1. We have recently been studying a number of Bible subjects that relate to "the salvation of our souls," including: a. the grace of God b. the death of Christ c. hearing God's Word d. believing that Jesus is the Son of God e. repentance f. confession g. baptism h. faithfulness. 2. We need to pay close attention to what the Bible teaches about these subjects because saving our souls is a matter of utmost importance. 3. Jesus indicated in Matthew 16:26 that a person's soul is his most valuable possession. 4. When we understand how valuable our souls are we should certainly want them to be saved. 5. In this lesson we are examining passages that associate "joy" [rejoicing] with salvation. 6. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE OFTEN ASSOCIATES "JOY" 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: 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 from these passages that the salvation of a soul is a joyous occasion.
II. THE BIBLE ALSO TEACHES THAT "JOY" IS TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF CHRISTIANS [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?
