Tag: rejoice

Romans 15:10 – Gentile Rejoicing

Posted on by Will

And again it says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"

Truth to Learn

Christians of all nationalities have reason to rejoice.

 

Behind the Words

“Rejoice” is translated from euphrainō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and a form of phren, meaning “the mind.” Thus, we can see the root meaning is to have a good state of mind. It means “to rejoice, make joy, or be glad.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul’s instruction on this topic began back in Romans 14:1 with an admonition to accept into the church those who are weak in the faith but not for the purpose of arguing about minor spiritual issues. Most recently Paul has instructed us that we should be like-minded toward one another and we should not be picking petty faults; rather we should defer to others. In the end, he says that this will allow us, converted Jew and converted Gentile alike, to unite our hearts and voices in praise to our Heavenly Father.

After all, God the Father sent His only Son to demonstrate to the Jews that His promises are true, and to the Gentiles that He is a merciful God. And for this Jews and Gentiles alike should rejoice and praise God. In the previous verse Paul quoted from the Psalms to show that the Jews are to praise God among the Gentiles. The current verse is a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:43 showing that the Gentiles are to praise God along with the Jews. If you read through this 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy you will see that God is speaking about taking vengeance on His enemies and because of that he proclaims:

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, and take vengeance on His edemies; He will provide atonement for His land and His people. (Deuteronomy 32:43)

Obviously God is taking vengeance on the enemies of both Israel and the church. This specific verse is a reference to the tribulation when God will rain down vengeance on those who reject His offer of mercy and salvation.

Incidentally, for those of you who think that our God is only a God of love, reading through the book of Revelation will show you that He is also a God of vengeance and wrath upon those who reject His offer of merciful love.

Also, note: some translations are very good about showing words that are not in the original text, which have been inserted by the translators (notice the gray italicized words in the Deuteronomy passage above). Usually the inclusion of these words enhances the meaning. Sometimes, however, it completely changes the message of the text. In the passage quoted above the word “with” is not in the original Hebrew text (though it is in Paul’s quotation of the Greek version of the Old Testament). Thus, it reads: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, His people.” We see from this that in the Old Testament there are places where, in addition to the Jews, Gentiles are declared to be God’s people.

 

Application

All Christians, no matter what our religious upbringing or national origin, should rejoice because of what God has done for us and because of the promises He gives us concerning our eternal destiny. Let us all rejoice and praise Him together!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:10 – Strong Faith?

Posted on by Will

Having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

Truth to Learn

Faith in anything other than Jesus Christ is futile.

 

Behind the Words

“Having seen” is translated from the verb horaō, which means “to see” or “to stare at.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it is properly translated as “having seen.” The implication is that they had not seen the star for a while, but now having observed the guiding star once again, they rejoiced.

The expression “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” loses its effect in English because we tend to read it as “they were glad,” however, it is much more than that. It is translated from the Greek echarēsan charan megalēn sphodra. Echarēsan is the verb form of charis, which means “delight or joy.” The verb form means to express that joy, hence “rejoice.” The next word, charan is also a form of charis. When Greek repeats a word in both verb and noun form it implies intensity. In English we would say they joyfully rejoiced. The next word, megalēn is a form of megas, meaning “large” or “great.” Here it is describing charis, so it is saying “they joyfully rejoiced greatly.” The word sphodra, means “to a high degree.” Putting this all together we get, “they joyfully rejoiced exceedingly greatly.” It expresses the utmost in joyful exuberance!

 

Meaning Explained

The fact that the magi rejoiced with exceedingly great joy indicates that they probably had not seen the star recently. It is even possible that they had not seen the star for a long time. Perhaps it was because it was not as brilliantly evident as it had been previously. Perhaps it had been cloudy for a while. Or, perhaps the event that they beheld while in the east had not been visible while they were traveling and after they left Herod, the event in the stars took place again. Whatever the reason, after leaving Herod, they once again were able to see the star and it gave them exceedingly great joy.

Also, notice that these magi were believers. They were probably not believers in the sense that they believed all of God’s promises. But, they had a strong belief in the fact that there was a new-born King of the Jews. In fact, their belief was so strong that they set off on a long and dangerous journey just to see the King. The gifts that they brought indicated that they expected to see a king.

