Text: Romans 5:1-11
In our text, Paul used the word exult three times (NASB). The KJV used the words rejoice, glory, and joy in its place. The word means to boast about something. Usually we think of boasting as something that we shouldn’t do as Christians, but it depends on what we are boasting in (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:31). We can and should boast/glory/rejoice in the things which God said. Let’s notice three in our text.
In Our Hope (v. 1-2)
- The hope in which we boast is the hope of salvation, eternal life in heaven with the Lord
- Paul began by saying that we are justified by faith – this is the basis for God declaring us to be righteous; as a result, we have peace with God through Christ (cf. v. 11); through Christ we receive the grace of God (John 3:17; Romans 6:23)
- Exult in hope – recognize the greatness of this blessing (1 Peter 1:4; Matthew 16:26); continue to pursue it (Matthew 6:19-21; Philippians 3:14)
In Our Tribulations (v. 3-5)
- The tribulations in which we boast are the hardships we face as we follow the Lord in this life
- All those who follow Christ will face these hardships (Acts 14:22; cf. 2 Timothy 3:12) – but this is good; tribulation leads to perseverance and proven character (cf. James 1:2-4); we endure this because of the hope that we have through the love of God (cf. Romans 8:35-37)
- Exult in tribulations – we can share in the sufferings of Christ and become more like Him (1 Peter 4:1, 12-13, 16); no matter what happens, we must be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)
In God (v. 6-11)
- God in whom we boast is the one who loved us enough to send His Son to die for us
- We were helpless and could not save ourselves – God sent His Son to die for us while we were sinners and enemies of God; He wants all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 1:15; 2 Peter 3:9); through Christ, we are saved from the wrath of God and avoid what we all deserve (Romans 6:23; 3:23)
- Exult in God – rejoice in Him always (Philippians 4:4); “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31); it is only through Him that we can have forgiveness and hope
Conclusion
- We are not to arrogantly boast as others do – boasting in our accomplishments, riches, influence, opportunities, knowledge, health/security, etc.
- Rejoice in the Lord, glory in tribulations, and exult in hope – we can do this through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and our response of faith in Him