Sunday, July 24, 2016

Sunday, July 24, 2016 Lesson: Romans 5:1-11; Time of Action: 56 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes from Corinth Golden Text: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:5). I. INTRODUCTION. Unfortunately a majority of people don t have any real or lasting hope. To them hope is just a wish such as I hope it rains tomorrow. For the Christian, hope is far more substantial. Our hope of heaven when we die is a solid certainty for our present standing in the grace of God. Because of what Jesus has done for us, the greatest hope anyone can have is the hope to be justified before God which is not a wish but a reality. This hope includes seeing the glory of God and all the marvelous things He has prepared for those who love Him. If you re hoping for rain tomorrow, it may or may not happen. But if your hope is in spending eternity with Christ, you can count on that right now. Our hope is based on the character of God and the fact that He never changes. He has given His promise, and as a result we can be sure of the outcome. That s real hope, and

as this week s lesson reveals, believers are not without hope. II. LESSON BACKGROUND. In Romans chapters 3 and 4, the Apostle Paul presented the great doctrine of justification, that we are declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This amazing truth frees the believer from the utterly hopelessness of trying to make ourselves acceptable to God through works that can only condemn us as sinners. This week s lesson comes from chapter 5, where Paul showed that the human race is estranged from God because of sin and that He wants to be reconciled with us. III. ASSURANCE COMES FROM OUR STANDING WITH GOD (Romans 5:1-2) A. Peace with God (Romans 5:1). Our first verse says Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul began to reveal some of the blessings that come with justification, or being found not guilty of our sins. Anytime we see the word Therefore or wherefore in the Bible, we must look back to the preceding verses to find out what the writer was

referring to. Here the word Therefore means that Paul drew a conclusion from his remarks on justification by faith in chapters 1-4. The tense of the words being justified indicates that justification, or being made right with God, is a completed act; it s not something the believer is working toward. Just as Abraham (see Romans 4:1-8) was justified by faith, we too, are made right with God through our faith. The word justified was a legal term that would be the same thing as a not guilty verdict in a court of law. However, even in modern courts, not guilty is not the same as innocent. We are sinners; we are not innocent. We are guilty, but God is willing to justify us, that is, to declare us not guilty on the basis of faith. This faith is more than believing in the existence of God. It s committing one s life to willingly obey the Lord (see Romans 16:26). Because we have been justified by faith, one of the blessings that we enjoy is that we have peace with God. The hostility or enmity that existed between the holy God and us as sinners (see Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:20-22) has been done away with. Paul stated that this was made possible through our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6). Jesus death took away God s wrath or deep anger from us so that we have real peace with God. As a result, we can rest knowing that there is no longer anything standing between us and our holy God. B. Standing before God by grace (Romans 5:2). Paul goes on to say in this verse By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and

rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Of course the words By whom refer to Jesus Christ in the previous verse. It is through the work of Jesus Christ that we have another blessing which is access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. This portrays Jesus Christ, God s Son as our Mediator (see I Timothy 2:5). Because we are clothed in Christ s righteousness by faith, we can come freely into God s presence (see Hebrews 4:16). The term access refers to being permitted to see something or do something that is reserved for only the privileged. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the privilege to enter our Father s presence which Paul refers to here as this grace wherein we stand. The word grace refers to God s freely given favor to sinners who trust in His Son. Our standing in grace or God s favor began with our justification by faith, and it continues even until now. Although grace is unearned favor and undeserved, it is not unconditional, meaning not everyone gets it automatically. Our means of access to God s grace is by faith. In addition, because we are justified, Paul said that we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. In other words, since we are justified by faith, we can rejoice or exult in the hope of our future state of blessedness which will be sharing the glory of God meaning that we will soon be conformed completely to the image of Christ. In essence, we will be like Him (see Romans 8:28; I John 3:2). IV. ASSURANCE COMES FROM OUR EXPERIENCE IN

