Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.—Romans 5:1-5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble…is the summary heading my bible placed over the above verses. I really liked it. Beloved…when trouble comes run to God before you go anywhere else. The just shall live by his faith. God has declared us righteous on the basis of our faith in His Son, Jesus. (Justification). Because of this we now have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are no longer his enemy. We are on His side. He who died to save us when we were yet His enemy will do ALL to see us through every one of the trials we will face in this life.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?—Romans 8:32
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 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.—Hebrews 7:24-25
Because of Jesus I not only enjoy peace with God but I also stand permanently in His grace or favor. My faith in God’s Son is my access into this grace in which I stand. Jesus, by His death on the cross, has made this possible. As a resident of earth I fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) but because I am, by His grace, also a citizen of heaven, I can rejoice in the anticipation of sharing in His glory when someday He brings me to the place He has lovingly prepared for me in heaven.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.—Romans 8:29-30
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.—Colossians 1:27
We can, therefore, even rejoice in our afflictions and our troubles because we know that the final fruit of what our trials will produce in us is hope. Christ is our access to the grace which is sufficient for all that we face.
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong—2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Let’s look at the “chain reactions” Paul writes about here.
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Tribulation or suffering brings about or produces perseverance. Perseverance or steadfastness is the ability to remain under difficulties without giving in. I love that definition so much because the only way that happens is if (as I said in the beginning of this devotional) I run to Him and depend on Him in my trials.
Perseverance produces character that has been tried and approved. Tried faith is precious faith.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.—1 Peter 1:6-9
Tried and tested character produces hope. Hope is the confidence we have that God will see us through this life. Hope that is centered in God does not disappoint. It is not a pie in the sky kind of hope, but one that is sure and certain because it is grounded in the very word of God. Walvoord says that “disappoint” means “put to shame because of disappointment” in unfulfilled promises.
Beloved…All of God’s promises are yes and amen in His Son. The more our faith is tested…the more we run to Him…the more we trust Him. Why? Because we have seen and experienced His faithfulness each and every time. Those who look to Him will never be put to shame. (Ps 25:3; Ps 34:5)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:14-16
Finally, this hope doesn’t disappoint because God by His Spirit continually and abundantly pours out His love for us in our hearts. This encourages our hope because the reality of His love in our heart gives us assurance that our hope has not been misplaced. It will not fail. God has given us His Spirit as a down payment and a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:20-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.—Romans 8:16-17
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.—Jude 24-25
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.—2 Corinthians 1:20-22
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.—Ephesians 1:13-14
