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

Sermon Big Idea: "Believers are assured that nothing can separate their connection to God’s great love"

Key Scripture (Romans 8:31-39)

We’ve come to the final sermon of our series on Romans 8. Remember, the early Christian community in Rome, which consisted of both converted Jews and Gentiles, faced persecution and challenges as they tried to live out their faith in the middle of a pagan society. The apostle Paul wrote his letter with this in mind, addressing their struggles and offering them words of encouragement, hope, and assurance. Chapter 8 is a turning point in Paul's message to the Roman Christians. He gave a picture of the Christian life that is grounded in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, assuring believers that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. They have been adopted into His family and are now heirs of His kingdom. Paul emphasized the security and assurance that believers have in Christ, especially the victory we have over sin, suffering, and death found in the love of God. In these final verses of Romans 8, Paul reminds us of the incredible depth and breadth of God's love for us, a love that transcends all obstacles and challenges, and that nothing in all creation can separate us from.

(Romans 8:31-39)

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare His own Son 

but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything? 33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the One who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, 39 height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Paul begins with a rhetorical question to grab his reader’s attention. He reminds them that God is for them, and if He is on their side, then nothing can stand against them. It gives us confidence and courage to face any trials or challenges that come our way (v. 31).

He then reminds them of the ultimate sacrifice God made for them, through the death of His own son Jesus Christ (v. 32). If God was willing to give up His own Son for the sake of the world, wont He also give us everything else that we need? This shows the depth of God’s love and His willingness to provide for us.

Again, he stresses that Gods love for believers is so strong that no one can accuse or condemn them because He is the One who justifies (v. 33). He has forgiven and made them righteous through the sacrifice of His Son. The assurance of God’s love and protection is further strengthened by the fact that Jesus, who died, is now alive and sits at the right hand of God, interceding for His followers. This reminds us that we have a Savior who is constantly advocating for us before the Father (v. 34).

Paul now lists out the different trials and challenges that the believers in Rome were facing (v. 35). He asks if any of these things can separate them from the love of Christ. The answer is a resounding no! No matter what we may go through, Gods love for us remains steadfast.

He now boldly proclaims that because of God’s love, His followers are not just conquerors but more than conquerors (v. 37). Our victory is not based on our own strength or abilities, but on the unshakable love of God for us.

Paul ends this passage (v. 38-39) with a powerful statement that nothing, absolutely nothing can ever separate believers from the love of God that we have in Christ. Not even death or the powers of this world can come between us and Gods love. His love is immovable and unchanging.

Conclusion

We can rest in the knowledge that we are secure and safe in the love of Christ. Whatever we may face, we can be confident that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Knowing that the love of God is firm should give us peace, strength, and confidence in our daily lives. We should not let circumstances or challenges shake our faith. We should share this assurance with those around us who might be struggling and need to be reminded of God's unwavering love for them.

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.

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.

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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