Heavenly Joy

Heavenly joy is tied to God's Kingdom working, and through Paul's example and counsel we learn how God expects us to live in the midst of the real challenges of the Christian life. Even the apostle Paul couldn't see the future or how things would work out and he had no special assurances beyond what is given to all of God's children. We are called to live our lives by faith in God's word and the Lord has promised to comfort and encourage the downcast, not the self-assured and presumptuous. Paul's exceeding joy came from his focus upon and concern for others with respect to their relationship with God and their effectiveness in His Kingdom. Paul also distinguishes between worldly sorrow for sin and godly sorrow, and he lists characteristics of true repentance. He then shows the foundation for affection and trust.