In Christ we are Overcomers!

Believers are Overcomers because God is for us (Romans 8:31-32)

Explanation: Paul closes this section of the letter with a summary question of “what shall we then say to these things?” The these things likely refers back to the past few chapters that have dealt with the process of sanctification, but they definitely include the “sufferings of this present time” (Rom 8:18). Considering all that life in a sinful world holds in store for believers, Paul is confident that we are actually overcomers because “God is for us” (v. 31)

As if he were aware of the possibility that someone could ask, ‘how do we know that God is for us?’ Paul expands on the statement with an explanation. The believer can KNOW that God is for him or her because God graciously gave up His own beloved Son on our behalf (cf. v. 32) God willingly sacrificed His only begotten to serve as the only acceptable payment for sin. The Cross was Plan A from Eternity Past and it reveals the heart of God for His children. Never for a moment believe that the Father had to be grudgingly persuaded by the Son to provide Redemption for Rebel sinners to be reconciled. It was, and is, the heart of God to curse Himself (cf Gen 3:15) to provide Himself a people.

Argument: The question of whether God loves us was settled at the Cross. There is no other expression of Love that comes close to the magnitude of Love that was poured out at Calvary. Those who have bowed the knee to King Jesus can KNOW that God is for them.

Reflecting on this vital truth empowers us to live as Overcomers, because we certainly aren’t getting applauded by the world for living as Christians. Our culture is making it increasingly difficult for convictional Christians. If you believe that the Bible is the Inspired and Inerrant Word of God that is the sole Authority for behavior and conduct, then you are in the minority in this country.

The truth that God is for us can not only help us to survive the moral insanity that surrounds us, we can thrive! We may be outnumbered, out-financed, and out of touch (by the world’s standards) but as long as we remember that we are on the same side as the Creator-God of the Universe we will be okay!

Believers are Overcomers because the charges against us are futile (Romans 8:33-34)

Explanation: Paul gives another reason that explains the status of Overcomer for the Christ-Follower: the charges against us have been settled beyond dispute! Paul asks, “who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?” This is a rhetorical question and the answer is no one, because God has justified His elect!

The Accuser of the brethren (Satan) continues to bring charges against us, but to no avail. We know we are guilty, and Satan knows we are guilty. He takes every possible opportunity to remind us of our past failures, and our current short-comings and sins. The Good News is that God knows all that too! God has already judged our case and the verdict is NOT GUILTY because Jesus has paid the price. When a sorry wretch places his faith in the finished work of Jesus, in total grace the perfect righteousness of Christ is applied to his account. God accepts that payment on our behalf and declares us NOT GUILTY, regardless of what satan or the world throws at us.

Argument: Christ not only died for us, but He was Resurrected to an Indestructible life (Heb 7:16). The writer of Hebrews gives this truth when he discusses the excellencies of Christ in His High Priestly office. We who are in Christ are thoroughly safe from any and all accusations because Jesus Himself is at the Right Hand of the Father, and He is there interceding for us! The writer of Hebrews gives the empowering truth that gives us confidence to live as Overcomers:

“Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25)

Application: Positionally we are already “seated in the heavenlies in Christ” (Eph 2:6), but we remain earthbound as creatures in a fallen world. The accusations and the charges of being unworthy will continue to hound us, but we have an answer. Remember who you belong to, and who is standing in the gap for you!

Believers are Overcomers because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35-39)

Explanation: Paul asks another rhetorical question to display the impossibility of a believer ever being separated from Christ. He asks the question, “who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (v. 35) and then he lists a bunch of things that seemingly have the potential to remove a believer from being in Christ. The list he gives covers all aspects of reality: tribulation and sufferings of the physical world, the powers of the spiritual realm, death itself, ad then adds “nor anything else in all creation” just to cover loose ends. The answer he gives to all of these things is a resounding NO! Paul’s summary statement is that none of these things has the power to remove the believer from the Eternal Security that is given to those who are IN CHRIST!

Paul then adds a wonderful truth: not only are believers going to survive this world with an intact faith, we are more than simply survivors - we are OVERCOMERS - more than conquerors, or super - conquerors!!

Illustrate: Current fascination of young people with apocalyptic movies and TV shows in which Zombies or road gangs roam the earth and only a small group of humans is left. (The Walking Dead, the Book of Eli, World War Z, Zombieland, etc) The best these humans can do is survive on the ragged edge in a harsh, dangerous environment where life is cheap and death is just around the corner.

Argument: Contrary to popular fiction and Hollywood producers, the future does not hold the threat of Zombies. Yes, this world does contain violence and horror and a decreasing lack of appreciation for Christianity, but we who are in Christ are not given over to despair. We are given the sure promises of Christ that in Him we CAN overcome! We will be able to handle the onslaught of the world’s attack because of who He is and what He has done and what He continues to do on our behalf.

We must face the reality, however, that being overcomers does not shield us from the hardships of this life. This is not a new struggle for the people of God - Paul quotes from Ps 44:22 as an example of how OT saints grappled with this issue. They experienced death and hardship while faithfully serving God, and were confused by what seemed to them God’s lack of concern for their sufferings (cf Ps 44:15)

Close: Paul started this section of the letter (Chapter 8) with the amazing truth that “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) and he ends it with the powerful promise that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

These ‘book ends’ of Eternal Security should humble us and empower us. We are humbled when we remember that we are undeserving rebels who have received Amazing Grace. Yet we are empowered to live as conquerors because He has chosen to bless us with the unending promise of His love and presence. Oh, what a Saviour!!