Young Adults' Group

Joy Of Faith

by Pastor Mark
November 22, 2018

The concept of faith

Our faith is something most vital in our Christian life. We want to ensure that we have genuine faith. But what is faith? It begins with believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we receive Christ into our life, we become children of God. (John 1:12) We believe in the Name of Christ and the Word of God becomes the basis of understanding our faith. Through this faith, we would be able to have hope in God. Yet, how do we know that we have a genuine faith? One way to determine this is that our faith should bring us joy.

A faith that brings us joy

“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,” (Phil 1:25)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian church concerning their joy of faith. In the Greek, Paul wrote, “ho pistis”. This is translated as “of the faith”. The article in front of the word “faith” indicates that this faith is an objective faith. It is a faith that has been taught and predetermined. This joy that Paul highlighted comes from this objective faith. This joy of faith was something that Paul had. It was also something that the Philippian brethren also had. This joy of faith of the brethren was so important to Paul that he was confident that he would remain on this earth to help them with their progress and joy of faith. But how would our faith give us this joy?

Aspects of our faith that gives joy

It is through the many aspects of our faith that can give us joy.

1. Joy of salvation

Through faith in Christ, we are justified by grace and saved from our sin and judgment. There is no greater joy than the joy of being saved.

2. Joy in being sanctified

Through faith, Christ will sanctify our hearts and cleanse us from all our sins. He will change us from our old self to being a new creation. Joy should fill our hearts as we are transformed.

3. Joy in serving

Through faith, we have the privilege of being called to serve Christ. There is joy in serving Him with the gifts that He has given us.

4. Joy in suffering

Through faith, we would suffer persecution for the sake of Christ. Yet, we would count it our joy to suffer with Christ.

5. Joy in abiding

Through faith, we would learn to be strong…to sustain our walk with Christ and to be faithful to Him to the end.

6. Joy in hope of the return of Christ

Through faith, we believe that Christ will return again one day. We rejoice in hope of the Lord’s return. There would be great joy when we see Him again.

Let us consider the kind of faith we have. Do we have a faith that gives us joy each and every day even through the difficulties of life? Let us be challenged to develop our joy of faith.

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