Thursday, September 8, 2016
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.
The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah.
Galatians 6:4, Philippians 1:27
The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah.
Galatians 6:4, Philippians 1:27
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Live for God
"Have you led a life for me, or have you led a life for yourself?"
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Live a life for God, and not for yourself.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Question: "What is the pride of life?"
Answer: The phrase “pride of life” is found only once in the Bible, in 1 John 2:16, but the concept of the pride of life, especially as it is linked with the “lust of the eyes” and the “lust of the flesh,” appears in two more significant passages of Scripture—the temptation of Eve in the Garden and the temptation of Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-10). The pride of life can be defined as anything that is “of the world,” meaning anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting. John makes it clear that anything that produces the pride of life comes from a love of the world and “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
The first example of the temptation of the pride of life occurs in the Garden of Eden, where Eve was tempted by the serpent to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve perceived that the fruit was “good for food,” “pleasing to the eye,” and “desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6). She coveted the fruit in three ways. First, it was appealing to her appetite. This John refers to as the “lust of the flesh,” the desire for that which satisfies any of the physical needs. The fruit was also pleasing or delightful to the eye, that which we see and desire to own or possess. Here is the “lust of the eyes” John refers to. Finally, Eve somehow perceived that the fruit would make her wise, giving her a wisdom beyond her own. Part of Satan’s lie was that eating the fruit would make her “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
Here is the essence of the pride of life—anything that exalts us above our station and offers the illusion of God-like qualities, wherein we boast in arrogance and worldly wisdom. Eve wanted to be like God in her knowledge, not content to live in a perfect world under His perfect grace and care for her. Satan tried these same three temptations on Christ during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh, bread for His hunger (vv. 2-3), the lust of the eyes, “all the kingdoms of the world with their splendor” (vv. 8-9), and the pride of life, daring Him to cast Himself from the roof of the Temple in order to prove that He was the Messiah by an ostentatious display of power that was not in the will of God or His plan for the redemption of mankind (vv. 5-6). But Jesus, though He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15), resisted the devil and used the Word of God to ensure victory over him.
Christians have always been, and will always be, lured by the same three temptations Eve and Jesus experienced. Satan doesn’t change his methods; he doesn’t have to because they continue to be successful. He tempts us with the lust of the flesh—sexual gratification, gluttony, excessive alcohol consumption, and drugs, both legal and illegal, as well as the “deeds of the flesh” about which Paul warned the Galatians, “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). He tempts us with the lust of the eyes—the endless accumulation of “stuff” with which we fill our homes and garages and the insatiable desire for more, better, and newer possessions, which ensnares us and hardens our hearts to the things of God.
But perhaps his most evil temptation is the pride of life, the very sin that resulted in Satan’s expulsion from heaven. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God (Isaiah 14:12-15). The arrogant boasting which constitutes the pride of life motivates the other two lusts as it seeks to elevate itself above all others and fulfill all personal desires. It is the root cause of strife in families, churches, and nations. It exalts the self in direct contradiction to Jesus’ statement that those who would follow Him must take up their cross (an instrument of death) and deny themselves. The pride of life stands in our way if we truly seek to be servants of God. It is the arrogance that separates us from others and limits our effectiveness in the kingdom. The pride of life “comes not from the Father, but from the world.” And, as such, it is passing away with the world, but those who resist and overcome the temptation of the pride of life do the will of God, and “the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).
