Class Lesson April 9, 2017

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

Just about every child has a primal fear of being abandoned—that their parents will put them down one day and never come back. Ever seen a child cry when his parent walks into another room? The child doesn’t understand his dad is just around the corner. Or, you may recall a time as a child when you became separated from your mother in a store. Panic continued to rise until you spotted her. In one sense, we never get over that fear. We don’t want to be left alone in our lives. We’ll put up with a lot of things—including bad friends and even difficult marriages—just to avoid the painful reality of being alone. Many even carry this fear as followers of Christ. We’re not afraid of difficult or even painful experiences, but we are afraid God will lose track of us or that something will happen to make Him abandon us. 

This is why Romans 8 is such a powerful chapter of the Bible. Paul wrote with such confidence to assure us that nothing—not even death itself—will keep Jesus from being with us. What made Paul so confident? Let’s just say he had field tested this promise of grace.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Romans 8:31-34 

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? 33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 

Paul’s epistle to the Roman church is the longest of all his letters. In it, he explained the gospel in a way that’s as clear as it is deep. The first seven chapters show how sin is universal in the world, why that sin is so devastating to our lives, and the futility of our efforts to remove our sin on our own. Throughout, Paul pointed to Jesus and showed how salvation comes to us by faith in Christ and all He has done for us. 

As Paul moved through Romans 8, he laid down one truth on top of another regarding the great benefits we receive because of Christ’s saving work for us: 

• We have received His Holy Spirit (v. 9). 

• We are made fully alive in Christ (v. 11). We are adopted into His family (v. 15). 

• We are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17). 

• We have a glorious future ahead of us (vv. 18-23). 

• We have the Holy Spirit interceding for us before the Father (v. 26). 

As Paul reached the climactic moment in verse 31, he simply asked: “What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” We can’t look at the gospel—any aspect of the gospel—and not see that “God is for us.” And when we understand that God is for us, it doesn’t matter who’s against us.

Now, understand how the struggling Christians in Rome would have heard this news. The early church had always faced difficulties throughout the ancient world, and the church at Rome was no exception. Just a few years after receiving this letter from Paul, the Roman Christians experienced a major time of persecution under Emperor Nero. They knew what it was like to feel as if everyone was against them. How wonderful, then, to be reminded that God will never abandon His church or leave them defeated. 

How can we be sure? Because this is the same God who gave His Son for us. And since He was willing to give Jesus for us, why would He hold back anything else? 

We have a secure standing before God because of the finished work of Christ. Not only that, but Jesus is still at work on our behalf: He also “is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” So here we have the answer to Paul’s two questions in verses 34-35: God, the only righteous Judge, the only one who can condemn us, does not condemn us. On top of that, He gave His Son for our salvation, who even now prays for us. That’s why it’s called the good news! 

Paul knew what he was talking about. Although he didn’t write this particular letter while in prison, Paul had his share of jail time. He knew difficulty. He knew opposition. But he also knew God was with him. Everything Paul wrote about in Romans 8, he had experienced first-hand. The joys that erupt from these verses are based on realities Paul had experienced himself. From his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:1-6) to an earthshaking worship service in the Philippian jail (see Acts 16:25-26), Paul had found Christ to be faithful and present through it all.

Romans 8:35-39 

35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted 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 persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Paul was always a realist. He had suffered for his ministry, and he would suffer again. The church knew— and continues to know—periods of difficulty, persecution, and suffering. “Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

While this is true, something else is more true: Christ is present in it all. Not only is Christ present, but it’s also important to remember that nothing anywhere or in any way could ever change our status and pull us away from the embrace of Christ. 

Go ahead and make a list. Put down everything and everyone you think could pull someone away from Christ. 

• Would persecution do it? Could the political powers put you in a place where even Jesus couldn’t get to you? No. 

• What about illness? Could pain or suffering blind you to the reality of Christ in your life? No. 

• What about supernatural powers like angels and demons? Nope. Nothing or no one can pull you away from Jesus. 

• What about death? No, not even death—long seen as the great thief of meaning and hope in life—can pull you away from Christ. He is victorious even over that. 

• What about your own stupidity? Can you do something so utterly wrong that you become too gross for Jesus to hold? No. The truth remains the same: nothing can separate you from Christ’s love.

Oh, but you don’t know what I’ve done. True enough. I don’t want to minimize your pain, but know this: nothing you have ever done or ever will do can undo or outdo what Jesus did for us on the cross. Paul made it clear: Nothing is more powerful than Christ. Absolutely nothing. 

