Week 2 - The Joy of Salvation

 

Link to Sunday Service Recording

Text: Psalm 51:12 (ESV)
 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

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Main Message

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• We are recipients of God’s saving grace.

• Salvation brings joy in our heart.

  • Because we have been reconciled with God.

  • Because we have been forgiven of our sins.

  • Our fellowship with God has been restored.​​

• Repentance is not feeling sorry, repentance does not free us from the consequence of sins. Repentance sets us right with God.

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• David had Known the Joy of Salvation

  • David experienced the joy of salvation that can only be found in God.

  • “Restore” indicates he has possessed it before.

  • There is good reason for the joy that our salvation brings:

    • The joy of forgiveness

    • The joy of assurance of heaven

    • The joy of being in the presence of God

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• David had Lost the Joy of his Salvation

  • “Restore” indicates that he does not have it right now.

  • We too are like David, we are enjoying the presence of God, then suddenly we give into sin, and just like David our joy is gone.

    • Many are filled with gloom who were once filled with glory.

    • Many are burdened who once were blessed.

    • Many are sour who once were filled with song.

    • Many are pouting who once were praising.

  • ​Psalm 51:7 (ESV) - Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

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• David Longed to have the Joy of his Salvation Restored

  • “Restore” was part of his prayer to get back what he had lost.

  • David prays for his joy to come back again.

  • What is the road back?

    • ​Confess your sin and humble yourself before God ask God to cleanse you.

      • Psalm 51:1-4 (ESV) - Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.

    • ​​Rejoice because God has forgiven you.

      • Psalm 51:8 (ESV) - Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

 

Reflection Questions:

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1. What is your current situation? Are you like David who lost his joy of salvation?

2. How do you distinguish joy from happiness? What is real joy?

3. How do you plan to regain the joy that you have lost?