the scriptures associate joy with salvation (acts 8:5-12)
Introduction:
1. Because of persecution Philip left Jerusalem and went to Samaria where he preached Christ to the people there. 2. Philip's message was confirmed by the miracles he performed. 3. Vs.12 reveals the reaction of the people to Philip's preaching. 4. This helps us to appreciate the statement in vs.8 -- "there was great joy in that city." 5. The theme of our lesson -- "the Scriptures associate joy with salvation." Discussion: I. MANY TIMES IN SCRIPTURE JOY IS ASSOCIATED WITH SOULS BEING SAVED
A. Jesus taught in Luke 15:7&10 that there is "joy" in heaven when a soul is saved. B. The Bible also shows how people rejoiced when their souls were saved, including: 1. the people in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41, 46-47) 2. the eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:38-39) 3. the jailer in Philippi (Acts 16:33-34). C. Let us consider several reasons for rejoicing as these people did. 1. The remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins is granted (Acts 2:38; 22:16). 2. In addition, when a person is saved,: a. he is added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:47) b. he is given a new name (Acts 11:26) c. he gains the hope of eternal life (Romans 6:23) d. he becomes a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) e. he becomes a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27) f. he gains access to all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). D. We conclude that the salvation of a soul is a joyous occasion. II. THE SCRIPTURES ALSO TEACH THAT JOY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED
A. Christians are instructed to rejoice many times in the New Testament. 1. Galatians 5:22-23 2. Philippians 3:1; 4:4 3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 B. The New Testament also shows us in Philippians 4 how we can rejoice at all times. 1. According to: a. vs.5, we must practice forbearance b. vs.6, we must avoid anxiety c. vs.8, we must think properly. 2. By practicing these instructions we will receive 2 special blessings mentioned in vs.7&9. 3. These 2 blessings will enable us to rejoice at all times. Conclusion:
1. In closing, let us read the words of Christ found in John 15:10-11. 2. Are you experiencing to the fullest extent the joy that Jesus provides? 3. If not, pay close attention to David's request in Psalm 51:12.
