Victorious

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Psalm 44:22 says, “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered,” which Paul found so appropriate to his situation. The troubles that we face as Christian are nothing new; but have always been the experience of God’s people. Nevertheless in all difficult situations we are winning an overwhelming victory through the One, who has proven his love for us over and over again. It is the love of Christ that supports and enables the believer to face adversity and to conquer it. God does not want us to “grin and bear it; no, we are to be victorious through our faith in Christ, who is ever present in our trials. We are to cling to His promise to never leave nor forsake us. It is Christ's love and presence in our lives that will empower us to overcome all the obstacles of life.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Romans 8:35-36

The love of Christ is incomparable and inconceivable. Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ? Paul lists a litany of disasters, none of which can effect a separation between Christ and the believer. Actually, far from weakening the bonds of love, trouble and hardship strengthen them. Persecution drives the true believer to the arms of the one who knows suffering. Famine and nakedness are powerless to affect the love of Christ. Danger and the sword lose their terror in view of the presence of the one in whom we find safety. Few things are certain in this world; however, praise God, His love is one that is.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34

Who is there who dares to bring an accusation against those whom God has chosen (v. 33)? No one! It is God himself who pronounces his people righteous. There is no higher court. Who is the one with the authority to condemn (v. 34)? Jesus has that authority, but said in John 12:47, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." Paul answers his own question: “Will Christ? No: For he is the One who died for us.” If he is for us, he certainly will not condemn us. Far from condemning us, he is right now at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. Not only does the Spirit intercede for us (8:26) but the glorified Christ as well.

If God is for us, what does it matter who is against us?

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32

We believe that as children of God we have been adopted into his family (v. 15); we are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17); we have received the Spirit as the guarantee of final redemption (v. 23); our prayers to God are offered up by the Spirit (v. 26); though sinners by nature, through faith we have been pardoned (v. 30); our future glorification is so certain that God speaks of it as already having taken place (v. 30). If this is all true, then the next statement certainly is as well, “what does it matter who may be against us.” Since God did not spare his own Son but delivered him over to death for us all, will he not along with this gracious gift also lavish upon us everything else he has to give? A God who sacrificed his own Son on our behalf will certainly not withhold that which by comparison is insignificant. The immeasurable greatness of God’s love is seen in his sacrifice on our behalf.

God's desire: Our conformity to his Son

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

God is at work for us in the circumstances of life (v. 28) because God has “destined” to “share the likeness of his Son” As Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8), we too should expect our share of difficulties in the process of being conformed to his image. God has foreordained that believers be brought into “moral conformity to the likeness of his Son. He wants us to bear a family resemblance to him.

Not only is God’s desire for believers to be conformed to his likeness, he also called, justified, and glorified them. Scripture teaches that glorification awaits our future resurrection (1 John 3:2). Although glorification, as we understand it, is in the future, even now we enjoy a portion of the spiritual benefits of God’s redemptive work on our behalf.

God works all things together for our good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Often in our times of trial we turned to Paul’s reassuring words that God has not deserted us but is at work in every circumstance of life. God uses the circumstances of life in such a way that, for those who love him, the outcome is always beneficial. The “good” of which Paul spoke is not necessarily what we think is best, but as the following verse implies, the good is conformity to the likeness of Christ, which is God’s ultimate plan for each of us. With this in mind it is easier to see how our difficulties are part of God’s total plan for changing us from what we are by nature to what he intends us to be.

The Spirit prays for us

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27

Hope helps us through times of suffering (vv. 24–25). The Spirit comes to help us when we find ourselves struggling so much that we are unable to pray as we ought. Paul said that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness.” God is listening; we understand that. But, how many times have we wondered how to pray for a friend suffering a serious illness? Sometimes, out of desperation, we send up volumes of prayer (praying for every possible outcome…covering all our bases), but the response from heaven was not what we wanted or expected. It is in these times, the Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf.

God understands what the Spirit desires even though it is inexpressible in human terms (v. 27). God knows our heart better than we do ourselves. His knowledge of our heart is direct, not dependent upon my inability to articulate my thoughts into words. The Psalmist told us that God is a searcher of hearts; He also knows the desires of the Spirit as the Spirit intercedes for us. The Spirit comes to our aid and takes our concerns to God. Our groans (v. 23) become his (v. 26) as he intercedes on our behalf.

Hope

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25

The pain of childbirth is not meaningless; it is accompanied by a hope of new life. The same for creation, as it carries with it the hope of redemption. Paul says that we too are inwardly groaning as we await the final phase of our adoption — the redemption of our bodies (Phil 3:21). In the Old Testament first fruits consisted of the initial portion of the harvest that was given in sacrifice to God. Paul used the same term in reference to the gift of the Spirit as down payment or promise of what is to come. The Spirit is evidence that at the present time we are the sons of God. Our salvation involves the hope that our mortal bodies will someday be freed from the bondage of decay (v. 24). We are not saved by hope, but our salvation is encouraged by hope. Why would we hope for that which is in plain view? So since we are hoping for something that is still unseen, we are to wait for it with patience.

Good news is coming

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21

As a consequence of his disobedience, Adam and all to come must work for food and livelihood from the cursed ground. However, with God’s grace, there is good news; the curse is not permanent. There is hope (v 21). The day is coming when the created order will be set free from its curse. It will share in “the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” As Adam’s sin brought the curse of death to the universe, the day is coming when God’s glorious Kingdom will set (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).