Herod was a believer too. Not in the sense that he believed in the coming Messiah, but He believed the report that there was a new king of the Jews recently born. This is evident by the fact that when the magi returned home without reporting back to him, Herod proceeded to have all the male children in Bethlehem two years old and younger killed.

Then seeing that he was mocked by the wise men, Herod was exceedingly angry; and having sent, he killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had specifically asked from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

 

Application

Many people have strong beliefs. Some people even have a strong belief that there is a God. However, those who believe anything other than that Jesus Christ is God and that He gave His life on the cross to pay for our sins has a misplaced faith. Their faith will not do them any good when they stand before Jesus Christ as their Judge.

for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

The magi were extremely excited to have an encounter with the King of the Jews. Have you ever experienced that kind of joyous joy regarding Jesus?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:11 – Bragging Rights

Posted on by Will

And not only that, but we also are rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Truth to Learn

We have the right to rejoice and brag about God our Father.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “rejoicing” is the Greek word kauchaomai. This word is derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which vain people are apt to carry in a proud manner. Hence, the meaning has come to be recognized as “prideful or boastful either in a good or a bad sense.” As a result, some interpret this word as meaning to rejoice in a celebratory manner.

The word translated “we have now received” is lambanō, meaning “to take, to accept, or to receive.” It is expressed in the aorist indicative tense indicating something that was completed at a point in time in the past.

“Reconciliation” is from the Greek word katallagē, which is based on the verb katallassō, meaning “to exchange or to restore to a former state.” Hence, katallagē refers to “a restoration or a reconciliation.”

 

Meaning Explained

Not only have we been justified by the death of Jesus and we will be saved from the wrath of God by the life of Jesus, but we now are rejoicing in God because of it, according to Paul.

My friends, Christians should be the most joy-filled and rejoicing people on the face of the earth! Why? Because we have been justified (declared righteous) by God and have been promised that we will not suffer His wrath in the future. This justification allows us to fellowship with Almighty God right now, and the promise allows us to patiently endure the trials of this life knowing that we will not see His wrath.

But, I believe the root meaning of the word kauchaomai (to boast or to brag) is what Paul is trying to show us. There isn’t a child alive who, because he or she loves his or her father, won’t brag about him to his or her friends. It’s a natural thing to do. Christians, because we no longer have to fear the wrath of God (our Father), will naturally boast or brag about the greatness, the power, the infinite wisdom, the grace, the love … (I could go on for quite a while) of our Father. And we do so through the person of Jesus Christ who is the visible manifestation of the Father, for Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Finally, Paul says that it is through Jesus Christ that we have received the reconciliation. Don’t miss this, now! The Greek verb lambanō, translated “received,” is in the aorist tense. In Greek that means action that was completed at a point in time in the past. Paul says that now, at the present time, we have already received the reconciliation (completed at a point in time in the past). That’s why we can boast about Him, because we are now, and always will be, reconciled with, and at peace with, our Heavenly Father. And since we are reconciled with Him and will never have to know His wrath, we brag about Him as the greatest there ever was or ever could be!

 

Application

The next time you sing a song of praise to God, remember that we have eternal bragging rights. We can brag about our Father and rejoice because we have been completely reconciled to Him, forever and ever!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:3 – Joyful Tribulation

Posted on by Will

And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Truth to Learn

We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in the current verse is the word kauchomai, which means “to boast (either in a good or a bad sense)” or “to rejoice.” In some translations it is written as “glory.” However, in the previous verse the word translated “glory” is a different Greek word. It is the word doxes, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion,” and thus in a secondary sense “reputation, praise or honor.” But the word in the previous verse that is translated “rejoice” is kauchomai, as it is here. Therefore, to be consistent in our translation, we see that the word which some translations have as “glory” in the current verse should be translated “rejoice.”

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Hence, we can see that thlipsis refers to “pressure, affliction, distress, or tribulation.”

The word translated “perseverance” is hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us that not only do we rejoice in our confident expectation of standing in the glory of God one day, but we also rejoice in afflictions.

But that doesn’t make sense, does it? When we are in the midst of tribulation, do we feel like rejoicing? No! But Paul says that we should. Why? Because when we are undergoing trials and tribulations and we realize that Jesus went through even greater trials and tribulation (leading up to and while on the cross), we can identify with Him and gain some comfort in the fact that He knows what we are going through. This, then, helps us endure the tribulation, and by enduring it we learn patience.

