There are a number of things that we allow to question the Lord’s love for us…
1. PROBLEMS (vs 35)
Romans 8:35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ?
I have dealt with a large amount of people who have this knee-jerk response any time a difficulty or an issue arises.
Why are we so quick to doubt God’s love when we face troubles?
Look what the Bible has to say about our trials:
Jesus USES our trials
James 1:2-4 (NIV2011)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This is not a time to take a spiritual “time-out”
1 Peter 4:19 (NIV2011)
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
2. PERSECUTION (vs 35-36)
Romans 8:35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ?36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) ?
How Roman Christians were persecuted
Folks, let’s not kid ourselves. We are going to face ridicule for our faith in Jesus. It’s gonna happen!
John 15:20 (NIV2011)
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
This has NOTHING to do with Jesus’ love for you…not at all. In fact it has everything to do with your passion for Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV2011)
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Some would even suggest art if you aren’t being persecuted for your walk with God then you may not be doing it right.
1 Peter 4:14 (NIV2011)
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
3. PANIC (vs 38)
Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ?
Our panic, or our fear, is actually our response to our problems and our trials
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV2011)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Just because you FEEL a certain way does not mean that God IS a certain way
1 John 4:18 (NIV2011)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
4. POWERS (vs 38 - 39)
Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ?39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This portion of Scripture shows us the supremacy of the love of God
Not even supernatural powers can keep you from the love of God
John 15:9 (NIV2011)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
So understand…there is nothing you can do, there is nothing satan can do, there is nothing anyone else can do, nor is there anything YOU can do to separate you from God’s love for you.
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
