Psalms 51:12
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being saved from the power of sin and its consequences, and having a changed nature with a right spirit within, which brings peace and joy.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative power of salvation, explaining that being 'saved' means being liberated from the power and consequences of sin, which can lead to bitterness and death. He highlights that true salvation brings a change in nature, resulting in peace and joy, as believers are restored in their relationship with God. Smith warns that it is possible to be saved yet miserable if one allows sin to dominate their life, referencing David's experience after his sin with Bathsheba. He calls for a renewal of spirit and a return to the joy of salvation, which is essential for a vibrant Christian witness.
Text
"THE JOY OF SALVATION"
I. WHAT IS MEANT BY SALVATION?
A. We Christians use the term saved.
1. Saved from the power of sin.
vs. 5 a. We often do that which is natural.
1. We talk about human nature, and we are referring to
certain characteristics or responses.
2. But these reactions often wrong.
a. Human nature to desire to get revenge.
b. Human nature to lie.
c. Human nature to fight.
b. Because a wrong attitude is a part of my nature, hard to be free.
1. It exerts powerful force and influence over me.
c. God saves me from these natural reactions by changing my nature.
1. It is not power to control my impulses.
2. This is what is meant by term "born again."
3. Paul's testimony, "If any man..."
2. Saved from the consequences of sin.
a. Deep bitterness and hatred can cause ulcers.
b. Fighting leads to hurt.
c. Sin itself leads to death.
1. "After death the judgment."
2. People say, "God is too good to punish sin."
a. That's what Satan told Eve in the garden but he
was wrong.
3. Jesus warned over and over about God's punishment for
the sinner.
B. The effects of salvation are the changed nature, "a right spirit within me."
1. This brings peace (peace with God -- peace of God..
2. This brings joy.
a. What joy to know my huge debts have been paid.
b. What joy to be restored in fellowship with God.
c. What joy to know I have eternal life and the hope of His eternal
kingdom.
II. "RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF THY SALVATION."
A. It is possible to be saved and be miserable.
1. If I allow some sin to master my life.
a. Psalm of David when Nathan came to him after his affair with
Bathsheba.
1. N. "Thou art the man."
2. D. "I have sinned against Jehovah."
3. N. "Jehovah hath forgiven thy sins."
b. David spoke of his transgressions, his iniquity, his sin.
c. He asked God to blot out, wash, cleanse (unsin).
2. David had reverted to his old nature.
a. Created in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit.
b. Possible for me as a child of God to revert to my old nature
to yield to influences of my flesh.
3. The consequence is loss of the consciousness of the presence of God,
loss of the joy, loss of witness for Christ.
Sermon Outline
- What is Meant by Salvation?
- A points: - Saved from the Power of Sin - Human Nature and Sin - God Saves Us from Sin
- The Effects of Salvation
- Changed Nature and Right Spirit
- Peace and Joy
Key Quotes
“It is not power to control my impulses.” — Chuck Smith
“This is what is meant by term 'born again.'” — Chuck Smith
“What joy to know my huge debts have been paid.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be careful not to allow sin to master our life and revert to our old nature.
- The 'born again' experience is a real and powerful transformation that frees us from the power of sin.
- The joy of salvation is a reality that we can experience and enjoy, but it requires us to maintain a right spirit and fellowship with God.