Contemplation #157
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 2 Corinthians 1:24
Why does Paul say he wants to work with others for their joy? His own joy in Christ was rooted in faith (2 Corinthians 2:3), and he continually wanted others to share in that same joy of the faith (Philippians 1:25-26). He knew from personal experience that his own standing firm in faith wasn’t based in being lorded over by any religious leaders. The opposite is actually true. Coercion and forced submission to human authorities does not lead us to joy in the faith. Understanding that joy cannot exist under authoritarianism, and that having joy in the faith is crucial to standing firm, will then lead us to work with others for their joy.
Contemplation #158
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52
This statement follows the story of how persecution was stirred up against Paul and Barnabas and they were expelled from the city. In other words, the existence of the disciples’ joy is without any explanation except the presence of the Spirit. Despite their circumstances, in the face of opposition, and without any logical reason . . . the believers were joyful. Only something transcendent, beyond the rational and physically tangible, could be the source of such joy. The Spirit is joy and the source of joy. People of faith can anticipate receiving this joy as a grace from God.
Contemplation #159
He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their season; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
These words from Paul and Barnabas were addressed to idolatrous, pagan, heathen people. Those to whom they were speaking were ready to offer sacrifice and worship the disciples as gods. But even to these who had no faith in God nor belief in Jesus the disciples testify to God’s work among them. God’s work was not only in the external blessings of rain and food, but also the inward blessing of joy in their hearts. Though the gift of joy from God through the Spirit is the expectation of those who believe, by God’s mercy even those who do not believe receive a gift of joy that testifies to God’s kindness and grace.
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 2 Corinthians 1:24
Why does Paul say he wants to work with others for their joy? His own joy in Christ was rooted in faith (2 Corinthians 2:3), and he continually wanted others to share in that same joy of the faith (Philippians 1:25-26). He knew from personal experience that his own standing firm in faith wasn’t based in being lorded over by any religious leaders. The opposite is actually true. Coercion and forced submission to human authorities does not lead us to joy in the faith. Understanding that joy cannot exist under authoritarianism, and that having joy in the faith is crucial to standing firm, will then lead us to work with others for their joy.
Contemplation #158
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52
This statement follows the story of how persecution was stirred up against Paul and Barnabas and they were expelled from the city. In other words, the existence of the disciples’ joy is without any explanation except the presence of the Spirit. Despite their circumstances, in the face of opposition, and without any logical reason . . . the believers were joyful. Only something transcendent, beyond the rational and physically tangible, could be the source of such joy. The Spirit is joy and the source of joy. People of faith can anticipate receiving this joy as a grace from God.
Contemplation #159
He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their season; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
These words from Paul and Barnabas were addressed to idolatrous, pagan, heathen people. Those to whom they were speaking were ready to offer sacrifice and worship the disciples as gods. But even to these who had no faith in God nor belief in Jesus the disciples testify to God’s work among them. God’s work was not only in the external blessings of rain and food, but also the inward blessing of joy in their hearts. Though the gift of joy from God through the Spirit is the expectation of those who believe, by God’s mercy even those who do not believe receive a gift of joy that testifies to God’s kindness and grace.
posted by Greg at 1:28 PM
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