2023 0910 Romans 8 No Separation

Right Hand of God

Ephesians 1:20–23

he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

God has seated him at his right hand

the right hand is the position of authority

The Absolute Truth

we must hold firmly to this truth

Jesus died for our sin

God Almighty has honoured him at his right hand

all we do, all we desire is based on this position of Jesus

now - how do we respond to this?

More Than A Conqueror

Romans 8:37 NIV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

a conqueror sets the rules and the culture

Christ has total authority and power over all dominions

we have this authority - we are given his name

belonging to Jesus means living a different life

we are to change our mindset, thoughts, words and actions

most important is to learn how to use the authority of Christ

Paul has one more monumental statement to make

I am Convinced

Romans 8:38 NIV

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

I am convinced

44 years as a confirmed believer

another 20 knowing God before that

I have seen God work in many different ways

these words of Paul resonate with me in every way

Our Areas of Life

death nor life - the human condition

death is often feared - believers do not

life can bring its challenges both good and bad

angels nor demons - the spiritual world

spiritual beings are powerless against the authority of Christ

all must come under his kingship

present nor the future - aspects of time

things known today

uncertainties of tomorrow

the believer has a hope that is eternal

powers - rulers and principalities

human rulers or heavenly powers hold no fear

Christ is above all

height nor depth - the physical universe

man may feel overwhelmed by creation

man may be challenged by the world - climate change

yet God is the creator

our faith is in Christ not in man and his institutions

Romans 8:39 NIV

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.

Anything Else in Creation

everything is covered in Christ

is there anything else - Paul says no

in fact there may be something big for you

it is not unique

Christ has it covered

No Separation

it is impossible for the love of God to be overcome

free choice to take on the sin of the world = greatest love

this love is ours when we are in Christ

do not neglect such a great love

believe that this love is greater than all things

every crisis, every trauma, every hurt is less than the love of Jesus