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Archive 2023

HE WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING (ACTS 8:35-39)

Raymond Sieg / 2023-01-15


​Introduction:

         1. In the book of Acts, Luke recorded valuable information concerning the early church.
         2. As he did so, he wrote about a number of conversions that occurred in various places.
         3. In these verses we read about the conversion of the eunuch of Ethiopia.
         4. In our lesson we are especially interested in the fact that "he went on his way rejoicing" (vs.39b).
         5. The Scriptures explain in detail why joy is associated with becoming a Christian.

Discussion:

I.           THE  EUNUCH  WAS  "IN  CHRIST"

         A. After the eunuch learned about Christ, Philip baptized him.
         B. According to Galatians 3:27,  we get into Christ by being baptized into Him.
         C. Previously, the eunuch was a religious man, but he was not in Christ.
         D. Being in Christ is a reason to rejoice.

II.          THE  EUNUCH  WAS  "A  NEW  CREATURE"

         A. When we get into Christ we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).
         B. As a new creature,:
             1. old things had passed away
                 a. When we are baptized we receive the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
                 b. God remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
             2. all things became new.
                 a. When we are baptized into Christ we are able to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4).
                 b. The eunuch became a child of God (John 1:12-13).
         C. Being a new creature is a reason to rejoice.

III.         THE  EUNUCH  GAINED  ACCESS  TO  ALL  SPIRITUAL  BLESSINGS

         A. We learn from Ephesians 1:3 that "all spiritual blessings" are "in Christ."
         B. The eunuch was worshiping under the Old Testament system (Acts 8:27).
         C. Paul showed in Galatians 3:24-29 that the Law of Moses did not provide the blessings that Christ
             provides.
         D. Thankfully, Christ came to redeem us from the law (Galatians 4:4-5).
         E. Having access to all spiritual blessings is a reason to rejoice.

IV.         THE  EUNUCH  WAS  BLESSED  WITH  A  SPECIAL  MEDIATOR

         A. Christ is the mediator of His followers (1 Timothy 2:5).
         B. We have the privilege of praying to the Father through Him.
         C. As our mediator Christ serves as our High Priest who is able to empathize with us in our weaknesses
             (Hebrews 4:14-16).
         D. We are able to approach the Lord for "rest" (Matthew 11:28-30).
         E. Having a special mediator is a reason to rejoice.

V.          THE  EUNUCH  GAINED  THE  HOPE  OF  ETERNAL  LIFE

         A. Christ made it possible for us to have this special hope (Titus 3:3-7).
         B. The eunuch gained this hope when he was born again.
         C. Having the hope of eternal life is a reason to rejoice.

Conclusion:

         1. The eunuch was a happy man after he was baptized.
         2. We have examined 5 reasons why he rejoiced as he went on his way.
             a. He was "in Christ."
             b. He was "a new creature."
             c. He gained access to "all spiritual blessings."
             d. He was blessed with a special "mediator."
             e. He gained the hope of "eternal life."
         3. This joy is available to all when we are baptized into Christ.
         4. These blessings will help us to continue rejoicing (Philippians 4:4).