Joy in Christ: The Costly Pursuit of Apostolic Love

In 2 Corinthians 1:24 through 2:4, Paul expresses a profound commitment to working for the joy of the church, a commitment that is both costly and deeply rooted in love. This ambition is not a superficial or sentimental gesture but a theologically grounded pursuit that demands sacrifice and endurance. Paul’s life exemplifies this as he recounts the numerous hardships he endured for the sake of the church's joy. His passion for their joy is intertwined with his own, creating a dynamic where their joy becomes his joy and vice versa. This mutual joy is not generic but is specifically joy in Christ, a joy that is deeply connected to faith.

Paul’s ambition is further illuminated in Philippians 1:23-25, where he wrestles with the desire to depart and be with Christ versus remaining to labor for the joy of the churches. This joy is not found in earthly pleasures but in the supreme treasure of knowing Christ. Faith in Christ is the foundation of this joy, as it embraces Him as the infinitely valuable Savior and Lord. This joy in Christ is what Paul seeks to cultivate in the church, even at great personal cost.

The pursuit of this joy is not without its challenges. It requires a willingness to suffer and to find satisfaction in Christ above all else. This is vividly illustrated in the stories of Chinese Christians who, despite severe persecution, exhibit overwhelming joy. Their testimonies reveal that true joy is found not in comfort or prosperity but in the presence of Christ, even in the midst of suffering.

As ministers of the gospel, the call is to work for the joy of the people, preparing them not for a life of ease but for a life of radical love and sacrifice. This involves portraying Christ as supremely valuable, grounding everything in the gospel, teaching the sovereignty of God in suffering, and supporting the people through their losses. In doing so, the church becomes a community where joy in Christ is the ultimate treasure, and this joy empowers them to endure and to love sacrificially.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Apostolic Ambition: Embrace the apostolic ambition to work for the joy of others, recognizing that this joy is deeply rooted in faith and is not a superficial or sentimental pursuit. It requires a commitment to theologically grounded love and sacrifice. [02:38]
• 2. Joy in Christ: True joy is found in Christ, not in earthly pleasures or circumstances. Faith in Christ as the supreme treasure of the universe is the foundation of this joy, and it is this joy that sustains us through trials and suffering. [13:25]
• 3. Mutual Joy: The dynamic of finding joy in each other's joy in Christ is a profound expression of love. This mutual joy is not generic but is specifically joy in Christ, creating a community where each member's joy is intertwined with the others. [17:25]
• 4. Suffering and Joy: The path of suffering is the Calvary road, where joy is found in the presence of Christ even amidst trials. This joy is not about pampering but about preparing for the cost of discipleship, where joy empowers us to endure and love sacrificially. [22:52]
• 5. Ministry of Joy: As ministers, the call is to work for the joy of the people by portraying Christ as supremely valuable, grounding everything in the gospel, teaching God's sovereignty in suffering, and supporting the people through their losses. This is the apostolic ambition that transforms lives. [34:42]
  ** [34:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
• [01:40] - Prayer for Apostolic Ambition
• [02:38] - Embracing Apostolic Passion
• [03:25] - The Cost of Working for Joy
• [06:10] - Joy and Pain in Ministry
• [08:16] - Love Defined by Mutual Joy
• [09:52] - Joy and Faith Interconnected
• [11:12] - Paul's Earthly Ambition
• [13:25] - Joy in Christ as Supreme Treasure
• [17:25] - Mutual Joy in Christ
• [22:52] - Preparing for the Path of Suffering
• [27:01] - Radical Generosity from Joy
• [32:16] - Practical Steps for Ministry
• [35:32] - Closing Prayer

1. In 2 Corinthians 1:24, Paul mentions working for the joy of the church. What does he mean by not lording over their faith but working with them for their joy? [02:54]
2. How does Paul describe his personal sacrifices and hardships for the sake of the church's joy in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27? [03:54]
3. In Philippians 1:23-25, Paul expresses a tension between his desire to be with Christ and his commitment to remain for the joy of the churches. How does he resolve this tension? [11:43]
4. What is the relationship between joy and faith as described in 2 Corinthians 1:24 and Philippians 1:25? [12:07]

1. How does Paul's willingness to endure suffering for the joy of the church reflect his understanding of love? [08:42]
2. What does it mean for joy to be "mutual" in the context of a church community, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:2-3? [07:45]
3. How does the example of Chinese Christians enduring persecution illustrate the concept of finding joy in Christ amidst suffering? [20:28]
4. In what ways does Paul suggest that joy in Christ is different from joy in earthly pleasures or circumstances? [13:07]

1. Paul talks about working for the joy of others. How can you actively work for the joy of those in your church community this week? [02:54]
2. Reflect on a time when you found joy in a difficult situation. How did your faith in Christ sustain you during that time? [22:52]
3. Paul finds joy in the joy of others. How can you cultivate a mindset where your joy is intertwined with the joy of others in your life? [07:45]
4. The sermon mentions the costly nature of pursuing joy in Christ. What sacrifices might you need to make to prioritize your relationship with Christ? [04:57]
5. Consider the example of the Chinese Christians who found joy amidst persecution. How can their testimony inspire you to find joy in Christ regardless of your circumstances? [20:28]
6. How can you portray Christ as supremely valuable in your daily interactions and conversations? What specific steps can you take to make this a reality? [28:29]
7. Paul emphasizes the importance of supporting others through their losses. How can you be present for someone in your community who is experiencing a difficult time? [34:59]