1 John 5:11-13 (NKJV)

11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Fun In The Son

• Our VBS this year has been a great success

• Our theme for this year was “Fun in the Son”

• This theme coincides with our overall theme of the Abundant Life

Fun In The Son

• When we think of the word “fun” we think of the idea of enjoyment

• Perhaps we picture spending time with family or friends

• Maybe a cookout, going to a baseball game, or a shopping trip is enjoyment to you

Fun In The Son

• The bottom line is that there is enjoyment to be had in our life in Christ

• The question is, how do we reach this enjoyment found in Christ

• This morning we seek to answer that question

Fun In The Son

• We do that by looking to an OT Bible story of a young King who wanted to bring the right kind of enjoyment to God’s people

• King Josiah’s story can show us exactly how we can enjoy our life in Christ

Fun In The Son

• 1. Read the Instructions

–King Josiah followed a line of wicked kings

–His challenge was to restore Israel back to God

– In cleaning the house of the Lord, the Book of the Law was found (II Kings 22; II Chron. 34)

Fun In The Son

• 1. Read the Instructions

– It was immediately brought to the King and read in his hearing

–This point is a basic one, yet so important

–We see the same instructions given today concerning God’s word

Fun In The Son

• 1. Read the Instructions

–We are told that faith comes from reading the word of God (Rom. 10:17)

–The Bereans were searchers of the scriptures (Acts 17:11)

–We are to study to show ourselves approved (II Tim. 2:15)

Fun In The Son

• 1. Read the Instructions

–God’s word gives us important knowledge for salvation and righteousness (II Tim. 3:15-17)

–Paul told Timothy to give attention to reading (I Tim. 4:13)

–The word of God can save our souls (Js. 1:21)

Fun In The Son

• 2. Follow the Instructions

–When King Josiah heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes in repentance

–He pointed out that the instructions had not been followed (II Ki. 22:13)

–The King then followed the instructions (23:3)

Fun In The Son

• 2. Follow the Instructions

–What good would reading God’s word do if it were not followed?

– It’s the simple idea of being obedient to God

– Jesus is the author of salvation to all who obey (Heb. 5:9)

Fun In The Son

• 2. Follow the Instructions

– James tells us not to simply be hearers of the word, but doers (Js. 1:22)

–Our souls are purified in obeying the truth (I Pet. 1:22)

–There are some who will not read or follow instructions (II Thess. 1:8)

Fun In The Son

• 3. Receive the Benefits

–Because of King Josiah’s reading of the law and willingness to follow it (along with repentance), God’s blessings followed

–God promised not to bring calamity during the days of Josiah’s reign(II Ki. 22:18-20)

Fun In The Son

• 3. Receive the Benefits

–Again, Hebrews 5:9 speaks of salvation that is given to those who obey

–The Bible speaks of the rewards that come from a life of living God’s way (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10)

Fun In The Son

• 3. Receive the Benefits

–Paul spoke of the reward waiting as a result of living out God’s will in His life (II Tim. 4:6-8)

–Christ will bring His reward to give to all according to their work (Rev. 22:12)