Scripture References: Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 1:4-6; Deuteronomy 7:7-8
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Concluding our study of Romans 8, we "soar over salvation" with verses 28-39. This passage offers a breathtaking view of God's redemptive plan, stretching from eternity past to eternity future. Though much remains unseen, Paul speaks with certainty about God's purpose and unbreakable love, offering profound hope amid suffering.
Key Points:
I. 5 Promises: Know This About His Salvation (v. 28)
- God Works: He is actively, purposefully working in believers' lives.
- In All Things: No circumstance (suffering, success, sin, silence) is beyond His power to work within.
- For the Good: His ultimate aim is our good – conformity to Christ's image, not necessarily ease or comfort.
- Of Those Who Love Him: This promise is specifically for His people, described by their love for Him.
- Called According to His Purpose: Our lives are part of His intentional, sovereign plan.
II. 5 Stages: Know This About His Process (v. 29-30) - The Golden Chain
- Foreknew (Foreloved): God set His specific, loving affection on us beforehand.
- Predestined: God decided beforehand to conform us to Christ's image and bring us to glory (embrace the mystery of sovereignty & responsibility).
- Called: God effectively calls us to Himself through the Gospel.
- Justified: God declares us righteous through faith – forgiven and credited with Christ's righteousness.
- Glorified: Our future state (new bodies, new creation) is so certain, Paul uses the past tense. This chain is unbreakable.
III. 5 Questions: Know This About His Love (v. 31-39) - Rhetorical Certainties
- If God is for us, who can be against us? (His support outweighs all opposition).
- Will He not also graciously give us all things? (He gave His Son; He won't withhold lesser necessities).
- Who will bring any charge against God's elect? (God Himself justifies; accusations fail).
- Who is the one who condemns? (Christ died, rose, reigns, and intercedes; condemnation is impossible).
- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (NOTHING – trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, danger, death, life, angels, demons, present, future, powers, height, depth, or anything else).
Conclusion: Romans 8 assures us of the absolute security and certainty of God's saving plan and His inseparable love in Christ Jesus. Despite present suffering, we can be confident that God is working for our ultimate good (conformity to Christ), His purpose for us is unbreakable, and nothing can ever remove us from His love.
Call to Action:
- Rest in this profound assurance: God is for you, His plan is certain, His love is unbreakable.
- Respond in worship to these glorious truths.
- Declare boldly like Paul: What specific hardship or trial has not separated you from Christ's love? Name it.
- Let this certainty anchor your hope and sustain you through any present suffering or fear of the future.
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