Sermon Central
-
Is God For Us?
Contributed by Trae Durden on Apr 7, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: An encouragement sermon. The blessings of being "In Christ".
Is God for Us?
Consider the Old Testament example of Joseph
Genesis 50:18-21 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
God was FOR Joseph, and God saw him through every tough time he faced.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
It’s clear that God is for all mankind! All the world!
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
We will explore HOW God is for us this morning!
1. Is God for you? Romans 8:31-34
What then shall we say to these things? 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 with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
A. It is Jesus that makes reconciliation to God possible!
B. Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
C. Let’s look at Three things that “prove” God is for you!
1st / HE CALLED YOU 2ND / HE JUSTIFIED YOU 3RD / HE GLORIFIED YOU
think of Joseph as we read:
2. God Called You! Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
A. He did it by His gospel:
B. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 - READ
C. When you hear the gospel, it is God calling you!
D. What’s the gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
E. If you know and understand that God has done His part, you should do your part!
F. The gospel is to be obeyed! 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
G. Hear the calling of God and obey His gospel! The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus!
God has Called, have you answered?
3. God Justified You! Romans 5:6-9
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
D. Christians are justified BY the blood of Christ!
E. So, how do you contact that blood?
F. In Baptism! Shed in His death, John 19:34
G. We are baptized into His death! Romans 6:3
As Christians we live a life of Justified people! We have something awesome here! Justification! Redemption! Reconciliation! We have been Purchased! Saved! Born Again! Changed! Forgiven! Renewed! Revived! Restored! Justified!!
SO LIVE LIKE IT!
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
God has justified you!
2. He Glorified You! Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
A. The church of Christ IS the Bride of Christ! A precious thing to our Lord!
B. Ephesians 5:25-27 - READ!
C. It is a GLORIOUS thing to be a member of the church of Christ!
D. Recognize the fact that God has blessed you by adding you to His church!
God has glorified you!
