Untitled Sermon

Hope that Never Fails

Bible Passage: Romans 5:3–5

Summary: In Romans 5:3-5, Paul teaches that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. This unfolding process assures us that the hope we have in God is not only secure but also enriches our lives, even amidst trials.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to embrace trials as a pathway to growth and deeper faith. In life's struggles, we can find hope that does not disappoint us because it is anchored in God's love, helping individuals navigate despair and uncertainty.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that hope in Christ is transformative, arising from the assurance of God's love and presence in our trials. Understanding this process helps believers recognize the purpose behind their struggles and cultivates resilience in faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: The hope that does not disappoint ultimately points to Christ, who endured suffering for our sake and gives us the Holy Spirit. His resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope, proving that even death cannot separate us from God's love.

Big Idea: Even in suffering, we can rejoice, knowing that our hardships lead to a hope filled with God's eternal promises, strengthened by His love.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider examining the Greek terms for 'hope' and 'suffering' to enrich your understanding of their depth in this context. Additionally, exploring commentaries that discuss the socio-historical background of the Roman church can help clarify the significance of suffering in early Christian communities. Investigate various translations of Romans 5:3-5 to see how different renderings may illuminate your understanding of the text.

1. Rejoicing in Suffering

Romans 5:3

Treasures from Romans III. The Attainments of Adversity (5:3–5)

Paul not only rejoiced over the glory of God, he gloried and rejoiced in tribulations. Though justified, you are not exempt from problems. Jesus warned us we would have them. We are going to have some bad days.

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Treasures from Romans III. The Attainments of Adversity (5:3–5)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Tribulations cannot separate us from the love of the Lord.

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Treasures from Romans III. The Attainments of Adversity (5:3–5)

What does the Lord mean by the word “tribulations” in verse three?

This word comes from the Greek word thlipsis which means “pressure, pressing together; oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress.”

This word was used to describe the pressing of olives to get the oil and of grapes to get the juice.

We face many pressures today: wants, needs, stressful circumstances, sorrow, suffering, persecution, loneliness, rejection, unpopularity.

The cross and crown go together; grief and glory hold hands. Tribulations reveal what we are and develop us into something better if we properly respond to our problems.

2. Persevering Builds Character

Romans 5:4 “And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

Treasures from Romans III. The Attainments of Adversity (5:3–5)

Paul lists the benefits of tribulation or pressure. First of all, tribulation worketh “patience.” If you are praying for patience, then expect tribulation in your life.

This word “patience” comes from the Greek word hupomone which means “fortitude, endurance, steadfastness, constancy.” Hupomone is the spirit that overcomes and conquers the trials and tribulations of life. Hupomone does not lie down in order to be run over by tidal waves of trouble.

It meets problems head-on and goes forward. Beethoven demonstrated this trait when he was threatened with deafness. He said, “I will take life by the throat!” Job was a man that grew stronger through his trials. The verb form of hupomone is the word hupomen which means “to remain under the trial in a God-honoring way in order to learn the lessons they are sent to teach rather than getting out from under them to relieve the pressure.” This is the attitude that God wants us to have in the midst of trials.

3. Hope Never Disappoints

Romans 5:5

Perhaps illustrate how the peak of this transformative journey is hope—a hope that never disappoints because it is firmly established in God's love. By using "hope does not disappoint," you convey assurance that God's love poured out by the Holy Spirit grounds us during life's turbulent times. The presence of the Holy Spirit assures us of God's infinite love, instilling a hopeful confidence in His eternal promises. The cross and resurrection of Christ serve as the ultimate examples of this hope, highlighting that victory over suffering is certain.