The Grace Series: "Romans 5:4 - Pauline Hope Model." Part IV

By Anonymous -
[This is the fourth part of The Grace Series in Romans 5. The first part of this series can be found here. The second part can be found here. The third part can be found here.]

This very brief part of Romans 5 sets a foundational guideline to understanding the importance of tribulations and the ramifications on one's own spiritual trust and growth. Paul continues in Romans 5:4 but to put it in context let's begin with Romans 5:3 - 5:4. "3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope..."

Tribulation >> Perseverance
Perseverance >> Proven Character
Proven Character >> Hope
The biblical model refers to the fact that one must endure tribulations in order to learn how to persevere, persevere to receive a proven character, and one should ought have proven character to bring about hope. Tribulation, perseverance, proven character, and hope should be intimately fused--"what God hath joined together, let no man rend asunder!"

This proven character is tested character, not mere profession or what we wish was true; but what is confirmed to be true through the difficult struggles of life. And proven character brings about hope in the confidence of that God will take us through entire experience. Our hope will be strengthened as we endure, as our character is confirmed, and as our hope is deepened as we trust upon God. Yet this is not to make light of the extraordinary pain and struggle sometimes of what God calls upon us to endure. Hope does not disappoint no matter what the trial.

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In the next and last installment of The Grace Series I will be covering Romans 5:5 and discussing the lavishing role of the Holy Spirit given by God to secure our hope.

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Cross-blogged at CADRE Comments

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