Answer: The phrase “pride of life” is found only once in the Bible, in 1 John 2:16, but the concept of the pride of life, especially as it is linked with the “lust of the eyes” and the “lust of the flesh,” appears in two more significant passages of Scripture—the temptation of Eve in the Garden and the temptation of Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-10). The pride of life can be defined as anything that is “of the world,” meaning anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting. John makes it clear that anything that produces the pride of life comes from a love of the world and “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
The first example of the temptation of the pride of life occurs in the Garden of Eden, where Eve was tempted by the serpent to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve perceived that the fruit was “good for food,” “pleasing to the eye,” and “desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6). She coveted the fruit in three ways. First, it was appealing to her appetite. This John refers to as the “lust of the flesh,” the desire for that which satisfies any of the physical needs. The fruit was also pleasing or delightful to the eye, that which we see and desire to own or possess. Here is the “lust of the eyes” John refers to. Finally, Eve somehow perceived that the fruit would make her wise, giving her a wisdom beyond her own. Part of Satan’s lie was that eating the fruit would make her “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
Here is the essence of the pride of life—anything that exalts us above our station and offers the illusion of God-like qualities, wherein we boast in arrogance and worldly wisdom. Eve wanted to be like God in her knowledge, not content to live in a perfect world under His perfect grace and care for her. Satan tried these same three temptations on Christ during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh, bread for His hunger (vv. 2-3), the lust of the eyes, “all the kingdoms of the world with their splendor” (vv. 8-9), and the pride of life, daring Him to cast Himself from the roof of the Temple in order to prove that He was the Messiah by an ostentatious display of power that was not in the will of God or His plan for the redemption of mankind (vv. 5-6). But Jesus, though He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15), resisted the devil and used the Word of God to ensure victory over him.
Christians have always been, and will always be, lured by the same three temptations Eve and Jesus experienced. Satan doesn’t change his methods; he doesn’t have to because they continue to be successful. He tempts us with the lust of the flesh—sexual gratification, gluttony, excessive alcohol consumption, and drugs, both legal and illegal, as well as the “deeds of the flesh” about which Paul warned the Galatians, “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). He tempts us with the lust of the eyes—the endless accumulation of “stuff” with which we fill our homes and garages and the insatiable desire for more, better, and newer possessions, which ensnares us and hardens our hearts to the things of God.
But perhaps his most evil temptation is the pride of life, the very sin that resulted in Satan’s expulsion from heaven. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God (Isaiah 14:12-15). The arrogant boasting which constitutes the pride of life motivates the other two lusts as it seeks to elevate itself above all others and fulfill all personal desires. It is the root cause of strife in families, churches, and nations. It exalts the self in direct contradiction to Jesus’ statement that those who would follow Him must take up their cross (an instrument of death) and deny themselves. The pride of life stands in our way if we truly seek to be servants of God. It is the arrogance that separates us from others and limits our effectiveness in the kingdom. The pride of life “comes not from the Father, but from the world.” And, as such, it is passing away with the world, but those who resist and overcome the temptation of the pride of life do the will of God, and “the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).
Look upwards to God
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
What do you do with your worries? Do you turn them inward, or turn them upward?
When the brutal Assyrian King Sennacherib was preparing to destroy Jerusalem, he sent a message to King Hezekiah saying that Judah would be no different from all the other nations he had conquered. Hezekiah took this message to the temple in Jerusalem, and “spread it out before the Lord” (Isa. 37:14). He then prayed and asked for help from Almighty God.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
Soon afterward Isaiah the prophet delivered this message to Hezekiah from the Lord: “Because you prayed about King Sennacherib of Assyria, the Lord has spoken” (Isa. 37:21–22 nlt). Scripture tells us that Hezekiah’s prayer was answered that very night. God intervened miraculously, conquering the enemy forces outside the city gates. The Assyrian army didn’t even “shoot an arrow” (v. 33). Sennacherib would leave Jerusalem, never to return.
Three words in God’s message to Hezekiah—“Because you prayed”—show us the best place to go with our worries. Because Hezekiah turned to God, He rescued him and his people. When we turn our worries into prayer, we discover that God is faithful in unexpected ways!
Father, please help me to turn my worries into prayer. My problems are better in Your hands than in my own.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
What do you do with your worries? Do you turn them inward, or turn them upward?
