September 3, 2017
Morning Service

In chapter 4 Paul tried to explain to us the abstract idea of faith by showing us the life of Abraham.  It was said that “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”  Paul then made an unarguable case for the fact that it was therefore Abraham’s faith that justified him before God, not his works.  His faith, however, was an active one; it drove him to be obedient to the One he had faith in even when he had to act blindly and without full understanding of the outcome.  We then looked at how James described the link between faith and works in chapter 2 of his letter and found that either one without the other “is dead.” (2:17) Paul ended chapter 4 with this speaking of Abraham:

  Romans 4:22-25  And therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness.  (23)  Now it was not written for him alone that it was imputed to him,  (24)  but for us also to whom it is to be imputed, to the ones believing on Him who has raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  (25)  who was delivered because of our offenses and was raised for our justification.

·         That fact that it was Abraham’s faith that justified him also applies to us who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is our faith that justifies us just as it did for Abraham.

·         So what does that really mean to us?  Paul answers that as we begin chapter 5.

 

Romans 5:1-2  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (2)  Through Him we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice on the hope of the glory of God.

·         Because of Jesus, our trusting faith has given us a position with God that the all the works of the Law could not do.  Our faith justifies us to have “peace with God,” grants us the access into His grace, and allows us to rejoice in the hope of His glory.  Our relationship with God (status) has changed from a task master to our Heavenly Father.  It is that intimate, personal relationship with God that creates that peace we can experience knowing that all the barriers of sin that separated us from Him are now gone.  It is that knowledge and the new relationship we have with God that grants us this peace.

·         Jesus spoke of this peace in John 14.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

·         This peace Jesus offered was not according to the world’s definition of peace which is a lack of conflict.  This gift of peace, brought on by our justification by faith, is a confident assurance that in any and all circumstances God is in control.  Because we have a relationship with Him, and surrendered our heart to Him we trust our lives to His control.  A storm may come, but don’t be afraid we know we are anchored to the Rock of Ages and that is really all that matters.  Paul explained it to the Philippian church and us like this:

Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  (7)  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

·         Paul tells us not to worry, but to pray with thankfulness telling God your troubles and fully trusting Him by faith.  The “peace that passes all understanding” comes from knowing and trusting that God is in control and He will act on what is best for us.  He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Paul tells us this later in this Roman letter:

 

 Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

·         He works in ALL things, not just the good but also through the difficult times in our lives to ultimately fulfill His purpose in our lives.  Trials and tribulations are the greatest opportunities for us to not only build our own faith, but shine out to this world that our faith in Him is real.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only this, but we glory in afflictions also, knowing that afflictions work out patience,  (4)  and patience works out character, and character works out hope.  (5)  And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.

James 1:2-4  My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3)  knowing that the trying of your faith works patience.  (4)  But let patience have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.

·         First notice they don’t say “if” they will happen but implies “when” they will happen.  We as Christians live in a “two sided” world.  We are “complete” in Christ, but yet we are all “growing” in Him as well.  We are children of the King, but yet we are given the duties of servants.  We are in the holy presence of God, but yet live in a world filled with sin.  We have the peace given to us from God, but yet we face the stress of dealing with the daily problems life throws at us.

·         Paul and James are both challenging us not to be discouraged when that stress appears and trials come upon us but look at it as a blessing and rejoice in it.  How are you doing with that?

·         In the 1^st century, suffering was the rule rather than the exception.  Throughout the scriptures we are encouraged to be “overcomers” of this world.  This means we will experience difficulties but they come with a distinct purpose in our lives.  They are there to help us grow in the Lord. 

·         That growth comes in stages.  The afflictions (pressure of this world) bring about patience (endurance or perseverance.)  That is an attitude that looks at the current burden and treats it as something that is only temporary.  We must be patient in our suffering to overcome it. 

·         Patience then creates character which can be compared to a metal that has been passed through the fire to remove impurities.  When facing and overcoming these afflictions, we become stronger, purer, and closer to God because of them.  Our character is where our testimony lies.  We know what God has done for us in the past and trust that He is faithful.

·         Character then produces hope.  When we experience God moving in our lives in these times of affliction, we know without a doubt that all His other promises are true as well.  It is the hope of the promise of heaven that allows us to endure such tremendous pain as losing our loved ones.  We have the hope that we will one day see them again in the presence of our Lord and Savior.  Hope looks to the future and sees something better than what we have now.  Paul states that “Hope does not disappoint” because it is founded in God’s love.  We know He is able.

·           Our enemy is a hope stealer.  He wants us to feel hopeless when these afflictions come  and give up.  He has no hope because he has already been defeated.  We will be victorious, our side wins!  There are battles to be fought and scars to be made, but doesn’t that just make winning even more sweet?  The peace with God is that we are victorious with Jesus our Lord and Savior!

 

Father, may Your peace fill our hearts and may we rejoice in the good times and the hard times bringing glory to Your name.