25th May 26 | 06:30
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04 Acts 13 49-52 The spread of the Gospel 11 Acts 13 51-52 Filled with joy
📖 Acts 13:49-52
11 – Fri, 26 Sep 2025 – *Filled with joy*- _Acts 13:49-52_ – THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL – _John 15:11_
_Acts 13:51-52 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit._
From Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas came to Iconium. Here is a map and some background material related to this move of the Apostles.
https://opentheism.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/pauls-first-missionary-journey-part-4/
As they moved from Antioch Pisidia to Iconium and other cities in this region, we will see the powerful ministry that took place, as well as the severe opposition that they faced.
Our lives here on earth as disciples of Christ will involve two distinct experiences: one is the powerful ministry that the Lord accomplishes through us, and the other is the opposition that we will face because of the Gospel. We must be prepared.
The wonderful and exciting result that they witnessed in Antioch, Pisidia, was the establishment of a strong church. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The life of the disciple of Christ is a life of joy. We may wonder at that statement. We may be thinking, “Yes, there is joy, often, as a disciple of Christ, but a life of consistent joy that is not true. Life is a roller coaster ride. There are times of highs and there are times of severe lows”.
How is the life of a disciple of Christ, a life of joy? This was the experience of the disciples in Antioch, Pisidia.
A disciple of Christ lives a life of joy not because circumstances are always easy, but because their life is rooted in the presence, promises, and purpose of Jesus Christ. Scripture reveals this joy as deep, resilient, and often paradoxical — joy in trials, joy in surrender, joy in fellowship, and joy in hope.
_John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, *and that your joy may be full*._
The word of God is our source, in the enablement of the Holy Spirit, to abide in Christ. This is our deep, never-vanishing, and enduring source of joy. It is like a spring of water that never runs dry. Are we coming to the word of God and into His presence to drink deep, meditate, seek understanding and desire to know how to apply Scripture to daily life?
To many people, their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures is superficial and second-hand. If we do not know the Bible and the God of the Bible, how can we abide in Christ and experience joy that is full? I pray that this will change for us today. I pray that we will become students of His word. _II Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth._
Our meditation and study of the word of God will lead us to be with Him and know Him intimately. This is our source of joy. In His presence, the pleasures are eternal. _Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; *In Your presence is fullness of joy;* At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore._
What pleasures are we seeking in life? Are we desiring temporal ones? If so, will we ask the Lord to change us and give us the desire for eternal pleasures? The Lord knows how to give us things that are good for us. _I Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, *who gives us richly all things to enjoy*._
Trials in life are opportunities for us to experience the joy of the Lord. _James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (4) But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing._
*This is transformational thinking.* We desire transformation, but without pain. It is in the crisis moments of life that the Lord builds us in our character. He conforms us to the character of Christ. _Colossians 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power._
This process is enabled in us by His Holy Spirit. _II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord._
There is joy in the fellowship of God’s people. _Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (4) always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (5) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,_
We grow together into the fullness of Christ, and this is our joy. _I Thessalonians 2:19-20 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? (20) For you are our glory and joy._
The joy of the Lord is our inheritance in Christ. _I Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,_
```Don’t let the devil rob us of His joy.```
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