Romans 5:3-5 Nkjv: The Power Of Suffering

The Context of Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

Romans 5:3-5 is part of a larger passage where the Apostle Paul explores the concept of justification by faith. He argues that we are justified by faith in Christ and not by our own works. In the previous verses, Paul explains that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He then goes on to talk about the benefits of justification, one of which is the hope of glory.

The Power of Suffering

Romans 5:3-5 is a powerful reminder that suffering has a purpose in the life of a believer. It says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

This passage teaches us that tribulation or suffering produces perseverance, which in turn produces character, and character produces hope. In other words, suffering is not pointless; it has a purpose. Through suffering, we learn to persevere, and this builds character in us. And as our character grows, we develop hope, which is the confident expectation that God will keep His promises.

The Example of Christ

The Apostle Paul is not just giving us a theory of suffering; he is giving us a model to follow. He reminds us that Christ Himself suffered for us, and that His suffering produced salvation for us. In Romans 5:8-9, Paul says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

Christ’s suffering was not pointless; it was for a purpose. He suffered so that we could be saved. And because of His suffering, we can have confidence that our suffering has a purpose as well.

The Love of God

Romans 5:3-5 also reminds us of the love of God. It says that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. This means that even in the midst of suffering, we can experience the love of God. His love is not dependent on our circumstances; it is a constant reality in our lives.

The love of God is what sustains us through suffering. It gives us the strength to persevere, the character to endure, and the hope to keep going. And because of His love, we can trust that our suffering will not be in vain.

The Hope of Glory

Finally, Romans 5:3-5 points us to the hope of glory. It says that our suffering produces hope, and this hope does not disappoint. What is this hope? It is the hope of eternal life with Christ. It is the hope of being glorified with Him and sharing in His glory.

This hope is not wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation based on the promises of God. And because of this hope, we can endure any suffering that comes our way. We know that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Conclusion

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV is a powerful reminder that suffering has a purpose in the life of a believer. It produces perseverance, character, and hope. We do not suffer in vain; our suffering has a purpose. And this purpose is to conform us to the image of Christ and to prepare us for the glory that is to come.

As we face trials and tribulations in this life, let us remember that Christ suffered for us and that His suffering produced salvation for us. Let us also remember that the love of God sustains us through our suffering and that the hope of glory gives us the strength to endure. And let us always hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.