Living With Confidence From Romans 8Sample

The song by Queen, “We are the champions” is a universal and iconic hit that’s known, played and sung across sports, cultures and countries. It signifies victory! No matter how big or small the occasion or achievement the final words “Cause we are the champions of the world” summaries the sentiment: we have conquered and there is no-one who could stop us.

Paul finishes with such a crescendo.

Today as we finish this series, read these verses 31-39 through slowly and let them sink in.

Verse 31 comes directly after Paul has described the work of God in saving lost souls in verses 29-30. It is all his work and throughout Romans 8 Paul has written these words in the context of a world of groaning and decay and a life of suffering and persecution. This is the Christian’s experience but we can be confident in the one who has hold of us.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither 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.

Today is Game Day! As you head down to the club, or perhaps travel with the team to an away fixture let the answers to these big questions sink down deep.

Is there any enemy that can ever defeat those who trust in Jesus?

Verses 31 - 32 No! Look at the extent of God’s provision for you, through Jesus.

Is there anyone who can bring charges, that can stick, against you?

Verses 33 No! God has convincingly spoken with a declaration of ‘not guilty’ over you.

Is there an accuser who can condemn you?

Verses 34 No! Jesus is seated at the right of the father and silences all the accusations by demonstrating that his work has been completed.

Is there anyone or anything that can separate us from God’s love?

Verses 35 -39 No! Jesus has experienced all and walks with you to the end.

Paul started Romans 8 with the words “there is no condemnation” and now he finishes this section by saying “there is no separation” from the one who loved you so much he laid down his life for you.

Whatever your world of sport throws at you today, remember that you are more than a conqueror. A super conqueror! And nothing, absolutely nothing, can loosen you from his grip on you.

Go play, with utter confidence that you are His and He is yours, forever!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you that you that nothing can separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus.

Help me to remember that you have made me a conqueror and have given me the gift of your Spirit to face every challenge today.

In your name

Amen.