The blessed life of living in Christ is:

• Not because we become perfect; we come as sinners and are still plagued by sin.
• Not because we always prosper in the world.
• Not because we are protected from afflictions in a fallen world.
• It is because God delights in us. We belong to Him; He rejoices over us. He is exuberant that He can put on display His character through those He has saved.
  • Psalm 105:43 – He brings us forth with joy.
  • Isaiah 62:5 – Rejoices in the same way a groom rejoices in his bride.
  • Zeph 3:17 – His joy is like shouts of joy!

• His joy is a perfect joy and our experiences in this life begin to be transformed so that His peace and joy floods our hearts as we live in this life.
  • Rom. 14:17 – There is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
  • John 15:11 – Christ joy is in us and our joy is made full.
  • 1 Peter 1:8 – You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
  • 1 John 1:4 – God’s word is the instrument of the joy

In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus confronts the Pharisees once again for their unbelief and lack of mercy. Speaking in these parables, Christ gives us Six Characteristics of the Heart of God.

1. He is the seeker of sinners.
   • Sinners are drawn to God only because the grace of God is doing the work of humbling hearts, so we see our need.
   • God loves to magnify His character in His people, so that we reflect Him.
   • He chose us before the beginning of time (Eph 1:4)
   • God displays His love and mercy through His people.
2. He does not stop until we are rescued.
   • Luke 15:4 and Luke 15:8 the language is purposeful: “until” found.
   • God calls us and justifies us; He is relentless in His pursuit.
   • He is also preserving in the rescue plan.
     • Luke 15:5 & Jude 1:24 – He is able to keep us; He prevents stumbling to a point where we would lose our faith. He will cause us to stand blameless with great joy!
   • 1 Peter 1:3ff – Look at the language of our inheritance is attained, it is imperishable, never fading, reserved in heaven, and protected through faith.
3. He is tender in His dealing with us.
   • The Shepherd places the lamb on His shoulders and carries it to safety.
   • Psalm 23 – His rod and staff are a comfort to us.
4. He is always declaring our preciousness to Him.
   • Luke 15:8ff – The parable illustrates we are precious because He is displaying His mercy in saving us.
   • Ephesians 2:10 – We are His workmanship; he never abandons His precious children.
5. He is exuberant with the expression of His love.
   • When one sinner repents all the heavens rejoice.
   • God and heaven love the gospel that saves.
6. He loves the Redeemer; His Son; Jesus Christ our Savior.
   • The basis of repentance is faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ.