Unbeatable Assurance

Intro

The Unbeaten Champion

In 1996, heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield entered a match against Mike Tyson that many believed he couldn’t win. The crowd jeered, the odds stacked against him. But his calm came from a quiet confidence: he had already trained under a master who had prepared him for every punch. No matter how fierce the opponent looked, Holyfield stepped into the ring knowing he was not defenseless.

In the same way, Paul ends Romans 8 reminding believers that they are never defenseless. Whatever stands against us—sin, death, suffering—none of it can overcome the One who stands for us.

Transition: When you understand who fights for you, fear loses its grip. Let’s see how Jesus gives us unbeatable assurance.

Romans 8:31–39 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.

1. Jesus defends you. (8:31-33)

Romans 8:31 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:32 ESV

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:33 ESV

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

Illustration:

At Buckingham Palace, guards stand at the entrance 24 hours a day. They don’t flinch, don’t retreat, and don’t negotiate with threats. Their job is simple: no one gets past them who doesn’t belong.

Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Jesus stands as our eternal Defender. No accusation, no enemy, and no spiritual attack can breach His authority. When Satan points at your failures, Jesus stands between you and every charge, saying, “This one is mine.”

Application: When fear or guilt tries to re-enter your heart, picture Jesus standing guard. You don’t need to fight every accusation—He already defends you. Rest in His authority, not your argument.

2. Jesus intercedes for you. (8:34)

Romans 8:34 ESV

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Illustration: The Radio Operator in the Battle

During World War II, soldiers in the trenches depended on radio operators to keep them connected to command. When chaos surrounded them, the operator’s steady voice relaying the commander’s words gave hope and direction.

That’s what Jesus does for you—He’s not only the Savior who died and rose; He’s the living intercessor at the right hand of God, speaking on your behalf.

Application

Never forget that Jesus is advocating for you in heaven. Jesus never stops defending you even in the midst of seasons where your groaning are far deeper than words could ever express. Jesus defends you agains the accusations of Satan.

3. Jesus secures you. (8:35-39)

Romans 8:35 ESV

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Romans 8:36 ESV

36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

Romans 8:37 ESV

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

Romans 8:38 ESV

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

Romans 8:39 ESV

39 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.

Illustration—The Grip That Won’t Let Go

A father and his young daughter were walking across a busy street. The child held his hand tightly at first, but as horns blared and fear rose, her grip slipped. Yet the father never released her. He was holding her, not the other way around.

That’s how God’s love works. Paul lists every possible threat—tribulation, danger, death, powers—and declares, “None of these can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” You are held by divine hands that will never let you go.

Practical Application

Don’t measure God’s love by your circumstances; measure your circumstances by God’s love. Even when life hurts, He hasn’t let you slip from His grasp. Rest in the assurance that nothing—not even death—can break His hold on you.

Conclusion

Closing Illustration — The Unlosable Victory

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox were down three games to none in the ALCS—a deficit no team had ever overcome. Yet they refused to quit, eventually winning the series and then the World Series for the first time in 86 years. When they returned to Boston, the city exploded with joy.

For believers, the victory is even greater—and guaranteed. Through Jesus, we are “more than conquerors.” The scoreboard of eternity is already decided. The enemy can delay, distract, or discourage, but he cannot defeat.

Closing Connection: Because Jesus defends you, intercedes for you, and secures you, you can live every day with unshakable confidence. Your salvation is not fragile—it’s finished.

Invitation to Respond to the Gospel

But in order to experience that victory you must repent and believe in Jesus Christ for your salvation. Have you believed? Have you repented?