By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The Benefits Of Adoration (Cont)

(B) REMAINING in Christ results in Jesus’ continued indwelling (v.4a), the fruitfulness of the disciple (v.5), success in prayer (v.7) and fullness of joy (v.11). (c) The consequences of failure to remain in Christ are fruitlessness (vv.4-5), removal from Christ and destruction (vv.2a,6).

“In God’s presence is fullness of Joy”

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” (Ps 16:11)

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23)
“Joy” (Gk chara), i.e., the feeling of gladness based on the love, grace, blessings, promises and nearness of God that belong to those who believe in Christ (Ps 119:16; 2Cor 6:10;12:9; 1Pet 1:8).

“Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,” Phil 1:4.
1:4; Joy is an integral part of our salvation in Christ. It is an inner peace and delight in God’ the Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and in the blessing that flows from our relationship with them (cf. 2Cor 13:14).

Scriptural teaching about joy includes the following: (10: Joy is associated with the salvation God provides us in Christ (1Pet 1:3-6; cf.Ps 5:11;9:2; Is 35:10) and with God’s word (Jer 15:16, cf.Ps 119:14).

(2) Joy flows from God as one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Ps 16:11; Rom 15:13; Gal 5:22). It does not come automatically, but is experienced as we maintain an abiding relationship with Christ (Jn15:1-11). Our joy becomes greater when the Spirit mediates a deep sense of God’s presence and nearness in our lives (cf.John 14:15-21; see16:14).
Jesus taught that the fullness of joy is inseparably connected to our remaining in His word, loving others, obeying His commands (John 15:7, 10-11) and being separated from world (Jn 17:13-17).

(3) Joy as a delight in the nearness of God and His redemptive gifts cannot be destroyed by pain, suffering, weakness or difficult circumstances (Mat 5:12; Acts 16:23-25; 2Cor 12:9).

(5.3) We enjoy the peace of God as we trust in Him.

‘Peace’ is one of the gifts of the Spirit
“Peace” (Gk eirênē), i.e., the rest of heart and mind based on the knowledge that all is well between the believer and his or her heavenly Father, resulting in freedom from the turmoil of anxiety (Rom 15:33; (Phil 4:7; 1Thes 5:23; Heb 13:20)

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You,” (Is 26:3).

We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. When we are devoted to him, our whole attitude is steady and stable.

Supported by God’s unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos (see Philippians 4:7).

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