Series Big Idea: "The gospel of Jesus Christ gives believers a new way of life—and abundant life through the Holy Spirit"

Sermon Big Idea: "God’s purpose for believers is to conform them to the image of Jesus Christ"

Key Scripture (Romans 8:26-30)

In this life, we face all kinds of challenges that threaten to overwhelm us in despair. Like a worn-out traveler who is unsure of where they are going, we may question our existence and the depth of God's love toward us. Yet, during our darkest moments and wavering faith, we can anchor ourselves in the steadfast love of our Heavenly Father. Like a lighthouse guiding a ship through a treacherous storm, Christ offers comfort and certainty in the face of adversity. Today's scripture illuminates this eternal truth and serves as a guiding compass, showing us how to surrender our burdens to God and find refuge in His enduring and unchanging love.

(Romans 8:26-30)

In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified

This passage begins with a reminder that for Christians, the Spirit of God helps us in our difficulties (v 26). We are human, and we have limitations and weaknesses. But the Spirit intercedes for us, praying on our behalf with groanings too deep for words. We may not have the right words or know what to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Just like a loving parent understands the needs of their child even when they cannot express them, the Spirit understands our hearts and intercedes for us to the Father. Furthermore, (v 27) tells us that God searches our hearts and knows the mind of the Spirit. This is a beautiful picture of the Trinity at work, with the Spirit interceding for us to the Father. This also assures us that our prayers are heard and answered according to God's will.

In (v 28), we are reminded that God works all things for good. This verse is often misunderstood. It does not mean that everything that happens is good. Rather, it means that God can take even the most challenging and painful situations and bring about good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our trials and our sufferings are not in vain. God is working them for our good and His glory. You have probably seen an artist who could create a beautiful masterpiece out of pieces of scraps and things no one wants. In the same way, God can turn our struggles and failures into something beautiful for His Kingdom.

The remaining verses affirm God's sovereignty and faithfulness. He foreknew and predestined those who would become His children, and He called and justified them, ultimately leading them to be glorified in Christ. These are powerful words that often cause confusion and debate, but the main message is this: God has a plan for us. He foreknew us, or had knowledge of us, even before we were born. He predestined us, or predetermined our destiny, to be conformed to the image of Christ. He called us to this purpose and justified us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. One day we will be fully transformed into the image of God’s Son. Just as a potter carefully molds and shapes the clay, knowing exactly what it will become. In the same way, God has a plan for each of us and is shaping us into His image.

As believers, we can find assurance and comfort in the unshakable love of God. When we face trials and struggles, we can trust that God is with us, interceding and working all things for our good. We can also rest in the truth that our salvation is secure in God’s hands, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Conclusion

I pray that we have been reminded today that as followers of Christ, we are not simply aimlessly wandering through this world. My friends, we have a divine purpose in Christ Jesus, and His Holy Spirit is with us helping us along the way. Church let’s embrace our weaknesses and allow the Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Let’s trust in God’s plan knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory. Let’s look forward to the day when we will be fully transformed and glorified in Christ.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed., Victor Books, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, et al. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans. W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., editor. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Press, 2014.

Barton, Bruce, et al. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Tyndale, 2001.

Stanley, Charles F. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New King James Version. Nelson Bibles, 2005.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., et al. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

The New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Kruse, Colin G. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Edited by D. A. Carson, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012.

Boa, Kenneth, and William Kruidenier. Romans. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

Moo, Douglas J. Romans. Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.

Mounce, Robert H. Romans. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.

Pate, C. Marvin. Romans. Edited by Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Baker Books, 2013.

Newell, William R. Romans Verse-by-Verse. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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