What made Paul so confident? Let’s just say he found out the hard way. For example, he knew the hardship of unjust imprisonment. Paul also had been whipped five times with 39 lashes. The Romans had beaten him three times. His enemies had stoned him and left him for dead. He faced various dangers from Jews, Gentiles, robbers, and false teachers. He knew hunger, thirst, and inadequate clothing (see 2 Cor. 11:24-27). Yet in all that he endured, Paul had never been separated from Christ’s love. 

In fact, Christ’s love does more than just help us endure; His love gives us victory: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” Instead of fearing that our hardships might pull us away from Christ and His love for us, we see that these challenges actually pull us closer to Christ. Whatever we face—however threatening it may appear on the surface—aids our growth in Christ. 

Times are hard. Paul never denied that or downplayed it. But take a moment to let these truths sink in: Christ is praying for you. Nothing can keep us from the love of Christ who, even now, is interceding for us. Therefore, we can take all the world wants to bring against us. Since God is for us, it really doesn’t matter who’s against us.

LIVE IT OUT

Disciples of Jesus can never be separated from His love. Consider taking one of the following steps this week in response to that truth: 

• Make a list. Write out a list of obstacles you feel are working against you right now. Consider how God can work in you and strengthen you through this time. 

• Open up. We often allow fear or shame to close our hearts when it comes to difficult circumstances. Instead, be intentional about sharing your experiences with someone this week. Confess your struggles and actively seek God’s love. 

• Be bold. Our fears also have a way of preventing us from taking action for Christ. This week, take a bold step to show your faith in the fact that you cannot be separated from God’s love. Speak to someone about the gospel, make a commitment to a ministry, give up your resources, and so on. 

You may have been abandoned or neglected as a child, but you will never be separated from your Father as a child of God. Let that truth give you confidence as you live for Him this week.

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Teacher Notes

We are saved when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior and choose to follow Him as Lord. Right then, most Christians realize that they will be with God forever in heaven. But many just don’t understand what to expect for the remainder of their lives on earth.

3 Basic Promises when You are Saved

1. Immediately - a personal relationship with the Lord. 

· The Father’s oneness with Jesus in John 10:30 illustrates the intimacy God wants to have with His children. 

2. Immediately – you are given the Holy Spirit as your guarantee and guide from here on out.

· Christ-followers are promised clear guidance through God’s Holy Spirit. Decision making is a part of everyday life. It is impossible for us to know every variable and nuance before choosing which path to take. God knows all things past, present, and future.

3. Your provision is promised for the in between. 

· There will be hard times, but God gives Christians everything necessary for following Him (Phil. 4:19). And His grace will always prove more than sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

This morning we are going to discuss one of the primal issues we have to deal with on this journey to heaven - fear. 

What are some fears you have outgrown?

Monophobia: The fear of being alone. Why do you think people fear being alone?

Just about every child has a primal fear of being abandoned—ever seen a child cry when his parent walks into another room? In one sense, we never get over that fear. We don’t want to be left alone in our lives. People put up with a lot of things—bad friends, difficult marriages—just to avoid the painful reality of being alone. 

Our lesson says that many people carry this fear as followers of Christ – they are afraid God will abandon them. It is a fear of security!

In 1937, the great Golden Gate Bridge was completed. It cost over $35 million to build and was completed in two phases: the first was very slow and the second was much faster. In the first stage, no safety devices were used. As a result, 23 men fell to their deaths. However, for the final part of the project, a large safety net was used as a precaution. At least 10 men fell into the net and were saved from certain death. Once the net was installed production increased by 25%. Why? Because the men were assured of their security and they were free to work more productively on the project. Security is a critical element in life, but it’s also very elusive. 

• Recent world events in Syria, Russia, even in our country show how insecure our world is. 

• On a personal level, perhaps you live in insecurity because you have been the victim of a crime, lack marital security, your children have struggled with physical or emotional issues, you’ve lost your job. Reflecting on your life, you realize that you have little or no security in those areas where you crave it most. 

• Fortunately, in the single area that truly matters most—your relationship with God—you can have ultimate security.

Romans 8:31-39

Paul says you can live your life on earth victoriously for three important reasons: There is NO Opposition, Condemnation, or Separation from God that you should fear!

To fully appreciate Romans 8:31-39 it important to understand chapters 1-7 and 8:1-30 (Paul’s theology of salvation) shows:

1. How sin is universal in the world, 

2. Why that sin is so devastating to our lives, and 

3. The futility of our efforts to remove our sin on our own. 

Throughout, Paul pointed to Jesus and showed how salvation comes to us by faith in Christ and all He has done for us.

