Romans 5:1-11
1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5and 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.
6For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
11And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Before I start, I must say this one is loaded. Depending on how far it goes, I might have to cut it down into 2 parts…
Paul continues his thought in this section which in my study bible is entitled “the benefits of righteousness”. He opens with, what I feel, is his conclusion of his previous point, that we are justified by faith. and therefore given peace.
Paul continues to make a point that is echoed in the book of James (I think will be the next book I cover since I’ve taken so much of it to heart.) Paul says that because of faith and grace, we can exult in our tribulations because we know that through victory in them, God’s glory will be exemplified and we will become stronger.
We are given hope through Christ’s Spirit, and that hope will never fail. We may forget that hope during our tribulations, but it is always there if you choose to accept it. Again, we’re back to the choices. How do you choose to look at your tribulations? Do you see it as “God punishing you” or do you see it as a way to grow.
I think of the obstacle course we had to traverse in boot camp. When we started, I hated that thing. A few obstacles in particular. I think just about everyone had an obstacle they disliked because it was so difficult. By the end of boot camp, the majority of us were able to fly through it. It became our “jungle gym” and we enjoyed racing each other and claiming victory over every obstacle we dominated. Tell ya what though, Up until then, I dreaded doing it. Think about our lives that way: do you dread obstacles in your life?
I chose to hate the obstacle course until I was able to defeat it. The way God wants us to think, the way Paul says we should think, is to look FORWARD to those obstacles we cannot overcome. Put your faith in God and anticipate Him showing His glory and using YOU to do it!!! I used to look at things as achievements for myself. Things I gain the power to overcome. I’m starting to change that way of thinking where I sit in wonder thinking, “how is God gonna be awesome this time?” I look at obstacles in front of me and say, “ok Lord, if you want me to do this, I’m gonna need your help, because I can’t do it on my own.” To think He thinks I’m worthy enough to be the one to do it for Him!!! Thank you Jesus for redeeming me and making me worthy.
What obstacles do you hate?
