A Short Study of: Romans 5:1-5

July 14, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

     The following verses may introduce some difficult concepts to you. If so, it may help to keep in mind, the two-sided reality of the Christian life.

 

     On the one hand, we are complete in Christ (our acceptance with Him is secured); on the other hand, we are growing in Christ (becoming more and more like Him).

 

     At the same times we have the status of kings and the duties of slaves. We feel both the presence of Christ and the pressure of sin. We enjoy the peace that comes from being made right with God, but we still face daily problems that help us grow. If we remember these two sides of the Christian life, we can fight the discouragement as we face temptations and problems and learn to depend on the power available to us from Christ; who happens to live in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:7

 

Romans 5:1 – “So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”   Accepting Christ as your personal Savior does not immediately make your world a wonderful and peaceful place. It does however now mean that you have peace with God - which differs from peaceful feelings; such as assurance, security, and confidence. Peace with God means that you have been reconciled with Him. There is no more hostility between He and you; and no sin blocks your relationship with Him.. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for your sons with His death on the cross.

 

Romans 5:2 – “For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.”  As a believer, you now stand in a place of highest privilege. Not only has God declared you not guilty; He has drawn you close to Him. Instead of enemies, you have become His friend – in fact – His own child; “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15; “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the ‘spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:5

 

Romans 5:3-4 - In the future, you will become, but until then, you must overcome. This means you will experience difficulties which help you grow. The problems in your life are allowed to happen for a reason – they develop patience – which in turn strengthens your character - deepens your trust in God - and gives you greater confidence about the future. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

 

     If you’re like me, you probably find your patience tested in some way every day. But, have you ever given thought to actually thanking God for these opportunities? Let’s learn to deal with them in His strength: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

 

Romans 5:5 – All three members of the Trinity are involved in salvation. The Father loved us so much that He sent His Son to bridge the gap between us; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit to fill our lives with love and to enable us to live by His power “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 

Faith, Hope, and Love are at the heart of the Christian life.

 

     Your relationship with God begins with faith, which helps you realize that you are delivered from your past by Christ’s death. Hope grows as you learn all that God has in mind for you; it gives you the promise of the future. And God’s love fills your life and gives you the ability to reach out to others –in ways you never could on your own.

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

     Lord, I thank You that You loved me enough to die and give up Your earthly life so that I could experience eternal life in Heaven with You. I love You too and want to live every day for You. Help me to do that please. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.