The Ending is Already Written

Introduction

Today we are wrapping up our sermon series on Romans 1–8. And in a sense, Paul is also wrapping up his presentation of the gospel to the believers in Rome.

Week 1 — The Story We All Share

Paul began in Romans 1–3 by focusing on The Story We All Share: our need for salvation.

We are all trapped in sin and guilty before God. None of us is able to save ourselves through our own good works.

Week 2 — The Story of Salvation

Paul then moved on to The Story of Salvation: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

He showed us through the Scriptures that this has always been God's plan. We are made righteous not by our own works, but through the gracious gift of God given to us through Jesus Christ.

Week 3 — Peace in the Middle of the Story

This salvation brings us the promise of eternal life, but it does more than that.

It brings us peace with God—and it also gives us peace in this life, even in the middle of a story filled with trouble.

Through faith in Christ, we have died with Christ to sin and have been raised to walk in newness of life.

Week 4 — Living a New Story

Walking in this new life means Living a New Story.

We are no longer slaves to sin, walking according to the flesh. Instead, we are called to walk according to the Spirit.

Week 5 — Life in the Spirit's Story

And how do we do that?

Last week, as we began Romans 8, we saw that it is through the Holy Spirit at work in the life of every believer.

This Week— The Ending is Already Written

Paul has shared the gospel—the good news of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

But now, as he brings this section to its climax, Paul shows us how this good news intersects with our lives every day.

The gospel is not simply the story of what Christ has done in the past. It is also the promise of what Christ will do when He returns. And those two realities—the work Christ has already accomplished and the glory that is still to come—change the way we live right now.

Because you can live with confidence when you know that God has already written the end of the story.

The ending is already written.

And no matter what happens between now and then, nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unfailing love.

We confess that we are prone to wander. We too often turn away from You. Yet You are always faithful. You keep all Your promises. Your love never fails.

God, today, as we turn to Your Word, we pray that we might be able to understand the width, length, depth, and height of Your love for us in Christ.

May we boldly stand firm in Your love and grace, and may Your Spirit lead and guide us.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

1. The Certainty of God’s Purpose (Romans 8:18-30)

Transition

Please open your Bibles to Romans 8:18-30. Paul has just finished sharing that as heirs of God we will be glorified together. Now he contrasts our future glory at Christ’s return with our present struggles. Please Join me in Romans 8:18.

Romans 8:18–30 NKJV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

a. Present Sufferings vs Future Glory (18-19)

Paul starts by making a rather strong claim.

He doesn't consider the present sufferings he faces—or the sufferings you face—to be that big of a deal.

They aren't even worth comparing.

I imagine taking someone to a really nice restaurant and having them start to complain about the wait time.

And you say, “Hey, this little wait is nothing compared to how delicious this food is going to be.”

Or imagine a coach encouraging an athlete:

“The pain of running these bleachers isn't even worth mentioning compared to the joy you'll feel when you compete.”

Paul says that the sufferings of this present time aren't even worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.

Maybe you're a little skeptical.

“Yeah, but Paul, you don't know the trouble I've seen.”

“It's easy for you to say, Paul, but you haven't experienced my life.”

But Paul, who was imprisoned, beaten, persecuted, and ultimately killed for his faith, did know something about trouble.

The reason he can say this with confidence isn't because he has experienced less suffering than we have.

It's because he knows what God has in store.

He knows that God's future for us is guaranteed—and that future glory shines brighter and is greater than anything we could ever imagine.

b. Groaning for Freedom (vs. 18-22)

Paul is fully aware of just how troubled the world we live in really is.

That's why he tells us that creation itself is groaning for freedom.

Since the beginning—since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden—the world has been fallen and broken.

God created the world to be good. He created it to be filled with His presence and to reflect His glory.

But right now, the world is fallen and broken.

Yet something is coming.

In the story God has already written, the whole creation will one day be redeemed and made new.

We'll see more about that as we begin studying Revelation next week. But for now, notice what Paul is saying:

That new creation is coming.

The pain and suffering we face are like birth pains, reminding us that God's new creation is on the way.

c. Help in Our Weakness (vs 26-27)

So we set our eyes on that hope.

But what about when things are tough and we are weak?

What about when we feel overwhelmed?

It's not just creation that is groaning. We are groaning too.

Sometimes we are so overwhelmed that we can't even put our feelings into words.

Look at what Paul says in verses 26–27.

[Read Romans 8:26–27]

Romans 8:26–27 NKJV

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Underline this. Write it down. Memorize it.

Because there will be moments when we feel so overwhelmed that we don't even know how to pray.

