Skip to main content

The Fulfillment of Joy

these things I have spoken to you so that my joy exists in you and your joy is fulfilled.(John 15:11)

The Greek word fulfilled is πληρόω (plēroō) meaning to fulfill, make full; (pass.) to be filled, full, complete. Jesus is speaking these things to the disciples so that his joy would be in them and their joy would be fulfilled. The word fulfilled is defined as providing happiness and satisfaction.* Joy is a source or cause of delight; the emotion evoked by well-being, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; delight. The psalmist says, "delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."(Psalm 37:4) Here Jesus is telling us how to have happiness and satisfaction, the fulfillment of joy.

Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts off and all bearing fruit he prunes so that it bears more fruit.(John 15:2) 

What does Jesus mean he cuts off branches not bearing fruit? Paul writes of the grafting in of the Gentiles and the breaking off of branches, which were the Jews who did not believe.(Romans 11:17-24) Is Jesus talking about this? Possibly, but Paul warns "if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps sparing, not sparing you. Behold the kindness and the severity of God, severity to those fallen, now God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness."(Romans 11:21-22) Jesus said to those believing in him the true disciple continues, abides in his words.(John 8:31-32) To fall away is to be like a branch broken off? Why are we disciplined as children of God? he prunes so that we bear more fruit, of sharing in his holiness.

already you are clean through the message which I have spoken to you.(John 15:3) 

Jesus makes this distinction early, when talking about bearing fruit. It is as John writes if God's seed abides in you, you will bear fruit, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."(1 John 3:6) Therefore his words are for the elect, the ones chosen to be holy, in his presence in love. At the last supper when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples he said something similar, they were already clean, except for Judas, he had chosen them.(John 13:7-11) A further cleansing was needed and Jesus said they would understand later.

I am the vine, you are the branches, the one abiding in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.(John 15:1-5)

Jesus is the true vine and the Father is the vine-grower, the source of true fulfillment of joy. It is His joy in us that brings the fulfillment of our joy. "Abide in me and I in you just as the branch has no power to bear fruit by itself except it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me."(John 15:4) There are conditions on the fulfillment of Joy in us, one is that we must be abide in Him, be connected and remain.

My Father is glorified in this, so that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.(John 15:1-5)

What is the fruit that glorifies God? it is becoming a disciple of Jesus, because he is of the Father, the radiance of His exact nature. But what specific fruit, what fruit is there of becoming a disciple of Jesus? Let's read further, "if you keep my commandments, you abide in my love just as I kept my Father's commands and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you so that my joy exists in you and your joy is fulfilled"(John 15:1-5) Here we see other conditions of the fulfillment of Joy in us, "and become my disciples" and we see what fruit a disciple must bear, "if you keep my commandments." If this is true then this becomes an important question, how do I keep his commands/words?

Just as the Father loved me I have also loved you, abide in my love, if you keep my commandments you abide in my love...(John 15:9-10)

The key to obedience, keeping the commands/words/charges is abiding. And we see if we do, we abide in His love. In other words we abide in His love when we obey his commands. Is God's love conditional? There is a difference, like when a child grows up to be like his father, the father is joyful. A disobedient child is loved but there is joy in the obedient one. We see there is a deeper love from God that comes when we mature, bearing fruit, which is why it is said to glorify God. Certainly, this maturity is about the fulfillment of joy, "these things I have spoken to you so that my joy exists in you and your joy is fulfilled."(John 15:11) There is joy and there is the fulfillment or completeness of joy. In the parable of soils, the rocky soil, the hard soil, and the soil with thorns all received the word with joy! But something happened, one fell away because he did not have deep roots, another because of persecution, another because of the cares of this world, and another because of the deceit of earthly riches. 

Certainly, it is a scheme of the devil to plant weeds for this very purpose, so that we loose sight of Jesus and his joy. Surely, the good soil tells us the one who endures will understand that the only possible way to have happiness and satisfaction, the fulfillment of joy, is abiding in Jesus. Through this understanding  he will endure as Christ endured, for the joy set before him? and bear fruit some thirty, sixty, and hundredfold.(Luke 8:11-15)

Since Jesus loves us as the Father loves him, abiding in Jesus is abiding in the love of the Father. If I abide in Him, I will bear fruit. What is the fruit? we have seen it is of obedience, following his commands. Which is loving God and loving one another. It is no coincidence that following this proclamation by Jesus that His joy will exist in us so to the fulfillment of our joy by following His commands, that he then gives a command, "this is my commandment; love one another just as I love you..."(John 15:12) "Just as I love you" implies you know experentially of his love and if you love him, if you are his disciple you will obey this command.

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.(John 13:35)

How will the world know we are His disciples? because we follow his command and he commands us to love one another. In short, how do we know we abide in Jesus, that we are his disciples? because we love one another. The Father is glorified in that we bear much fruit of being his disciple. A fruit of being His disciple is loving one another thus God is glorified in us loving one another. The fellowship we have with the Father, we also have with the Son, and with one another if we walk in the Light as he is in the Light. The one who doesn't understand such love for His brethren is not in the Light neither has he passed from death unto life, John writes.*

all the ones believing that Jesus is the Christ, are begotten of God and all the ones loving the Father loves his begotten, in this knowing because loving the children of God on occasion of loving God and obeying his commands.(1 John 5:1-4)

You can't love God and not love Jesus and you can't love Jesus and not love his brethren. This is how we know who loves God and obeys his commands, because the one who loves Jesus obeys him and loves his brethren. Judge them by their fruit Jesus said. Also "greater love has no one than this, that one lays down his life for his friends if you do the things I command you, no longer do I call you servants but friends because all that which I heard from the Father I have made known to you. You did not chose me but I appointed you to go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that the Father gives whatever you ask in my name, these things I command you so to love one another."(John 15:12-17) We see if we are obedient to and follow His commands we are not called servants but friends and true friends love one another. Do you have a bunch of Christian acquaintances and not friends? It is not to be so. Are you a servant of doctrines and traditions of men or a friend of Jesus?

for this is the love of God so that we keep his commands and his commands are not burdensome.(1 John 5:3)

Tell the porn addict to stop looking at porn and he will say it is burdensome, the desires of the flesh are overpowering. Tell the ex-porn addict who has remained (enduring suffering and discipline) who continues to abide in the words of Jesus and he will say I know the truth and the truth has set me free, therefore his commands are not burdensome. To find the commands of Jesus not burdensome is to have put to death sin in the body. And this will only happen through abiding in Jesus, and through the Spirit of Christ, a part from him you can do nothing. John tells us this, the young person is strong because the word of God abides in him, he has overcome the evil one.(1 John 2:13-15)

whom we have seen and heard, proclaiming also to you so that you also have fellowship with us, now also our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ and these things we are writing so that our joy is fulfilled.(1 John 1:1-3)

Who they touched, heard, saw, was the one who existed in the beginning, the word of Life, and this life was brought to light, and they having looked upon, also testify and proclaim to us eternal life. John writes the fulfillment of Joy is closely related to Life in Christ and to fellowship with the Son, in whom we have fellowship with the Father, and each other. There is a condition to this fellowship, that we walk in the Light as He is Light. If we do not love one another, we walk in darkness, John writes. The good news is that we have an advocate with the Father, so any time we get off in the darkness, we can get back into the Light, if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

The Father is glorified in that we bear much fruit, of being disciples of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus abides in his words, obeys his commands, loves his brethren, and deeply knows the love of Jesus and that of the Father. So we pray that we have strength with all the saints to lay hold of the love of God without bounds, to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge so that we are filled to the fullness of God, holy and loved, so that His joy exists in us so to the fulfillment of our joy.

Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more