Sermon: More Then Conquers

Sermon Date: 1/12/ 2025

Bible Verses: Romans 8:26-39

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Introduction:

• Open with the question: "What can separate us from the love of God?"
• Life is full of uncertainties, hardships, and doubts, but Paul’s declaration in Romans 8 is a bold assurance of victory and security in God’s love.

1. The Assurance of God’s Support (vv. 31-32)

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

• God’s power is unmatched, and His willingness to give His own Son for us is the ultimate demonstration of His love and commitment (John 3:16).
• Cross-Reference: Isaiah 41:10—“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Key Point:

• If God gave us Jesus, He will graciously give us all things necessary for our good. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Application:

Reflect on your moments of fear and doubt—recall that the God who gave His Son for you will never abandon you.

2. No Condemnation for Believers (vv. 33-34)

“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?”

• Paul reminds us that God is the one who justifies, and Jesus intercedes for us.
• Cross-Reference: Hebrews 7:25— “Therefore He is also able to save ^[a]to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
• Jesus lives to intercede for us continually before the Father.
• Cross-Reference: 1 John 2:1— “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
• Jesus is our advocate, silencing every accusation from the enemy.

Key Point:

• Our justification is based on Christ’s completed work on the cross, not our own efforts.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 -  ^“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Application:

• When guilt and shame threaten to overwhelm you, remember that Jesus has already paid the price for your sins.
• Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

3. Victory in the Face of Hardship (vv. 35-37)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

• Paul lists trials: trouble, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword. These are real and present struggles, but none of them can separate us from God’s love.
• Cross-Reference: John 16:33—“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
• Cross-Reference: James 1:2-4— “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
• Trials produce perseverance and maturity in faith.

Key Point:

• In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Christ, who turns even hardships into blessings (Romans 8:28).
• Illustration: A conqueror defeats their enemies, but being “more than conquerors” means that even what was meant for harm will be used for our good.
• Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Application:

Trust in God’s love to sustain you through life’s darkest and most difficult moments.

4. The Inseparable Love of God (vv. 38-39)

“For I am convinced…”

• Paul confidently declares that nothing—death, life, angels, demons, present, future, powers, height, depth, or anything else—can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
• Cross-Reference: Jeremiah 31:3—“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
• Cross-Reference: Psalm 136:1—“His love endures forever.”

Key Point:

• God’s love is eternal, unchanging, and unshakable. No external force or internal failure can undo His love for us.

Application:

• Anchor your identity and hope in the love of God, not in your circumstances, feelings, or the opinions of others.