March 30, 2018
Responses to Tribulations
Romans 5:1–5
Alana Barratt
Central Truth
God transforms us through tribulations and suffering if we seek Him. In the same way fire tempers steel to strengthen it, tribulations have the ability to strengthen our faith.
Romans 5:1–5
Peace with God Through Faith
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we 1 5:1 Some manuscripts let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith 2 5:2 Some manuscripts omit by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we 3 5:2 Or let us; also verse 3 rejoice 4 5:2 Or boast; also verses 3, 11 in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Dive Deeper | Romans 5:1–5
Before I was walking in relationship with God, my life consisted of going from one trial to the next, trying constantly to outrun the consequences. The stress and emotions of that chaos overwhelmed me, and instead of changing my behaviors, I drowned them out with drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy relationships.
After I exhausted all of my own strength trying to deal with the consequences, I came to the end of myself and realized I could no longer grind my way through tribulations by avoiding and numbing. I desperately needed something else, and that something else was a Savior.
I remembered hearing the gospel, that Jesus paid the penalty of my sin by His sacrifice and resurrection, but I never really believed it, at least not for my life. But in my depravity, I cried out to God, confessed my sins, acknowledged my belief in Him, and asked Him to forgive me. Despite my past sins and constant running, He met me where I was and redeemed me.
I am justified by faith, and I have peace with God (verse 1). And that peace gives me hope, and confidence that I am no longer defined by my circumstances. Now when I face trials, I remember that God is my strength. No matter how hard or long the suffering may last, it doesn’t compare to spending eternity in the glory of God. Trials still come, but instead of desperation, I see purpose in that my faith is being sharpened and refined.
In the same way fire tempers steel to strengthen it, tribulations have the ability to strengthen our faith. If we trust God, then we are able to rejoice in trials (verse 3) because the outcome is being made more in the likeness (character) of God (verse 4).
Don’t spend another day just grinding through suffering and tribulations. Saturate your heart and mind with truth from God’s Word and cling to His promises of faithfulness. Allow trials to refine you, not define you.
This month's memory verse
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
The Righteousness of God Through Faith
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—
– Romans 3:20–21
Discussion Questions
1. How do you respond to trials and suffering?
2. How can you use your hard seasons to encourage others around you?
3. Do your responses to trials reflect that your trust is in God or in your own abilities to overcome?
4. Are you in need of regeneration?
At re:generation, we believe that anyone can experience new life and freedom by working through steps of healing given to us by God through the Bible.