Romans 5:5-11 Series

Outline for CBF AM September 6, 2009

Intro.

L Explain that reading v. 5 we know that our text is dealing with hope and that the conjunction "For" in v. 6 tells us that Paul is giving us more reasons why hope does not disappoint.

L Hope for what?

 That ultimately we’ll be alright.

 Based on "stand" in v. 2 and vv. 4-5 we know that Paul is talking about hope through difficulties.

Jesus’ said in John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

L The hope of God’s child is that He will do His good work in us, through us, for us and for His own glory; and that no challenge, weakness on our part, nor difficulty in life shall deter Him.

What are some things which can challenge our hope?

 Conflict

 Health problems

 Persecution

 Personal weakness (my self!)

 Addictions

 Finances

 Can you think of more? I bet you can!

God knows this. He knows how fragile we are. Hence, in this section (5:1-11) in which He applies "justification" to the life of God’s child, He speaks much of hope.

TS. Today, as we examine Romans 5:5-11 we’re going to find four reasons, why the hope of those who are in Christ shall not be disappointed.

TS. Let’s examine v. 6.

I. God is the primary mover in your spiritual life, 6.

A. What God did for our salvation, He did when we were incapable of helping ourselves.

TS. Notice Paul tells us "in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

B. God planned our salvation when we had neither interest nor respect for God.

1. He decided to justify us way before we were even born!

2. He decided to justify us when we had neither interest nor respect for Him!

TS. Why should this encourage us?

3. God has determined to work even on our hearts and minds.

a. He had to do this in order for us ever to have come to Him, cf. v. 6.

b. Once we’re in His family He continues this work. See Php 2:12-13

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Php 2:12-13

What does this mean for me in my journey through life?

1. God assured the lion’s share of our salvation, past, present & future before we were even born.

Quote Eph 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

2. He certainly wasn’t motivated by anything we might have done. We hadn’t even been born!

3. And we know, that He doesn’t change, nor quit on that which He begins.

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Php 1:6

L So... Be encouraged! (Here’s the point!)

4. We just need to trust Him and keep our eyes on Him, and not so much on ourselves.

II. God’s love for us is "off the charts!" 7-9

A. Who dies for a bad person? 7

B. Who would send their own Son to die for a bad person?! 8

C. After justification (salvation) God has all the more reason to finish what He’s begun! 9

1. He says so! "Much more..."

2. See Romans 8:29-30

The question on your sheet reads: "How likely is it that God’s love for me will run out?"

3. If He did everything in order to bring us to perfection, and that, before we had anything to do with the matter, how likely do you think it, that He give up on us now?! Not very, as in IMPOSSIBLE!

III. Christ’s death on the cross was only the beginning of God’s work on our behalf! 10

L Notice the contrast, here, between what we were and what we are (in Christ)!

A. We were enemies (hate)

B. We have been reconciled.

This is the natural consequence of justification. Being in Christ there’s nothing between us and God. Hence, we have been brought into a good, right relationship!

C. Why is it that we shall be saved by His life?

Some texts to consider:

Hebrews 7:25 "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

LJesus lives to continue ministering on our behalf!