Sermon 030997

Rom. 5:1-5                           Justification, Tribulation & Exultation                     3/9/97

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.    Justification by Faith                                                                                                        562

      Justification is a gracious act of God in which He forgives our sins & accepts us as righteous

       because of our faith in Christ alone as redeemer. (ch. 3-4)

II.  Results of Justification

     A. Ends the sinner’s war with God (v. 1) = “peace”

·        All unbelievers are at war with God & are objects of God’s wrath (Rom. 5:10a; Jn. 3:36)

·        Believers are no longer running & attempting to hide from God; running to our Father (Mt. 11:28)

     B. Believer is established in the state of grace (v. 2a) = God’s favor & blessings; access to God!

     C. Believer can exult in hope of the glory of God (v. 2b) = glorious future

·        “exult” - to boast, glory, rejoice, jubilant regarding our glorious future (Rev. 21:4, 22-23; 22:3-5)

     D. Believer can exult in tribulation (v. 3a) = present circumstances

·        “tribulation” - pressing together, pressure

·        tribulation as a result of being a Christian & living a Christian life (2Tim. 3:12; 1Pe. 4:19)

·        A believer must maintain a godly attitude regarding tribulation (Rom. 8:18; 2Co. 4:17) = consider the outcome

·        A believer should consider it a honor to suffer as a Christian or for Christ (Ac. 5:41; 2Co 12:9-10; 1Pe 4:13-14)

         1. Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (v. 3b)

·        patiently endure in strong opposition, obstacles & trials;  strength to bear up under pressure

         2. Knowing that perseverance brings about proven character (v. 4a)

·        genuineness, pure motives, clean heart = proof that you are a genuine believer!

Justification, Tribulation & Exultation, pg. 2

         3. Knowing that proven character brings about hope (v. 4b)

·        encouragement of God’s faithfulness, provision & protection (Ps. 100:5)

·        creates increased trust in the Lord (Ps. 119:65-75)

         4. Knowing that hope results in the love of God filling our hearts (v. 5)

                encouragement of God’s everlasting love (Rom. 8:37-39)

We have this wonderful trio of grace:  faith, hope & love.  Because of our faith in Christ, we persevere in hope through every trial of life & the love of God brings us much needed joy.  QUOTE 1Co. 13:13 & 1Th. 1:3

The Lord’s Supper

It is a tremendous blessing to be among those who have been justified because God is angry toward sin & sinners (Ps. 5:4-5; 7:11-12; Pr. 6:16-19; Rom. 1:18; 2:5-8; 2Th. 1:6-9; Heb. 10:26-31).  What could possibly satisfy such perfect anger & wrath?  - promises & vows from sinners, being good citizens, parents, employees, obedient children, tithing & attending worship services, death of animals or even people - NO!  Perfect anger & wrath can only be satisfied by a perfect sacrifice (Rom. 5:6-21).  We are here today to remember the One who reconciled us to God, has given us access to His throne & provided this blessed peace!