Rom. 8 message

The Book of Romans: Renovation--Made New In Christ (chapters 6-8)

Where we’ve been: The believer is not just forgiven…he is given an entirely new life. This life is different in its: Identity with Christ (6:1-14); Slavery to God (6:15-23); Liberty from the Law (7:1-25). It is a new Life in the Spirit (8:1-39).This life in the Spirit gives the believer a new outlook on sin (8:1-11), a new sonship with God (8:12-17), a new perspective on suffering (8:18-27), and a new comfort in God’s sovereignty and our security in Him.

The Comfort of Sovereignty   (28-30)

1.       Because of who we are (28)

2.       Because of what God is doing (29-30).  He is…

a.        Forming a community of faith (“many brothers”)

b.       Forming a community of conformed  (“conformed to the image”)

c.        Forming a community of redeemed (“called and justified”)

d.       Forming a community for eternity (“glorified”)

The Comfort of Security   (31-39)

1.       Five Questions: confusion about our security   (31-36)

a.        Who can oppose God? (31b)

b.       Isn’t God gracious? (32)

c.        Who can accuse God’s people? (33)

d.       Who condemns? (34)

e.       What can overthrow God’s love? (35)

                                                               i.      Tribulation = suffering

                                                              ii.      Distress = suffering for faith

                                                            iii.      Persecution =  suffering at the hand of unbelievers

                                                            iv.      Nakedness = suffering from poverty/want

                                                              v.      Danger = impending peril

                                                            vi.       Sword = martyrdom

2.       Ten Eliminations: things that cannot affect God’s love for us (37-39)

a.        Natural phenomena (life or death)

b.       Supernatural beings (angels/rulers)

c.        Time related considerations (the present or future)

d.       Human systems (powers)

e.       Spatial considerations (height/depth)

f.         Universal contingencies (anything in all creation!)