Chico Alliance Church
August 26, 2001
Pastor David Welch
“The Rugged Path to Glory”
Romans 5:2-8
Review
I. Receive the gift of God’s righteousness by faith 1-5
A. God proves every man needs His righteousness 1-3
B. God explains and illustrates His way to righteousness 3:21-4:25
C. Justification results in multiple benefits 5:1-21
1. Benefits of justification highlighted 5:1-11
Paul bounces back and forth through time looking at various benefits stemming from God’s work of grace in our life – justification. Justification is to declare righteous or pronounce not guilty.
The fact that Christ died on our behalf made this pronunciation of not guilty by the judge of the universe possible without compromising His own law or holy character. God established the punishment for rebellion. Jesus bore the punishment for us. With sin out of the way, restored relationship with God became possible. It was this past grace of justification that makes present peace possible. We have been reconciled with God and may now enjoy a relationship of peace. The war is over. Paul encourages these believers to internalize or personally celebrate this new blessing of peace with God.
He also encourages them to confidently proclaim with enthusiasm (exult) their sure expectation of one day fully reflecting the glory of God. It is our destiny to become like Jesus both spiritually and physically. Both His soul and spirit were glorious and we are promised that we will be transformed into both the image of soul and of his glorious resurrected body. That is our sure future, but what about in the mean time?
a) Enjoy peace with God
b) Exult in hope of reflecting the glory of God in the future.
Max Lucado summarizes the change from chapter three to chapter 5.
“Because of God’s grace we go from being people whose “throats are like open graves” (Psa 5:9) to being participants of God’s glory. We were washed up and put out; now we are called up and put in.”
Paul whisks us back from a future glimpse at the end product to follow the daily process operating in the present. Not only can we exult in the hope of the end product but in the process as well.
c) Exult in present tribulations that produce future character
Since the end of the war with God, we acquired a different outlook about things. Since the end of the war with God we begin to adopt a new outlook concerning difficulty. Enmity with God caused a suspicion, fear, distrust, blame, anger, and disappointment. Justification paves the way for a new understanding of life in a rebellious world. One of the areas affected by this new relationship is a new outlook regarding pain, suffering and tribulation. Not that it all gets figured out but a new attitude toward it begins to come into focus. This passage describes the character developing process.
Lets look at each stage.
“Exult in tribulations”
This is the same word used previously meaning to boast or verbalize something with confident and enthusiastic fervor. Paul instructs us to continually boast or verbalize our enthusiastic attitude regarding “tribulations.”
“Tribulations”
What are tribulations? The word is used often in the New Testament.
It is translated by the following English words -- affliction(14), afflictions(6), anguish(1), distress(2), persecution(1), tribulation(16), tribulations(4), trouble(1).
Literally, it means “to crush, press, compress, squeeze, to break.”
It describes the pain of persecution by those in opposition to Christianity. Jesus said in the world you WILL have tribulation.
• It is used in relation to the pain of childbirth.
• It is used to describe the difficulties experienced by Joseph that God delivered out of eventually. That includes rejection, the trial of pompous, jealous siblings, slave labor, hard work, false accusation, isolation, rejection, ridicule, ungratefulness, improper sexual advances.
• Paul uses it to describe marital mayhem.
But if you should marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin should marry, she has not sinned. Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. 1 Cor. 7:28
• It is used to describe emotional trauma. (Concern for the churches)
• It is used to describe financial difficulty.
• It is used of the general difficulties associated with life in a fallen world.
Paul calls a number of the difficulties he experienced as “tribulations” or afflictions.
Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:23-28
Paul in the midst of all these “tribulations” maintained an eternal perspective.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Cor. 4:17-18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Whereas struggle and tribulation was once something to be avoided and hated it can now be embraced as a divine means to a divine end. They now yield eternal purpose. Because of our newly established relationship with God we are able not just to tolerate tribulations or stomach struggle, we can actually exult in them. We can enthusiastically discuss our suffering and difficulties not as inconveniences to be ducked and despised but opportunities to welcome and even embrace, as they serve to bring us closer to the goal of becoming more like Jesus and reflecting His glory in a dark world. That’s insane! This is not the only place or spokesman for God that calls for this strange response toward struggle.
James -- Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, James 1:2
Peter -- Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13
How can we do that? It has to do with renewal of our thinking. It has to do with knowing truth. It has to do with a new perspective on life. Paul responded positively to negative situations all through his letter to the Philippians because of his eternal perspective. What is the perspective toward tribulations taught here?
“knowing” (oida) to know intuitively perfect tense verb
Instinctively knowing or perceiving a basic reality. We can exult in tribulation knowing that those tribulations have a purpose and bring about a desired result. They actually move us closer to Christlikeness. They are the means to reflect the glory of God in a dark place. They are the path to glorification.
and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:17-18
Paul urges us to explore the path to glory until it causes us to exult in the journey itself.
(1) Managing tribulation produces endurance.
