Sermon Handout
- Ephesians 2:8-10
- Galatians 4:6
- Romans 5:1-12
Main Points
The sermon is structured around the theme of “Peace and Hope,” primarily drawing from the book of Romans. The main arguments are presented in a sequential, step-by-step manner.
- Justification by Faith Brings Peace: The foundational point is that believers are “justified by faith” (made right with God). This justification is not a result of personal actions or merit but is a direct consequence of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ—his death, burial, and resurrection. This act of grace is what grants believers peace with God.
- Access to Grace and Hope: Through this faith, believers gain access to God’s grace. This grace allows them to stand firm and to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Hope is presented as a direct result of this access to grace.
- The Purpose of Tribulation: The sermon addresses the difficult topic of tribulations (trials and hardships). It posits that believers should “glory in tribulations” because they serve a specific purpose: they produce patience.
- Patience, Experience, and Hope: A clear progression is outlined:
- Tribulation works Patience.
- Patience leads to Experience.
- Experience brings forth Hope.
The speaker contrasts the profound patience required in faith with modern society’s impatience, urging a perspective shift. It also contrasts minor, first-world inconveniences with the severe persecution faced by Christians in other parts of the world (e.g., North Korea) to highlight the depth of their faith and patience.
- The Unashamed Hope: This hope does not lead to shame or disappointment because it is rooted in “the love of God” which is poured into believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit.
- Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice: A central theme is the magnitude of Christ’s love. He died for humanity when they were “without strength,” “ungodly,” and “sinners.” He sacrificed himself for his enemies, a level of love that is humanly incomprehensible and demonstrates the depth of God’s commitment.
- Salvation is a Gift, Not Earned: To reinforce that justification is not based on human effort, the sermon references Ephesians. It emphasizes that salvation is “by grace… through faith,” and explicitly states it is “not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is a gift from God.
- Believers as God’s Workmanship: While works do not save, believers are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” The purpose of these good works is to be an example to the world, so that others may see God in them and be drawn to Him. Believers are to act as “ambassadors for Christ.”
- Reconciliation and Atonement: The sermon concludes by focusing on the concept of reconciliation. Through Jesus, humanity, who were once enemies of God, have been reconciled to Him. Jesus’s sacrifice serves as the “atonement,” the act that repairs the broken relationship between God and humanity.
Scriptures Referenced
The sermon is built upon several key passages from the Bible. The primary text is from Romans, with supporting scriptures from Ephesians and a list of others for further study.
| Book | Chapter & Verse(s) | Context in Sermon |
|---|---|---|
| Romans | 5:1-12 | This is the main text of the sermon, read and expounded upon verse by verse to explain justification, peace, hope, and reconciliation. |
| Ephesians | 2:8-10 | Read and explained to emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not a result of works, and that believers are created for good works. |
| Acts | (Implied) The story of Stephen | Referenced as an example of someone who forgave his killers, mirroring Christ’s sacrifice. (Likely referring to Acts 7:60). |
| Galatians | 4:6 | Mentioned in a list of scriptures for further reading at the end. |
| Ephesians | 1:13 | Mentioned in a list of scriptures for further reading at the end. |
| John | 15:13 | Mentioned in a list of scriptures for further reading at the end. |
| Colossians | 1:21 | Mentioned in a list of scriptures for further reading at the end. |
| Romans | 1:4 | Mentioned in a list of scriptures for further reading at the end. |
Overall Message
The central message of the sermon is that peace with God and enduring hope are gifts received through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, not through human effort. This divine grace justifies believers, reconciles them to God, and gives them strength to find purpose even in suffering. Tribulations are reframed as opportunities to develop patience, which in turn builds experience and deepens hope. This transformative experience of God’s love, given freely while humanity was still in sin, should inspire believers to live as grateful ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and character so that others might also be drawn to the same peace and hope.