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Three Reasons To Follow God Romans 8:31-39
Opening Observation… “What then shall we say to these things?” Epistle’s theme Ù justification by faith Though guilty, all can be innocent 3:23, 29-30 Though estranged, all can be reconciled… no longer condemned 5:10 8:1
If God is for us, who can be against us? vv. 31-32 God wants His children to feel secure Faith needs such “stability” Parents understand this re: their children Children feel safe when they know their parents protect, provide for them
If God is for us, who can be against us? vv. 31-32 Point To Remember… v. 32 God did not spare His own Son for us (the ultimate in sacrifice) Doesn’t that tell us He will not spare other things He knows we need? Mt 6:25-33
Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? vv. 33-34 Believers reproached, falsely accused Mt 5:11 26:59-61 Acts 6:11 No one likes to be accused…esp. falsely We fear the damage if believed by others Faith can be weakened if not grounded
Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? vv. 33-34 More than just a “rumor”…it is a formal accusation Acts 19:38 26:2 Points To Remember… vv. 33b-34 We know the “Judge” If He pronounced us “innocent”…others’ words (charges) mean what??
Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? vv. 33-34 Points To Remember… vv. 33b-34 We have an “Advocate” He pleads our case because of Who He is, what He has done 1 Jn 2:1 He knows our plight Heb 2:18 4:15-16
Who shall separate us from the love of God? vv. 35-39 Things can happen, such that we might begin to question God’s love Tribulations, adversity, dangers, needs Paul quotes Psa 44:22 God’s children were severely mistreated
Who shall separate us from the love of God? vv. 35-39 Paul quotes Psa 44:22 Consider also vv. 9, 12-14, 17-26 Their words seem harsh against God Did God still love them…don’t you think they wondered? Their “cries” go unanswered
Who shall separate us from the love of God? vv. 35-39 Point To Remember… v. 37 We are “…more than conquerors” [KJV] God’s providence that brings such things about can actually produce greater character, deeper faithfulness “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
Who shall separate us from the love of God? vv. 35-39 Point To Remember… v. 37 Examples… Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” 2 Cor 12:7 HUMILITY Job’s “hardships” Job 42:3, 6 PATIENCE
Who shall separate us from the love of God? vv. 35-39 Point To Remember… v. 37 “No other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” v. 39
Conclusion To sum up… …God is on our side (what enemy to fear?) …God has pronounced us innocent (who can falsely accuse us?) …God’s love for us is unconditional (who can separate us from that?)
Conclusion There is 1 thing that can separate us from God…something Paul doesn’t mention The things listed are “external forces” The only thing that can separate me from God? “Internal forces” like indifference, rejection Me
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