Sermon 101898

Acts 8:25-39                The Road From Confusion to Rejoicing-II                                 10/18/98

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.   Review                                                                                                                              642

q      There is joy in heaven when just one sinner repents & is brought to saving faith in Jesus (Lk. 15:7,10).  Therefore, there certainly ought to joy on earth…

q      We began to examine the salvation of a sinner last week:  the believer’s need for discernment in the gospel work (v. 25), readiness for God to change plans (v. 26), removing prejudices & overcoming fear (v. 27), the gospel must be shared from the Scriptures (v. 35); unbelievers should worship with believers & privately read bible (v. 27-28)

q      Questions:  Why is this man being saved?  Why is he interested in the Scriptures at all?  Why is he reading this passage & at this time?  Why is he confused?  Why is Philip here?  How did he arrive at just the right time?  How do Philip know what to do & say?

II.    The Sovereignty of God

A.     All history is God’s history – every significant/insignificant event is under God’s control (Eccl. 3:1; Matt. 10:28-30; Is. 46:9-10)

B.      The history of man is actually the history of redemption – from Adam to the end of the age!

C.      God must rule/overrule for any sinner to be saved (Matt. 19:25-26; Gen. 3:15;

D.     God never leaves the saving of a sinner to chance (Jn. 18:9; Ac. 13:48; Rom. 8:28-30; 1Co. 1:26-31)

Direct divine intervention is the exception, God’s providential rule thru circumstances is the norm (Rom. 8:28).  Salvation is carried out with precision, accuracy, detail & thoroughness by God.  He does not handle the eternal destiny of a soul carelessly…Therefore, God takes care of all the details that are outside of man’s control.

¨       God always takes the initiative with the sinner– Adam, Abraham, David, Matthew, John, Andrew, Paul, Lydia..

The Road from Confusion to Rejoicing-II, pg. 2

¨       God must prepare the sinner’s heart for the gospel (Rom. 8:27; Ac. 16:14) – this is why he’s interested

¨       God controls the circumstances in which the gospel will be heard (location, pressures, nature…)

¨       God controls the people involved – direct divine intervention or providence

III.   The Responsibility of Man

A.     The sinner must respond to the truth as it is revealed (Rom. 1:18; 2Th. 2:10; Eph. 1:13)

¨       The truth about yourself – you are a sinner; attending church gatherings won’t remove the guilt; making good grades, good education, marriage, job…doesn’t change the FACTS…Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10

¨       The truth about God – He is holy, righteous, good & demands perfection; He is merciful, gracious & compassionate & God has made the perfect/only way for the sinner to be forgiven.  God took no chances with redemption…He sent His Beloved Son to take the punishment…The eunuch/you must respond to this truth!

B.      The sinner must obey the clear commands of Scripture (Rom. 6:17)

IV.  The Resulting Joy and Rejoicing

Joy and rejoicing are associated with obedience (v. 39; Gen. 4:6-7; Phlp. 2:12-13; 4:4; Jn. 15:8-11) - Joy & rejoicing on earth & in heaven

What is the basis of your joy & rejoicing?  What holds you steady in this life of uncertainty?  Is your soul anchored in the Lord?  Do you find security, joy & rejoicing in the fact that God is in control?  Does your soul rejoice when you think about your response to the truth about yourself/God?  What’s going on inside you right now…