Patience is one of those things that everyone wants to have without having to earn it. Unfortunately, though, patience can only be learned and fully developed under trying circumstances, and even then only by trusting in God to carry us through. James teaches us a very similar thing regarding trials which test our faith:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of your faith brings about patience. (James 1:2-3)

The word translated “patience” in James’ letter is the same word as the one translated “perseverance” in today’s verse.

 

Application

Beware of asking God for patience unless you’re really serious. God may very well give it to you by giving you trying or distressing situations through which you will develop patience, if you remain under the load.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:13 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on by Will

but rejoice to the extent that you share Christ's sufferings, so that you may rejoice at the revelation of His glory, exulting.

Truth to Learn

We should be happy when we suffer as followers of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

“Rejoice” is from chairō, meaning “to have joy” or “to be well.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command for us to be joyful.

The word “share” is translated from koinōneō, meaning “to have things in common with” or “to participate in.”

“Sufferings” is from the Greek word pathēma, meaning “that which is suffered.”

 

Meaning Explained

Peter just told us not to be surprised at the fiery trial (the adversity) that is currently happening to us and that we are not to think that such adversities are strange. Here’s what Paul said:

all who determine to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Therefore, we shouldn’t think it unusual if we are being persecuted for trying to live godly lives. Instead of thinking it strange, we should rejoice in the midst of our persecution and suffering. Say what?! Are we supposed to be some kind of masochist and get really excited when we encounter pain and suffering? No, that’s not what Peter is saying. He is saying that we should rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s suffering. Paul said to the Philippians:

to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10)

And we should be willing, yes even desirous, of being identified as one of His, even in our suffering. James also said:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)

James even taught us that we will grow from these trials. And keep in mind what our Lord, Himself, told us:

Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, for your reward in Heaven is great. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12)

Any personal relationship is strengthened when both parties in the relationship share common experiences, especially if they are difficult or painful experiences. God wants us to develop a closer relationship with Him, and one of the ways we can do this is by sharing in the suffering of Christ.

 

Application

If we are suffering because of our godly witness and our testimony as followers of Christ, then we are, in fact, suffering with Him. As a result, we will be glad with exceeding joy when Christ comes back in His glory. We will be glad because He with whom we have suffered, with whom we now have a closer personal relationship, is returning as the conquering King who will receive all the glory He is due! Give Him praise!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:6 – Rejoice in Adversity

Posted on by Will

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

Truth to Learn

Even in the midst of difficult times we should be rejoicing that God has secured our salvation, forever!

 

Behind the Words

The word “rejoice” is translated from the Greek word agalliaō, which is a compound of agan, meaning “much” and a form of hallomai, meaning “to leap.” Hence, it literally means “much leaping.” By application, it refers to abundant joyful celebration. In the Greek text, this word is immediately followed by oligos, which means “much” or “greatly.”

The phrase “you have been grieved” is from the Greek word, lupeo which means “to be in distress” or “to be sad.”

“Various” is translated from poikilos, which means “variegated.” This is the word used to describe the skin of a leopard or the different colored shadings in marble. Hence, though the word “various” is an accurate translation, it refers to “various different kinds,” not just “a number of.”

The word “trials” is from the Greek word peirasmos which can mean “to entice” or “to tempt.” By implication it means temptations or adversities in general. This is different from the word translated “tested” in the following verse (dokimadzō), which means “to test or evaluate in order to ascertain value.”

 

Meaning Explained

Peter is saying, “In this new birth, which can’t be lost, and this guaranteed salvation which you have, you are greatly rejoicing …” He is not so much making a doctrinal statement as he is making a statement of fact. Apparently the people to whom he is writing had already demonstrated their rejoicing in their salvation and inheritance. And this is made even more noteworthy considering the trials that they were currently undergoing.

So what Peter is saying is that these people were rejoicing in the assurances they have from God in spite of the fact that they were currently undergoing distress or sadness from the temptations and adversities that they were suffering. It is clear from the next verse that they were not sad as a result of being tempted to do evil. They were saddened by the pain of the adversity they were undergoing, even though this adversity was causing their faith to be strengthened.

As Paul said:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)

 

Application

We all undergo adversities and trials in our Christian walk. One of the keys to peace and happiness is the realization that these are only temporary and they may result in even greater glory as we allow them to refine our faith and give the glory to God alone.

