"Peace with God" (Part 1)

In Romans 5:1-5 Paul identifies the immediate result of being justified by faith which is the blessing of peace with God.

Waking up from a nightmare

You’re safe!

Realization based on reality

Immediate Result of Justification

This is Paul’s next point.

Our Standing (vv. 1-2)

“Therefore...” - summary statement of Romans 1-4

What do we have? (v. 1)

“Peace” - “a state of concord, peace, harmony” or “a state of well-being, peace” (BDAG)

“With” - relationship (“reconcile” vv. 10-11 - “the exchange of hostility for a friendly relationship” BDAG)

“Through” - not us, but the only way - no arrogance

What does it mean? (v. 2)

“Access” - introduction, admission, to speak with a superior (Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12)

Ephesians 2:18 ESV

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 3:12 ESV

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Prayer, listening, benefits, relationship

“This grace” - that is, this peace with God (v. 1), undeserved, why it is “through...” (Hebrews 4:14–16)

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

“Stand” - “to be in a condition or state” (BDAG)

“Rejoice” - exult, glory, this is what we do because of what we have.

“Hope” - expectation; “glory” - exaltation of God and from God

Paul is telling them that if this is true…then this is what they have…and this what they can do...

If you can believe the one, you can believe other.

Our Suffering (vv. 3-5)

“Not only that” - there is additional significance to this...

“Rejoice” - exult, glory, honor, praise-worthy

“Suffering” - tribulation, pressure, affliction, trouble - for the cause of Christ, or just because of the curse of sin

A real standing for real suffering.

How can we rejoice in suffering? (vv. 3-5a)

“Knowing” - understanding, recognizing, acknowledging, this is the rejoicing in suffering

“Produces” - brings about, there is a benefit (James 1:2–4)

“Endurance” - perseverance

“Character” - standing the test, proven genuineness

“Hope” - this is how it further connects to our standing, this is enhanced

“Does not put us to shame” - does not disappoint, or humiliate

It is not regrettable, it is not senseless or unreasonable

There is a certainty, without seeing

There is a good reason that believers hope in this way...

Why do we hope? (v. 5b)

Because God has expressed His love in a way that we can sense.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our heart.

Paul we say more on this subject in chapter 8.

There is something to “see” now, though we cannot see yet what is to come (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Ephesians 1:13–14 ESV

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The Constant Security

Benediction: Romans 11:33–36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4