Unconditionally Accepted/Loved/Valued

OVERVIEW

Summary: This passage emphasizes the unbreakable and unconditional love of God towards humankind, illustrating that nothing can separate us from His love, exemplified through Christ's sacrificial act.

Application: This message provides profound encouragement to Christians facing doubts and struggles, reminding them of the permanent nature of God's love in their lives. It reassures believers that their identity and worth are not based on circumstances or failures, but rather on the everlasting love of Christ.

Teaching: God's love is unconditional and unwavering, and that it has been demonstrated through Christ's death for us, reinforcing the hope we have in Him and our secure position in God’s family.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ's love is the embodiment of God's unshakeable commitment to humanity, acting as the central figure through whom this love is poured out and assured. He is the ultimate proof that nothing can separate us from God's love, as His dying for our sins is the foundation of our relationship with God.

Big Idea: Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are assured of a love that transcends all circumstances, fostering hope and security in the middle of life's challenges.

Sticky Sentence:

“Nothing means nothing—not even your worst day can separate you from God’s love.”

“If it exists, God’s love beats it. If it threatens, God’s love overcomes it.”

“God’s love doesn’t have conditions—it has commitment.”

“God’s love isn’t based on your performance—it’s based on His promise.”

“God’s love won’t quit, no matter what hits.”

“Even when life shakes, God’s love never breaks.”

Recommended Study: You might consider using your Logos library to explore the historical context of Romans, specifically looking into the socio-political dynamics during Paul's writing. Investigate the Greek terms used for love in Romans 5:8 and how they contribute to our understanding of God's character. Delve into commentaries that address assurance in salvation, as well as theological discussions regarding the implications of being 'in Christ' as related to the themes present in Romans 8.

INTRODUCTION

Good, morning everyone. My name is Jayson, one of the pastors here at Journey.

For this series we’ll wrestle with our identity. It’s the idea of who we are in relation to God.

transition here...

Let’s pray.

BIBLE VERSE(S)

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

TENSION

But even more importantly, as we wrestle with the question, 'Who do we think we are?'—we have to ask: what does it truly mean to be accepted, to be loved, and to be valued? Not just by others, but by God Himself?

TRUTH

To answer that, we can look to early Christian leaders like Paul, who showed that knowing our identity in Jesus is completely different from how the world sees identity.

In an ancient letter to Christians living in Rome, Paul laid the foundation for how to live as followers of Jesus. And right in the middle of it, he dropped powerful statements about our identity.

Here’s what Paul says...

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38 NLT)

I want you to notice something crucial here. Paul said, “nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.”

At first glance you may be saying, “I’m glad Paul is convinced about this, but Jayson...you don’t understand...

“I’ve messed up too much—how could God still love me?”

“If God loved me, why did He let this happen?”

“If people don’t want me, maybe God doesn’t either.”

.....add more and break it down in here...

Notice the word “us”. That includes you sitting right there. You, with all your mistakes, regrets, and the weight of bitterness you’re carrying. God love is for you.

But why? Why would God care enough to love us this much? Paul answered that question too:

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8 NLT).

See, God didn't wait for us to get our act together in order to value us. God forgave us "while we were still sinners"—while we were still messing up, still falling short, and still hurting ourselves and others.

And here's where it gets challenging: If He calls us forgiven, chosen, and His, then we can stop holding ourselves hostage to what He has already set us free from. After all, in the book of Romans, Paul said to forgive those who offend you. That includes when we offend or disappoint ourselves.

1. Separation Cannot Sever

Romans 8:38

Perhaps you could emphasize that nothing in our human experience, no power or circumstance we face, can disconnect us from the profound love that God has for us through Jesus Christ. This assurance, found in Romans 8:38, can comfort us deeply in times of distress and doubt, reminding us of the security and constancy of God's embrace regardless of life's uncertainties.

2. Darkness Cannot Divide

Romans 8:39

Maybe point out that not just earthly troubles but nothing in existence—height, depth, nor anything else created—can break the bond of Christ’s love for us. Romans 8:39 reinforces an unwavering conviction that God’s love is above any power. Encouraging believers, especially when they feel insignificant or defeated, to rest in this unbreakable love offers them peace.

3. While We Were Weak

Romans 5:8

You could highlight that God’s love is demonstrated at its fullest when He sent Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 serves as a reminder that God's love is preemptive and proactive, abolishing any doubts about needing to earn His love. This can deepen the understanding of grace and foster a more profound gratitude and reliance on God’s initiative love.

This is why God's love is so powerful. It frees us from the weight of guilt and shame. We can stop carrying the burden of our past mistakes and live in the freedom of knowing we're fully forgiven and deeply valued by God.

This doesn't mean we don't take responsibility for our actions or try to make amends when we hurt others. But it does mean we can stop defining ourselves by our mistakes and instead see ourselves as God sees us: unconditionally accepted and valued.

The question is: Will we live like we’re loved by God? Will we let go of our self-imposed debt and embrace the freedom God offers? Will we find our identity in something greater?

Look, whether you need to forgive someone else or forgive yourself, Paul was really clear about answering the age old question about who we really are.

Basically, what we learn from Paul talking to the Romans about their identity in Jesus is this:

God’s love won’t quit, no matter what hits.

See, when it comes to giving and taking, you can’t give what you haven’t received. Embracing God’s forgiveness toward you is the starting point for forgiving others. It gives us the strength and ability to do so when we just don’t want to or can’t on our own. Because God is here with us and has forgiven us, we can extend that same forgiveness to others.

APPLICATION

So how do we do this? How do we embrace God’s unconditional acceptance, love and value for us and let go of those negative messages we've been carrying around? Here are four practical steps we can start taking this week:

LANDING

As we wrap up, I want you to imagine your life if you weren't carrying around all that guilt and shame.

Imagine how your relationships might change if you weren't constantly beating yourself up for past mistakes. Imagine how free you’d feel if you stopped listening to and believing the negative messages you’ve picked up from past mistakes or failures.

Imagine a school where people were as quick to forgive themselves as they were to forgive others. Where everyone understood that they were worthy of love and second chances.

That's the power of forgiveness. That's the change you can create in your own life and the example you can set for people around you.

So, this week, I want to encourage you to start reminding yourself of God’s love. Think about something you've been tough on yourself about. Instead of dwelling on those negative feelings, practice embracing God’s forgiveness. It might seem strange at first, but remember, you can forgive like you've been forgiven.