“works, brings about” present tense verb
to work. to work out; to bring about, accomplish, to carry out a task until it is finished, to effect, produce, to be the cause or author of
We can verbalize our internal enthusiasm when trials come knowing a proper response produces something. Now we must understand that it is not just the occurrence of tribulation that produces a good result, it is the godly response to those trials that take us further down the path toward glory. When we accept and properly respond to trials, they produce a deeper desire to “hang in there.”
“Endurance”
We encountered this word in our side trip in Hebrews. It means to “remain under, to stay under the difficulty until the desired result is completed.” James calls attention to the same thing.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
The continual determination to respond with trust in God to the things that come our way produces a new determination to hang in there. If we collapse at every calamity or difficulty we slide back to square one. If we rant and rave every time the appliance breaks or the phone rings or the kids trip, we circumvent the process and go back to the beginning. Many have lost hope of every maturing in their walk because they continually fail to respond with trust any time things get uncomfortable.
i.e. another bill, a lost credit card, a sick baby, a marital quarrel, a financial setback.
Only as we “remain under” and exult in the process do we move to the next stage of development.
(2) Remaining under tribulation (endurance) produces proven character
“Proven character”
Paul uses a word here that focuses on the character of one who has been approved or whose claims have been demonstrated in reality. There are those who say they trust God but go bust every time it gets tough. They say they trust God but when the car breaks down – look out!
This word communicates the difference between the decorated veteran and the raw recruit. The word contrasts the soldier who stood the test and proved valiant in the face battle as opposed to the bravado of the new recruit who has never actually faced actual combat. James exposed those who only bragged about their vibrant faith as opposed to those who actually demonstrated their faith in God by the way they lived. He says you can talk about your faith in words but I will demonstrate my faith by how I trust God in tribulation. As we remain under the tribulation by our trust in God and the loving support of the body we demonstrate a genuine faith that passes the test of tribulation and fire. The consistent godly response to trial (endurance) results in proven character. Character is not what we say we are, but how we live and respond to life even when no one is looking. As we continue to respond to tribulation with trust in God and reliance on the power of the Spirit over the long haul it soon becomes who we actually are. The godly response becomes our natural way of life. We begin to realize that God is changing the way I respond to life. When I realize more fully the work of Christ in my life, I develop a new level of hope that maybe I really am different. Maybe I am moving closer to my destiny of being like Jesus.
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
(3) Proven character produces hope
The more we see areas of our life consistently reflecting the character of Jesus the more hope we sense and confidence we feel that God is at work in us and we will reach our destiny.
This process is present in any worthwhile achievement or skill development.
Can you remember the first time you tried something new?
i.e. Skiing, computers, sewing, playing an instrument, running,
• The first time you tired it, you encountered the trial of failing and ignorance and incompetence. You had the choice then to give up or continue.
• The more you got up and tried or practiced, the more difficulties you learned to overcome and the more proficient you became.
• The more proficient you became the more hope you developed of becoming better and even proficient
How often do people endure incredible suffering and hardship by focusing on the end result? The closer the end, the more suffering they are willing and even able to endure.
Those mentioned in Hebrews endured horrible suffering by looking to the end reward of their trust in God. Too often the distaste of present trials outweighs the desire for future reward.
Are you more like Jesus today than you were a year ago, a month ago, a week ago? More loving and compassionate, more joyful, more peaceful, more long-suffering with people, more gentle, more kind, more self-controlled. This is the fruit of the active presence of the Spirit of Christ in your life. Have you quit moving toward Christlikeness? God allows tribulations to provide opportunity to develop endurance to prove your character to strengthen your hope.
In this (your imperishable inheritance in Christ) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9
Tribulations and testing are like heat under metal that causes the impurities to rise to the surface where they can be skimmed away. Too often we see the impurity in our life and stir it back in or remove the heart so the impurities once again drop below the surface.
Only when all the impurities have been purged will an undistorted image appear in the melted ore. We are destined to reflect the image of Jesus without distortion, thus we must begin to associate tribulation and trials with refinement and purification and growth.
"And I will bring the third part through the fire,
Refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested.
They will call on My name, and I will answer them;
I will say, ’They are My people,’ and they will say, ’The LORD is my God.’ " Zech. 13:9
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts. Pro 17:3
If we keep responding negatively to the things God sends for our growth, we will not progress.
We will continue to reflect a distorted image and the world will not appreciate the glory of the Lord. So how are we to respond to these trials?
The godly handling of trials
• Affirm your trust in God no matter what (Think trust, faith in God)
• Rejoice and consider it all joy (Think end result)
• In EVERYTHING give thanks (Think gratitude)
• Look for any impurity or encumbrance to lay aside.
• Find encouragement in Scripture (Think truth)
• Keep running the race with endurance (Think endurance)
• Keep looking to Jesus the originator and finisher of faith (Think Jesus)
• Humbly enlist the help of others (Think humility)
• Sacrificially come alongside and help others (Think ministry)
The destructive response to trials.
• Put our trust in anything but God.
