December 29, 2019

The Hope that doesn’t Disappoint

Preacher:
Passage: Romans 5:1-11
Service Type:

Bible Text: Romans 5:1-11 | Preacher: Tim Curnow | Series: Visiting Preachers |
v5 – There is a hope that doesn’t disappoint
We are made to hope

Yet disappointments are a regular thing
Most evident at Christmas – example

Yet the issues of people’s hearts are not dealt with

What are your hopes for the next year and decade?

Looking at the Christian hope and how it is developed

We are like an iceberg in our hopes, disappointments and experiences

Looking at the difference in hope between believers and non-believers
Looking at the direction of travel in our spiritual life

The sequence
v1 – Peace with God

Foundational
Justified by faith

Example of Abraham
The same for us

We have received the righteousness of God through faith
We are justified by faith

Are we aligned to God?

Peace

Not just the absence of noise or argument

A relationship restored with God
James 2:23 – friendship with God
Rom 5:9-11

No peace to the wicked

A restlessness
Often well disguised

v2a – Access to God

The door is opened and we enter into a realm of grace

Brought into the kingdom of God
Specially chosen

Free access

Jesus speaks of a great banquet
We may miss the way in
It is possible not to see the door

It is also possible to refuse to enter through the door
It is not exclusive

What an awful thing to be outside

There will be a time when it is too late to enter in / respond to the invitation

v2b – A Certainty with God

We have escaped the judgment and condemnation of God
He will pour out His blessings

We rejoice in the glory of God
We shall be partakers in this glory

The believer’s hope is steadfast and certain

Compare this to the hope of even great men – examples
A bleak emptiness – fear of the unknown
Quote from Journalist: Why do people engage in smalltalk? – because the alternatives are terrifying

The Christian’s heart is full

Example of A Christmas Carol
What do you see when you look into the future?

v3-4 – Purposeful troubles

Suffering and tribulation is not without purpose

The suffering of the unbeliever is random

The suffering of a believer produces perseverance, character and hope

Example of Job’s tears

Suffering for the believer is productive

v6-8 – Everything rests on Christ

The unbeliever is self-reliant
The believer is freed from this bondage

Example

God demonstrated His love in Christ (v8)

Incontrovertible facts
Visible and knowable

Love poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (v5)
The hope that does not disappoint

Certain
Not arrogant – a simple, humble faith
Assured
A prospect and a Person
Our rock

Closing Remarks & Prayer