Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

Date: 9-6-98

Sermon Number: 26

Text: Romans 5:1-5

Who Could Rejoice at a time like this?

(Job 1:1-3 NASB) "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. {2} And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. {3} His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east."

(Job 1:13-19 NASB) "Now it happened on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, {14} that a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, {15} and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." {16} While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." {17} While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you." {18} While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, {19} and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

(Job 2:7-8 NASB) "Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. {8} And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes."

(Job 5:6-7 NASB) "For affliction does not come from the dust, Neither does trouble sprout from the ground, {7} For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward."

This is the legacy left to us by our first parents, Adam and Eve. Trials, tribulations and suffering for every man, woman, and child. None have or ever will escape. For suffering is the result of sin and we are all sinners by birth and practice.

From the human, fleshly, point of view suffering is exclusively negative and something to be avoided at all costs. Ones first experience with pain occurs at birth. Before birth the child rests unmolested in his mothers&rsquos womb. He is warm, comfortable, well fed, all his needs are met. Then suddenly his world explodes with pain. The womb that once cradled and comforted him begins to convulse. The pressure on his little body is great and unrelenting. He is pulled and pushed. The bones in his head are dislocated and finally his supply of oxygen is cut off. In an experience closely related to suffocation the child&rsquos little body cries out for air. When he finally emerges from the birth canal he sucks in the atmosphere for the first times and cries. Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upwards. It begins at birth, continues throughout life, and then we die. This is the experience of all men. From a purely secular point of view this side of life is entirely negative, and unprofitable. No one is expected to rejoice in the midst of or because of suffering.

In our text for today Paul speaks of the Christian&rsquos response to suffering. The Christian, says the Apostle, is one who rejoices in the midst of and because of suffering. Follow with me as I read Romans 5:1-5 NASB.

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. {3} And not only this, but we also EXULT (boast, glory, experience joy, and rejoice) in our tribulations, (afflictions, anguish, distress, persecution, or trouble) KNOWING that tribulation brings about perseverance;(patient endurance) {4} and perseverance, proven character; (patient endurance reveals one&rsquos true character) and proven character, (increases one&rsquos) hope; (the expectation of present and final salvation) {5} and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Our English word, "tribulation," comes to us from a Latin word that means to press, oppress or, afflict. It was used to describe a threshing sledge used to separate grain from the chaff. It consisted of a large wooden platform studded underneath with iron spikes or teeth. When this was pressed down upon and drug over a pile of grain it effectively separated the wheat and the chaff. Tribulation works like this for the believer. It presses in upon us to remove the chaff, the remaining sin within. The really strange thing is the Christian rejoices during the process. This is not the normal human reaction to tribulation. Such rejoicing comes only from those who are supernaturaly empowered.

The Greek word for, "tribulation," speaks of pressure also. It was used to describe a wine press which squeezes the juice out of grapes. This particular word is used because the believer who suffers is being pressed. The screw is being tightened a little at a time, tighter, and tighter. The trial intensifies, the tribulation increases, the suffering gets worse and worse. He is being squeezed. When grapes are squeezed we know what comes out. But the question is, "What runs out of us when were are squeezed by trials and tribulations?" Is it wine, the symbol of joy or is it something bitter like vinegar. Is it praise to the God who wisely brings these things into our lives or is it complaint and rebellion? Paul says that the justified rejoice in their tribulation. This is appropriate behavior for the Christian. Hear the words of Psalms 33:1 NASB.

"Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; PRAISE IS BECOMING TO THE UPRIGHT."

When we praise God for His wisdom and grace we are doing that which compliments our profession of faith and glorifies God. On the other hand when we complain, "under pressure," we are putting on inappropriate clothing. When we determine that our suffering is all negative, bad, unprofitable, and evil we are rebelling against our all wise and merciful God. For He has told us, in no uncertain terms, that He does all things for His gory AND FOR OUR GOOD. "Praise is becoming to the upright." Praise is what fits and looks best on those who name the name of Christ. It is the appropriate response at all times and in all situations.

