Mutual Joy - 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4

Joy is the aim of a healthy, growing, mutually-ministered church.

“I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” 2 Corinthians 12:15

“For you are our glory and joy!” 1 Thessalonians 2:20

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Hebrews 13:17

Joyful ministry is marked by…

1) Integrity (1:23)

2) Humility (1:24a)

”And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”“ ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭

“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.“ ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

3) Helpfulness (1:24b)

”And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.“ ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

4) Love (2:1-4)