HOW TO ENJOY YOUR SALVATION Isa. 43:1-7

Intro: Far too many Christians lack the "shine" of joy on their faces. So many of us seem to believe that to be truly spiritual, one must wear a sad expression and be gloomy. Many seem to allow life’s troubles, other people’s insensitivity and personal misunderstanding hinder their joy.

Now, these verses have a primary interpretation to the nation of Israel. Here God is promising to sustain them, and deliver them from captivity. Even though these verses were written for them, there is still tremendous application here for you and me.

I. v. 1, 3-4 A PAST--Most of us would love to forget our pasts. However, it is that very past that makes the present so wonderful. Notice 3 things God has done for every believer in his past.

1. Redemption –The great price paid---Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood-

2. Renewal – When God says He called them by their name, that implies and intimate knowledge of who they were and are. When they became His, He changed their name because He had changed their character!

3. Reception – God reminds the Israelites that He has taken possession of them and they are His alone! At the very moment of salvation, Jesus took possession of our lives and now, we belong to Him--1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's By the way, nothing can change that status –2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

II. v. 2 A PROVIDER---God reminds the Israelites, here, that He has met their need since day one and that He has pledged Himself to continue to do just that.

1. Pass through the waters–The Red Sea – Ex. 14

2. Pass thru the river–The crossing of Jordan – Deut. 4

Walk through the fire ––Daniel 3.

3. What does this mean for us? What He did for Israel, He can be counted on to do for you and me!– Eph. 6:9.

4-As you face the storms, walk through the valleys, endure the dark nights of life, remember that He is the same God now as He was then and He will never fail you!---Phil. 4:19.

There are several reasons why we can count on God to supply us.

1. He is Able – Eph. 3:20

2. He is Willing – Luke 12:32

3. He is Faithful To His Word – 2 Cor. 1:20

4. He Is Always Near – ( v. 2; 5) Heb. 13:5.

III. v. 5-7 A PROMISE--In these verses, God reminds His people that they have a bright future. He promises to gather them together and bring them back to their promised land.

A.We too live under the hope of His promises.

1. There will be a Gathering – 1 Thes. 4:13-18 One day, Jesus will return in the clouds and receive His people unto Himself. One day Jesus is going to come again and all His people will be leaving this world to spend eternity with Him.

a. Be Ready – Matt. 24:44

b. Be Looking – Luke 12:37; 2 Tim. 4:8

c. Be Pure – 1 John 3:3

d. Be Telling – Mark. 16:15

2. There Will Be Glory – Verse 7 reminds us that God’s purpose in the creation of man and again in his redemption is to bring glory to Himself.

a. We Are Heaven Bound – John 14:3

b. We Are To Be Glorified – 1 John 3:1-2

c. We Shall See Him And Be With Him Forever –Rev. 4:2-11) Heaven will be about the praise and worship of the King!

B. Are you ready for this promise to become a reality? I hope so, because it will not be long now.

Let’s think back over what we have heard this evening.

1. God saved us in the past.

2. God provides for us in the present.

3. God has a beautiful plan for us in the future.