Text: Romans 5:1-5
Supporting Text: Psalm 30:5
- Introduction: The Vital Element of Hope
- Hope is essential for every human being’s existence.
- In a world filled with stress, turmoil, and trials, many are losing hope.
- Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
- Repeat with the congregation: "Joy comes in the morning."
- Hold on to the promise of hope despite despair or disappointment.
- Our hope is rooted in Jesus Christ—our hope today, tomorrow, and forever.
- The Source of Our Hope (Romans 5:1-5)
- Romans 5:1: "Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
- Hope flows from our relationship with God through Jesus.
- Peace with God through Christ secures our hope for today and the future.
- Verses 2-5:
- We have access to grace by faith, allowing us to stand and rejoice in hope.
- Tribulations produce perseverance, character, and ultimately hope—and hope does not disappoint.
- Why? Because God's love is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
- Illustration: The Chilean Miners’ Rescue (2010)
- 33 miners trapped underground after a mine collapse.
- Their hope of survival had to come from above.
- After 17 days, a small six-inch borehole reached them, signaling that help was coming.
- Though it didn’t rescue them immediately, it gave them hope that people above were working to save them.
- On Day 69, they were all rescued alive.
- In the same way, our hope comes from above—through Jesus Christ—when we are trapped in life's challenges.
- Though the situation may not change immediately, we have hope that help is on the way.
- Applying the Hope of Christ to Our Lives
- Some of us feel trapped, like life has collapsed around us.
- Whether it’s family, career, or health, we wonder if anyone knows or cares.
- Like the miners, we need help from above.
- Jesus Christ is the lifeline sent from above:
- He drilled through time and space, reaching down through the darkness of sin and despair.
- He brings hope and salvation, offering a future despite present circumstances.
- Romans 5:5: "Hope does not disappoint." God’s love through the Holy Spirit sustains us.
- Understanding Hope in the Context of Romans
- Romans is divided into four sections. Chapters 5-8 focus on hope, peace, and our relationship with God through Christ.
- Romans 5:12: Sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and we are trapped in its effects.
- But just as sin came through one man, salvation and hope come through one man—Jesus Christ.
- The Bible tells the story of how God continually drilled through history, sending prophets, promises, and ultimately His Son, to save humanity.
- Genesis: the promised seed.
- Exodus: the Passover Lamb.
- Leviticus: the scapegoat.
- Galatians 4:4: "In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son."
- Jesus is the blessed hope we have today.
- Faith and Grace: The Lifeline to Hope
- Romans 5:2: We have access by faith, which brings grace into our lives.
- Faith is the act of reaching up to God; grace is what God sends down to sustain us.
- Like the six-inch hole that sent supplies to the trapped miners, God sends His grace to us so we can stand in hope until our full deliverance arrives.
- We send up faith; He sends down grace.
- It is our lifeline that strengthens us in trials, reminding us that the glory of God is coming.
- Impatience vs. Perseverance
- Many lose hope because they expect immediate answers from God.
- We must learn to stand in faith, trusting that God’s grace will see us through.
- Romans 5:3-4: Tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.
- Conclusion: The Power of the Gospel and Justification by Faith
- Romans 1:16-17: The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
- Through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are justified—declared righteous before God.
- Without this, there is only God’s wrath (Romans 1:18).
- Hope comes through the gospel and the peace of knowing we are justified by faith.
- Today, make the choice to cling to the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.
- Door 1: Peace with God through Jesus.
- Door 2: Wrath without Him.
- Invitation: Choose the lifeline of hope in Christ—don’t let go, for He is reaching out to rescue you.
Scripture references: 1
- Romans 5:1-5 (Main Passage)
- Psalm 30:5
- Genesis 3:15
- Exodus 12:5
- Leviticus 16:10 (Scapegoat reference)
- Numbers 19:9
- Deuteronomy 18:15
- Galatians 4:4
- Romans 5:12
- Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth... The just shall live by faith."
- Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men..."