James, the brother of Christ, confronts us with this same truth. (James 1:2-4 NASB) "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, {3} KNOWING THAT the testing of your faith produces endurance. {4} And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Be joyful, says James, when you find yourself being squeezed by trials. This joy depends on something we know for James says, "Consider it all joy . . . KNOWING THAT the testing of your faith produces endurance." Paul, in our text for today, says the same thing. "And not only this, but we also EXULT in our tribulations, KNOWING THAT tribulation brings about perseverance." We are to be, and can be, joyful in the midst of our trials BECAUSE OF WHAT WE KNOW to be true concerning them.

Let me bring to your attention six things we must know before we can rejoice at all times and in all circumstances. Even when we are being squeezed by trials.

The first is this. The justified can and should rejoice in the midst of trials because they have peace with God. (verse one) This means that no matter what the trial or tribulation it is not condemning. The trial has nothing to do with God&rsquos condemning wrath. Remember the words of Romans 8:1 NASB. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Consider also Colossians 1:19-22 NASB. "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him, {20} and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having MADE PEACE through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. {21} And although YOU WERE FORMERLY ALIENATED and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, {22} yet HE HAS NOW RECONCILED YOU in His fleshly body through death, in order TO PRESENT YOU BEFORE HIM HOLY AND BLAMELESS AND BEYOND REPROACH."

The enmity between the believer and his Creator is gone forever. There has been a reconciliation. He has peace with God. Therefore, we KNOW that the suffering we experience in this life is not condemning. It is not an expression of God&rsquos anger and wrath but rather of His love. He seeks our good even through painful experiences. This is why we can and ought to rejoice in the midst of trials.

Second, the Justified should rejoice in the midst of trials, suffering, and tribulation because THEY HAVE ACCESS TO GOD. The unbeliever does not have Christ as an ever present help in time of need. He has no resource but that of positive thinking and human moral support. The believer, on the other hand, has access, through Christ, to the wise and Holy God who designed his present trial and waits to help him get through and benefit from it. Hebrews 4:14-16 NASB speaks of the blessed access Christians have to God and His Christ. "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. {15} For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 7:25 NASB) {25} "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since HE ALWAYS LIVES TO MAKE INTERCESSION FOR THEM."

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB) "No temptation (test, tribulation, trial, suffering) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tested) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to ENDURE it."

We who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ the Lord have direct access to God who is always faithful and will support us by His grace while we are under the pressure of suffering. He will see us through to the other side every time. This knowledge allows us to rejoice in the midst of the test.

Third the Justified can rejoice in tribulation because they alone have AN ETERNAL STANDING IN GRACE. (Verse Two) The Christian needn&rsquot fear that even the severest trial will remove him from the grace of God. There is no storm of life severe enough to blow us off course. Our ship will, on that final day, sail into the ports of Heaven. None of God&rsquos kids will be lost along the way. We have an eternal standing in grace. (John 10:27-30 NASB) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; {28} and I give ETERNAL LIFE to them, and THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH; and NO ONE SHALL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND. {29} "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and NO ONE IS ABLE TO SNATCH THEM OUT OF THE FATHER'S HAND. {30} "I and the Father are one." Our salvation through Christ and our relationship with the Father is permanent. Though the journey be long and difficult we will not be lost in this wilderness of sin. Therefore, we can rejoice in the midst of trial.

Fourthly, we see that SUFFERING FOR THE CHRISTIAN IS A MEANS OF GRACE. God uses suffering to do us some kind of good. In verses three through five of Romans five we are told that through tribulation and suffering we obtain perseverance or patience, our true character is revealed, and our hope is increased. Suffering, for the Christian, is a means of grace! It is the means by which God makes us a patient and hopeful people. Let&rsquos take a look at the specifics.

The first result of the Christian&rsquos suffering is the development of patience or perseverance. This word speaks of endurance without complaint. In another from the word means "to remain under." It speaks of one who, by grace, is determined to cooperate with the trials God brings into his life so as to learn the lesson they are meant to teach. This is perseverance or patience. God has determined to make us a patient people and He will do so through trial and tribulations. Remember, a patient person is one who recognizes God&rsquos hand in all things and quietly submits to His daily providence with praise and thanksgiving. Such patience is a great treasure.