In those moments, know that the Holy Spirit Himself helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit is our help in our weakness.

d. All Things Work For? (vs 28-30)

So Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit is there with us in our darkest moments.

But once again, he turns our attention to the future.

Because we know what the outcome will be.

Here's a chart showing the future outcome of the various situations we face in life.

[Display chart.]

Now, “all things” might be a little more than what I've included in this pie graph.

But every item is labeled the same.

Good.

This is how all things work together.

We may not always know how.

We may not even be able to imagine how.

But all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

And notice that Paul doesn't stop with verse 28.

He tells us what that purpose is.

Those whom God foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Those whom He predestined, He called.

Those whom He called, He justified.

And those whom He justified, He glorified.

God's purpose is not simply to make every individual circumstance turn out the way we want.

God's purpose is to conform us to the image of Jesus and bring us all the way to glory.

And if God has already begun that work in us, He will bring it to completion.

2. The Assurance of Christ’s Work (Romans 8:31-34)

Transition

As we turn to verse 31, Paul will continue with one of his favorite questions: “What then shall we say?”

But this time, he has quite a few more questions to go with it.

Please join me in reading verses 31–34.

[Read Romans 8:31–34]

Romans 8:31–34 NKJV

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 delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

a. Pop Quiz from Paul

Paul has been teaching us the gospel for eight chapters now.

And as he begins to bring this section to a close, he gives us a bit of a pop quiz.

He asks us a series of questions.

But he has made the quiz pretty easy.

For each question, he reminds us of one of the truths he has already been teaching us.

So, are you ready for the quiz?

1. Who can be against us?

His first question is: Who can be against us?

Paul has been talking about our present suffering, so perhaps we think about the people who cause us to suffer.

Or perhaps we think beyond human opposition.

What about spiritual forces of darkness?

What about death itself?

But Paul gives us a clue to help us answer the question:

God is for us.

God is on our side.

So if you believe in Jesus, have been made right with God, and are now a child of God—and God is for you—who can ultimately be against you?

Answer: No one.

2. How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

His next question is:

“How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

The core of this question is:

Will God hold out on us?

Will God be willing to guide us?

Will He care for us?

Will He give us what we need?

Again, Paul gives us a clue to help us answer:

He who did not spare His own Son.

If God loved you enough to send Jesus to die on the cross for you, what good thing could God possibly withhold from you that would be more difficult for Him to give than the death of His own Son?

Nothing.

What will God withhold?

Nothing.

Now, it is easy to get this question wrong.

“I want a new car. So God won't withhold that from me?”

“I want my job to be easier. Does that mean God will give me an easier job?”

No.

Those aren't the kinds of things Paul is talking about here.

Paul is talking about God giving you everything you need to accomplish His purpose in your life.

He is talking about God giving you the Holy Spirit in the midst of tribulation to develop perseverance.

He is talking about giving you peace in the midst of trials so that you can come through the other side and see how God has worked those trials together for good.

Paul's point is this:

When you feel too weak on your own, when you feel like you are lacking what you need to face the circumstances in front of you, remember that God has already given you everything you need to face the hardship He has called you to face.

Because He has given you Himself.

3. Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?

Paul's next question is:

“Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?”

If the last question was about the things outside and around us that cause us to worry, this question is about the things we struggle with within.

Am I good enough?

Am I worthy of love?

What must I do to earn God's love, forgiveness, or help?

How can I face my shame and insecurity?

We can imagine all kinds of potential charges against us.

We know we aren't good enough.

We know we have sinned.

We know we have failed.

But if God is the one who justifies us, who is above Him to bring the charge?

No one.

4. Who is he who condemns?

So Paul asks:

“Who is he who condemns?”

This is really asking the same question again, isn't it?

First, Paul asked, “Who is the prosecutor who will bring the charge?”

Now he asks, “Who is the judge who can condemn you?”

Well, the only true Judge is God.

God the Father.

And Jesus Christ, His Son, is the One who will judge.

But Jesus died for you.

He was raised for you.

And now He is at the right hand of God, interceding for you.

So who will condemn?

If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been justified by grace through faith:

No one.

3. The Security of God’s Love (Romans 8:35-39)

Transition

Paul's quiz is almost over, but in verse 35 he has one final question. And this time, he gives us a definitive answer as he declares the security we have in God's love. Will you join me as we read verses 35-39?

Romans 8:35–39 NKJV

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

a. Paul’s Final Question (vs 35-36)

Paul's final question sums up all the questions that have come before—and all the questions that may be on our hearts.

What shall separate us from the love of Christ?

He goes on to list challenges that, quite honestly, put most of my regular complaints into perspective.

Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or the sword separate us from the love of Christ?