• Grumble and react
• Bitter against God
• Hide or excuse sinful responses
• Neglect the scripture
• Sit on the sidelines
• Neglect prayer
• Refuse the help of serving others, isolate ourselves
• Become self focused on MY problems
Commit to keep on the path to glory.
Exult in not exit from tribulations and stay the course.
Endurance – Proven character – hope
(4) Hope will not disappoint or shame us.
Paul asserts that those who understand the new relationship opened up through justification will view life’s tribulations and difficulties as opportunities to reflect the glory of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.
The hope that comes from the development of character is not a false hope or something that will cause disappointment. The word translated “disappointment” here has to do with a sense of shame, dishonor, and frustration. Our confidence and assurance of becoming like Jesus is not some pipe dream of which we should be ashamed. It is a hope based on tangible spiritual growth and character development. Our commitment to the path to glory will not result in any regrets.
Those who put their confidence in the flesh or in the things of this world or in some philosophy of man will experience ultimate shame and disappointment and eternal regret. Hope based on the work of a loving father will not disappoint because God has flooded our hearts with love by the Holy Spirit and supremely demonstrated that love through the sacrifice of His Son.
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5
God’s love “has been poured out” in our hearts. This is a perfect tense verb meaning that God’s love has been poured out in our hearts and it is still there to the brim! Hallelujah.
“Poured out” is a word used to indicate the complete pouring out of a liquid. It generally communicated the idea of abundant and lavish sacrifice. Paul reminded the Ephesians of the grace lavished upon us. Here it is God’s love flooding our once arid, parched heart devoid of real love with His ever-flowing, inexhaustible love.
Have you contemplated God’s love lately?
Have you taken the time to listen to your heart lately?
God sent the Holy Spirit to continually flood our heart with God’s love. If you don’t sense God’s love, you have allowed the lies of the enemy to drown out the Spirit. If you have lost your hope of glory you have lost touch with the love of God. Paul prayed that the Ephesians being rooted and grounded in love would come to comprehend the full dimensions of Christ’s love that really surpasses human knowledge, that as a result of such a realization would experience the fullness of God Himself. Take time to listen.
How is it that God can so lavishly love sinners? It was not because of any strength, skill or aptitude on our part, for while we were still helpless, weak and powerless -- Christ died for us. It was not because of any orchestration of some great plan manipulated by mankind, because Christ entered our world and died at just the right time or at just the right point in history according to God’s plan and timetable. God is not late. God is not early. God is deliberate and on time. It was also not due to any reverence for God or a heart for God but Christ died for ungodly or irreverent people. He proved earlier that everyone since Adam is ungodly. God’s outpouring of love was not based on anything of human merit or goodness. People will rarely give their life for another person no matter how good or righteous.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. Romans 5:7
The comparison of righteous man and good man may be the difference between one who cannot be accused of violating some moral code and one who goes beyond keeping a code to doing good for others. In contrast to even the best of human inclinations to sacrifice for others, as rare as it may be in extreme cases, God demonstrates his love in spite of our sinfulness. Don‘t miss the characterization of our state of being.
Helpless to do anything about our condition.
Ungodly without proper reverence for the God who loved us and created us.
Sinners deliberately defying the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Later he will add enemies living in active hostility toward God.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while yet being sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
Paul uses a present tense verb here “demonstrates” One might expect Paul to say, “but God demonstrated His own love, in that while we were yet sinner” but he employs the present tense both for God’s demonstration of love and our sinning. The word “demonstrates” means to “stand with” or present to someone as worthy, to declare or make known, to make conspicuous. God continually makes His love conspicuous (most likely a return to the thought of the love poured out and still filling our heart by the Holy Spirit) in that even though we continue sinning, Christ’s substitutionary death continually covers that sin. God continues to make His love conspicuous because Christ removed every barrier to relationship with God through his death. Don’t ever get sidetracked. The reason God can righteously and enthusiastically continue to flood our hearts with his love is for no other reason but that Jesus died for us.
Over and over again in this passage Paul ties his thoughts to Christ’s death for us. Paul indicated to the Corinthians that he had no other ground in which to glory or boast save in the cross of Christ.
Max Lucado tells of a man who set out to adopt a troubled teenage girl. She was destructive, disobedient, and dishonest. One day she completely ransacked the house looking for money. By the time he arrived, she was gone and the house was in shambles. Upon hearing of her actions, friends urged him not to finalize the adoption. “Let her go, they said. “After all, she’s not really your daughter.” His response was simply. “Yes, I know. But I told her she was.”
What a great picture of the love of our heavenly Father! The simplicity of the good news is captured in this simple but profound statement God fills the heart of those who continue to sin against Him because Christ died for them. This filling of the heart with love goes beyond the love that sent Jesus in the first place. God so loved the world that he sent Jesus that whoever believes in him not only receives the eternal life of Jesus but God sends His Holy Spirit to completely flood their heart with His incomprehensible love.
God does not just momentarily impress the heart but permanently inundates the heart with His infinite, amazing love on the basis of Christ’s death for us.