Chapter 8: Blessings & Benefits of Salvation

As Paul moved through Romans 8, he laid down one truth on top of another regarding the great benefits we receive because of Christ’s saving work for us: 

• We have received His Holy Spirit (v. 9). 
• We are made fully alive in Christ (v. 11). We are adopted into His family (v. 15). 
• We are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17). 
• We have a glorious future ahead of us (vv. 18-23). 
• We have the Holy Spirit interceding for us before the Father (v. 26).
• We have God’s promise to work all things for good (v. 28). 

8:31-39 In light of the Spirit’s work in the life of a believer, Paul assured the Romans that they could live victoriously. 

8:31-39 may be the most comforting and encouraging passage in the entire Bible because it declares that we have: Security and that should lead to stable and productive lives. 

I. There is No Opposition Rom. 8:31-32

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? 

Why does Paul say there is no opposition to fear?

Paul asked, “What then are we to say about these things?”

1. “These things” refers to Paul’s words in the preceding verses.

a. No condemnation for those who are in Christ (v. 1).

b. He has given us new life (vv. 9-14).

c. We have been adopted in God’s family (vv. 14-17).

d. The promise of a new body (v. 23).

e. God’s control of our circumstances (v. 28).

f. Our security in Christ (vv. 29-30).

2. “If God be for us” – In the Greek this is a first-class conditional, which means the condition is assumed to be true.

a. He saved us by giving the life of His own Son.

b. We can trust Him to take care of our other needs.

What helps you know that God is for you?

1. Jesus is the proof that God is for us.
2. Since God gave His Son for us, then He will also provide what we need to live for Him.
3. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection proves God’s love for us.
4. Jesus prays for you constantly at the throne of God.
5. When we understand that God is for us, it doesn’t matter who’s against us.

Romans 8:31 was John Calvin’s life verse because it brought him much comfort and confidence. 

Have you played the game called “Who Would Win?” Two names are matched against each other in a fictitious fight, and you have to explain why you think one would win.

• Batman v. Superman, Sylvester Stallone v. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Godzilla v. King Kong

The game is not so much about fighting as it is your skills at persuasion—and not taking it too seriously. We’ve all played a version of this game for years:

• Me v. Unemployment, Me v. Cancer, Me v. Fear of ____ We might lie in bed at night, letting one of these scenarios play out in our heads and keep us awake. Even if it hasn’t actually happened to us, we know others who’ve battled unemployment, loss of health, or loss of supportive friends. What if that happens to me?

Let me offer a different perspective. What is the absolute worst thing you could experience?

Answer: Death and permanent separation from God.

Me v. Sin, Me v. Death

You don’t need me to tell you that’s a battle you’re going to lose. But Christ’s death and resurrection changed the scenario.

Jesus v. Sin, Jesus v. Death

He was victorious—and He remains victorious. Since Christ can give me victory over my two biggest fears, why should I let anything else keep me up at night?

II. There is No Condemnation Rom. 8:33-34

33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

Why does Paul say there is no condemnation to fear?

This is a Courtroom Setting

What is Paul’s assurance to you here?

Although you may feel condemned from time to time, God’s love for you is timeless and He will never condemn you. Paul writes in 8:33, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.”

• This is a rhetorical question, equivalent to an emphatic denial. So, the question is: Who would dare “bring a charge against God’s elect?” The answer, of course, is no one. This question is from a courtroom setting. No one can charge you with sin crimes because God has justified you. God has acquitted you and declared you righteous before His perfect justice. If God pronounced this verdict, who can resurrect the charges of wrong doing that would bring you before Him again? As a believer, you can be sure you are eternally secure because there is no sin that has not already been dealt with by Christ. 

• In 8:34 Paul asks, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Christ Jesus (1) died, (2) was raised, (3) is sitting in power, and (4) is now residing at the right hand of God, interceding for us. These four acts have accomplished and secured our salvation. His plea for you is based on the finished and sufficient work He did on the cross. You can be sure you are eternally saved because your sins—past, present, and future—remain paid for by Jesus Christ.

III. There is No Separation Rom. 8:35-39

35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted 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 persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Why does Paul say there is no separation to fear?

List of situations that could pull someone away from Christ. 

• Affliction or distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or the sword.

• Death nor life, angels nor rulers, present things nor future things, powers, height nor depth, any other created thing

Which of these threats tend to weaken your sense of security?

What made Paul so confident? 

