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1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation (Romans 5.1-11).[1] Memory Verse: But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5.8). Because of Jesus Christ we have hope in the glory of God, where there is no more falling short, but the ability to reach up and join with God in His glory. Not because of anything we have done but because of His Son Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. As we rejoice in God’s glory, we can also rejoice in suffering. The Apostle James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1.2-4, ESV).[2] The Apostle Paul agrees with James as he too, encourages us to be joyous or to glory in our suffering. Jesus Christ reminds us, “Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5.12, CSB).[3] Suffering for Christ is nothing new, it is going to happen, and we need to glory in it for God. Now this kind of suffering is a spiritual kind of suffering, of course there are many things we can suffer through for Christ. And we should use every opportunity to show others how God is working in our lives in all we go through. But let’s be real for a moment, some suffering is of our own making, we fail a test because we did not study, who’s fault is that and what kind of suffering is that? We get a speeding ticket; did God cause that or us? Now if we are sharing the gospel and we get thrown into jail because of the gospel, now we have spiritual suffering. Or we are out knocking on doors to share our faith and door after door are shut to us, we could see this a rejection of the gospel a kind of suffering for Christ’s sake. Do we see the difference in spiritual suffering and just suffering? Again, God can use all suffering for His glory, and we should allow everything we go through everyday to reflect who God is to the world. But we cannot say God is allowing us to suffer through this thing for His glory when we are the ones who have caused it. Paul says if we will pay attention to what God is doing through suffering, then suffering will produce perseverance. What is perseverance—it is the capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances or simply endurance. Suffering helps us build up endurance because this race of life we are in is not a sprint, but a marathon, one we must take our time and run with patience (Hebrews 12.1). If we do not have endurance then we will burn out too soon, and be of no use to anyone later in life. God wants all of His children to be successful until the end, so allow our suffering to produce endurance in us. But it does not stop there, perseverance produces character. Now what kind of character? “The Greek term (dokimē) translated proven character simply means “proof,” which in the present context obviously refers to Christian character. The term was used of testing precious metals such as silver and gold to demonstrate their purity.”[4] Therefore, when we go through spiritual suffering it will produce perseverance or endurance, which will produce character, spiritual character. Our spiritual character must be strengthened through these kinds of sufferings or trials, hence, we can count them all joy when they come, because they will build us up and make us who God wants us to be. Application
Prayer Our Dear heavenly Father Your Goodness and Loving Kindness as God our Savior appeared, when Your Son Jesus Christ saved us. Not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to Your own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom You poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by Your grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.[5] Lord, how amazing Your love and mercy are every day, may I never forget them. As You lead me through sufferings may I understand how to glory in them, using each one as they come to grow in You. To endure and be strengthened in my Spiritual character. Lord what more can I say but thank You for saving my soul, help me to be a witness for You today in all I say and do, in Your Son Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen. [1] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 5:1–11). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. [2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jas 1:2–4). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [3] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Mt 5:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. [4] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1991). Romans (Vol. 1, p. 282). Chicago: Moody Press. [5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt 3:4–7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. You Can Download This Blog Here - October 28 - Rom. 5.1-11 Pt3
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