#159 – REJOICE IN SALVATION (30/7/20)

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‘Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,  for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.’ (Philippians 1:18-20)

Joy in uncertain times comes through ‘standing’ on what we know. Paul knew that as they prayed for him, as he prayed, and as the Spirit of Jesus was at work, ‘what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.’ 

‘Deliverance’ could be translated ‘salvation’. Paul knows that he will be kept faithful to Jesus and be saved - be in glory with Jesus.

We may feel weak in faith and wonder if we can keep faithful to Jesus. However, you and I need to stand on what we know; the question is not ‘can I keep hold of Jesus?’ Those who rejoice say ‘I know that He will keep hold of me and take me to glory’.

RESPONSE

Are you standing on what you know? Do you know and rejoice in the certainty of your salvation?

Meditate and pray out of what Paul writes about the certainty of our salvation from Romans eight,

‘Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.’ (Romans 8:30)

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY – JOY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES COMES FROM STANDING ON WHAT YOU KNOW

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

Have you ever had the experience of having to stand on/hang on to something that you weren't completely sure about?

Introduction - please share in your group

Joy in uncertain times comes through ‘standing’ on what we know. There are lots of things that can cause us worry and concern, too often we stand on these, fixate on them and lose hope. However, as Christians, there are wonderful truths that we know, can stand on and rejoice in.

Please read Philippians 1:18-26

Paul knows and rejoices in the fact that he can pray and be prayed for; the availability and the strengthening of the Spirit of Jesus; his salvation (a better translation of deliverance); that death is a door to joy, and that life is an opportunity for fruitful service.

Do you regularly rejoice in these truths? Which of them do you least 'stand' upon?

The practice of reading and stopping to pray out of what we are reading is very important. It's only as we do so that we will rejoice in and stand on the range of topics that the bible addresses.

How are you doing at reading, meditating, praying and worshipping out of the bible?

Discuss/share/pray in smaller groups:

1. What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about (maybe from Sunday's message or your bible reading this week)?

2. What will you do in response?

3. How can we pray for you?