• He faced hard times: Unjust imprisonment, whipped five times with 39 lashes, Romans had beaten him three times, his enemies had stoned him and left him for dead, various dangers from Jews, Gentiles, robbers, and false teachers, hunger, thirst, and inadequate clothing (see 2 Cor. 11:24-27). Yet in all that he endured, Paul had never been separated from Christ’s love. 

We have a secure future.

A. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

1. Earthly circumstances cannot separate us from Him.

a. Life in this world is not always fair, and followers of Jesus are not immune to the world’s injustice.

b. The world can take away your home, your job, your livelihood, and a whole host of other things, but it cannot separate you from Christ.

2. Persecution cannot separate us from Him.

a. Paul quoted Psalm 44:22; which was written during a time of national distress. People wondered if God was still with them (v. 23).

b. Christians all over the world are still facing persecution, but even that cannot separate them from the love of Christ.

B. We are more than conquerors.

What does it mean to be “more than conquerors”?

a. God has not merely promised that we’ll survive; He has promised an overwhelming victory in the end.

b. Though we may face difficulties in this world, we can rest assured that better days are ahead.

Instead of fearing that hardships will separate you from Christ, realize that these hardships actually draw you closer to Christ. 

Conclusion: Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms; persecution, illness, imprisonment, and even death. These sometimes cause us to fear that Christ has abandoned us. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can separate us from Christ’s presence. 

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 Devotion - Willing Worship

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the Name of the Lord. Job 1:21 CSB

My husband and I had been struggling financially for a couple years when his business suffered substantial loss. While we awaited the birth of our youngest son we also stood on the brink of losing our home and everything we had spent nearly a decade building. Our dreams and goals were crashing down around us. One Sunday morning during worship, everything shifted for me. I was very pregnant and every muscle of my being ached, especially my heart. As I urged my muscles to stand, I urged my heart to bring forth praise for the struggles we were walking through, but I made myself worship. I felt desperate to find reasons to give thanks. It was in giving praise that my heart shifted. I was broken and at the end of my ability to do anything except lift my hands in praise, yet that was all I needed. For no matter what the road ahead held, I knew God would never leave me. The awareness of never being alone was reason enough to give praise. I clung to Job’s faith in the faithfulness of God. He was willing to accept whatever the hand of God held. He knew the truth that I often forget – all things work together for good for those who love God. (Romans 8:28) I often came back to Job’s wise words, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” (2:10) Like an arrow to my heart, I realized my selfish Christianity needed to end in order to really understand the heart of God. I learned to see every act of God around me as good, even when it didn’t feel good. Now, years later as I write about God’s faithfulness, it’s because I have seen His fingerprints upon every aspect of my life. Like Job, when all of my life felt stripped away I learned to worship God for who He is. It was there I found that the sweetness of His presence was enough to sustain me. I learned that He alone was all I ever needed.

A Good Devotional to close this series:

God, Why Is This Happening to Me?

In his pain and despair, Job asked a lot of legitimate questions: “Why let people go on living in misery? Why give light to those in grief” (Job 3:20 GNT). 

This “why” question is human nature, and we all ask it. We have this misconception that if we understand the reason behind our pain, then it will make the pain easier. You don’t need an explanation; you need strength. You don’t need an explanation; you need a Savior. You don’t need an explanation; you need comfort and support.

But we always go looking for an explanation! We ask questions like, “Why did that person walk out of my life? Why did he make a promise to me and then break it? Why did he hurt me? Why did I lose my job? Why did she die? Why did I get sick?”

Friends, I’ve been studying the “why” question for years, and I’m going to give you my educated answer: I don’t know. And I’m never going to know, because I’m not God. And neither are you! Some things we’re just never going to understand until we get to the other side of death. Then it’s all going to become very, very clear. Only God knows. And if you don’t get His answer right off the bat, you might as well stop asking “Why?” because you’re simply prolonging the pain. Proverbs 25:2a says, “It is God’s privilege to conceal things” (TLB). God is a God of revelation. He reveals Himself through nature, circumstances, and Scripture. The only reason you know anything about God is because He has chosen to reveal Himself.

But the Bible says God doesn’t just reveal; God also conceals. And sometimes God intentionally hides His face from us. Why? So we’ll learn to trust Him and to live by faith rather than by our feelings.

God doesn’t owe you an explanation for anything. God doesn’t have to check in with you first before He does something. God doesn’t have to get your permission before He allows things to happen in life. God is God, and we’re not always going to understand why some things happen.

The Bible says, “We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. . . . Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see Him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understand us” (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 CEV).

One day it’s all going to be clear. It’s all going to make sense. You’re going to be able to say, “So that’s why God allowed that in my life!” Until then, God wants you to trust Him.

- Rick Warren 

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan