Christian Virtues (Part Three)

Bible Text: Romans 12:12 | Preacher: Alan Conner | Series: 2005, Romans

Northwest Bible Church – March 20, 2005       Worship Service – Alan Conner
Romans 12:12
Christian Virtues, part 3

INTRO

I. REJOICING IN HOPE

A. Believers are to be filled with joy.

B. Our joy is to be rooted in our eschatological hope.

1) This hope refers to the hope of glory.
Rom. 5:1-2
Rom. 8:18

2) This is to be our focus now: Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 3:20-21.

3) What makes this hope so joyful is the fact that we were once without hope: Eph. 2:12

C. Our hope is:
Invisible – Rom. 8:24-25

Living – 1Pet. 1:3

Blessed – Titus 2:13

Purifying – 1John 3:2

Spirit-produced – Rom. 15:13

Preeminent – 1Pet. 1:13

Worthy of defense – 1Pet. 3:15

Anchor of the soul – Heb. 6:19

II. PERSEVERING IN TRIBULATION

A. What is tribulation? Its original meaning is something that puts pressure to bear upon you, something that crushes.

B. Christians should not be surprised about their tribulations. Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; 1 Pet. 4:12.

C. Christians are to persevere through our tribulations.

D. What enables us to persevere in our tribulations?

Objectively speaking, the power of God. Rom. 15:5.

Practically speaking:

1) Understanding the sovereignty of God.

2) Our hope of glory to come. Cf. Paul in 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

E. Why do we need to persevere in our tribulations?

1) It teaches us about ourselves.

2) It sanctifies us. Ps. 119:65-67, 71; Heb. 12:11; 2 Cor. 12:7

3) It works for our good. Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet. 1:6-7

4) It reveals God’s grace in our life. 2 Cor. 12:9-10.

5) Makes us more heavenly minded, and strengthens our hope of glory. Rom. 5:3-5.

III. DEVOTED TO PRAYER

A. We must be devoted to prayer. The word “devoted” means – “to continue to do something with intense effort, often despite difficulty.

B. But why? Because our spiritual enemies are so crafty and subtle and powerful.

C. But practically how do we do this?
CONCLUSION