Who Shall Separate Us?

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Expositional Sermon: "No Separation, No Surrender"

Text: Romans 8:35-39 Theme: The Unbreakable Bond of Christ's Love
Romans 8:35–39 NASB95
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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.

Introduction:

In Romans 8:35-39, the Apostle Paul asks a profound question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” He answers this question with unwavering confidence: nothing—no force, no trial, no authority—can sever the bond between Christ and His people.
Paul’s words are both a theological declaration and a pastoral encouragement. Addressing believers in Rome, a city marked by imperial power and social oppression, Paul paints a picture of Christ’s love as an unyielding force. His words invite us to find strength in God’s unshakable love and challenge us to critique the societal systems that attempt to diminish human dignity.
This morning, we will explore this passage through three points of encouragement:
Unshakable Love in Every Peril
Unstoppable Victory Over Every Power
Unbreakable Confidence in Every Promise

1. Unshakable Love in Every Peril

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" (Romans 8:35)

Context and Language:

Paul's list of challenges is not theoretical—he himself endured many of these trials (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). The Greek word for tribulation (thlipsis) evokes crushing pressure, like grapes being pressed for wine. The term nakedness (gymnotēs) reflects vulnerability, particularly economic insecurity. These were daily realities for Christians in Rome, many of whom were immigrants, slaves, or marginalized citizens.

Application:

Today, many in our world still endure tribulation and distress, particularly immigrants and refugees who face systemic injustices. Modern-day “nakedness” might look like families separated by immigration policies or workers exploited by unjust economic systems.
Paul’s message is clear: no external force can separate us from Christ’s love. His love sustains us in every trial and calls us to stand alongside the vulnerable, advocating for justice and restoration.

2. Unstoppable Victory Over Every Power

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37 )“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”

Context and Language:

The phrase more than conquerors (hypernikōmen) combines the Greek word for “victory” (nikē) with a prefix meaning “overwhelming.” Paul declares that, through Christ, believers are not just survivors—they are victors who overcome even the most oppressive powers.
The mention of angels, rulers, and powers in verses 38-39 refers to both spiritual and earthly authorities. Rome’s political system, backed by military might, claimed ultimate allegiance, but Paul boldly proclaims that Christ’s love reigns supreme.

Application:

Modern-day “powers” may include unjust policies, systemic inequities, and economic structures that prioritize profit over people. Immigration systems that separate families and exploit the vulnerable are examples of such oppressive forces.
Paul’s words remind us that these powers do not have the final say. Christ’s love empowers us to resist injustice and proclaim a higher allegiance to the kingdom of God—a kingdom where all are valued, included, and cared for.

3. Unbreakable Confidence in Every Promise

"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." (Romans 8:38-39)

Context and Assurance:

Paul’s use of I am sure (pepeismai) expresses a deeply personal conviction. This is not mere optimism; it is an unshakable confidence rooted in God’s faithfulness. Paul paints a comprehensive picture of God’s love, spanning all dimensions—life and death, spiritual realms, and even the unknown future.

Application:

This assurance speaks to the fears and uncertainties we face today. Policies that dehumanize immigrants and perpetuate systemic inequities may create despair, but Paul reminds us that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love.
This confidence should inspire us to act boldly, challenging societal structures that fail to reflect God’s justice. As Christ’s followers, we are called to embody His inseparable love, ensuring that no one is left feeling abandoned or excluded.

Conclusion:

Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that Christ’s love is unshakable, unstoppable, and unbreakable. No trial, power, or uncertainty can separate us from Him.
I like that Paul said “I am sure...”

Things Christians Should Be "Sure" Of (with Scriptures)

Sure of God’s Love
"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." (Romans 8:38-39)
Sure of Salvation
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13)
"Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)
Sure of God’s Faithfulness
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Sure of Victory in Christ
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
Sure of God’s Presence
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Sure of God’s Plan for Our Good
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Sure of Our Heavenly Home
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)
"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2)
Sure of God’s Justice
"For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’" (Hebrews 10:30)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
Sure of the Holy Spirit’s Help
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." (Romans 8:26)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth." (John 14:16-17)
Sure of Christ’s Return
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3)
Sure of God’s Sovereignty
"Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." (Psalm 115:3)
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Sure of Our New Identity in Christ
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Sure of God’s Peace
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
Sure of Eternal Rewards
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17)
"And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:4)

Points Recap:

Unshakable Love in Every Peril – Christ’s love sustains us through trials and calls us to support the vulnerable.
Unstoppable Victory Over Every Power – Christ’s love empowers us to resist injustice and proclaim His kingdom.
Unbreakable Confidence in Every Promise – Christ’s love assures us that nothing in creation can separate us from Him.
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