THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF GRACE
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 5:1-11 is one of the most
encouraging passages in all the Bible. In it we find much to encourage, uplift and sustain us. The strength of this
wonderful passage is realized in God’s grace—without it there would be no cause
for any celebration. Therefore, amid the distractions and aggravations of the
world, let grace encourage us to live victoriously.
Justified
By Faith (v. 1):
·
Not of works (Rom. 4:1-9).
·
Yet of works (Jas. 2:14-26).
·
Not burdened with the wages of sin, but
freed to serve in appreciation of God’s gift (Eph. 2:8-10).
Into
God’s Grace (v. 2a):
·
A gift only God can give (Rom. 1:7).
·
Completely undeserved (Rom. 6:23).
·
A power in our lives for doing good (Titus
2:11-13; I Cor. 15:10).
·
The greatest reason for thanksgiving (I Tim.
1:12; Rom. 6:17; I Cor. 15:57; II Cor. 8:16; 2:14 Col. 3:17).
Exulting
In Hope (v. 2b):
·
Confident expectation that brings
perseverance (Rom. 8:24-25).
·
A boldness given to our lives (II Cor.
3:12).
·
Christ in us is the basis (Col. 1:27).
Conquering
Tribulations (vv. 3-5):
·
Rather than being undone by trials, we
are strengthened (Jas. 1:2-4).
·
Happiness is found even in persecution
(Matt. 5:10-12).
·
Perseverance, proven character, hope, and
the love of God in our hearts!
Our
Helplessness Is Overcome by God’s Grace (vv. 6-8):
·
We had no way to escape the consequences
of our sins (Job 9:30-35).
·
God sent His Son to die for undeserving
sinners (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 4:25).
·
We were not good, not even righteous, but
sinners!
The
Much More
Of God’s Grace (vv. 9-11):
·
If He saved us while we were sinners, we
can expect even more from Him now that we are in Christ (Rom. 8:31-39).
·
Reconciliation has come about through
grace (Col. 1:19-23).
Grace is certainly our greatest
cause to celebrate and be encouraged! Undeserving sinners saved in our helplessness
to live lives of victory—a wondrous salvation indeed!
ESJ
5/28/00
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