When the brutal Assyrian King Sennacherib was preparing to destroy Jerusalem, he sent a message to King Hezekiah saying that Judah would be no different from all the other nations he had conquered. Hezekiah took this message to the temple in Jerusalem, and “spread it out before the Lord” (Isa. 37:14). He then prayed and asked for help from Almighty God.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
Soon afterward Isaiah the prophet delivered this message to Hezekiah from the Lord: “Because you prayed about King Sennacherib of Assyria, the Lord has spoken” (Isa. 37:21–22 nlt). Scripture tells us that Hezekiah’s prayer was answered that very night. God intervened miraculously, conquering the enemy forces outside the city gates. The Assyrian army didn’t even “shoot an arrow” (v. 33). Sennacherib would leave Jerusalem, never to return.
Three words in God’s message to Hezekiah—“Because you prayed”—show us the best place to go with our worries. Because Hezekiah turned to God, He rescued him and his people. When we turn our worries into prayer, we discover that God is faithful in unexpected ways!
Father, please help me to turn my worries into prayer. My problems are better in Your hands than in my own.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15“If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
15“If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Monday, August 29, 2016
Overcoming Hurts, Wounds, and Scars
http://www.faiththerapy.org/answers-by-topic/bitterness/
Overcoming Hurts, Wounds, and Scars
As Paul continued to struggled with his self-worth and his conflict with John Mark, he was finally able to achieve victory over them. Through his letters and actions he provides us with the principles for overcoming these problems in our own lives. When our perceptions about others and ourselves change, so do our emotions and our willingness to reconcile our relationships.
1. We must believe that God works everything for our good—even our mistakes,others offenses, and the attacks of Satan. God has a plan for our lives that includes being conformed to the image of His son Jesus. It is our job simply to submit to His plan and believe that everything will eventually work out for good. Therefore, it is clear that the events of our life have nothing to do with our worth as a person.
Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
2. We must believe that God is for us and that He will not condemn us for our failures. Consequently, we should not condemn ourselves or apply negative, or even positive, experiences to our worth as a person.
Ro 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
3. We are to interpret even the most negative experiences as simply challenges to beovercome and opportunities for God to demonstrate His power through us.
Ro 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Overcoming Hurts, Wounds, and Scars
As Paul continued to struggled with his self-worth and his conflict with John Mark, he was finally able to achieve victory over them. Through his letters and actions he provides us with the principles for overcoming these problems in our own lives. When our perceptions about others and ourselves change, so do our emotions and our willingness to reconcile our relationships.
1. We must believe that God works everything for our good—even our mistakes,others offenses, and the attacks of Satan. God has a plan for our lives that includes being conformed to the image of His son Jesus. It is our job simply to submit to His plan and believe that everything will eventually work out for good. Therefore, it is clear that the events of our life have nothing to do with our worth as a person.
Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
2. We must believe that God is for us and that He will not condemn us for our failures. Consequently, we should not condemn ourselves or apply negative, or even positive, experiences to our worth as a person.
Ro 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
3. We are to interpret even the most negative experiences as simply challenges to beovercome and opportunities for God to demonstrate His power through us.
Ro 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
4. Our worth is to be based on God’s unconditional and unending love for us, which can not be affected in any way by the circumstances, enemies, or events of our lives.
Ro 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
5. We must deal with our pride as the Apostle Paul did, so that God will get theglory, not us.
2 Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
6. We need to see other people and the events of life from an eternal perspective. Other people are just like us. We are all of equal value to God even though we all have problems and make mistakes. We all have a specific race to run and are not in competition with each other. We all need to focus on Jesus as our great example and pattern for life.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
7. We need to see our problems as stepping stones to the development of our character, not threats to our self-worth.
Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
8. Sometimes negative events in our lives are for our correction so that we do not fail in our character or in fulfilling our ministry.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
9. We must both accept God’s grace and give it to others to avoid bitterness. Our emotions are simply thermometers reflecting how we perceive our world. Once Paul began to see that even the failures of others and the attacks of Satan were used by God for his good, his feelings about the situation with John Mark began to change. Here, he warned against developing a root of bitterness and suggested that it was God that would comfort us no matter what the circumstances were. When we see the hand of God working in our lives in spite of everything that may happen, we begin to feel more confident, especially concerning our value to God.