The second thing Paul says we acquire as a result of personal testing and tribulation is proven character. There may have been some question in the believer&rsquos mind as to weather he would make it through to the other side of this terrible thing that has come into his or her life. Having made it through he sees the truth about himself. He now knows, beyond question, that he is indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit, he is a child of God! By grace he can and will endure the storms of life! His character and faith is proven or made visible by his appropriate response to the test. He now has more assurance of his salvation than he did before the trial. He has witnessed first hand God working in his life. He has called upon God in time of need and He has answered. This man has gained a great deal from his suffering. Here is reason to rejoice in midst of and because of the trials that come into our lives.

Following patient endurance and the proving of our character is the increase of our hope of glory. This hope is the hope of future salvation and of sharing in the great glory of God. Our hope is increased in two ways. First, having come out of the trial with our faith and integrity intact our assurance of salvation is increased. We have experienced the Spirit of God working in us. We believe, now more than ever, that we are a child of God by faith in Christ. Our hope of heaven is thus increased. Secondly the pain of the trial serves to severe our attachment to this earth and make us hope for heaven all the more. By many trials and much suffering we take on the character of aliens and pilgrims in a foreign land. We no longer feel at home in this world. Rather, we look for and hope for the coming of our Lord so we can be free from all that sin has done to us and this world. This hope will not be disappointed which is the fifth reason for rejoicing in the midst of our trials.

Those who hope for heaven by faith in Christ will never be disappointed. Hear the word of the Lord. (Romans 8:29-30 NASB) "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; {30} and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." Hebrews 10:14 NASB) "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." (Philippians 1:6 NASB) "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

How do we know that our hope of salvation and glory is not in vain? Because our salvation depends on God&rsquos goodness, mercy, grace and faithfulness, not ours. Those who trust in Christ for acceptance with God will be saved in spite of the tribulations and tests they experience here. Therefore, the Christian can rejoice in the midst of his earthly hardships.

Finally, we have the sixth reason for rejoicing in the midst of trial. The Love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given us. In other words, by the work and presence of the Holy Spirit within the believer he becomes certain of God&rsquos love for him. This knowledge has been poured out upon him and it fills him. When a person knows that God loves him he knows he will be safe in the midst of the trial. The Bible tells us that the trial is an expression of God&rsquos love for us. Take discipline for instance. It is an expression of God&rsquos love for us even though it causes us much pain. Hear the word of the Lord.

(Hebrews 12:5-11 NASB) " . . and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; {6} FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." {7} It is for discipline that you endure; (Here is that idea of being patient and submissive.) God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? {8} But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. {9} Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; SHALL WE NOT MUCH RATHER BE SUBJECT (patiently submit ourselves) TO THE FATHER OF SPIRITS, and live? {10} For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. {11} All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." We know God loves us when He treats us like true sons and daughters. Therefore, we rejoice in times of hardship brought on by the discipline of God.

We also learn of God&rsquos love for us from the Spirit that lives within. (Romans 8:15-16 NASB) "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" {16} The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Does this Spirit speak to us out loud? Some say He does but I do not think so. What He does is impress us with the love of God. The Christian just knows that God is His Father. There is a principle of life within him that cries out, in the midst of joy and trouble, to his heavenly Father! The Christian can look at his life and see sin, after ugly sin, but he knows that he is a child of God. For there was a time when loved his sin, but now he hates it. There was a time when he hated the church and God&rsquos people, but now he loves them both. There was a time when he did not love God or his Christ, but now they are his all in all! The believer knows that God loves him in spite of his sin and because of Christ and the Holy Spirit within convinces him of this abiding love. Therefore, he can whistle though the fiery trials of life. God loves him and all is well. Let us end this lesson by reading once again Romans 5:1-6 NASB. "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. {3} And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; {4} and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; {5} and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. {6} For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!