2. Tribulation, Perseverance, Character, and Hope
Romans 5:1-5

3. Tribulation The Reality of Tribulation
2 Timothy 3:12 – Christians will suffer.
John 15:18-20 – Jesus suffered, so His disciples will suffer.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 – We were appointed to suffering.

4. Tribulation The Christian Perspective on Tribulation
Romans 5:3 – Rejoice!
Because Christ has overcome – John 16:33; John 5:4-5
Because it is a blessing – Matthew 5:10-12
Because we have fellowship with Christ – Philippians 3:7, 10; 1 Peter 4:12-13
Because of the growth it causes – James 1:2-3; Hebrews 12:11

5. Perseverance The Correct Response to Tribulation
The tendency is to want to quit.
Hebrews 10:32-39 – to quit is to fall from grace.
Job 1:11; 2:4-5, 9-10 – Satan wants us to quit.
We are to bravely persevere! – Acts 20:22-24; :4, 10-13

6. Perseverance The Increasing Nature of Perseverance
James 1:2-4 – We are to let patience have its perfect work.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – As we turn to God in times of weakness, and we persevere, we are made strong.

7. Character The Purpose of Tribulation
1 Peter 1:6-9 – Tribulation is a test of faith.
James 1:12; Acts 14:22 – The road to glory is paved with trials and tribulations.
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).

8. Character The Result of Perseverance
Character – dokimē; test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness. (Strong)
Cf. Philippians 2:22 – “proven character”
Character is also strengthened in the perseverance of tribulation – Hebrews 12:7, 10-13

9. Hope The Hope of the Faithful The Assurance of Hope
1 Peter 1:3-5 – The Christian is given a living hope of a wonderful inheritance.
The Assurance of Hope
Romans 5:5 – It does not disappoint.
Hebrews 6:11-12 – Assurance of Hope
Because of the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:16-18

10. Tribulation, Perseverance, Character, and Hope
Romans 5:1-5