If God is for us… Who is against us? (Romans 8:31-39)
Introduction:
Romans 8 culminates in a powerful declaration of God's unwavering love and commitment to those who are in Christ Jesus. This study will delve into the triumphant questions posed by Paul, exploring the implications of God being "for us" and the ultimate security we have in His love.
I. Who Can Be Against Us? (Romans 8:31-32):
Paul begins with a rhetorical question that underscores the overwhelming power of God's favor.
• A. There are two sides and neutrality is not an option (Matthew 12:30; Exodus 32:26; Joshua 24:15):
◦ Matthew 12:30: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Jesus makes it clear that there is no neutral ground in the spiritual realm. We are either for Him or against Him.
◦ Exodus 32:26: "then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come to me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered around him." Moses' call for allegiance demonstrates the need to choose sides.
◦ Joshua 24:15: "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua's challenge highlights the necessity of making a clear decision for or against God.
◦ Discussion: In the context of Romans 8, with God so clearly on the side of believers, who might still stand against us? Consider spiritual forces, worldly opposition, and even our own lingering doubts. Why is neutrality impossible when it comes to God?
• B. Consider some evidence that God is with us: Paul doesn't just assert God's favor; he provides compelling evidence.
◦ He did not spare His own Son (Romans 8:32; Genesis 22:2, 12; John 3:16):
▪ Romans 8:32: "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" The ultimate act of love was God sacrificing His Son.
▪ Genesis 22:2, 12: The account of Abraham offering Isaac foreshadows God's sacrifice. God spared Isaac because of Abraham's obedience, but God did not spare His own Son for us.
▪ John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." God's love is demonstrated through this ultimate gift.
▪ Discussion: What does the fact that God was willing to sacrifice His most precious possession for us reveal about the depth of His love and commitment to us?
◦ He delivered up His Son (Romans 8:32; Matthew 26:53; Luke 22:44, 42):
▪ Romans 8:32: The phrase "gave him up" signifies God's active role in delivering Jesus for our sake.
▪ Matthew 26:53: Jesus acknowledges His Father's power to send legions of angels, highlighting the voluntary nature of His sacrifice orchestrated by God.
▪ Luke 22:44, 42: Jesus' agony in the garden reveals the immense cost of this "giving up," yet He submitted to the Father's will.
▪ Discussion: Why was it necessary for God to "deliver up" His Son? What does this tell us about the seriousness of our sin and God's plan for redemption?
◦ He delivered up His Son for us (Romans 8:32; 5:8):
▪ Romans 8:32: The phrase "for us all" emphasizes the personal and inclusive nature of Christ's sacrifice.
▪ Romans 5:8: "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's love was extended to us even in our unworthiness.
▪ Discussion: How does the knowledge that Christ died "for you" personally impact your understanding of God's love and your worth in His eyes?
• C. God’s gift is our assurance (Romans 8:32; 5:8-10; 2 Peter 1:3):
◦ Romans 8:32: The logic here is powerful: if God gave us His Son, the greatest gift, will He withhold anything else we truly need?
◦ Romans 5:8-10: Having been reconciled to God through Christ's death while we were enemies, we have even more assurance of salvation through His life.
◦ 2 Peter 1:3: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence." God's power has already provided everything necessary for our spiritual life.
◦ Discussion: What are some of the "all things" that God promises to graciously give us? How does the gift of His Son serve as the ultimate guarantee of His provision?
II. Who Can Bring a Charge Against Us? (Romans 8:33-34):
Having established that God is for us, Paul now addresses the possibility of accusation.
• A. In God’s courtroom… Paul uses the imagery of a courtroom to illustrate the spiritual reality of accusation and justification.
1. There is an accuser (Revelation 12:10; Romans 8:30; 8:1; 3:10, 23; 6:23):
▪ Revelation 12:10: Satan is identified as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God."
▪ Romans 8:30: God has predestined, called, and justified us.
▪ Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
▪ Romans 3:10, 23: Scripture declares that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
▪ Romans 6:23: The wages of sin is death.
▪ Discussion: Who is the primary accuser of believers? What are the grounds for his accusations? How do the truths of Romans 8:1 and 3:22 counter these accusations?
2. There is an acquittal (Romans 8:1): As mentioned above, for those in Christ, there is no condemnation. God Himself has declared us righteous.
3. There is an advocate (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1):
▪ Romans 8:34: "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." Jesus, our Savior, is also our intercessor and advocate before the Father.
▪ 1 John 2:1: "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Even when we stumble, we have Jesus as our defender.
▪ Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to be our advocate and intercessor? How does His death, resurrection, and ascension equip Him for this role?
• B. We are made righteous “through faith in Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:22): Our acquittal is not based on our own merit but on God's grace received through faith in Jesus.
1. Discussion: Why is it crucial that our righteousness comes through faith in Christ rather than through our own works? How does this relate to the question of who can bring a charge against us?
III. Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ? (Romans 8:35-39):
Having established God's favor and our justification, Paul now addresses the ultimate question of separation from Christ's love.
• A. His love purifies us in our suffering (Romans 8:35-36; 1 John 4:19; 2 Timothy 3:12; Romans 8:17, 29, 36):
◦ Romans 8:35-36: Paul lists various hardships – tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword – that believers might face. He quotes Psalm 44:22, highlighting that these sufferings are experienced "for your sake."
◦ 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." Our ability to endure suffering is rooted in Christ's prior love for us.
◦ 2 Timothy 3:12: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Suffering is often a reality for believers.
◦ Romans 8:17, 29: We are co-heirs with Christ, and God predestined us to be conformed to His image, which includes suffering.
◦ Romans 8:36: Even in the face of death, we are still loved by Christ.
◦ Discussion: How does the love of Christ sustain and purify us through our suffering? How should our perspective on trials change knowing that they are experienced in the context of His love?
• B. His love gives us the victory (Romans 8:37):
◦ Romans 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Despite the hardships, we are not defeated but are overwhelmingly victorious through Christ's love.
◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "more than conquerors"? How does Christ's love empower us to overcome the challenges listed in the previous verses?
• C. His love provides security (Romans 8:38-39; Jude 21): Paul concludes with a powerful and comprehensive declaration of the unbreakable nature of Christ's love.
◦ Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This list encompasses all possible forces and circumstances.
◦ Jude 21: "keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." While Christ's love is secure, we are called to actively remain within its embrace.
◦ Discussion: What comfort and assurance do these verses provide in the face of life's uncertainties and fears (especially in the context of living in USA with its own unique challenges)? What does it mean to "keep yourselves in the love of God"?
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Conclusion:
Romans 8:31-39 is a triumphant anthem of God's unwavering love and our ultimate security in Christ. Because God is undeniably for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, no earthly or spiritual power can ultimately stand against us or separate us from His love. We are justified, acquitted, and held securely in the embrace of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Therefore, we can face any adversity with confidence, knowing that we are more than conquerors through His love.
Application:
• In what area of your life are you currently facing opposition or feeling vulnerable? Meditate on Romans 8:31-39 and allow the truth of God's unwavering love to bring you comfort and strength.
• Consider if there are any lingering doubts or accusations you are allowing to take root in your heart. Remind yourself of your justification in Christ and His role as your advocate.
• Reflect on the comprehensive list in Romans 8:38-39. Is there any circumstance or fear that you believe might separate you from God's love? Surrender that fear to Him and rest in the assurance of His unbreakable love.
• How can you live this week in a way that reflects the confidence and security you have in God's love for you in Christ Jesus?
