Scripture:

Romans 5:1-5 “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.” There are six words highlighted in the text.

TRIBULATIONS PERSEVERANCE CHARACTER

Today we’ll look at the last three as they relate to Love.

HOPE LOVE The HOLY SPIRIT

Paul gave us a progression beginning with tribulation and leading to perseverance and proven character. The next step in this progression is hope. The Christian who has been through the fire and refuses to give up has developed character said to be tried and proven. Such a person has had the necessary groundwork put in place to establish a genuine hope in Christ. Paul sees this hope as:

A. The Expectancy of God’s Love

Romans 5:3-5 “. . . 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.”

This is no ‘hope so’ hope. This is a ‘know so’ hope. It has a solid theological foundation. Romans 5:1,2; 1 “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.”

It is vital to remember that the underlying strength in the progression from tribulations to hope is none other than the grace and glory of God! Paul expresses it clearly in

Ephesians 1:11,12; 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

B. The Essence of God’s Love

1. Its Application

Hope is given a greater dimension because it is expressed through the instrument of God’s love, Vs. 5. “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God . . .” Nothing can frustrate the love of God!

See Romans 8:37-39;

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2. Its Expression

Vs. 5 “ . . . the love of God has been poured out . . .”

The word for love here is ajgavphW.E. Vine correctly states, “In respect of agapaoµ as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant love and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential love in them towards the Giver, and a practical love towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.”

It is beautifully expressed in 1st John 4:9,10;

9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

C. The Inundation of God’s Love

How does this divine love permeate our soul so as to enable us to exult in tribulation, learn patience, build proven character and experience undying hope?

1. God’s Love is Poured into Us

Paul says, vs. 5, “because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit . . .” Yes, it is the unique work of God, the Holy Spirit.

2. God’s Holy Spirit is Given unto Us

“. . . who was given to us.” It is as Jesus promised! John 14:16,17;

16 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.”

Yes, God’s Holy Spirit fills you with His love and His presence!

Can you claim such providence under the mighty hand of God?