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
2 Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
10. We need to expect that God will work even the negative events of our lives for our good. Paul had replaced John Mark with Timothy. If John Mark had not deserted Paul, Timothy would probably not have had the opportunity to be discipled by Paul. Timothy became one of the greatest pastors of the early church. Silas, who was recruited to replace Barnabas on the second missionary trip, also became a great man of God.
Ac 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium (little image). 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
11. We must forgive and do our part to resolve any offenses. It is not enough to change how we perceive the events of our lives and to emotionally understand our value to God; we need to begin to act according to our new outlook. Paul finally reached the conclusion that John Mark was useful to him in his ministry and asked Luke to bring Mark to him so that he could be restored to the ministry. It appears that Paul had already forgiven John Mark and that John Mark had already proven himself after he had been given a second chance. Paul wrote numerous verses on the subject of forgiveness. He believed that God is the only one that is to judge the actions of others, and that we are to trust in Him to vindicate us.
2 Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
12. We need to refocus on the things that really count—the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul makes it very clear that the negative events of life are to be put behind us and not allowed to affect our self-worth so that we can fully focus on what God has called us to do. We are not to base our worth on our own acts of righteousness but on our faith in God’s love for us. We should expect to experience suffering and always be careful not to think that we have become somebody by our own effort.
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Steps for Overcoming Hurts, Wounds, and Scars of Bitterness
1. Events and offenses will happen, but they do not have to turn into hurts, wounds, and scars.
2. If we make the mistake of taking what happens to us personally, it hurts us. If we apply it to our worth as a person, it becomes a wound; if we handle our wounds incorrectly, they can become a scar.
3. We handle our wounds incorrectly if we bury our emotions, blame others, or let them affect how we perceive ourselves. This can result in a future hindered by the past, angry outbursts, unhealthy relationships, emotional turmoil, and sickness.
4. We must believe that even if others meant it for evil, God will always work everything, even our mistakes, for our good.
5. We must forgive others since they have problems just like us, refuse to judge others, pray for them and not take offenses personally.
6. We should take responsibility for our part, do what we can to resolve the problem, give what we cannot fix to God, and grieve our losses.
7. We are to release the past, admit our mistakes and weaknesses, refuse to accept condemnation, refocus on God’s high calling for our lives, and rely on God to accomplish His will through us.
Ro 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
5. We must deal with our pride as the Apostle Paul did, so that God will get theglory, not us.
2 Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
6. We need to see other people and the events of life from an eternal perspective. Other people are just like us. We are all of equal value to God even though we all have problems and make mistakes. We all have a specific race to run and are not in competition with each other. We all need to focus on Jesus as our great example and pattern for life.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
7. We need to see our problems as stepping stones to the development of our character, not threats to our self-worth.
Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
8. Sometimes negative events in our lives are for our correction so that we do not fail in our character or in fulfilling our ministry.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
9. We must both accept God’s grace and give it to others to avoid bitterness. Our emotions are simply thermometers reflecting how we perceive our world. Once Paul began to see that even the failures of others and the attacks of Satan were used by God for his good, his feelings about the situation with John Mark began to change. Here, he warned against developing a root of bitterness and suggested that it was God that would comfort us no matter what the circumstances were. When we see the hand of God working in our lives in spite of everything that may happen, we begin to feel more confident, especially concerning our value to God.
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
2 Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
10. We need to expect that God will work even the negative events of our lives for our good. Paul had replaced John Mark with Timothy. If John Mark had not deserted Paul, Timothy would probably not have had the opportunity to be discipled by Paul. Timothy became one of the greatest pastors of the early church. Silas, who was recruited to replace Barnabas on the second missionary trip, also became a great man of God.