TRIALS (Romans 5:3-4) A. Joy in our trials (Romans 5:3). In this verse Paul continues to say And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. The words And not only so mean that not only do we rejoice in the hope of God s glory (see verse 2), but we glory in tribulations also. The word glory here is the same word translated as rejoice in verse 2. Because we are justified, we can glory or rejoice in the trials or tribulations we experience while we are waiting on the glory to come. The word translated tribulations literally means pressure or squeeze and can also be translated trials, troubles, sufferings, or afflictions. When Paul said we glory in tribulations also he was thinking of the refining effect that trials have on our Christian character and the fruit such experiences would bear. The believer can face trials with confidence knowing that tribulation worketh patience. In other words, Paul was saying that we have no doubt that our trials worketh or produces patience. The word patience here means endurance or perseverance. Those who give up under the pressures of persecution will not bear fruit (see Matthew 13:20-21), but those who bear up under trials will become stronger as a result of those experiences. Note: Of course, there are many kinds of tribulations. Some are simply the result of living in a sinful world where we experience disease, disaster, and death. Some tribulations might be self-inflicted because of bad choices we ve made in life. Other troubles just happen for no apparent reason. What Paul most likely had in

mind are those tribulations that come upon us because of our faith in Jesus Christ. He had personally experienced many tribulations and persecutions because he had answered God s call to preach the gospel. Yet these kinds of troubles are not limited to Christian leaders. All of us can expect them (see Acts 14:22; II Timothy 3:12). For first-century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception. The Bible assures us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome. This means that we will experience difficulties that help us grow. We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life s difficulties and Satan s attacks to build our character. The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance, which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future. We all probably find our patience tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow spiritually, and deal with them in His strength (see James 1:2-4; I Peter 1:6-7). B. Growing in Christian character (Romans 5:4). Paul goes on to say in this verse And patience, experience; and experience, hope. God uses all suffering or trials to build patience or perseverance into our faith. Paul declared that the person who develops patience from bearing up or persevering through trials gains experience. This particular word means strength of

character. People who have experience are those who have undergone many tests of their character and have matured as a result. Therefore, an experienced church leader is one who has faced many congregational trials that result in strength of character that might be otherwise unlikely. As a result of our experiences, we develop hope which means a confident expectancy. Real hope is not wishful thinking, but is a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future (see Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1). The believer who keeps his eyes on a future expectation will be sustained as he enters trials, perseveres in suffering, and achieves proven character. His earthly walk will build his confidence, fortifying him in his hope in the Lord. Note: The point Paul is trying to make is that because we are justified by faith, we know that there is a purpose in everything and that God is working, even through trials to strengthen us spiritually. Therefore, we can rejoice in every situation. Suffering is inevitable for all human beings, and persecution is guaranteed for those who seek to follow Jesus Christ (see II Timothy 3:12). However, what separates us from unbelievers is a divine outlook that allows us to rejoice in suffering rather than wallow in despair. V. ASSURANCE COMES FROM POSSESSING GOD S LOVE (Romans 5:5-8)

A. Assured of God s love through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). So far in this chapter, Paul had written about faith (see Romans 5:1-2) and hope (see Romans 5:2, 4). Therefore, it was only right that he now wrote about love God s love. So in this verse Paul went on to say And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. This hope that Paul has been referring to maketh not ashamed. The word ashamed here means disappointed. In other words, Christian hope won t disappoint the believer. We will never be ashamed or disappointed in the hope we have of one day being made into the very image of Christ (see Romans 8:29). Many hopes we have in this life often end in disappointment. For example, if people invest money in a fly-by-night get-richquick scheme, they have put their hope in something that will most likely disappoint and shame them. But our hope is in the Lord who will never disappoint us (see Psalms 25:20) or make us ashamed. This is because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. The expression the love of God reminds us that this love comes directly from God (see I John 4:7-10). The Greek verb rendered shed abroad literally means to pour out. Therefore, Paul was saying that God s love was poured out into our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. It s very important to understand that this is God s love not our love, for our love is fleeting. God s love is ever lasting (see I Corinthians 13:13). When Paul used the words the Holy Ghost which is given to us, he probably had in mind the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts chapter 2) which was the

