PEACE AT LAST!
5:1-11
It was a dark night in Jerusalem. The streets in the city were empty.
The disciples had come together with our Lord for the last time.
They were anything but peaceful.
Their hearts were filled with fear. What would happen to them tomorrow?
They knew the religious leaders of Israel were out to get them.
One slip and they were through.
And the Lord? He did nothing to quiet their fear.
He confirmed their worst fears as He promised that the time had come.
Once more he repeated what he had told them over and over before:
He was to be betrayed, delivered to the authorities and crucified.
The footnote about the resurrection was more than they could absorb
They could only understand that the One they’d committed their lives to was going to be taken away and killed!
What would happen to them?
In this perplexing scene, Our Lord spoke:
"PEACE I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
How about us? Have you had to face a time when you felt like that?
It seems like all your dreams are about to come crashing down around you?
You turn to God and He seems strangely silent.
YOU DON’T FEEL PEACE!
Peace on earth is a rare commodity.
In 4,000 years of recorded history, less than 300 years have been without war.
More than 8,000 peace treaties have been made and broken.
When treaty ending World War II was signed on the USS Missouri, many units of Japanese soldiers were out of reach and had to be informed the war was over; peace had been declared. In some cases it took years to get the word out.
Rom. 5: peace with God has been declared. We need to get the word out!
“‘Peace, Peace!’ When there is no peace.”
Why is it that when so many people seek peace, turmoil abounds?
W. H. Auden: “I see little hope for a peaceful world until men are excluded from the realms of foreign policy altogether and all decisions concerning international relations are reserved for women, preferably married ones.”
Is that the key to peace on earth? Let women do it?!!
Why is peace so elusive?
Even God’s people get caught up in the circumstances of life–trapped by the turmoil around us. We struggle with guilt. We struggle with adversity and affliction.
“I really blew it this time! There’s no way out or the mess I’ve made of my life!
[EXPAND– what does this look like? ]
HOW DO YOU FIND REAL PEACE?
Whatever our circumstances, when we’ve been justified by faith in Christ, we HAVE PEACE with God!
JESUS' DEATH AND RESURRECTION BRING PEACE ON EARTH--NOW
Benefits of our salvation aren’t just “Pie in the sky by and by.”
There are benefits in our lives right now, here on earth also!
People invest lives seeking the very things God promised us in Christ.
People invest considerable energy seeking peace and contentment.
Rom. 5: both peace AND contentment are found in Jesus
N. T. letters begin, "Grace, mercy and PEACE TO YOU"
In Rom 5--Paul tells us how we find peace:
True peace, joy, and contentment come by the Gospel
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God"
We are declared righteous
Because we trust Christ
NOT because of our own efforts
Our best efforts don’t produce peace!
Therefore, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.
Ch. 4: As Abraham trusted God 4:3, 18 => WE trust God 4:24
As Abraham was declared righteous 4:3, 22 => WE are declared righteous 4:24
As God gave Abraham life from a dead reproductive system 4:18-21=>
He gave Christ life from a dead physical condition 4:24-25
He gave US life from a dead spiritual condition 5:17-21
Jesus' death and resurrection, Assure our justification
And allow us to enjoy PEACE WITH GOD!
When we trust in Christ as our Savior, God begins a great work in our life. Salvation is not just a hope of a future life in heaven.
It’s power which radically transforms our life and our perspective on life
We can be satisfied with our relationship with God in the midst of our circumstances and even look forward peacefully to death.
These are benefits included in the good news of salvation by faith.
What did we receive when we came to Christ?
Since we’ve received salvation by faith in Christ, apart from our own works, we enjoy certain derived benefits.
[ BENEFITS OF THE GOSPEL 5:1-11 ]
2 logical results of salvation by faith.
1st benefit we receive is PEACE WITH GOD.
WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD 5:1-2a
Salvation by works NEVER gives peace—we’re never sure we’ve done enough!
Isaiah: “there is no peace for the wicked” (48:22)
While struggling to save ourselves, we merit God's wrath.
Our sense of guilt takes away peace.
We know we’re not good enough to make it with God!
We’re living a life of turmoil, constantly haunted by fear of death.
But now, having received salvation by faith, we enjoy peace with God
We are able to come to Him with confidence.
We enjoy peace through Christ—NOT by trying to do it ourselves, nor by keeping the law
He gained us access to God by faith, on basis of God’s grace.
THE CERTAINTY OF OUR SALVATION, BASED ON FAITH IN CHRIST, PRODUCES PEACE WITH GOD
“We can rejoice . . .”
