We Glory In Tribulations

Temple Baptist Church - 11-26-2017

Romans 5:1-11

Introduction: 

A.  In these verses, there are two things found in which we are to glory: our salvation and our tribulation.  Most would totally agree with the first but have some difficulty with the second.  We will look at them in the biblical order to get the mind of God on both subjects. 

B.  Last week, we looked at glorying in our salvation which glorifies God.

C.  The second thing that we are to glory in are our tribulations.  Verse 3.  We who are older understand the hardness and brevity of life.

Job 14:1  Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

D.  At this point, I doubt if any of us would raise our hands when asked, “Do you really like to suffer?”   God answers that question for us in 1 Peter:

1 Peter 1:6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 

E.  I would say that the Apostle Paul was a spiritual man who loved God.   Paul asked God thrice to remove the thorn in his flesh.

F.  Going back to 1 Peter, the next verse shows the importance of trials in the life of God’s people.

1 Peter 1:7   That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

G.  Our text shows the reason for our glorying in tribulation.  There is a progression that follows tribulation.

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

1.  Tribulation – this comes from a root word that means to “crowd or pressure.”  This shows that tribulations are troubles which are both hard and lengthy in nature.  Though we do not enjoy troubles, especially lengthy ones, they are the basis for our spiritual growth.  Children grow into adults through hardship, not easy times.

2.  Patience – to stay under or to persevere, to have fortitude or to bear with continuance, hopeful waiting.  Patience is, though we want our troubles to come to an end, spiritual endurance or not quitting when things do not go our way.

3.  Experience – to be properly approved or trustworthy.  Experience cause one to know how to get something done.  There is an old saying that “experience is the best teacher.”  As we learn how to handle life, we can teach others who follow us.

4.  Hope – expectation or confidence.  As we learn to patiently endure our problems, we find the faithfulness of God which instills more confidence.  Before our next trial begins, we know that everything will be alright.  Proverbs 3:5-6 becomes a reality instead of just a memory verse.

5.  Not ashamed – the word “not” is an absolute negative.  It means never for any reason.  “Ashamed” means to be disgraced.  The ultimate sign of spirituality is to never be ashamed of our heavenly Father, our wonderful Saviour, or the precious Holy Spirit who indwells us.  I had still rather be an old time Christian than anything that I know.

Conclusion: Life is as hard as it is short!  Though our troubles may vary, it through the corporate trials of the members of the local church that we God in all our tribulations and can be an encouragement to others.  If we suffer for Christ, we will reign with Christ.