Before we move to Paul's answer, think for just a moment about the question.

We have God's promises in Scripture.

And then we have the world around us.

It is full of hardship and challenges. That's true.

Creation itself is broken and fallen, groaning for restoration.

But think about all that you have faced in the past.

All that you are facing right now.

Anything you might ever face in the years to come.

What has the power to separate you from the love of Christ?

b. Paul’s Definitive Answer (vs. 37-39)

Up until this point Paul has left the questions unanswered. But in verse 37 he provides the answer.

Paul knows the end of the story.

In tribulation?

We are more than conquerors.

In distress?

We are more than conquerors.

In persecution?

We are more than conquerors.

In any hardship we face?

We are more than conquerors.

In death?

We are more than conquerors.

In life?

We are more than conquerors.

Why?

Paul tells us plainly in verse 37:

“Through Him who loved us.”

It is Jesus' power that guarantees the victory.

And it is Jesus' love that means we will never be abandoned or let go.

Conclusion

Now, I don't know what challenges you are facing.

And I don't want to minimize them or make light of them.

But I want you to know this:

If you believe in Jesus, there is not a single thing in all of creation that can separate you from the love of God.

Not tribulation.

Not distress.

Not persecution.

Not famine.

Not nakedness.

Not peril.

Not the sword.

Not death.

Not life.

Not angels.

Not powers.

Not anything present.

Not anything to come.

Nothing in the heights.

Nothing in the depths.

Nothing in all creation.

Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The ending is already written.

Invitation

I don't know if you could tell, but Paul had assurance in Christ.

He knew where he was going to spend eternity, and he knew how he could face tomorrow.

In Jesus.

If you don't have that assurance, I invite you to receive God's free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

You can pray to the Lord during this song of invitation. You can come speak with me during the song or after the service.

But I invite you to receive Christ today.

And if you already believe in Jesus, then as we sing this song, I invite you to share in the confidence and blessed assurance that is found in Jesus Christ.

Whatever you are facing, you can face it with confidence.

Because the ending is already written.

And nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Will you stand as we sing and respond?

Sermon Notes & Further Study

1. Romans Resources

Introduction to Romans: https://www.havenfellowship.org/introduction-to-romans/

Commentary Recommendations: https://www.havenfellowship.org/romans-commentary-recommendations/

Reading Plan: https://www.havenfellowship.org/romans-reading-plan/

Choosing a Bible Translation: https://www.havenfellowship.org/choosing-a-bible-translation/

2. References & Citations

High Definition Commentary

Steven E. Runge, High Definition Commentary: Romans (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), 147-155.

3. Additional Scriptures

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Philippians 1:6

Ephesians 1:3-14

Ephesians 3:18-19

4. From the Study: Questions the Passage Raises

Romans 8:31–39 functions as an emotive climax to Paul’s exposition and defense of his gospel[1], serving multiple rhetorical and theological purposes within the letter’s first eight chapters.

Key vocabulary from Romans 5:1–11 reappears in 8:18–39—including “love,” “justify,” “glory,” “hope,” “tribulation,” “save,” and “endurance”—creating a thematic bookend[2]. Assurance of glory functions as the overarching theme throughout chapters 5–8[2]. This structural parallelism means that the closing passage doesn’t introduce new ideas but rather crystallizes the gospel’s central promise: God’s love in Christ for us, the certainty of final vindication through God’s justifying verdict, and how these realities render the tribulations of this life ultimately unimportant[2].

Operating as a peroration—a classical rhetorical device designed to move audiences to accept the case already made in a speech—the passage forms the climax of that speech[1]. Paul employs first-person plural language extensively, associating himself with his audience in affirming shared convictions: that God is for them, that he will freely give them all things with Christ, that he justifies them, and that nothing can separate them from God’s love[1].

Structurally, this passage forms an important transition between Paul’s response to objections that his gospel undermines moral standards and the law (6:1–8:13), and charges that it nullifies Israel’s special place in God’s purposes (9:1–11:36), seeking to gain his audience’s agreement before mounting the argument ahead[1]. Rather than introducing fresh arguments, Paul sweeps over God’s entire plan from past eternity to future eternity, from divine foreknowledge and predestination to divine love[3], consolidating the gospel’s logic into an emotionally compelling affirmation that grounds Christian confidence not in circumstantial evidence but in God’s unchanging character and commitment.

[1] Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 359. [2] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 318–319, 560. [3] John R. W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 246.

5. About Haven Fellowship Church

Haven Fellowship Church is a non-denominational, Bible-believing church in Conyers, Georgia where we experience the love of God, grow in His Word, and share His love with others.

https://havenfellowship.org/