Romans 8:31-39 If God is for us…

There is no human reason why God should be for us. Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (3:23) and that the wages of sin is death (6:23), it follows that God ought to be done with us. But God is not like us. That is human reasoning and human wisdom – not the wisdom of God. Godly reason is about grace and the love of God that is demonstrated to us in The Lord Jesus Christ (5:8).

Paul takes us through the logic of how confident that we can be of God’s love since he has proven it to us. Given that he has not held back hi own son for us, surely we should be convinced that he is indeed for us!

The context of this passage is also amidst Paul’s discussion of life here on earth characterised by suffering and frustration. This side of heaven, don’t doubt heaven for a minute. This side of glory, don’t doubt for a second that God has already paid for us to join him. Our struggle is to see that and believe it.

OBSERVATIONS

Paul strings his thoughts at the end of this chapter with a series of rhetorical questions.
V31 – if God is for us, who can be against us?
V33 – who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
V34 – who then is the one who condemns?
V35 – who [and what!] shall separate us from the love of Christ?

These questions, being rhetorical, give us some great little truths to bank on! 1) God is for us! 2) God himself has chosen his adopted children. 3) there is no condemnation! 4) Christ’s love reaches beyond all boundaries and obstacles.

“Will give us all things” It seems that Paul is addressing the idea that though we are God’s adopted children, we may feel a long way from that when we look at our own behaviours, thoughts and motives. God is working out our path toward glory (8:28-30) and he will certainly make it happen. After all, he’s not about to send his only Son on a salvation mission without finishing the job he started in us. “All things” then, may refer to all the things necessary to work out the good for those who love him – even suffering – or it may refer to our future hope that is our certain hope.

There will be no charges or condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus. We are also instructed here to keep our own self-condemnations silenced because we no that Christ himself has justified. And the One who died for us is now interceding for us!

QUESTIONS

  1. How does psalm 44:22 fir the context of this passage. NB: whenever the NT quotes the OT, we are being invited by the author to consider what the original context was and how that now fits the new context. Psalm 44 speaks of the faithful being defeated by the enemies of Israel but still waiting patiently for God to act. Our condition on this earth prior to glory does not mean that we are separated from the promises or love of God. Even this time of grief and frustration is part of God’s big plan.
  2. At are the things that threaten us in our faith? Aren’t they listed in verse 35: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword. Some of these relate to conflict with people but not all of them. They are a list of things that describe life prior to heaven. But even these things are not signs that God has abandoned us!
  3. How do we conquer? (V37) it is our faith. That is, the trust and knowledge that God loves us in Christ Jesus. These things listed in verse 35 will not destroy us. They are just food and clothing, but God and his words of promise last forever.

APPLICATION

  • Consider the state of your salvation. Do you worry about it? Do you doubt if you are saved or not? Consider the message of salvation and the truths of this passage. If God will not condemn you who are in Christ Jesus then don’t you condemn you either!
  • Stress and anxiety are common in our society and lives. This passage helps to keep us reminded of the great love that God has for us. Famine, nakedness and trouble are nothing to the plans that God has for you.
  • Are you eagerly awaiting for the future glory that we will share with Christ?
  • Do you worry that God is not concerned about your concerns? Don’t you know that Christ himself is speaking to the Father on your behalf – interceding for us!
  • Give great thanks and praise for the love of God. Take time to thank him. Stop rushing and panicking during the week and thank your Father who loves and cares for you.