Scripture Reading: Romans 5:6-11

God's Love on Display

Intro.

1. A prayer to know the love of Christ, Eph 3:14-19.

a. Comprehend its magnitude, 3:18.

b. Perceive its excellence, 3:19.

c. Be filled with all the fullness of God, 3:19 (1:3).

2. The love of God in Christ is…

a. Great, Eph 2:4-5.

b. Expressed, 1 Jno 4:10-11. (Expressed in giving, not taking.)

c. Sacrificial, 1 Jno 3:16; Eph 5:25.

d. Demonstrated, Rom 5:8. (Commended to us, introduced)

I. THE LOVE OF GOD TOWARD US IS DISPLAYED AT THE CROSS, Rom 5:6-11.

A. The Condition of Man, Eph 2:1-3. (Gal 3:1)

1. No strength to save ourselves, Gal 4:3.

2. Ungodly in our lives, Rom 3:10-19.

3. Sinners before God, Rom 3:9, 23.

4. Wrath of God upon us, Rom 1:18.

5. Enemies of God, Col 1:21.

II. THE DEATH OF JESUS AND HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, Rom 5:8-11.

A. Justified by His Blood, Rom 3:20, 24, 28; Eph 1:7.

B. Saved from Wrath of God, Rom 2:5-10; 3:25 (propitiation).

C. Reconciled to God, 2 Cor 5:18-20; Col 1:20-21.

1. A word used for exchanging coins; adjustment, restoration.

2. God does not need reconciling, but He goes about the business of reconciling us to Himself in Christ.

3. Reconciliation: “the restoration of the favour of God to sinners” (Thayer).

D. Saved by His Life (from the dead, resurrection), Rom 4:25; 8:34 (Jno 10:17-18).

III. OUR RESPONSE OF FAITH.

A. Rejoice in God through Christ, Rom 5:11, 1-5.

1. We have peace, Eph 2:14, 16-18.

2. We have access to and stand in grace by faith, Rom 5:20-21 (Eph 2:8).

3. We hope of glory, Col 3:4.

B. The Love of God has been Poured Out in our Hearts! Rom 5:5

1. By the Spirit of God (cf. Eph 3:17; 5:17-18).

2. Through the gospel He has given us, Rom 1:16-17.

Conclusion

1. God’s love is on display at the cross.

2. Will you love God? Jno 14:15; 1 Jno 5:2-4