Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Now Abide Faith, Hope, Love
(Part 1)
Intro.
1. Now abide faith, hope, love, 1 Cor. 13:13. Three attributes of Christians’ lives that define and explain who we are in Christ Jesus.
2. The superiority of love is seen in its eternally-enduring quality:
a. Faith and hope will give way to sight and reality, 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 8:24-25.
b. Love abides, 1 John 4:8 (Mark 12:30-31).
3. This triplet serves as strong exhortation to remain faithful and receive the crown of life, 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (Rev. 2:10).
a. Maintain a faith that will not fail, 1 Pet. 2:6.
b. Maintain a hope that perseveres, Titus 1:2.
c. Maintain a love that permeates all our conduct, 1 Cor. 16:14.
4. A study faith, hope, and love in passages where they are combined will build our faith, help protect us in God’s love as we live in hope of eternal life (Jude 20-21).
I. THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, Rom. 5:1-5.
A. Faith’s Victory Over Sin (justified, peace, grace, 5:1-2); 1 John 5:4.
1. Justified: Rom. 3:21-26 (26); 4:5-8.
2. Peace: With God, over sin, Eph. 2:14-18.
3. Grace: In which we stand, Eph. 2:8-10 (3:24; Gal. 2:20-21).
B. Hope’s Victory Over Sin’s Despair, Rom. 5:5 (Col. 1:27).
1. Hope does not disappoint, 5:5 (cf. death, 1 Cor. 15:19-20).
-Intense anticipation and confident expectation, Phil. 1:20.
2. Reward and rejoicing, Col. 3:4.
C. Love in Our Hearts is God’s Victory Over Sin, Rom. 5:5.
1. Grace of Christ, love of God, and fellowship of the Spirit is with us, 2 Cor. 13:14.
a. Spirit in us, Rom. 8:9-11.
b. Bears witness (via word) we are God’s children, Rom. 8:16-17.
2. More than conquerors, Rom. 8:37-39.
3. Obedience keeps us in the love of God, 1 John 5:3.
Conclusion
1. Our faith in Christ brings victory over the world (evil). Hope lifts our eyes above the temporary trials of life to see the eternal reward, and love assures us of God’s love as we obey Him.
2. Jude 20-21: Build your faith, maintain (guard) yourself in God’s love, and hopefully wait for the eternal life Christ mercifully gives.
3. Part 2: The impact and influence of faith, hope, and love.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted December 8, 2021