Ac 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium (little image). 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
11. We must forgive and do our part to resolve any offenses. It is not enough to change how we perceive the events of our lives and to emotionally understand our value to God; we need to begin to act according to our new outlook. Paul finally reached the conclusion that John Mark was useful to him in his ministry and asked Luke to bring Mark to him so that he could be restored to the ministry. It appears that Paul had already forgiven John Mark and that John Mark had already proven himself after he had been given a second chance. Paul wrote numerous verses on the subject of forgiveness. He believed that God is the only one that is to judge the actions of others, and that we are to trust in Him to vindicate us.
2 Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
12. We need to refocus on the things that really count—the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul makes it very clear that the negative events of life are to be put behind us and not allowed to affect our self-worth so that we can fully focus on what God has called us to do. We are not to base our worth on our own acts of righteousness but on our faith in God’s love for us. We should expect to experience suffering and always be careful not to think that we have become somebody by our own effort.
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Steps for Overcoming Hurts, Wounds, and Scars of Bitterness
1. Events and offenses will happen, but they do not have to turn into hurts, wounds, and scars.
2. If we make the mistake of taking what happens to us personally, it hurts us. If we apply it to our worth as a person, it becomes a wound; if we handle our wounds incorrectly, they can become a scar.
3. We handle our wounds incorrectly if we bury our emotions, blame others, or let them affect how we perceive ourselves. This can result in a future hindered by the past, angry outbursts, unhealthy relationships, emotional turmoil, and sickness.
4. We must believe that even if others meant it for evil, God will always work everything, even our mistakes, for our good.
5. We must forgive others since they have problems just like us, refuse to judge others, pray for them and not take offenses personally.
6. We should take responsibility for our part, do what we can to resolve the problem, give what we cannot fix to God, and grieve our losses.
7. We are to release the past, admit our mistakes and weaknesses, refuse to accept condemnation, refocus on God’s high calling for our lives, and rely on God to accomplish His will through us.
Overcoming Pride Through Faith
Biblical Answers for Pride
Overcoming Pride Through Faith (from the Book Faith Therapy)
Pride is a self-defense mechanism to compensate for feelings of inferiority or worthlessness. In one ditch on the side of the road to health are feelings of inferiority and on the other side is the ditch of pride. King Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest of the Babylonian kings. His name means, “Nebo is the protector from misfortune.” It is the job of our self to protect us and insure that our needs are met. Because pride extols the self over God and takes credit for what God has done, God resists it and gives grace to the humble. A humble person is one that rightly evaluates himself and sees that God made him, has given him what he has, has promoted him; and therefore, he is completely dependent on God.
1. The temptation to be proud comes when we think things are going good for us or when we are feeling insecure. As we have seen, Nebuchadnezzar stands for the self. He was at rest and flourishing.
Da 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
Overcoming Pride Through Faith (from the Book Faith Therapy)
Pride is a self-defense mechanism to compensate for feelings of inferiority or worthlessness. In one ditch on the side of the road to health are feelings of inferiority and on the other side is the ditch of pride. King Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest of the Babylonian kings. His name means, “Nebo is the protector from misfortune.” It is the job of our self to protect us and insure that our needs are met. Because pride extols the self over God and takes credit for what God has done, God resists it and gives grace to the humble. A humble person is one that rightly evaluates himself and sees that God made him, has given him what he has, has promoted him; and therefore, he is completely dependent on God.
1. The temptation to be proud comes when we think things are going good for us or when we are feeling insecure. As we have seen, Nebuchadnezzar stands for the self. He was at rest and flourishing.
Da 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
2. God warns us against pride. People of the world (the wisemen of Babylon) cannot understand the warnings against pride (the dream), since they also rely totally on themselves and are proud of what they accomplish.
Da 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
3. The spirit, which includes our conscience, will warn us against pride. Here Daniel stands for our spirit as indicated in the verses below. We will have conviction in our spirit when we begin to brag or act arrogantly.