JOY is the second benefit we receive when we are saved by faith.
Things that used to cause fear, now cause us JOY!
Because of what Christ did for us, we have cause to rejoice—to celebrate!
Some people think Christians should always be somber.
Paul gives us THREE REASONS TO CELEBRATE!
We may be surprised by some areas that provoke rejoicing, but we shouldn’t be surprised by the call to rejoice!
WE HAVE JOY/CONTENTMENT 5:2-11
3 areas--Each introduced by the expression: "We rejoice in . . . (we exult in . . .).
Lit., “we boast about . . . “
NOT because of what we’ve done.
We get satisfaction out of what God has given us in these areas:
WE REJOICE IN OUR HOPE 5:2b
Now we rejoice in hope of being co-participants in the glory of God
Rom 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
You can't help but notice contrast with Rom 3:23: “we have all sinned and we all fall short of God's glory.”
We could never achieve that by our efforts!
In Christ, we’re promised a state we never could attain any other way: we’re co-participants in God’s glory!
WE REJOICE IN SUFFERING 5:3-10
Capacity to rejoice, not only when everything is going well, but also in the midst of troubles.
We can be content in suffering because of the change Christ makes in our life.
It doesn't matter what may come, we know God will never abandon us.
When we understand that God uses suffering to perfect us, we can be content in the hard times.5:3-5
Affliction produces perseverance
A young Christian, went to an older believer to ask "Will you pray that I may be more patient?" As they knelt together, the man began to pray, "Lord, send this young man tribulation in the morning; send this young man tribulation in the afternoon; send this young man...." The young Christian blurted out, "No, no, I didn't ask you to pray for tribulation. I wanted you to pray for patience." "Ah," responded the wise Christian, "it's through tribulation that we learn patience."
In the ancient Roman method of threshing grain, one man stirs up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these cylinders to separate the husks from the grain. It was called a tribulum => "tribulation." No thresher used a tribulum for purpose of destroying sheaves. As it was drawn over the grain, it separated the wheat from the chaff. So it is with our trials; they purify us, they get rid of the chaff.
Affliction produces perseverance . . .
"Perseverance" –ability to stand up under or bear the weight of a heavy burden
Afflictions produce strength to persevere in difficult circumstances.
Perseverance produces proven character . . .
"Proven character" refers to something tested and approved.
Perseverance in suffering produces character God approves of.
Proven character produces hope . . .
Hope produces contentment
This kind of hope never disappoints because it’s based on God’s love which has penetrated our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us and resides within us
How was Job able to endure such an incredible barrage of afflictions?
—in a few hours—he suffered loss of 10 children, economic ruin, and incredible physical pain
God was working to perfect Job’s character and to glorify Himself.
Though Job didn’t understand what God was doing, he trusted Him.—hope wasn’t disappointed!
As we triumph under testing, we gain confidence for the future.
Such hope ends in contentment because it isn't put in vain things that produce frustration when they fail to be achieved.
The love of God which the Holy Spirit has poured out in our hearts guarantees us that we will not be disappointed.
God has flooded our hearts with His love.
H.S. within us overwhelms us with awareness of His love.
Because of His presence, we can be sure our hope will not be disappointed.
STEPS TOWARD CONTENTMENT AND SATISFACTION.
Do we really want true contentment? Are we willing to pay the price to find it?
Follow this staircase: (When troubles come our way (and they will come!), . . .)
SATISFACTION
CONFIDENCE (Hope)
PROVEN CHARACTER
PERSEVERANCE (Patience)
TRIBULATION
If this process really works–if tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces proven character, character produces confidence, and that confidence results in genuine contentment–then why are we so averse to experiencing tribulation? (“Don’t ask God for patience!”)
Why are we undone when affliction comes our way?
[ Having mentioned God's love, Paul is motivated to explain more thoroughly the relationship between this love and suffering. ]
GOD’S LOVE HAS FLOODED OUR HEARTS
We’re overwhelmed by the thought that God loves us.
That thought permeates everything! GOD LOVES ME!
God's demonstration of love compared with the love humans show one another. 5:6-8
How many people do YOU know that would be willing to die for YOU?
People sometimes die for a righteous person 7
People sometimes die for a good person 7
In the case of humans, it’s possible that we might be willing to die for a worthy cause—something important enough to die for.
We might die to save the life of a really good person.
But God’s love is totally different.
Christ died for helpless people 6
Christ died for wicked people 6
Christ died for sinners 8
Christ showed God's love by dying for people who didn't deserve anything
Christ died for ungodly people! 5:6
You can’t understand how unbelievable this is until you understand the depth of human depravity from God’s perspective.
