1. We Can Rejoice in the Lord Because We Are Saints!
(Philippians 1:1,2)

2. Our Theme for This Series of Lessons
Reasons to Rejoice in the Lord!
20 reasons to rejoice in the Lord will be presented in this series of lessons!
Why this series of lessons?
To illustrate just how wonderful it is to be a child of God!
To increase our resolve to be faithful to the Lord!
To improve our ability to let our light shine!

3. The Book of Philippians
Paul wrote this letter while in prison (1:7,13,14,16).
And yet, despite his unjust punishment, he wrote about the need for all to rejoice in the Lord. As a matter of fact, the word “joy” or “rejoicing” is found some 16 times in these 104 verses of Scripture.
This should teach us that we can all rejoice in the Lord, even when the circumstances we have to face in life are not the best!

4. We Can Rejoice in the Lord Because We Are Saints!
What is a saint?
How do we become a saint?
Why is becoming a saint worthy of rejoicing?
What does God do for His saints?
What are our responsibilities as saints?

5. What Is a Saint?
The word “saint” comes from the Greek word “HAGIOS” and it simply means, “A holy person, a person who is righteous.”
Some in the religious world teach that a saint is a long dead, super-spiritual person who has been canonized and venerated as an object of worship. This is not correct!
The word “saint” is found some 96 times in the Bible and it never is mentioned in this context! Simply put, every Christian is a saint!

6. How Do We Become a Saint?
We become a saint by answering the call to become a saint. (Romans 1:7: I Corinthians 1:2)
We are called to be saints through the gospel. (II Thessalonians 2:13,14)
We answer that call by calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)

7. Why Is Becoming a Saint Worthy of Rejoicing?
Becoming a saint is worthy of rejoicing because God has done something special for us that we could not do for ourselves! (Colossians 1:12-14)
He has qualified us to become partakers of a special inheritance- Heaven! (12)
He has delivered us from the power of darkness. (13)
He has conveyed (transferred) us into the kingdom of His Son. (13)
He has redeemed us. (14)
He has provided us the forgiveness of sins. (14)

8. What Does God Do for His Saints?
From the just mentioned text of Colossians (1:12-14), we have already learned that God does many things for His saints.
Beyond these things, God also:
Expresses delight in His saints (Psalm 16:3)
Stands by His saints (Psalm 37:28)
Speaks peace to His saints (Psalm 85:8)
Preserves the souls of His saints (Ps. 97:10)

9. What Are Our Responsibilities as Saints?
We are to accept one another. (Galatians 3:28)
We are to appreciate one another. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)
We are to accentuate the proper actions.
Love the Lord (Psalm 31:23,24)
Fear the Lord (Psalm 34:9)
Shout for Joy (Psalm 132:9)
Bless the Lord (Psalm 145:10)
Praise the Lord (Psalm 149:1)
Show Behavior Befitting Saints (Ephesians5:3)