1. Welcome to Central Teaching Please silence your cell phones!

2. A Study of Romans

3. Today’s Theme
How does faith grow?

4. Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

6. Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

7. Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

8. What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is:
Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises.

9. Romans 5
1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace is needed because war was being waged.
Note that this is a statement of fact (not command).
When you accept Christ, you move from the realm of enemy to the realm of child.

10. What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is:
Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises.

11. What is biblical faith?
Biblical faith is:
Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises.
One of the primary ways that faith grows is by remembering truth -- our new identity as God’s children.

12. Romans 5
2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

13. Romans 5
2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

14. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

15. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Esther 4:11 -- “All the royal officials and the people of the royal provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner courtyard and who has not been summoned—the death penalty. Only if the king extends the gold scepter will that person live. I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the last 30 days.”

16. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

17. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 4:16 -- Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

18. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 10:  Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

19. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 10:  Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
If we accept God’s grace, we then live perpetually within the realm of His grace.

20. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 10:  Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
If we accept Christ, we live with a standing invitation to approach the King.

21. How do you know if you have really embraced this truth?
Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 10:  Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
How do you know if you have really embraced this truth?

22. How do you respond when you totally screw up?
Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
Hebrews 10:  Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
How do you respond when you totally screw up?

23. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

24. Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 

25. “I hope it rains so I don’t have to go to another baseball game.”
Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
“I hope it rains so I don’t have to go to another baseball game.”

26. “I hope I win the lottery.”
Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
“I hope I win the lottery.”

27. Romans 5 “I hope I lose 20 pounds.”
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
“I hope I lose 20 pounds.”

28. elpis = “joyful, confident expectation”
Romans 5
2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 
elpis = “joyful, confident expectation”

29. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions . . .

30. Is this some sort of masochism?
Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions . . .
Is this some sort of masochism?

31. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

32. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
So, since I’ll eventually have better character and more hope, I’m supposed to rejoice if my child dies?

33. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

34. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
John 16:33 -- I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

35. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
Acts 14:  After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.”

36. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
thlipsis = common term used to refer to the opposition and persecutions that believers will face while seeking to spread the Gospel.

37. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

38. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
The ability to hang in there and fulfill your mission even in the midst of afflictions.

39. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

40. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
A life of spiritual depth and authenticity that is developed via the burning away of the excess.

41. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

42. Romans 5
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
This time “hope” refers to an attitude toward our present life. Namely, that we increasingly know (via experience) that God and His ways are good.

43. Romans 5
5 This hope will not disappoint us . . .

44. Romans 5
5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

45. So, as we suffer for the Gospel we’ll feel the warm fuzzies inside?
Romans 5
5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
So, as we suffer for the Gospel we’ll feel the warm fuzzies inside?

46. Romans 5
5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
As we keep living for God as God’s children, the indwelling Spirit confirms that we are living in line with ultimate reality.

47. Romans 5
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

48. Romans 5
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Our faith grows as we reflect on and take advantage of our invitation into God’s presence.

49. Romans 5
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

50. Romans 5
Our faith grows as we increasingly live for Christ, and increasingly experience the truth that God is good and His ways are deeply satisfying.
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

51. Romans 5
If our ultimate goal is to avoid pain and inconvenience – not only will we fail to achieve our goal – but we will (unfortunately) succeed in remaining superficial and fickle people.
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also been given introduction through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

52. Conclusions Faith is based on evidence & drawing conclusions.
Faith grows through reflecting upon God’s truth and promises.
Faith grows through acting on God’s truth and promises.
Faith grows when the goodness of acting on God’s truth and promises is confirmed (internally & externally).

53. A New Identity (part one)
NEXT CT
A New Identity (part one)

54. Questions?
Comments?

55. Thanks for coming out to Central Teaching
See you next week!