|
THE
BENEFITS OF BELIEF Introduction: The first three chapters teach us we are all sinners in need of salvation. In the last part of the third chapter we are introduced to the great doctrine of justification by faith. Then, in chapter four we are given an O. T. example of this justification as the means of salvation in every age (from Genesis through Revelation). And now having moved from sinners to being justified in the blood of the Lamb and being right with God we have certain benefits. Not only do we get out of hell, but God provides us with so much more! I. THE BENEFIT OF TRANQUILITY (V.1-2) Why do I have this peace? Because of what God has done for me in my:
A.
In My Past (v.1) “Therefore” specifically focuses on what happened in chapter four.
Because you have trusted Jesus you have (past tense) received the
righteousness of Christ. (Illus: Justified by faith vs. law…the law dives us to the cross – gospel draws
us to the cross). Because I have trusted Christ as my Savior I have PEACE
with God.
B.
In My Present (v.2) Having made peace with God in a past experience I can now have the peace of God in my present. “Access” = to bring someone to someone - access into what? The grace wherein I stand. So I’m tranquil because of what God has done and because of what He is doing, but also because of what He’s going to do!
C.
In My Potential (v.2) A wonderful fact of salvation is that there is always another blessing. Look what God is going to do in my future – “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” I’m rejoicing because the Bible says I’d come short of the glory of God. But now I’ve trusted Christ as my personal Savior (that’s great), but one day soon I’ll receive a glorified body! II. THE BENEFIT OF MATURITY
(VV.3-4) God grows us in our circumstances.
A.
The Process (V.3) “Tribulations” = pressure. Sometime the only way God can get anything out of us is to put us under pressure. The Christian life is a process of growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. What does this pressure produce?
B.
The Patience (v.3) “Worketh” = accomplish; achieve. The word patience means endurance; steadfastness. God uses pressure to build endurance in us as we grow up in Him. What does this endurance product? C.
The Practice (v.4) “Experience” = approvedness; integrity that has been tired. God is building character. And this also produces “hope” (Illus: when God brings you through a time of testing victoriously you know He’ll do it again). III. THE BENEFIT OF CHARITY
(VV.5-8) Agape love – God’s love A. The Deposit (v.5) “Shed abroad” = poured out and still flooding. The Holy Spirit pours it out because the fruit of the Spirit is love! This is a deep sacrificial love that God deposits in us when we believe, but we have to let it out! B. The Demonstration (vv.6-8) When we were powerless in God’s timing Jesus Christ died for wicked people. If God loved you in that state don’t you expect God’s expects you to share that love with your fellow man? (Illus: never forget how you were before God saved you). IV. THE BENEFIT OF VICTORY (VV.9-11) What other kind of Christian life is there? Is it God’s will Christians life defeated lives? Where does our victory come from? A. The Living Presence Of Jesus (vv.9-10) We are to live in the resurrection power of God. The resurrection power of Christ lives within me! The resurrected Jesus is in me and that living resurrection of Christ the power I’m to live in. (Illus: with the living Christ living in me how can I help but walk in victory?) B. The Eternal Provisions Of God (v.11) This is wonderful, I’ve got the peace of God, I’ve got the love of God, God is maturing me making through His pressure what He wants me to be, I was an enemy of God but now He’s saved me. All for these things that are so wonderful, yet that’s not the best benefit of all. I have VICTORY BECAUSE I HAVE GOD! Where is my joy to be found? If we had nothing else we have God! Conclusion:
You can have everything in this world but Jesus and really you have
nothing. You can have nothing in this world but Jesus and really you have
everything.
|