Romans 8:31 - Winners In Christ.
Romans 8:31: Winners In Christ.
Romans 8:31 (NKJV) What then shall we say to these things? If
God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 (NIRV) What should we say then? Since God is on our
side, who can be against us?
WORD STUDY
If God is for us. is better translated, "Since God is for us."
[MacArthur SB]
COMMENTARY
Paul closes his teaching about the believer's security in Christ
with a crescendo of questions and answers for the concerns his
readers might still have. The result is an almost poetic expression of
praise for God's grace in bringing salvation to completion for all who
are chosen and believe - a hymn of security. [MacArthur SB re vss.
31-39]
A joyous conclusion to the argument that Paul has carefully
unfolded throughout the preceding chapters. The opposition of unbelievers
and Satan will never succeed, since God is for us (v. 31). [ESV SB
2008 re vss. 31"39]
What greater comfort can there be than that we are under the
care of an infallible, unwearied, and righteous governor! infallible
because of his infinite wisdom, unwearied because of his
incomprehensible omnipotency, and righteous because of his unbounded goodness and
holiness. Charnock, Stephen: The Complete Works of Stephen Charnock, B.D.
1: P54 [Classical SB]
ILLUSTRATIONS
A few years ago my daughter was invited to a laser tag
birthday party. She was little, and the laser tag vest and gun were huge,
which made it hard for her to play. The first time through, she didn't
do well at all. She was an easy target for the more experienced
players, and she got shot - a lot! She was pretty discouraged, but before
the next round started, one of the dads handed me a vest and said,
Go get em, Dad. I got the message.
I followed close behind my daughter and picked off any kids
foolish enough to come near her. By the end of the round, the kids knew
that she was no longer an easy target. Her daddy was there, and he
was not to be messed with. It was awesome. Her score that round
vastly improved, bringing a big smile to her face.
When we go into the arena alone, it's easy to get picked on,
singled out, and told that we are destined to fail. But when we go into
battle with our heavenly Father's protection and covering, everything
changes. Not only do we have a chance to stay alive, we have a guaranteed
win.
Thank you, Father, for fighting for me, keeping me safe, and
helping me come through as a victor. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate
Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]
Rock climbers are a unique group of people. Some of them are
extremely adventurous and like to climb without the aid of a rope. Others
are a little more cautious and climb with the security a rope
provides. This added confidence helps them scale the most difficult
surfaces, even those that jut out and require them to hang over empty
space.
In many ways, going through tough times is like climbing a
sheer rock face. Trying to get through these times without God is like
climbing without a rope. In Romans 6-8, Paul makes Christians aware of
the "rope" that God extends to all his followers. That rope is God's
promise to never let anything separate us from his love. As you read,
take hope in God's rope.
Like Paul, we face hardships in many areas of life. We may be
unemployed or working under strenuous conditions. Some may be punished for
doing right. Others may be going through a debilitating illness or
even facing death. These experiences, or the idea of having to face
them, often cause us to fear that God has abandoned us or no longer
loves us. But the truth is that nothing can separate us from Christ's
love. The fact that he died for us proves it, and this promise reminds
us.
When you experience doubt about God's constant love for you,
remember Paul's experience. Then reread and meditate on Romans 8:31-39.
Consider memorizing verse 38: "Nothing can ever separate us from God's
love." Do not think that your troubles somehow mean the end of his
love. You can always feel totally secure that he loves you and will be
with you. [The One Year Through the Bible Devotional by Dave
Veerman]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone " nothing!
When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible
world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix
your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your
trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely
through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the
present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to
grasp for future gifts when today's is set before you! Receive
todays gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its
depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me. (Rom. 8:31; 2Co. 4:18; Gen.
16:13-14) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
I, the creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What
more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are
not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your
part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.
It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it
is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts
to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you
desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves.
Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of
your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem
to My Presence and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!
(Rom. 8:31, 32; Mic. 7:7) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is
made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything
else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself
is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our
spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is
just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without
bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart
from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. C. S.
Lewis in Mere Christianity
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
