Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Rom 5:1-11) 

Fear of the Lord?

God wants to restore us not destroy us!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (Joh 3:16-17)

Therefore, as a consequence of being saved by God’s Grace through the faith we have put in Him…. “We now have peace with God”

Impact of sin on our relationship with God?

By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God.  5:1

Restored, honoured, Reconciled

Woman caught in adultery

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”(Joh 8:10-11)

Blind Begger Luke 18

” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.” Luke 18.43

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. V1

Consequence of Peace with God is joy

And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God… V2

       Not only that, but we rejoice in our suffering… v3

       More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ… v11

Habits to cultivate Joy:

1.  Consider all that God has done

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  5:2

We can rejoice in our secure position with God in Jesus Christ, regardless of what is happening around us.

Habits to cultivate Joy:

2.   Look for meaning

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 5:3-5

God is constantly making us more and more like His Son.

And he does that by his Holy Spirit who lives within as we face the struggles of life.

Habits to cultivate Joy:

3.    Be grateful

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. v11

“More than that.”

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Php 4:8

 Because if you do: the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:7)

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

1.    What do you think are the major consequences for our world because of our broken relationship with God? 

2.    When is “fear of God” a good thing? When is it a bad thing?

3.    How does God feel about our sin? 

a.     What words would you use to describe it? 

b.    Is he offended, bitter, disappointed? 

c.     How else would you describe the effect of our sin on God? 

d.    What effect does it have on us and our relationship with Him?

4.    What is the relationship with being “Justified” and having “peace with God”? 

a.     Are they the same thing? 

b.    How are they different?

5.    How does God feel about you? 

a.     How do you know? 

b.    What difference (if any) does sin or your repentance and faith make to how God feels about you?

6.    Paul seems to indicate that we experience Joy because of what God does about our sin. 

a.     What reasons does Paul give for this joy? 

b.    What other reasons are there? How is this related to the “Glory of God”?

7.    Joy is not automatic despite what God has done through Jesus. What are some things you can do this week to be more joyful?

8.    Paul begins this section: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. What does this mean for you?