beginning of the church. Since that time, believers have not needed to wait for the coming of the Spirit because He is given to us. Note: The Scriptures tell us that once we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately takes up residence, or indwells our hearts (see Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit is also the earnest (guarantee) of our inheritance (see Ephesians 1:14). His presence within us assures us of God s love for us. The point here is that the love of God assures believers that our hope will be satisfied and the presence of the Holy Ghost assures us of God s love that He pours our into our hearts. This happens all because we have been justified! B. Assured of God s love through Christ s death (Romans 5:6). In this verse, Paul continued to say For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. The word we includes the entire human race. God loved us even when we were yet without strength. The words without strength mean weak or powerless. Elsewhere in Scripture, the same Greek word is translated sick (see Matthew 25:39) and impotent (see Acts 4:9). The idea here is that God loved us when we were powerless to justify or save ourselves. We were completely powerless to cause any change in our sinful condition. But God had a plan to redeem fallen humanity. The plan of salvation is not just what we must do to be saved; it s God s entire plan from the beginning to the end of time (see Ephesians 1:4-14). A major part of the plan was to send

Jesus Christ in due time which means the right time (see Galatians 4:4). Note: It is true that in any situation, God s time to help and deliver is when those that are to be delivered are without strength or power. He does it at that time so that His own power and grace may be all the more magnified (see Deuteronomy 32:36). At the right time Christ died for the ungodly or sinners. If people were able to redeem themselves, the death of Christ would have been unnecessary. God focused His love on the ungodly, the fallen and sinful race of humanity. God s work in sacrificing His Son for sinful mankind who were ungodly is clearly a demonstration of His love for us. Note: Mankind was weak and helpless because we couldn t do anything on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us from sin. Not only did Jesus Christ come at a good time in history, He came at exactly the right time according to God s own schedule. God controls all history. He controlled the timing, methods, and results of Jesus death. C. Assured of God s love through the superior nature of Christ s death (Romans 5:7-8). 1. (vs. 7). Paul now made a statement designed to show that divine love is far more superior to human love. He said in this verse For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. A clearer way to state this verse would be: For it is rare for anyone to die for a righteous person,

though somebody might be brave enough to die for a good person. The terms righteous man and good man both refer to men who are upright and benevolent, not men who are sinless. A righteous man is one who is just or upright in character. But Paul stated that scarcely, meaning it is unlikely that someone would willingly die to save an upright person. A good man is also just, but is also kind and giving. But Paul says about this person that one might even dare meaning it s possible that someone might die for a good man. The thrust of Paul s statement is that very few people are willing to die for others, even though they might be righteous or good individuals. Jesus Himself said Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (see John 15:13). This is the greatest expression of human love. But suppose that the word friends was changed to enemies in John 15:13. Could we still find a selfless person willing to make the supreme sacrifice for an enemy? In a time of war would we volunteer to die in order to save an enemy? Hmmmmmm! 2. (vs. 8). Now to show the superiority of God s love when compared to human love, Paul said in this verse But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The conjunction But introduces the difference between divine love and human love. The phrase But God commendeth his love toward us means that God demonstrated or showed His love for us. The amazing thing about God s love when compared to human love is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus didn t die for righteous people or even for good people as humans might do. He died

for sinners, those who were His enemies. God didn t wait until we had straightened up our own lives (as if we could) before acting to bring about our salvation. Instead, He took the initiative and sent His only begotten Son into the world to rescue us from the power and penalty of sin (see John 3:14-18). Because of our faith in Christ s completed work, His life, death and resurrection, we have an inner assurance of God s love for us. VI. ASSURANCE FOR THE FUTURE (Romans 5:9-10) A. Saved from God s wrath (Romans 5:9). In this verse Paul went on to say Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. The words Much more then can also mean therefore. In other words, Paul was saying therefore since we are now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. The phrase justified by his blood is simply another way of describing Jesus sacrificial death. As noted earlier, the word justified was a legal term referring to the acquittal of someone who had broken the law. We have broken God s Law but have been declared not guilty on the basis of Christ s shed blood. Jesus blood had to be shed because Scripture says the life of the flesh is in the blood (see Leviticus 17:11) and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (see Hebrews 9:22).

