Joy And Peace

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

As Paul moves toward the close of his letter to the Romans, he handles various practical matters while continuing to expound the truth of Christ. Our text lies at the end of a brief discussion of how Christ has ministered to both Jews and Gentiles. He quotes Isaiah who wrote of the ‘root of Jesse’ which is a reference to Christ. Paul then writes the statement in our text. He wants these believers to be full of joy and peace which is the result of their believing. This spiritual condition is what they enjoy because of the work of the Spirit. The Spirit’s work is to take the things of Christ and show them to us. When we believe Christ as the Scripture reveals Him, we have joy and peace. This is joy and peace that transcends our circumstances. The people to whom Paul was speaking would experience severe persecution in the coming years. It would be the Holy Spirit, giving them joy and peace in believing that would sustain them as they suffered for the name of Christ. We want such joy and peace ourselves. We continue to look to Christ to work in us through His Spirit that we may ever have a clearer sight of Him.

Our Great and Gracious God,
we rejoice that You have brought us to believe.
We praise You that with believing,
there comes joy and peace.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning