Rejoice About It
Philippians 4:4
January 23, 2005 – Vision Sunday
Subject: Rejoicing
Central Theme: When should we rejoice?
Objective: Every person should rejoice because of three D’s of Jesus.
Introduction: Today is a day that I have been looking forward to for some time. I enjoy being able to preach a message that has been stewing in my heart for a time. Picking a theme verse is somewhat difficult. You must pray and observe and see where God is leading. I’m excited about what God is doing.
I have dreams and desires for what God will do. The closer I get to God, the more my desires are met. I want to see God do great things. I want to do exploits for the LORD. Daniel uses this word in
Daniel 11:32 “… the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Exploits are notable acts. They are interesting or daring acts and achievements.
The LORD has been good to me and my family. I have much to be thankful for. The LORD still has things for me to do. I have purpose and direction. I have a mission and a plan. The LORD has given me many reasons to rejoice.
READ Philippians 4:4
PRAY
Since we are to rejoice at all times, then there is never a time not to rejoice. We ought to then….
I. Rejoice In The Past: What Jesus Has Done.
A. Created All Things.
1. Six days. Literal days. Same 24 hours as we have today.
2. He pronounced His creation as good.
3. God doesn’t do bad creating. His work is always good.
a) Did you know that the Christian is a new creation in Christ. You are good!
b) Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
4. But sin entered into the world…
B. Sacrificed For Sin.
1. God had a plan for just such a thing.
2. Before God spoke, “Let there be light.” There was the lamb of God slain and sacrificed for sin.
3. A just God requires a penalty for sin. Jesus paid in full our debt of sin and we are forgiven.
C. Resurrected In Victory
1. The last foe to be conquered is death.
2. In heaven there will be no more death.
3. It was on a Sunday morning that the ground shook and the angels rejoiced and our saviour rose himself from the grave.
4. 1 Corinthians 15:55 “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
D. Summary
1. We can rejoice because of what Jesus has already done.
I. Rejoice In The Past: What Jesus Has Done.
II. Rejoice In The Present: What Jesus Is Doing.
A. Building His Church.
1. Matthew 16:18 “… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
2. The church of God is ever expanding.
3. It is the glory of God to see His church getting larger and larger.
C. Saving Souls
1. Like a conquering Knight in shining armour, our LORD is going forth saving souls.
2. He is still doing the Father’s business.
3. He is still doing miracles.
4. He is still saving souls.
5. He is still converting the Lost.
6. He is still building His church.
D. Preparing a Place.
1. This world was done in six days.
2. It has been about 720,840 days since the resurrection. Can you just imagine what heaven will be like?
a) If you said Yes, then I must quote: 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
E. Summary
1. We can rejoice in what Jesus is doing. He is building His church, saving souls, and preparing a place.
I. Rejoice In The Past: What Jesus Has Done.
II. Rejoice In The Present: What Jesus Is Doing.
III. Rejoice In The Future: What Jesus Will Do.
A. Save To The Uttermost
1. Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
2. He will not come back until everyone that should be saved will be saved.
3. There are still billions of people alive today that need Jesus.
4. I have mixed feelings about the second coming. I want to see that day, but I know that if Jesus returns today, billions will be lost.
B. Return In Glory
1. Jesus is coming again.
2. It will be glorious.
3. It will be amazing. Every eye will see him.
4. We haven’t seen what Glory looks like, but we will see it someday.
5. If we die before the second coming, don’t worry, you will be there to see it. He is coming with His Saints.
C. Make All Things New
1. A world with no more curse.
2. God will declare it as good. And forever it will be good.
D. Summary
1. We can rejoice in that He is coming again.
2. He will make all things new.
IV. Conclusion.
Objective: Every person should rejoice because of three D’s of Jesus.
1. Rejoice In The Past: What Jesus Has Done.
2. Rejoice In The Present: What Jesus Is Doing.
3. Rejoice In The Future: What Jesus Will Do.
