Romans 8:26-39
Q.1. How does God support those who have the firstfruits of the Spirit? Why can we be confident that there will be a good outcome for us? – (Rom.8:23, 26-28)
While Paul spoke generally about the effects of the Fall of man, he also spoke of the travail of believers i.e. those who have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:23). He explained how this travail increases our hope and longing for a better future (Rom.8:24-25). However, he went on to unfold the ongoing assistance that is provided for God’s children. The first support God has provided, is the intercessory work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Often, we cannot explain our own sinfulness and folly. We are so flawed, that we find it difficult to line up our prayers in order to agree with the will of God – 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Rom.8:26-27). Paul also reminded us that – we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28). No matter how dark the valley that we are passing through may appear, we must never forget that there is always an underlying good purpose for even the most painful trials.
Q.2. What is God’s over-arching plan for His own? How is this achieved? How far-reaching is God’s call on our lives? – (Rom.8:26-30)
We have many deep-seated desires and motives which conflict with God’s over-arching plan, that being that we might be – … conformed to the image of His Son (Rom.8:29). God foreknows everything, including the future of His children. His desired outcome for us is that we all become like Jesus (Rom.8:28 c.f. Eph.1:4-5). For all those thus called, God has justified – declared us righteous (Rom.8:30). God accomplished this through the death, burial, resurrection, and glorification of His Son (Rom.8:32 & 34). In other words, it is extended to us by the grace of God, not because of our own efforts. This begins on the day we are born again and is completed when we receive our brand-new heavenly bodies, when we are glorified (Rom.8:30).
Q.3. Where should our focus be as we battle with sin and the flesh? What makes such a focus essential? How can we overcome the accusations of Satan? – (Rom.8:31-34)
Paul spent several chapters discussing the problem of sin. However, he drew attention to the Lord Who is the reason for all our blessings – past, present, and future – 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Rom.8:31-32). It is not only inconceivable, but impossible to conclude with honesty that God would fail us. More than that, all charges and accusations against God’s chosen ones are groundless, since – 33 God is the one who justifies; 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us (Rom.8:33-34). Christ has taken the wrath of God against sinners. In doing so He has removed any basis for Satan to justifiably accuse or condemn us.
Q.4. Should believers expect strife and trials? Is there any experience in this life or beyond that can separate us from Christ’s love? Is your view of suffering biblical? – (Rom.8:35-39)
On consideration of the extensive list of suffering and trials experienced by Paul, we can conclude that trials could be a regular feature of the Christian life. He knew what he was saying from personal experience (c.f. 2 Cor.11:23-29). However, he asked – 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Rom.8:35). He quoted from Psalm 44:22 in order to confirm that the threat of death is never far away. He then argued comprehensively – 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.8:37-39). With such a view of trials, we cannot be defeated. Jesus highlighted in the Parable of the Sower how a deficient view leads to ruin – 21 … when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful (Mt.13:21-22). Salvation does not remove future suffering for believers.