… for your progress and joy in the faith…
Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.
I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.
If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.
In Acts, Chapter Ten, we see a story about Peter getting the “OK” from heaven to eat whatever he wants. Within minutes, he is instructed by the Holy Spirit to visit a Gentile’s house. Since he stayed with the Gentiles for stayed with them for several days, it seems safe to assume he allowed himself to eat Gentile food.
This seems like a good start, but it quickly fizzles. Paul writes about having to correct Peter, who has been shamed into returning to the Jewish fold (Galatians 2:11-14).
This isn’t to say that the Apostles didn’t understand that God was including the Gentiles in his plan for salvation. They did.
Luke records another time when Paul and Barnabas brought this question to the church leadership in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35). At that time, after much debate, the Council agreed that the only thing they would ask of Gentile believers was that they avoid “food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality” (Acts 15:29).
It seems clear that the Jewish leaders were not wandering very far from home. Instead, God had other plans.
While the original disciples focused mainly on the Jewish converts, Jesus chose the one person who was most vocal and aggressive about opposing the Way (Acts 9:2): he chose Saul, also known as Paul. A Pharisee who had dedicated his life to ridding the world of Christians.
Until he met Jesus.
The rest of his life was totally upended. He served Jesus until he died, and along the way, he started church after church, which brings us to our passage for this meditation.
Being a believer in Jesus isn’t just a matter of saying “I believe,” and then going on about your business. Believing in Jesus is forming a relationship with the King of Kings.
In the beginning, we might believe simply because we know, deep down inside, that we need forgiveness. But it doesn’t end there. Jesus himself comes into our lives (Revelation 3:20). When Jesus comes in, everything changes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need help.
That is why Jesus had Paul stay a little longer. He wanted the believers in Paul’s day as well as us (John 17:20-21) to have “progress and joy in the faith.”
Application: Never stop growing in Christ.
Food for Thought: How is joy itself a sign of progress in the faith?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.
My definition of joy has changed, and continues to change, continues to grow, over the years. Whereas I used to equate joy with happiness or an “elated feeling”, I have learned that happiness is a bit like smoke, and joy is more like a rock you can hold onto. Happiness can be temporary, and can be “taken away,” joy comes from knowing Christ, and is closely tied to understanding, gratitude, and peace. And if one finds themselves joyless, they only need to remember what Christ has done and continues to do in their life, and joy springs forth in rejoicing. There is never a shortage of rejoicing in the Lord, no matter what circumstances one finds themselves in.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22). To have joy or increasing joy even when circumstances are not the best is a work of the Spirit. That shows that we are progressing in the faith.
Jesus said that if we remain or dwell in Gods love, then we have His joy and our joy is complete. Again, showing that joy is a progression in the faith.
John 15: 9 – 11: As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.