Da 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
4. The temptation to be proud begins with a false evaluation of our importance to ourselves and others.
Da 4:10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
5. God watches for pride and will make sure that it does not continue for long. The very things that we have pride in will be taken from us.
Da 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
6. Because God still cares for us, he will give us a chance to recover if we will repent and turn from our pride. Iron usually stands for irresistible power and brass stands for shame. Grass stands for weakness and instability. Dew stands for gracious refreshing blessings. Therefore, these verses are telling us that God’s power to put down pride is irresistible and ends in our shame. He makes the proud person feel weak and unstable, but showers him with gracious refreshing when he repents. Instead of being brilliant, he will find himself acting more like an animal just meeting the basest of needs. Seven stands for completeness. God’s judgment of pride will end when it has been completely irradiated.
Da 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
7. God resists pride so that we realize that we cannot be our own God; and that promotion comes from God, not from our own intelligence or efforts. God can accomplish his wishes even through the basest of men if he chooses to do so. As we know, at one point God even used a donkey to speak for Him. (Numbers 22:28)
Da 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
8. When the human spirit realizes that the self is about to be humbled because of pride, it is distraught. This humbling seems to the spirit (Daniel) as a negative event to be wished on one’s enemies.
Da 4:18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
9. If we fall into pride, we will be humbled. Complete recovery requires that we realize that we are weak as grass “that passesth away,” we exist only by the grace of God (dew), we grow our faith in God (hair), and we become strong in Him (claws).
Da 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
10. We have real understanding only when we realize who we are in God’s sight and thank God for all that He has done for us. We must realize that all of us are really nothing without God and that we do not have a right to question anything He does.
Da 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
11. When we confront our pride and repent, God will restore and uplift us (our self) again, since we are now willing to obey God and rely on Him in faith.
Da 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
Steps for Overcoming Pride
1. We must understand that pride is a self-defense mechanism against low self-worth, and an attempt of the self to meet its need to feel valuable. We are tempted to be prideful when things are going well or when we are feeling insecure.
2. We must realize that pride is a statement to God that we can handle life on our own without His help. Therefore, God will withdraw His help and protection, and will let us live our life without His help until we repent.
8. We must repent, ask for forgiveness, give all the glory to God, and deal with our underlying problem of self-worth. When we humble ourselves, God will uplift us and restore us to our rightful place.
3. God sees pride as a very serious sin, because it is the sin of rebellion which was authored by Satan when he led a third of the angels to rebel against God.
4. Therefore, God actively resists proud people and gives unmerited favor to those who humble themselves. Humility is not putting ourselves down but an honest evaluation of ourselves from God’s point of view.
5. Prideful people believe the lie of the world that their worth is based on their performance, and they are deluding themselves that who they are and what they do on this earth is of great value without God. The Bible states that those who compare themselves with others are not wise.
6. If we do not repent and humble ourselves immediately, we will bring disaster upon ourselves and will be brought low with shame, experience how weak we really are, and may even feel and act like a brute beast.
7. Until we realize that our very existence, everything we have, and even our promotion comes from God, and give the glory to God, our way of thinking and viewing life will be distorted.
http://www.faiththerapy.org/answers-by-topic/pride/
Da 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
3. The spirit, which includes our conscience, will warn us against pride. Here Daniel stands for our spirit as indicated in the verses below. We will have conviction in our spirit when we begin to brag or act arrogantly.
Da 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
4. The temptation to be proud begins with a false evaluation of our importance to ourselves and others.
Da 4:10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
5. God watches for pride and will make sure that it does not continue for long. The very things that we have pride in will be taken from us.
Da 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
6. Because God still cares for us, he will give us a chance to recover if we will repent and turn from our pride. Iron usually stands for irresistible power and brass stands for shame. Grass stands for weakness and instability. Dew stands for gracious refreshing blessings. Therefore, these verses are telling us that God’s power to put down pride is irresistible and ends in our shame. He makes the proud person feel weak and unstable, but showers him with gracious refreshing when he repents. Instead of being brilliant, he will find himself acting more like an animal just meeting the basest of needs. Seven stands for completeness. God’s judgment of pride will end when it has been completely irradiated.
