1 Therefore since we are justified by faith

“ 1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. ” Romans 5: 1 -2 (RSV)

“ 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. ” Romans 5: 3 -5 (RSV)

1. Trials are certain, but so is our victory in Christ!

1. Trials are certain, but so is our victory in Christ! “In this world you will have trouble. . . ” John 16: 33 b “‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God, ’ they said. ” Acts 14: 22

1. Trials are certain, but so is our victory in Christ! “In this world you will have trouble. . . But take heart! I have overcome the world. ” John 16: 33 b

2. Trials are an opportunity to show our faith and loyalty to the Lord.

2. Trials are an opportunity to show our faith and loyalty to the Lord. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5: 41

2. Trials are an opportunity to show our faith and loyalty to the Lord. “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? ” Job 2: 10 b “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” Job 13: 15 a

3. We grow through our trials.

3. We grow through our trials. Suffering Endurance Character Hope

Suffering Endurance Character Hope

Job said, “when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. ” Job 23: 10 b

“ 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ” James 1: 2 -4

“ 2 My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. ” James 1: 2 -4 (CEV)

Suffering Endurance Character Hope

God says, “those who hope in me will not be disappointed. ” Isaiah 49: 23 b