Imagine most vile, immoral depravity you can envision.
Hitler had no corner on depravity. The same nature that was in him is in us!
It was while we were still in that condition —SINNERS— that Christ died for us.
There was nothing in us to attract Him to us!
Even though we were rebellious sinners, Christ died for us.
J. Vernon McGee: Boy wanted to join church. Leaders interviewed him: "How did you get saved?" He answered, "God did His part, and I did my part." Thinking something was wrong with his doctrine, they questioned further, "What was God's part, and what was your part?" He said, "God's part was the saving; my part was the sinning. I ran from Him as fast as my sinful heart and rebellious legs could take me. He took out after me till He ran me down."
All we ever do offends Him, but even so, He gave His life for us.
Spurgeon’s message based on v. 6: “I would not mind if I were condemned to live 50 years more, and never to be allowed to speak but these 5 words, if I might be allowed to utter them in the ear of every man, and woman and child who lives. “Christ died for the ungodly” is the best message that even angels could bring to men. In the proclamation of this the whole church ought to take its share. Those of us who can address thousands should be diligent to cry aloud —”Christ died for the ungodly;” but those who can only speak to one, or write a letter to one, must keep on at this—”Christ died for the ungodly.” . . . When you pass the harlot in the street, do not give a toss with that proud head of yours, but remember that “Christ died for the ungodly;” and when you recollect those that injured you, say no bitter word, but hold your tongue, and remember “Christ died for the ungodly.” Make this henceforth the message of your life—”Christ died for the ungodly.”
Paul concludes this section by arguing from the lesser to the greater:
If God loved us so much when we were enemies, how much more will He do to show His love for us now that we’ve been reconciled?
We can be certain He will not turn His back on us now 5:9-10
If Christ’s death accomplished so much for us, how much more will His life do, now that He intercedes for us in heaven?
If He justified us and reconciled us, isn’t it logical to assume He will finish the job and deliver us from God’s wrath?
God will finish what He started!
He paid too high a price while we were still sinners to let go of us now!
Therefore, we have peace–we have joy.
We have confidence He will what He began to do in us!
Due to this great unconditional love of God for us, we can be sure that our hope rests on an unshakeable foundation.
We will not be disappointed or embarrassed because we know that God will keep His promises to us.
Therefore, we can rejoice, even in the midst of hard times.
What steps should we take when we find ourselves besieged by difficult circumstances of life?
Have you been through time of trusting God when faced by impossible circumstances?
Did your faith pay off?
WHY are we so slow to learn the lesson? Why can't we trust Him with this week's troubles?
WE REJOICE IN GOD 5:11
Before He was our Judge and we thought about Him with fear, but now that we’re in Christ, we can approach Him with confidence.
We enjoy a new relationship with Him because we’ve been reconciled with Him through Jesus.
Instead of being His enemies, we’re friends with God.
While it’s impossible to think of God without thinking of benefits received, we celebrate Him for Who He is, apart from what He’s done for us.
We rejoice in Him because of His greatness—because of Who He is!
Like human parents, God isn’t especially impressed when we are only grateful for the benefits we receive from Him—the “presents” He gives us.
He wants us to celebrate Him, for Who He is.
We should get excited about GOD once in a while.
We get excited about everything else–ever go to a basketball game?
We celebrate HIM!
God doesn't see us as we are; He sees us IN CHRIST:
Therefore, WE HAVE PEACE!
WE HAVE JOY!
The struggle is over!
We have cause to celebrate!
Sum of these benefits of the gospel is captured in one my favorite hymns.
In the late 1860s, Horatio Spafford, a Chicago business man suffered the death of his son. That was followed by financial losses caused by the Great Chicago Fire. In 1873, Spafford’s wife’s health was bad. He wanted to participate in a crusade in Britain with D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey. So he booked passage for his family. A last minute business emergency caused him to send his family ahead. The ship was struck by another vessel and sank. Mrs Spafford survived, but all four daughters were lost. As he sailed to join his wife, he wrote this hymn of faith in adversity.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll--
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul.
My sin--O the joy of this glorious thought-- My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more: Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, "Even so"--it is well with my soul.
That's peace!
Because He lives, I know peace—peace with myself and peace with God
Because He lives, I too shall live
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, without fear
Do you know what it's like to enjoy peace with God?
Have you been declared righteous in Him?
If so, praise Him for His gift! and tell others how they can enjoy it!
If you’re not enjoying peace with God, why not?
-Unsaved? Are you still saying "I'd rather do it myself?”
Trust Him now