Greetings and happy Father’s Day! Welcome to all present and online, in America and abroad. Today, as we continue our study in Paul’s letter to the Romans, in the fifth chapter, let us examine the great doctrine of justification and consider the proper effects that one who is justified should experience as a result. Last Lord’s Day our time ran out and we left unanswered a previous question Do the Scriptures teach Christians to speak things into existence?, therefore we begin this week as Pastor teacher Landis Fisher answers this question, and we continue with today’s lesson a message titled: “Finding The Path To Peace”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:1 – 7 (NASB)
Isa 26:1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security.
Isa 26:2 “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, The one that remains faithful.
Isa 26:3 “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee.
Isa 26:4 “Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.
Isa 26:5 “For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.
Isa 26:6 “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless.”
Isa 26:7 The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1 – 6 (NASB)
Rom 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom 5:2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
Rom 5:4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
Rom 5:5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Rom 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) There can be no true peace in any works righteousness based religion, because no one can ever have certainty that they have done enough to meet God’s standards, or either God’s standards must be lowered to set the bar at a level that sinners can reach.
#2) The Gospel provides all who partake of it the only true path to peace, in that it maintains the high standard of God because Jesus is perfect Whom God has provided so that in His shed blood and death a real satisfaction against God’s wrath was provided while at the very same time so was real mercy for all who believe and now have ‘access’ to God for ongoing strength to endure all suffering and gives further glory to God, rather than dividing or diminishing it.
#3) Understanding that the difficulties that we endure in time are producing patience, experience and hope which shape our character and mold us into Christ-likeness lets those who possess the peace of God enjoy that inner peace to govern them in times of trouble and provides a focal point for future glorification that can be nurtured to override present anguish and other forms of discontentment and personal tyranny.
