Sermon Audio & Review
Romans 8:31
Pastor Tim Potter
- Category: Not Ashamed (Romans)
- October 22, 2017
The Impenetrable Love of God.
In a time when our news is dominated by natural disasters and tragedies of all kinds, the glorious conclusion of Romans 8 is a comfort to our souls. This passage has been called a Christian hymn of security and assurance by many. Singing God's Word brings assurance and security to our hearts no matter what the circumstances may be.
Regardless of our spiritual maturity, we all have times of insecurity. It is then that we resettle our hearts on the objective truth of the Word.
These verses center around 7 different questions. This is the number of completion in the Bible. Many of them have no answer, but we will see how that is a blessing.
The first question starts the conclusion to Romans 8 and all of Romans to this point. Though our time is often dominated by mundane discussions, we must discuss these truths from God's Word, because they bring us increased assurance. The Roman believers did not have ready access to the written Word as we enjoy today. They had to constantly remember and rehearse what they had heard!
The second question in Romans 8:31 has no answer. How can that be true if we can name many enemies, least of all our flesh, that we fight against? The context that we studied last week focuses on eternity. In light of all God has secured for us in eternity past and future, there is nothing that can stand against believers. Our silent response to the question is one of rejoicing! An unbelieving response to this reality is one of fear: If God is not for you, then everything is against you.
Lastly, note that the word "if" in Romans 8:31 is more precisely translated "because" or "since" according to the original Greek.
Application Points
- Do you speak about the truth you learn from God's Word? Is Scripture discussed in your home and with believing friends? There are two ways that unbelieving hearts respond to God's Word: indifference or animosity. Children who grow up in a Christian home can often respond to God's Word with indifference as well.
- How do you respond to the reality of Romans 8:31's second question? Believers will rejoice; unbelievers will fear. If God is not for you, then everything is against you. Throw yourself at the mercy of Jesus Christ, turn from your sin, and trust Him today.
Tools for Further Study
Cross References to Explore
- 2 Peter 1, Psalm 119:9-11 – Rehearse "these things."
- Psalm 73:21-28 – A similar passage.
A Hymn to Encourage: "Jesus, I Am Resting"
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
