1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. 3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly.
Rom 5:1-6
Q & A：
- How has God pursued you with His love and how does your personal encounter with God help you in knowing God and His love rather than just know of God with knowledge? Discuss how gracious our God is by comparing the Mosaic covenant, which is conditional in bringing blessings or curses through obeying or breaking the law, to the unconditional Abrahamic covenant, where God fulfilled the promise of blessing all the families on earth through sending the savior (Jesus) to die for our sins. (Rom 5:1, 6; Gen 12:3; Gal 3:13-14; 2 Cor 5:21)
- Knowing that we have peace with God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, have God as our covenant partner and how we are saved not by works nor the law but by the love and grace of God, discuss how the foundation can help us in facing all the adversity, affliction and tribulation in our lives. (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8-9; Eph 1:6-7; Heb 13:20-21;)
- How can we rejoice in the midst of suffering, by referring to experiencing God’s grace and hence God’s strength to overcome fear and anxiety? Discuss how do we stay resilient in the midst of financial challenges by taking into consideration of handling pressure as a result of making decisions without consulting God or venturing out in covetousness, in comparison to having godliness with contentment and living a consecrated and sanctified life for the Lord? (Rom 5:3-4; Heb 13:5; Phil 4:19; Eph 3:16, 20)