Are you undergoing adversities which are producing sadness in your life? Peter says, “Rejoice!”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

 

Behind the Words

“Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Its basic meaning is “gratitude” or “giving of thanks.”

The word translated “render” is antapodidōmi. This is a double compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” or “in turn,” apo, meaning “from,” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The meaning of antapodidōmi is “to give back in return for something received,” or “to repay.”

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

“Before” is translated from the Greek preposition emprosthen. This word is made up of en, meaning “in” or “in a place” and prosthen, meaning “facing toward something.” Therefore, emprosthen could be translated as “in the presence of” or “before.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul was not just a great evangelist and teacher of Christian doctrine, he was also a mighty prayer warrior. Not only did Paul pray constantly (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3) for every Christian he came in contact with, he prayed especially for those to whom he ministered (2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Also note how often he thanked God for the fruit of his ministry (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 14, 14:18; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

In today’s verse we see that his prayers of thankfulness were a kind of payback to God for what had been accomplished in his ministry. He did not take credit for the result of his tireless labor; he recognized that God was the source of all his success. He also recognized that he could never repay God with enough thanks for what God had accomplished through him.

It’s interesting to note that Paul also gave God the credit for the joy he felt in seeing the work of his ministry bearing fruit. And that joy was not for what God had done to or for him, it was for what God had done for others. Remember that Paul has frequently mentioned the persecution and anguish that he and others had experienced as a result of his ministry. Nonetheless, he was thankful and filled with joy.

 

Application

We need to get the focus of our ministry off of ourselves and onto God and those to whom we minister. The next time you are praying with a group of Christians, especially when you are with your ministry team, take note of how much time people spend in thanksgiving versus how much time is spent asking for things. We owe it to God to give Him thanks for the work He has accomplished. Remember, in ministry we are His ambassadors and His servants. Also remember that it is the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit, not our brilliant planning and hard work. Give thanks to God for every seed that produces fruit. We owe it to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 2:13 – Merciless Judgment

Posted on by Will

For judgment will be without mercy to the one not having shown mercy. Mercy rejoices over judgment.

Truth to Learn

Our merciful actions in this life will have eternal results.

Behind the Words

The word “judgment” is translated from krisis, which literally refers to a separation, hence a dividing between two things, or a judgment.

“Without mercy” is translated from anileōs, which is made up of the negative particle a, meaning “not” or “without” and hileōs, meaning “merciful.” Hence, it means “not merciful.”

The word translated “mercy” in the last two instances of this verse is translated from eleos, meaning “compassion.” There is a subtle difference between hileōs identified above and this word. Whereas hileōs (mercy) refers to the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, eleos (compassion) refers to a feeling of deep sympathy for the unfortunate condition of another and to be kind and forgiving as a result.

Katakauchaomai is the Greek word translated “rejoices.” It is composed of kata, meaning “against” and kauchaomai, meaning “to boast” of “to rejoice.” It literally means “to speak loudly against, to boast against, or to rejoice against.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, James talked about those who will be judged by the law of liberty (Christians). He pointed out that we should act in a righteous way because we are free to do so. In this verse he says that compassion is one form of that righteous action and it will defend us when our works are judged.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said a similar thing to what James is saying here:

“Blessed are the merciful! For they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

James is talking about those of us who are under the law of liberty, that is, Christians. All unsaved people will appear before the Great White Throne judgment (Revelations 20:11-15) where their sins will be judged. They will be condemned to the Lake of Fire because they are sinful, not righteous. Christians, on the other hand, will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ where our works will be judged. Our sins will not be judged there, because they were all judged at the cross. The works that we do in the name of Christ, including being compassionate to the poor and oppressed of this world, will result in rewards for the believer. All other works will be burned up without mercy.

So, what James is saying is that if you are truly saved, you are no longer a slave to sin and you should be practicing righteousness, mercy, and love. If you are not saved, you cannot practice these because you are a slave to sin.

Application

When was the last time you had an opportunity to show mercy to someone else? No, I’m not referring to putting some spare change in the kettle at Christmas time. I’m talking about not taking action against someone who wronged you, even though you have the right and the opportunity to do so. Let’s all look for opportunities to be compassionate and merciful.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice Always

Posted on by Will

Rejoice always,

Truth to Learn

Christians should always be filled with joy.

