Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
(1) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (2) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, (4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (5) and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Simple Definition of privilege
a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others
a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud
the advantage that wealthy and powerful people have over other people in a society
Source: "Privilege." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 23 July 2016.
“Privilege” has become a bad word in today's society. Much of the Millenial generation, being heavily influenced by the progressive movement, have redefined “privilege” to mean “inequality of rights, due to race, class, or gender.” The third definition listed above reflects this notion that privilege exists due to status.
The truth is that privilege, like almost everything else, comes at a cost. Millenials will talk of the “privilege” of attending certain colleges and universities. Yet those same Millenials fail to acknowledge that someone, either themselves or their parents, is paying for their education. Those same Millenials also had to “pay the the price;” studying during their high school years, preparing for college admissions requirements, and taking upon a college-level workload, often while trying to hold down a part-time job.
This morning I want to talk to you about Christian Privilege. As Christians, we have been given special benefits and opportunities that come from having a relationship with God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. And like other privileges, this one comes with a cost.
Reading: Romans 5:1-5
So what are the privileges of being a Christian?
1. Peace with God
Remember what was said earlier? “Privilege comes at a cost?” Those privileges that come with our relationship with God are great, and they came at a great cost. Christ's death upon the cross paid for our sin debt. When we accept Him as Lord and Savior, we become justified by our faith. Through our faith, we can be at peace with God.
2. Access to grace
At the time of our conversion, we gain access to a position of grace, in which God gives us unmerited favor. This is a joyous state, knowing that the creator of the universe shows us special favor.
3. Access to God the Father
For what reason does the Christian have to rejoice? There is no better one than our hope to be with God for eternity. This hope exists in two parts: first, our Father is only a prayer away. Unlike the chief priests in the temple, we have access to the presence of God at any time, when we pray in Jesus' name; second, we hope for the day, when we will be with God in the hereafter.
4. Opportunity to “suffer”
We all suffer in one way or another. But God uses those experiences in the Christian's life to bring spiritual growth. As we endure, our character develops, and that gives us reason to hope. In that hope, there's no shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
