Title: Walk in Confidence, Not Condemnation Type: Expository
Script: Romans 8:31-39 Where: GNBC 1-13-08/RW 3-22-21
Intro: A little boy was heard talking to himself as he walked across the backyard, baseball cap in place, ball and bat in his hands. "I am the greatest hitter in the world," he said. He threw the ball up, swung and missed. "Strike one," he said. But again, he told himself, "I am the greatest hitter ever." He threw the ball up again, swung and missed. He looked at the ball, and at the bat, and said, "I’m the greatest hitter that ever lived." He threw the ball up again and swung and missed a third time. This time he said, " Strike three! Wow! He said, “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!” Now, that little boy didn’t have a problem with confidence did he? Unfortunately, Christians often have a much lower opinion of self and more importantly, what Christ has done for them. Sometimes believer seriously struggle with feelings of condemnation from the enemy.
Prop: Exam. Rom. 8:35-39 we’ll ask 4 questions whose answers will give confidence to Xstians struggling with feelings of condemnation.
BG: 1. Paul wrote this letter to Xstians in Rome while he was in Corinth.
2. Above all else, the letter to Romans is an explanation of how God justifies a sinner.
3. The word “to justify” is used 14 x in Romans and 8x in Galatians. One of Paul’s favorite theol. Terms that should result in confidence for the Christian.
Prop: Exam. Rom. 8:35-39 we’ll ask 4 questions whose answers will give confidence to Xstians struggling with feelings of condemnation.
I. Who Can Bring a Charge Against You when God has Reconciled You? Vv31-33
A. PTL, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
1. In this first verse Paul is asking Rhetorically who is it that can bring a charge of offense against a child of God?
a. The first verse sets the tone for the entire 8th chapter: “There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And yet, even for Christians who know the truth, often times Satan brings up our past in the attempt to make us subject once again to condemnation. Maybe you’ve heard words of condemnation growing up or in your marriage and you think that is the norm in life. Well, it’s not.
b. Illust - A preacher of the early 1900s said that when he was 12 years old he had killed one of the family geese by throwing a stone and hitting it squarely on the head. Figuring his parents wouldn’t notice that one of the 24 birds was missing, he buried the dead fowl. But that evening his sister called him aside and said, “I saw what you did. If you don’t offer to do the dishes tonight, I’ll tell Mother.” The next morning she gave him the same warning. All that day and the next the frightened boy felt bound to do the dishes. The following morning, however, he surprised his sister by telling her it was her turn. When she quietly reminded him of what she could do, he replied, “I’ve already told Mother, and she has forgiven me. Now you do the dishes. I’m free!”
2. Paul reminds us that God is in fact for us!
a. Contemporary theology, using the term loosely, tries to make the cross of Christ the measure of our worth to God: “We were worth so much to God that He sent His Son to die for us.” This misses the point altogether. It turns the spotlight, the focus, from God to man. The cross of Calvary is not the measure of our worth; it is the measure of God’s love. That is what Paul wants us to see here. The cross imputes worth to sinners who receive the gift of salvation. The cross is not the evidence of our worth but the source of our worth. We are worthy because Christ died for us. Christ did not die for us because we were worthy.
b. There is no need to fear, your Heavenly Father desires only the best for His children even if they must go through trials to receive the best. Illust – One of the rights of passage in our home has been learning to ride a bike. Only one of the kids learned w/o Carol or me teaching them. For the others there have been various levels of difficulty and trials in learning the skill and balance needed to ride a bike. There have been many fears, there have been many falls, there have been many injured foliage and skinned knees, but now they all enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike. Was it pleasurable while learning? No! Now? Yes!
B.
1. Does the enemy ever come condemning you, making you doubt your standing? Maybe even putting thoughts in your head such as: “You’re a failure because you don’t love Jesus enough!” In light of verse 33 we see that it is not on the basis of the love we have for Xst, but it is on the basis of the love Christ has for us! v. 33 tells us that God has justified us. We are declared righteous in Christ. Satan wants to accuse us. (Rev. 12:10 and Zech. 3:1-7 ) Yet, we stand righteous in Him. God is not going to accuse you when He has justified you!
2. We aren’t condemned cause we are reconciled thru Xst, God is for and not against us.
a. Neither the law, nor the enemy of our soul, is allow to condemn us for one very specific reason: There is no condemnation because we share the righteousness of God and the law cannot condemn us! There is no obligation because we have the Spirit of God Who enables us to overcome the flesh and live for God. There is no frustration because we share the glory of God, the blessed hope of Christ’s return. There is no separation because we experience the love of God (v.35). We need not live in a fear of the past, a fear of the present, or a fear of the future because we can be totally confident in Christ.
b. The most basic reason why you and I have no need to fear is because as it says in v. 31 “God is with or for us.” Illust – Remember that scene in Napolean Dynamite? School bully working over the little nerdy guy? Napolean hands him a flyer or button and says: “Pedro offers you his protection.” Later on in the film, same bully picking on kid, trying to steal his bike. Only now, the camera pans to the parking lot where two cholos are sitting in 1970’s Pontiac that rises up and down. All they do is shoot a stern look at the bully and slowly shake head. Bully isn’t so brave and runs for his life.
C. Applic: Christian – Satan is nothing more than a bully who wants you to live in subjucation and fear. Let me ask you, who can bring a charge against you when God has reconciled you? (NO ONE!)
