Romans 8:26-39

 

 

“The Holy Spirit dominates the entire chapter, for it is through the indwelling Spirit that we overcome the flesh and live the Christian life.”

ÑRichard Taylor

 

 

Sorrow and Tragedy Are Never Good:     v. 26-33

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

            28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

            31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us allÑhow will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

 

1.         We cannot ignore pain .  James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

 

2.         We cannot suppress problems .          2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

 

 

Suffering and Difficulties Will Build Character:          v. 34-35

Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who diedÑmore than that, who was raised to lifeÑis at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

 

1.         We are being shaped for heaven .        Hebrews 12:3-6

 

2.         We are being activated for ministry .     Hebrews 12:7-12

 

 

Tomorrow Is as Bright as the Promises of God: v. 36-39

As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

1.         God is the source of all goodness .     Psalm 100:5

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

2.         God is the giver of all life .           John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;”

 

3.         God’s plans are bigger than our problems. John 14:21

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”