Creation restored

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19

Paul tells us that creation itself eagerly waits the time when the glorious future of the sons of God is realized. Phillips’s translation states, “The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.” Throughout scripture we see the personification of nature; examples include reference to the rivers “clap their hands” and the mountains “sing together for joy” (Ps 98:8; Isa 55:12). Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden not only caused the fall of man, but also the earth as well (Gen 3:17–18; 5:29). When God’s redemptive work is completed, not only man will be restored, but creation will become all that God intended it to be.

Incomparable glory

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Patience is something we struggle with in our society; we want what we want, and we want it now. This runs contrary teaching throughout scripture. Peter and Paul agree about suffering comes before glory (I Peter 4:12-13). Suffering for the sake of Christ is a great teaches us dependence upon Christ; however, the good news is that the glory to come far outweighs any suffering we may endure. Paul encourages three times in this chapter: (1) the glory that will be revealed (vv. 18–25), (2) the help of the Holy Spirit (vv. 26–27), and (3) the fact that all things work together for good (vv. 28–30). Paul tells us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20); and, that this earthly life is but a moment in time in comparison with eternity. If we allow the difficulties of life to absorb our attention, they will effectively blot out the glory that awaits us. Our focus needs to be on things above (Colossians 3:2), spiritual concerns of eternal significance (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Co-heir with Christ

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

What an incredible statement; as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ. We will share in the inheritance of Christ, both his sufferings and glory. This is not a condition, (“if indeed”) it is actually a simple statement of fact. Sharing the sufferings of Christ leads to sharing his glory. While, we do not share the redemptive suffering of Christ, we do share the consequences in terms of opposition from the world (in the world you will face challenges John 16:33). We can take comfort, because Christ has overcome the world; and we can share in his ultimate victory.

I am a child of God

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16

God enables us to cry out “Abba Father,” endorsing our assurance that we are children of God. Our spirit is strengthened by the powerful inward testimony of God’s Spirit. I used to sing the song that asks the question, “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.” I know that I am a member of God’s family because His spirit tells me it is so.

Spirit of sonship

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Being led by the Spirit does not enslave us; rather, God's spirit gives us the realization that we have become adopted sons of God. For that reason, we cry out “Abba, Father.” In adoption all previous relationships are severed. The new father exercises authority over the new son, and the new son enters into the privileges and responsibilities of the natural son. “Abba,” the Aramaic word for “father,” was used primarily within the family circle; it underscores the intimate nature of our relationship with God, which is so clearly the opposite of fear.

Child of God

“…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

In his book on Romans, Harrison writes that “the relation of the Spirit to the sons of God is presented as being much like that of a shepherd to his sheep. They are ‘led’ by him as their guide and protector.” This is an excellent answer to the question, “Who is a child of God?” We can debate doctrinally on this question; however, no amount of theological acuteness can substitute for the guiding presence of the Spirit. While God is the Father of all in the sense of creation, the only way for a person to become a child of God is through faith in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13

Dietrich Bonhoeffer stated, "Grace is free; but it is not cheap." Paul reminds us that the assurance of resurrection by the indwelling Spirit places us under obligation. That obligation is not to the sinful nature and to live according to its demands; it no longer has any claim on us. Rather, we are to “put to death the misdeeds of the body.”

The lower nature does not automatically fade away when a person comes to Christ. Putting to death the evil practices of the body is an ongoing process. Freedom from our old nature only comes as we constantly rely on the active presence of the Spirit.

We must continually allow the Spirit to work in us with his instruction, exhortation, and discipline. By doing so, He will renew our lives, and at the same time,put to death our old sinful nature. Holiness is not only the standard and goal of Christians; it is also our divine calling.

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:10-11

Death comes as a result of sin; life is the gift of justification. Therefore, whether we have the Spirit of God living in us is truly a life and death matter.

Paul drew a close connection between the resurrection of Christ and our ultimate resurrection. In II Corinthians he wrote, “The one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus” (4:14). The requirement for resurrection is the presence of God’s spirit in us. Not only has the spirit of the Christian been made alive, but ultimately the body will be resurrected as well. The indwelling Spirit is our guarantee of future life.

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9

Paul reminds us that we are not under the control of the sinful nature; rather, our lives are under the direction of the indwelling Spirit of God. The word “if” is better translated “since.” This is a confirmation of his words in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase (you cannot out sin God’s grace)? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” A person who has the Spirit of Christ belongs to Christ; and, God has given us his Spirit that “we know that we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13).

Why our best intentions fail

“…the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8

Paul states a theological truth that is certainly not politically correct today; our old nature is antagonistic to all that God is and stands for. The old nature refuses to submit itself to the law of God; in fact, it cannot. James, who was never known for mincing words, wrote that “friendship with the world is hatred towards God” (James 4:4). That is why our best intentions fail when we try to change the old nature. The hostility between the sinful mind and the Spirit is diametrically opposed. Individuals, regardless of how good they are in the world’s eyes, who are controlled by their lower nature, cannot please God. Persons apart from Christ are “totally depraved,” and in their rebellious state cannot please God.

Eternal benefits

“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” Romans 8:6

According to Barclay, “to allow the things of the world completely to dominate life is self extinction; it is spiritual suicide.” Paul tells us that we have good news; the Spirit-controlled mind leads to life and peace. Paul repeats the same contrast in Galatians 6:8: “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Lord, give me the grace today to choose to be controlled by your Spirit.