetings and encouragement. He is torn between going home with Christ and remaining “in the flesh” (vs 24), but he knows the latter is better for them.
Even though here it appears he knows for certain he is “remaining” and “coming to” them again, the very next verse (vs 27) shows he is not working with any divine knowledge. He doesn’t know if we actually will or won’t, but regardless wants them “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind” (vs 27).
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
Our [Paul and companions] hope, joy, crown of confidence before our Lord Jesus at His coming again is in you – you are our glory and joy.
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
Be happy when others despise, persecute, and speak evil about you falsely because of your profession of faith. Rejoice and be glad, since a great reward awaits you in heaven and you keep company with the prophets who were before you.
Jesus instructs the people to rejoice in persecution (because of Him).
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…and if you’re wondering more about what we’re doing and why, here are some links we hope can help explain it (and maybe even get you excited about contributing):
- the Bible Study Framework and scripture-blocks
our format and the anatomy of a question
the Bible study standard that we follow
- our top four obstacles to letting scripture interpret scripture
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