Da 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
7. God resists pride so that we realize that we cannot be our own God; and that promotion comes from God, not from our own intelligence or efforts. God can accomplish his wishes even through the basest of men if he chooses to do so. As we know, at one point God even used a donkey to speak for Him. (Numbers 22:28)
Da 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
8. When the human spirit realizes that the self is about to be humbled because of pride, it is distraught. This humbling seems to the spirit (Daniel) as a negative event to be wished on one’s enemies.
Da 4:18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
9. If we fall into pride, we will be humbled. Complete recovery requires that we realize that we are weak as grass “that passesth away,” we exist only by the grace of God (dew), we grow our faith in God (hair), and we become strong in Him (claws).
Da 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
10. We have real understanding only when we realize who we are in God’s sight and thank God for all that He has done for us. We must realize that all of us are really nothing without God and that we do not have a right to question anything He does.
Da 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
11. When we confront our pride and repent, God will restore and uplift us (our self) again, since we are now willing to obey God and rely on Him in faith.
Da 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
Steps for Overcoming Pride
1. We must understand that pride is a self-defense mechanism against low self-worth, and an attempt of the self to meet its need to feel valuable. We are tempted to be prideful when things are going well or when we are feeling insecure.
2. We must realize that pride is a statement to God that we can handle life on our own without His help. Therefore, God will withdraw His help and protection, and will let us live our life without His help until we repent.
8. We must repent, ask for forgiveness, give all the glory to God, and deal with our underlying problem of self-worth. When we humble ourselves, God will uplift us and restore us to our rightful place.
3. God sees pride as a very serious sin, because it is the sin of rebellion which was authored by Satan when he led a third of the angels to rebel against God.
4. Therefore, God actively resists proud people and gives unmerited favor to those who humble themselves. Humility is not putting ourselves down but an honest evaluation of ourselves from God’s point of view.
5. Prideful people believe the lie of the world that their worth is based on their performance, and they are deluding themselves that who they are and what they do on this earth is of great value without God. The Bible states that those who compare themselves with others are not wise.
6. If we do not repent and humble ourselves immediately, we will bring disaster upon ourselves and will be brought low with shame, experience how weak we really are, and may even feel and act like a brute beast.
7. Until we realize that our very existence, everything we have, and even our promotion comes from God, and give the glory to God, our way of thinking and viewing life will be distorted.
http://www.faiththerapy.org/answers-by-topic/pride/
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Question: "What is the joy of the Lord?"
Answer: The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and beingfilled with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was born, the angels announced “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). All who find Jesus know, with the shepherds of the nativity, the joy He brings. Even before His birth, Jesus had brought joy, as attested to in Mary’s song (Luke 1:47) and by John’s response to hearing Mary’s voice as he “leaped for joy” in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:44).
Jesus exemplified joy in His ministry. He was no glum ascetic; rather, His enemies accused Him of being too joyful on occasion (Luke 7:34). Jesus described Himself as bridegroom enjoying a wedding feast (Mark 2:18–20); He “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21); He spoke of “my joy” (John 15:11) and promised to give His disciples a lifetime supply of it (John 16:24). Joy is reflected in many of Jesus’ parables, including the three stories in Luke 15, which mention “rejoicing in the presence of the angels” (Luke 15:10) and end with a joyful shepherd, a joyful woman, and a joyful father.
Nehemiah told the repentant Israelites that the joy of the Lord would be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The early church was characterized by gladness and the joy of the Lord (Acts 2:46; 13:52), and “joy in the Holy Spirit” is a distinguishing mark of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). Those who are part of the kingdom share in the kingdom’s delight.
Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). In fact, it is our Christian duty to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). In Christ, the believer is “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).
Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lord—our gladness of heart—is present even through the trials of life. We know we are children of God, and no one can snatch us away from Him (John 10:28–29). We are heirs to “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and no one can steal it from us (1 Peter 1:4;Matthew 6:20). We see the Author and Finisher of our faith, and, let the enemy rage ever so much, we know who wins in the end (Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 2).
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Adverse circumstances, instead of hindering our faith, can actually enhance our joy. Paul and Silas knew adversity as they sat with their feet in the stocks in a Philippian jail cell. Their legal rights had been violated. They had been arrested without cause and beaten without a trial. At midnight, since they couldn’t sleep, they sang—loudly—the praises of the Lord they were serving (Acts 16:25). A miracle soon followed (verse 26).
The apostles in Jerusalem were arrested—twice—and ordered not to preach in Jesus’ name. The second time they faced the court, they were beaten. Unfazed, they returned home “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” and ready to preach some more (Acts 5:41). Of course, the apostles were only following the example of our Lord, who had “for the joy set before him . . . endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
The joy of the Lord may be inexplicable to the one who does not possess it. But, for the believer in Christ, the joy of the Lord comes as naturally as grapes on a vine. As we abide in Christ, the True Vine, we the branches are full of His strength and vitality, and the fruit we produce, including joy, is His doing (John 15:5).
http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-of-the-Lord.html
Answer: The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and beingfilled with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was born, the angels announced “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). All who find Jesus know, with the shepherds of the nativity, the joy He brings. Even before His birth, Jesus had brought joy, as attested to in Mary’s song (Luke 1:47) and by John’s response to hearing Mary’s voice as he “leaped for joy” in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:44).
Jesus exemplified joy in His ministry. He was no glum ascetic; rather, His enemies accused Him of being too joyful on occasion (Luke 7:34). Jesus described Himself as bridegroom enjoying a wedding feast (Mark 2:18–20); He “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21); He spoke of “my joy” (John 15:11) and promised to give His disciples a lifetime supply of it (John 16:24). Joy is reflected in many of Jesus’ parables, including the three stories in Luke 15, which mention “rejoicing in the presence of the angels” (Luke 15:10) and end with a joyful shepherd, a joyful woman, and a joyful father.
Nehemiah told the repentant Israelites that the joy of the Lord would be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The early church was characterized by gladness and the joy of the Lord (Acts 2:46; 13:52), and “joy in the Holy Spirit” is a distinguishing mark of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). Those who are part of the kingdom share in the kingdom’s delight.
Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). In fact, it is our Christian duty to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). In Christ, the believer is “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).
Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lord—our gladness of heart—is present even through the trials of life. We know we are children of God, and no one can snatch us away from Him (John 10:28–29). We are heirs to “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and no one can steal it from us (1 Peter 1:4;Matthew 6:20). We see the Author and Finisher of our faith, and, let the enemy rage ever so much, we know who wins in the end (Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 2).
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Adverse circumstances, instead of hindering our faith, can actually enhance our joy. Paul and Silas knew adversity as they sat with their feet in the stocks in a Philippian jail cell. Their legal rights had been violated. They had been arrested without cause and beaten without a trial. At midnight, since they couldn’t sleep, they sang—loudly—the praises of the Lord they were serving (Acts 16:25). A miracle soon followed (verse 26).
The apostles in Jerusalem were arrested—twice—and ordered not to preach in Jesus’ name. The second time they faced the court, they were beaten. Unfazed, they returned home “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” and ready to preach some more (Acts 5:41). Of course, the apostles were only following the example of our Lord, who had “for the joy set before him . . . endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
The joy of the Lord may be inexplicable to the one who does not possess it. But, for the believer in Christ, the joy of the Lord comes as naturally as grapes on a vine. As we abide in Christ, the True Vine, we the branches are full of His strength and vitality, and the fruit we produce, including joy, is His doing (John 15:5).
http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-of-the-Lord.html
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