Romans 5:3-4
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Application:
In Romans 5, Paul begins to discuss not only the process of salvation, but also its results. As he has said before, the process is that we have been justified by faith in Christ. While faith leads to righteousness, it also leads to peace with God. Previously, we were God’s enemies. We were at war with him. Now, through Jesus, he has drawn us close and made us his friends.*
Faith enables us to access the grace that God wants to dispense in our lives, not just in salvation and sanctification, but also in times of tribulation. If we are in Christ, we also boast in our afflictions (5:3) because God is working in those afflictions for our good.*
Through affliction, God intends to create in us endurance, which produces proven character, and proven character produces hope (5:4). Hope, like faith, is only as good as its object. Just as our faith can only lead to salvation if it is faith in God, our hope will not disappoint us because it is the hope of God’s love … poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (5:5). Even in our suffering, God’s Spirit provides a fresh experience of God’s love to us and for us.*
Character is what God aims to develop in us through affliction, hardship, and tribulation. It is what we truly are in the dark, when no one is watching; everything else is just reputation. God desires a sincere and genuine heart within us, a heart that reflects His character.
*Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1123.
To God be the glory!
Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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Disclaimer
When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this message will inspire you to seek the Lord with all your heart and bring glory to His Holy name. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.
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