Bible Study                                     Notes 2000

"You became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit so that you became examples to the Macedonian church.." 1 Thess 1:6

"joy of the Holy Spirit."

a. There is an article before the word "joy".

b. The article highlights and points to a specific quality. It reveals the distinct nature of the kind of joy that Paul was referring to.

c. The phrase "joy of the Holy Spirit" is a genitive construction. This means that this joy originates from the Holy Spirit.

d. True and real joy can only be found in the Holy Spirit

e. It is permanent.

a. It is the agent or the means by which joy is given to everyone.

b.The Holy Spirit brings about joy in the life of the Christian.

c. He works in us and creates joy in us.

d. This begins when the Holy Spirit indwells our life at salvation.

a. It is the Holy Spirit who brings about the result of the fruit of joy in a person's life.

b. In Galatians 5:22, we have the main text that deals with the fruit of the Spirit. We read " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."

c. The Holy Spirit brings forth a whole cluster of fruits of which joy is only one of them. .

There are many aspects of salvation that will be evident in our lives. There is joy in every aspect of our salvation. Let's take time to reflect on some of these things.

"You became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit so that you became examples to the Macedonian church.." 1 Thess 1:6

a. The Thessalonian became believers by following the Lord.

b. There is genuine salvation as there were fruits of faith.

"having work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ..." 1:3

c. Another fruit that resulted from their salvation is the joy of the Holy Spirit.

"having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit..." 1:6

a. Another aspect of salvation that brings joy is the Lord's Word.

b. When someone receives and embraces the gospel, it brings much joy.

c. Despite going through affliction, there is still joy.

d. This is the power of the word of God at work...to bring joy into the life of a person..."For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power..." (vs 6) .

"But we brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavour more eagerly to see your face with great desire." 1 Thess 2:17

a. There was mutual care and concern between Paul and the church and vice versa.

b. There was a deep longing for each other.

c. In 1 Thess 2:19-20, Paul wrote concerning the Thessalonian church..."For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy."

d. The church became a source of joy to Paul.

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ...” 1 Thess 1:2,3

a. When we are able to be thankful for the things that we have, we will find so much more joy. b. Paul had good thoughts/memories of the brethren as he prayed and that brought him much joy.

c. We can find joy in praying to the Lord.

"We are bound to thank God always for you brethren as it is fitting because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of everyone of you all abounds towards each other." 2 Thess1:3

a. Once they did not have the kind of faith and love that Paul indicated here.

b. It was this progress of faith and love that brought a spirit of thanksgiving and joy to Paul.

"For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven,..." 1:9,10

a. Paul spoke about the salvation of the Thessalonian Christians and he links it to the waiting of the Lord Jesus.

b. The second coming should be understood as a vital part of salvation.

c. Paul's joy was to see the Thessalonian church with the Lord Jesus when He comes again.

In 1 Thess 2:19-20, Paul wrote concerning the church..."For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy."

d. It is our joy too that we can be with the Lord at His second coming.

As we look at how full and wonderful our salvation is, we cannot but find every reason to rejoice. Let's be challenged to find joy in all these aspects of our salvation. Let's practise having a spirit of joy.