Why did Paul want the Corinthians to experience greater joy in their salvation?
Paul wanted the Corinthians to experience greater joy in salvation because he was responsible for bringing them out of their paganistic lifestyle, and he wanted to be part of that joy. He also desired their spiritual growth and fullness of the Holy Spirit, hoping they would reign as kings so he could reign with them.
Les teaches that the apostle Paul was bringing the Corinthians to the place where they could experience a greater joy of their salvation, and Paul wanted to be part of that joy because he was the one responsible for bringing them out of their paganistic lifestyle. In the context, Paul addresses carnal Christians who were rich and full because of what God had done in their lives, and he writes, “You reigned as kings without us, and I would to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you.” Les explains that Paul desired them to move beyond carnality, to be filled again with the Holy Spirit, and to prioritize spiritual things over material things, so they could reign and he could share in that joy.
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.