God s work in justification led Paul to a logical conclusion. He confidently declared we shall be saved from wrath through him. Paul s point was that we who have believed in Jesus saving work are justified or found not guilty, and are therefore saved from wrath or God s intense anger and final judgment. The wrath of God fell upon us (see John 3:36), but has been removed so that we now have peace with God (see Romans 5:1). God s wrath will fall on non- Christians or unbelievers in the future, but believers shall be saved from wrath through Jesus Christ (see I Thessalonians 5:3, 9). Note: In the New Testament, salvation is pictured as past, present, and future. We have been saved from past sins. We are also being saved, meaning that sanctification or cleansing is ongoing. Ultimately, we will be saved from the penalty of sin, which is the wrath of God revealed at the Second Coming of Christ (see II Thessalonians 1:7-10). In essence, the Christian has been saved (past tense) from the guilt and penalty of sin (see Luke 7:50; II Timothy 1:9) and is safe. The Christian is being saved (present tense) from the power and dominion of sin (see Romans 6:14; 8:2), and at the return of Christ, the Christian will be saved (future tense) from the presence of sin and all its bodily infirmities that are the result of sin and God s curse upon the sinful world (see Romans 8:18-23; I Corinthians 15:42-44). A simpler way of saying this is that justification is the past work of salvation; sanctification is the present work of salvation; and glorification is the future work of salvation.

B. Saved by Christ s life (Romans 5:10). In this verse Paul continued to say For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. The word if here is better read as since because it is a fact, not supposition that in our sinful state we were enemies of God. The word enemies emphasizes the rebellious attitude that characterizes the unsaved. However, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. The word reconciled means made peace with someone therefore being made right with that person. In this case, we were made right with God by the death of his Son. Our reconciliation to God was accomplished at the cross, and we experience this reconciliation when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, that is when we are saved. Paul added that much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. In other words, in addition to being reconciled to God by Jesus death, we shall be saved by his (Jesus ) life. This phrase looks specifically at our identification with the resurrected Lord (see Romans 6:1-11). Our new life is Christ s resurrection life (see Galatians 2:20). The resurrection life of Christ is our assurance of sanctification or continued cleansing and our ultimate glorification when we will be like Jesus (see I John 3:2). VII. ASSURANCE COMES FROM EXULTING IN GOD

(Romans 5:11). In our final verse Paul says And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. When the apostle said And not only so he was thinking of one of the blessings he had mentioned previously. Some commentators believe the blessing he was referring to was reconciliation or peace with God in verse 10. Other commentators think he was referring to the blessing of salvation as he said We shall be saved also in verse 10. Since Paul also mentions atonement here, he was probably referring to reconciliation when he said And not only so. Since we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, Paul said we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, because of all the blessings we have received from God, including justification and reconciliation, we can rejoice. But let s not be too hasty and focus on the blessings instead of the One who gives the blessings. Paul said we joy (rejoice) in God. In the last phrase of this verse Paul declared that Jesus Christ is the One by whom we have now received the atonement. The word atonement here is the same root word translated reconciled in verse 10. Therefore, the atonement we received pictures the enemies, God and believers now at peace with one another. Note: Atonement is an Old Testament term. The word in the Old Testament means covering. This is because the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament didn t remove the people s sins, they only covered them until Jesus would die and forever remove them. In the New Testament, sin is not merely covered; it is done away with. The more accurate rendering of the Greek word

here for atonement is reconciliation which has the basic meaning of the exchange of something bad for something good. In Christ Jesus, our state of enmity or being enemies to God was exchanged for a state of sonship and we have that now (see Galatians 4:7). VIII. Conclusion. The greatest hope anyone can have is the hope of being justified before God. Since we are reconciled to Him, we can be certain that we will be in heaven one day, free from all sin and God s just wrath for that sin. This hope includes seeing the glory of God and all the marvelous things He has prepared for those who love Him (see I Corinthians 2:9). Having this hope and certainty of being in heaven one day with the Lord Jesus and all the redeemed of all ages, should cause us to rejoice every day, no matter what our present circumstances may be. The unsaved are without hope, but we are not. That is their choice, or their lack of choosing Jesus Christ. In Him we have the most complete and sure hope possible. ***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***