Question: What brings you joy? Does anything bring you joy or great wonder? Do you have that kind of experience? Something that says, “Wow that is amazing!”

The gospel moves forward with great success always in the midst of opposition. These things ride together—success of the gospel and success of evangelism and preaching along with opposition.

Where the gospel is believed, it is always opposed, as well. What becomes clear in our passage today is that rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ makes one unfit for eternal life with God.

Opposition and rejection of Jesus does have consequences. The Jewish opposition provided a cue for Paul to step into his next phase of ministry which was a central focus on the gospel to the gentiles.

There’s great rejoicing we’ll find in this salvation and for us. Most of us are gentiles. We’ve been swept up into this ministry as well. There is inexpressible joy because God saves us.

The message of the gospel is a message of joy.

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