Hope out of Temptation

Romans 5:1-5

During the season of Lent, Christians devote ourselves to solemn reflection, repentance, and sacrifice. We remember the 40 days that Jesus fasted and prayed in preparation for His earthly ministry, a time that culminated with a period of temptation from Satan. We’ve given thought—especially in light of the pandemic that we now face—to various trials that Christians must endure. Life is not always fun. Even the use of that term “endure” emphasizes the negative nature of trials, including temptation. But I contend that if we look for it and expect it, we can find positive outcomes when we face various trials. Here Paul reminds us that Jesus own experience—in so many ways—offers us a reason for hope out of temptation. Paul writes,

We rejoice in peace and hope.

It is hard to explain the peace that passes understanding—you experience it.

An unsaved person is at “enmity with God.” Romans 5.10 and 8.7

We were made for relationship. Sin separates. Our faith restores that relationship.

Only the saved can experience the peace we love.

Only the saved have the valid, rational hope that we win! As Jesus showed us, temptation does not have to defeat us. It can strengthen us.

We glory in tribulations!

Paul is the 2nd writer in two weeks that we have seen instruct us to consider trials as good!

Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33.) This is so counter intuitive. But the verse continues: He has overcome the world. Consider this:

Trials work AGAINST the unbeliever, producing anger and frustration. “Life isn’t supposed to be this way. I should be happy.” There is no positive outcome. Just a life roadblock.

Trials work FOR the believer, drawing us closer to the Lord, because we NEED Him.

Trials work FOR the believer, molding our character to be what we were made to be.

Trials work FOR the believer, because we know there is a way of escape, we’ve seen it, experienced it, and that gives us a reason for ongoing hope.

Make the best of trouble; it is making the best of you!

The result is complete-ness.

Remember that James used the term complete, lacking nothing. That is the state of the believer who endures temptation; who counts it all joy when various trials come; who glories in tribulations.

Don’t you just love all of those commercials for fitness machines. The models with perfectly fit, muscular, toned bodies who demonstrate the fitness machines with such ease, like there is nothing to it? Struggle! Resistance!! Effort!! Sweat.

The end result is pretty nice though. For the believer, the spiritual principle is similar. The end result is pretty nice. Maturity. Complete-ness. The best you can be.

Make the best of trouble. It is making the best of you.