Sermon Notes 2/22/26

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Fueled by Faith, Hope, and Love

Romans 5:1-11 ESV

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we [a]  have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith [b]  into this grace in which we stand, and we [c]  rejoice [d]  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. 6  For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  7  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8  but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  9  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  10  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  11  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

1) What does Abraham teach us about faith?

2) How are faith, hope, and love at work in the life of a Christian?

3) How does this fuel the life of the church?

SMALL GROUP/FAMILY DISCUSSION

Hope in Suffering

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4). The  invitation to follow Christ is not without suffering. Yet, for Christians the hope of God gives a joy and endurance that is even greater. Read aloud Romans 5:1-5 and share together.

1. What is the difference between Christian hope and optimism (wishful thinking)?

2. How can suffering produce hope?

3. Have you ever encountered a time of suffering in your life that made you stronger in faith?

4. Practice: This week, meditate on Romans 5:3-5. Identify one current struggle or difficulty in your life. How might God be forming endurance and hope through this? Pray for the Holy Spirit to multiply and grow faith, hope, and love in your life. Look for opportunities to share this with those who most need it this week.