Pray

Scripture.

We Locked In

Romans 8:31-39

Introduction: Let’s Talk About Love

As we approach Valentine’s Day, everybody is talking about love—but what kind of love?

There are many different types of love, and we experience them in different ways:

Eros – Romantic, emotional, passionate love (often conditional).

This is that "love song" type of love. You probably think of "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. when you think of Eros. 39 seconds

Philia – Brotherly love, deep friendship (can fade over time).

Think about that one ride-or-die friend—that’s Philia. You might even hear "That’s My Dawg" when you think of this one. 28 seconds

Storge – Family love, natural love (but even family love can break down). 10 seconds

We say “we family”, but sometimes even family love can be tested.

But today, I want to talk about a different type of love—

A love that doesn’t fade, doesn’t break, and doesn’t leave.

This love is Agape—God’s love.

It’s unstoppable, unshakable, and unconditional.

And when I think about that kind of love, this phrase comes to mind:

"We LOCKED IN: How Much God Really Loves Me"

"Locked in" is a phrase used in today's culture.

Athletes say it when they’re focused and committed.

Friends say it when their loyalty is strong.

Students use it when they’re locked in on their goals.

But what does it mean to be “Locked In” with God?

Before we answer that, let’s talk about love.

People switch up their love based on feelings.

Relationships fall apart when things get hard.

Even friendships break down over small things.

But God’s love ain’t like that—His love is unshakable, and once we’re locked in with Him, nothing can break that bond.

God has been Locked In with us from the beginning.

He’s always loved us.

📖 John 3:16 – God loved us so much that He gave. 📖 Romans 5:8 – God proves His love for us while we were still sinners.

Thesis Statement:

Being Locked In with God does not mean we can sin or live however we want. Being Locked In with God means that there is NOTHING we can do to make Him stop loving us.

Paul, in Romans 8:38, is talking about Agape love—the kind of love that never lets go.

God’s Love Gives Us…

1. Security with God (Romans 8:31-32)

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

People may walk away from you. Relationships may fall apart. But God’s love secures us forever.

His love doesn’t depend on our performance—He already proved it at the cross.

📝 Application:

How often do we base love on feelings? God’s love is based on His character, not our behavior.

You don’t have to earn what He’s already freely given.

2. Victory Through God (Romans 8:33-37)

Life will bring struggles, but God’s love makes us more than conquerors.

"Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies."

Even when the enemy tries to accuse us, God’s love already declared victory over our lives.

📝 Application:

We fight battles every day—doubt, temptation, stress, and struggles.

But when you’re Locked In with God, you fight from victory, not for victory.

3. Loyalty from God (Romans 8:38-39)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

This is true loyalty—God’s love doesn’t change based on circumstances.

People might switch up on you, but God is still there.

📝 Application:

We’ve all had people say “I got you”—but when things got tough, they disappeared.

God doesn’t switch up on you. He doesn’t love you today and leave you tomorrow. He’s loyal.

Conclusion: What Can Separate Us?

Paul answers the question—NOTHING.

No sin. No mistake. No failure. No past. No future.

When you’re Locked In with God, you are in a love that never quits and never runs out.

Final Thought:

When I think about this kind of love, this song comes to mind…

🎵 "Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God..." 🎵

God’s love is RECKLESS—He leaves the 99 just to find YOU.

🔥 We are LOCKED IN with a love that NEVER lets go. 🔥