1. The Maturing Process through Suffering: We can “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (5:3-4). The word “rejoice” is most often translated as “boast”; here it could mean that we could boast in our suffering because of its refining process in maturing us. Recall some of your past sufferings and how God has built you up through the process. In what way(s) you have grown through the process? As a result, could you rejoice or boast in your suffering? Why or why not?

2. The Sacrificial Love of Christ: Christ did not only die for the righteous or the good, but “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8). Such love also gives us assurance of eternal security — “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (vv.9-10). The logic is, if we were saved by grace when we were God’s enemies, why would we be “unsaved” when we are now the children of God. Thank God for this assurance of salvation.

3. The Contrast between Adam and Christ (see chart below): Though condemnation and death came through Adam, justification and life came through Jesus Christ. Praise God that we are no longer under Adam, but under Christ. Note the repetition of the word “reign”; sin and death no longer reign in us, may we reign in life through Jesus Christ (5:17). Live like a king, not a slave!

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

Take time to reflect upon Christ’s sacrificial love for you and meditate on how He uses sufferings to shape and to mold you. Thank God, especially for His tender loving care during your sufferings.