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