Behind the Words

The Greek verb translated “rejoice,” is chairō, which literally means “to be calmly happy, to be glad, or to rejoice.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Always” is from pantote, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. It means “all the time.”

Meaning Explained

Here’s a little nugget for all you trivia buffs. In the Greek text, this is the shortest verse in the New Testament. It is made up of only two words. John 11:35, which has the reputation of being the shortest verse in the Bible (Jesus wept), contains three words in the Greek text. Now, back to our study —

Back in verses twelve and thirteen, Paul instructed us on how we are to regard and respect our hard working pastors. Then he challenged us regarding how we are to deal with people in the church who cause division and how we are to comfort and support the timid and weak members of our church. In yesterday’s verse, he informed us that getting retaliation for bad things done to us is not what God wants us to do. Instead, we are to always pursue the performance of good deeds.

Now, for the next few verses Paul focuses on the attitudes and actions we need to give attention to in our personal lives. The first attitude he wants us to develop is that of a joyous outlook on life. He commands us to be joyful at all times. But what if I’m going through tough times and bad things are happening to me? you may ask. It is especially important in the midst of difficult circumstances to have an attitude of joy. Yes, it’s easy to get depressed and discouraged when bad things are happening to you; however, Paul is not making a suggestion here, he is giving us a command from God.

The key is to recognize that Paul is talking about spiritual joy, not just a fleshly, emotional happiness. As Christians we need to be constantly focused on what God has done for us and the promise He has given us. God is a holy, righteous God. He is totally sinless and because of His righteousness, He must judge sinners. When we realize how sinful we are and that the penalty for our sinfulness is eternal death and damnation, we begin to recognize how undeserving we are of God’s grace.

Bad things happen to us for three reasons:

  • They are the consequences of our own sinfulness (God promises us forgiveness of our sin, not avoidance of its consequence).
  • God allows them to happen to us in order to help us grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.
  • They are a result of the sinful, ungodly world in which we live.

No matter what the source, however, we can be filled with joy because one day we will leave this sinful world and we will spend eternity in God’s presence. This is much better than the eternal fate that unbelievers face, whether they know it or not.

Application

In the midst of difficult circumstances we can be filled with joy, knowing that we are God’s children and we will spend eternity in His presence. Therefore, my friend, no matter what your circumstances are, learn to be filled with joy.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God

Posted on by Will

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

Truth to Learn

It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit.

Behind the Words

“Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Its basic meaning is “gratitude” or “giving of thanks.”

The word translated “render” is antapodidōmi. This is a double compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” or “in turn,” apo, meaning “from,” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The meaning of antapodidōmi is “to give back in return for something received,” or “to repay.”

Both the words “joy” and “rejoice” are based on the word chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to express gladness.”

“Before” is translated from the Greek preposition emprosthen. This word is made up of en, meaning “in” or “in a place” and prosthen, meaning “facing toward something.” Therefore, emprosthen could be translated as “in the presence of” or “before.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul was not just a great evangelist and teacher of Christian doctrine, he was also a mighty prayer warrior. Not only did Paul pray constantly (Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3) for every Christian he came in contact with, he prayed especially for those to whom he ministered (2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Also note how often he thanked God for the fruit of his ministry (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 14, 14:18; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

In today’s verse we see that his prayers of thankfulness were a kind of payback to God for what had been accomplished in his ministry. He did not take credit for the result of his tireless labor; he recognized that God was the source of all his success. He also recognized that he could never repay God with enough thanks for what God had accomplished through him.

It’s interesting to note that Paul also gave God the credit for the joy he felt in seeing the work of his ministry bearing fruit. And that joy was not for what God had done to or for him, it was for what God had done for others. Remember that Paul has frequently mentioned the persecution and anguish that he and others had experienced as a result of his ministry. Nonetheless, he was thankful and filled with joy.

Application

We need to get the focus of our ministry off of ourselves and onto God and those to whom we minister. The next time you are praying with a group of Christians, especially when you are with your ministry team, take note of how much time people spend in thanksgiving versus how much time is spent asking for things. We owe it to God to give Him thanks for the work He has accomplished. Remember, in ministry we are His ambassadors and His servants. Also remember that it is the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit, not our brilliant planning and hard work. Give thanks to God for every seed that produces fruit. We owe it to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved