Romans: The Greatest Letter Ever Written Experiencing Grace -- Romans 5:2

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1–2, ESV)

Dikaioun: to be accepted as worthy or qualified, to possess a valid performance record, to have nothing that disqualifies you

Dikaioun by faith allows us to: Find peace Experience grace Live Joyfully Feel loved

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18, ESV)

“in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:12, ESV)

Big Idea: Grace is more than a decision to make, it's an environment to inhabit.

1. Jesus is our access into the environment of grace.

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV)

1. Jesus is our access into the environment of grace.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1, ESV)

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

Do you trust Jesus?

2. Citizenship in the environment of grace is non-revocable.

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

1. Our access is complete there is nothing left to do.

2. Our access is eternal there is nothing to lose.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39, ESV)

How does it feel to know that through faith in Jesus you are secure in the environment of grace?

3. The environment of grace has plenty of threats.

Grace is a story and grace is a gift. It is God's character and it is your only hope." -Paul Tripp

Grace is a life-long experience and a life- changing calling. Grace will require you to face your unworthiness without ever making you feel unloved." -Paul Tripp

Grace will make you finally acknowledge that you cannot earn God's favor, and it will once and for all remove your fear of not measuring up to his standards. -Paul Tripp

Grace will enable you to face shocking truths about yourself that you have hesitated to consider, while freeing you from being self- consciously introspective. -Paul Tripp

Grace will expose to you the extent of your blindness as it gives you eyes to see what you so desperately need to see. -Paul Tripp

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2, ESV)

Threats to this grace: Presumption

Threats to this grace: Presumption Entitlement

Threats to this grace: Presumption Entitlement Unfair scorekeeping

Threats to this grace: Presumption Entitlement Unfair scorekeeping Selective grace

4. The environment of grace has plenty of amenities.

Amenities in the environment of grace to enjoy and share: Gratitude

Amenities in the environment of grace to enjoy and share: Gratitude Generosity

Amenities in the environment of grace to enjoy and share: Gratitude Generosity Availability