Rejoice in Eternity – No More Evil
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SUBJECT: Heaven
TITLE: Rejoice in Eternity – No More Evil
PROPOSITION: Out of the many reasons the Christian has to rejoice, the hope of being in heaven eternally is certainly one of the greatest. There are many reasons that we could list for rejoicing in eternity. Perhaps the most motivating for the Christian are the following: 1) In eternity we will be with God. 2) In eternity we will be separated from evil. 3) In eternity we will have a new body. 4) In eternity we will be united together in love.
OBJECTIVE: Each listener should be able to state at least one reason why we can rejoice in eternity.
AIM: To motivate all to live faithfully so as to one day be in eternity with God.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
2. About the Text:
1) Peter was writing to Christians who were being persecuted.
2) He tells them to rejoice in this because they were partaking of Christ’s sufferings.
3) They rejoiced, not because of the pain and anguish which they were bearing.
4) They rejoiced because they were laying up treasures in heaven.
5) Their ultimate joy would be realized when Christ returned.
6) They would be glad with exceeding joy.
3. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
1) Today we have the words of Christ to guide our lives.
2) These words provide joy for us while we live in this life.
3) They provide joy because the creator knows what will bring us joy in this life.
4) But there is a greater joy for which all Christians look.
5) Jesus speaks of this joy as well.
6) This is the full joy that comes only as a result of having lived a life in faithful service to Christ.
7) This is the joy that we ultimately find in eternity.
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: In eternity we will be separated from evil . . . .
I. It will be joyous because there will be no more temptation.
1. Once we have endured temptation here, the crown of life will be given. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
2. Satan, who is responsible for temptation, will be eternally punished. Matt.25:41 says “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
3. This is the great rest of which the Hebrew writer speaks, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4:9-11).
II. It will be joyous because there will be no more sin.
1. The fact that there will be no more temptation implies that there will be no more sin.
2. Christ will appear the second time without sin and we shall be like him (1 John 3:2). “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28).
3. Revelation 21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
4. Those who do evil will be shut out from the gates of the city. Rev.22:14, 15 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
III. It will be joyous because there will be no more evil people around.
1. The evil will be separated from the wicked. Matthew 25:32 “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:”
1) He will say to the righteous, “Come.”
2) He will say to the wicked, “Depart.”
2. Matthew 14:49 “So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,”
3. The wicked will go unto eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Matt.25:46.
CONCLUSION:
1. So we rejoice in eternity because we will be separated from evil . . .
1) No more temptation.
2) No more sin.
3) No more evil people.
2. Invitation