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DISCOVER THE JOY

There are three "let us" phrases in this passage. It is a joyful thing to be a child of God. It is the only real joy.

1. The joy of an entrance (vs 19-22)

It is an entrance into the presence of God. If you have been saved for some time this may be old news. To those at this time it was ground-breaking news. To come into the presence of God was not possible except by the High Priest and then once a year. Do we apply this to our lives? We have direct access to the Holy God of the universe.

The reasons we can enter (vs 19-21).

- The first reason is by the blood of Jesus Christ. You don't get in on the basis of your good works or good looks. In the Old Testament the blood of a lamb allowed only the Holy Priest into the presence of God. The blood of Jesus allows all who believe in to the presence of God. This is a new and living way. ("Freshly slaughtered and alive"). The veil was rent in two. No human hands could rent this veil.

- The second reason is that we have a High Priest who is already there. He is working on our behalf. If he died for us when we were lost sinners, how much more is he doing right now for us!

The reassurance we can enter (vs 22) - We are to come with a true heart and in full assurance of faith. If you want to come into the presence then you want to come with faith. See Ephesians 2:8-9. Faith is a gift from God. We are to come boldly. We have an entrance to to the very throne of God. Don't let the Devil trip you up with a guilty conscience. If you have already confessed your sins to God then you are forgiven.

2. The joy of our endurance (vs 23)

It is not the word "faith" but actually "hope" in the best translations.

This hope is evidence of our salvation. One of the evidences of salvation is that you hold onto Jesus Christ. We are to endure without leaning back into the old life. Too many Christians want to see how close they can get to the world. See John 8:31. If you hold on then you are a Christian. See Matthew 24:15. Endurance is a clear evidence of salvation.
This endurance is entrenched in our promises. God is faithful to his promises. See 1 Thessalonians 5:24. God's Word is more reliable than this old world. See Matthew 24:26. God is dependable. He will do what he says he will do.

3. The joy of encouragement (vs 24-25)

It is psychologically good to spend your life meeting the needs of others. If you are selfish and caring only for yourself then you will be miserable.

Personal stimulation (vs 24) - We are stimulate others with love and good works. We are to be encouragers. We are to encourage one another. Give people flowers while they are living! Everyone needs encouragement.
Public celebration (vs 25) - We are to come to church. We are not to abandon this opportunity to encourage one another. How can anyone get along as a Christian without going to church? We are living in ungodly times. We need to go to church to encourage others. Do not forsake it.

- It will help you develop spiritual muscle -
- It will help to keep you from backsliding - How many times have you been to church and the preacher has been preaching something that is relevant to your problems?
- It help to keep you on fire for God.