Sermon Cloud

May 17, 2009

Romans 5:6-11

⁶For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- ⁸but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. ¹⁰For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. ¹¹More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

What was so unique about Christ?

            We hear people all of the time (and probably say it ourselves).  It goes something like this…”Christianity is unique because Jesus died for us!”  This is s a true statement, but I wonder if this rings hollow in peoples’ ears.  They don’t doubt Jesus actually lived around 2000 years ago and really did suffer and die.  They might even concede that in some sense He did die for humanity.  Their problem isn’t believing the historical fact.  The problem is that they have also seen ‘Saving Private Ryan.”  They’ve watched footage and heard stories of the firemen and police officers who gave their lives to save people in the World Trade Center.  Lots of people give their lives for others. 

Who was the object of the sacrifice and received its benefits?

            Here is the kicker. Think of someone you really can’t stand.  They talk bad about you.  They insult you.  They hate your family and your closest friends.  Get that person in your mind.  How about them?  Would you die for that person?  Be careful how you throw your words around.  I would have to be honest and say that I think Roman needs a Dad more than that knucklehead needs to live.  I love Roman a whole lot more than someone who despises me. Let’s read 5:6-8 and see what kind of people Christ died. 

            Are you starting to see the difference between Christ’s death and the sacrifice of Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan?  Hanks makes the ultimate sacrifice out of obedience to an order from his commanding officer and out of compassion of Ryan that has lost 2 brothers in combat.  Christ on the other hand, died for sinners and enemies.  In verse six, it says Christ died for the ungodly.   He died for the very people who previously hated Him.  He rescued ones who had exchanged His glory for created things.  He shed His blood for the very people who were responsible for His death.  Lots of people have lost their lives to enemies’ bullets and swords for the sake of their friends, but how many have done it for the benefit of the enemies? 

            I realize this idea is pretty horrible.  We like to think of ourselves as nice people and to recognize that every person stands as an enemy of God if they haven’t been reconciled to Him by faith in Jesus is pretty loathsome.  Really, an enemy?  What have I done to Him?  Passages like this remind us that our self-centeredness and indifference to God and angry fits are all directed to Him.  You might not have seen it this way, but it is the reality.  But ask your self how you came to the conclusion that you were so nice?  Is it in comparison to other jerks around you?  You can try to play this shell game of niceness if you want, but deep down you have to realize that there are some very dark parts of yourself that are pretty broken and that God is not a serious consideration in much that you do.  In fact, you react against His rules and dismiss His desires.  You don’t have a God, you have a toaster.  He can never correct you or instruct you.  You are clearly setting the terms for your life.  And yet He is the Creator King!  See how that might make you an enemy to Him?

Oh one more thing…this is really important.  Many would say that Jesus died for those He knew would BECOME good and faithful, etc.  Can you see that rips the heart out of not only this passage, but the gospel?  Jesus did not come to earth and die on the cross because of foreseen goodness.  He came to save enemies!  If you lessen our standing as enemies, you weaken how amazing this grace really is.  Because the gospel is not primarily about how wicked we are, but how gracious and good God is!

Who did the dying?

1. Do you feel the weight of judgment that would have been yours had Christ not come?  Do you feel the weight of the love of God that went to such great lengths to right the wrong? 

What were the results?

            As great as survival is….it doesn’t compare with what was accomplished on the cross for all who believe.  Let’s take a close look at the last three verses of this section of Scripture.  Notice how verses 9 and 10 are parallel.  One of the big differences between the two verses is the use of the words “justified” and “reconciled.”  Thus far Paul has tended towards more legal language in the book of Romans to describe our legal standing (positional) in front of the just King.  By faith we have good standing!  Verse 9 uses language that should be pretty familiar to us by now.  Verse 10 uses the word reconciled to describe what happened to the once enemies of God.  This idea is really significant and I hope it brings you encouragement. 

            ¹¹More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Let’s apply this by relating with Him for a while.  Think about what it means to be en enemy that is now a friend and let this turn into praise to Jesus.