II. Who Can Condemn You When Christ Has Declared You Righteous? Vv.34
A. Reject the Enemy’s Condemnation Because Christ has Declared You Righteous.
1. This is a matter of trusting facts rather than feelings.
a. Satan is called the "accuser of the brethren" (Rev. 12:10. Compare Job 1:6; Zech. 3:1), as seeking to uphold his influence among men by bringing false charges against Christians, with the purpose of weakening their influence and injuring the cause with which they are identified. What charges does he bring up against you? Is he trying to weaken your influence among those witnessing to? Family? Friends? Is he trying to damage cause of Christ? Do you listen to those charges? Shouldn’t!
b. Just as no accuser can prevail, when the judge absolves the defendant; so there remains no condemnation, when satisfaction is given to the law, and the penalty is already paid. Now Christ is He, who, having once for all suffered the punishment due to us, thereby declared that he undertook our cause, in order to deliver us: he then who seeks hereafter to condemn us, must bring back Christ himself to death again.
2. Instead of Condemning us, Christ intercedes on our behalf.
a. We know from the Scripture that the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the believer (Rom. 8:26), but we also recognize that the Son (Heb. 4:14-16) also intercedes on our behalf. He is our Advocate, He alone can forgive our sins and restore us to fellowship. Jesus represents us
b. The same Savior Who died for us is now interceding for us in heaven. As our great High Priest, He can give us the grace to overcome temptation and defeat the enemy.
B.
1. Another reason why we can be confident that the verdict of “not guilty” will hold up is because Jesus not only died but “more than that was raised to life.”(v.34) This is important because Jesus’ resurrection was absolute proof that his sacrifice was sufficient and acceptable. It was like God’s stamp of approval. Everyone knew that only God could raise the dead and that he would never do that for someone who had been a deceiver or a fraud. The resurrection thus validates Jesus’ sacrifice. It is conclusive proof to you and me as well.
- Illust – Over the years blessed to travel to many countries. Before entry must always go through “passport control”. Official document with picture. Government backed. Then asked questions and allowed or rejected. If allowed, get a stamp in passport w/designation of time allowed in country. The resurrection made God’s acceptance of Jesus sacrifice official thus leaving no doubt about Jesus sacrifice being fully sufficient for all our sins, therefore making us winners!
2. We are confident when the enemy condemns cause Xst is seated @ Father’s right hand.
a. Another reason you can be confident is because you have a Friend in the Highest Place! Illust – I had just graduated from college and had about a month before entering grad. School. Had already moved and living back at home in SC. Had my undergrad diploma, etc. Then, suspicious letter from Terre Haute, IN, arrived in mail. We are sorry to inform you, but we examined your records and you are 3 hrs. short for graduation. We are going to revoke your diploma and will not be able to enroll in grad. School. That’s a Mylanta moment! What could I do? I called the head of my department. Liked me. Had offered me a graduate assistantship in the program if went on. Let me look into it. Dr. Herbert Rissler personally went to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and pleaded my case! I graduated with 125 instead of 128 sem. Hrs. Due to friend in high places!
b. The reason we can be confident that we will not be condemned by our sins is that Jesus is now “at the right hand of God...” In other words, the same Jesus, who loved us enough to die for us, is now in the ultimate position of authority, power, and influence. Talk about having “friends in high places!” We have a friend in the highest place, seated at the right hand of God! And, He will not allow you to be condemned.
C. Applic: Who can condemn you when Christ has declared you righteous? No one!
III. Who Can Defeat You When You are More than a Conqueror in Xst? Vv35-37
A. Paul wants the Christian to Realize their Position of Victory in Christ.
1. We are winners even when we feel like a loser.
- In vv. 31- 34, Paul has proved that God cannot fail us. But now, we may begin to wonder if it is possible that we could fail Him. (vv. 35-39) What if some overwhelming temptation or debilitating depression should come upon us. What then? “First of all, we need to remember that God does not shelter us from the difficulties of life. In fact, He allows us to experience them, because He knows we need them (Rom. 5:3-5). In fact, God permits trials so that we might use them for our good and His glory. We endure trials for His sake (Rom. 8:36), and since we do, do you really think He will desert us? Of course not! Instead, He is even closer to us when we go through those difficulties.” (Wiersbe, Be Right, p. 97)
2. The Apostle outlines several items that one might wonder if could effectively separate us from Christ’s love.
a. Illust – Look at a few of the items he refers to: tribulation includes every kind of trouble or evil; distress is an inward feeling, when difficulties reduce us to such an extremity, so that we know not what course to pursue. Such was the anxiety of Abraham and of Lot, when one was constrained to expose his wife to the danger of prostitution, and the other, his daughters; for being brought to straits and being perplexed, they found no way of escape. Persecution properly denotes the tyrannical violence by which the children of God were undeservedly harassed by the ungodly.
b. What do you allow to bully you into thinking you are separated from God’s love? Physical disease? Financial crisis? Family disharmony? Covid? Uncertain future? Failed relationship?
B. Paul Encourages Believers with the Truth - in Christ we are – “More than conquerors”.
1. How does this truth work out practically in light of the Christian’s experience?
- We must have a right perspective on the Gospel if we are going to triumphantly pass through tribulations. A heart that truly understands the Gospel knows it is completely undeserving of God’s blessing and yet knows is completely forgiven and accepted. A heart that misunderstands the Gospel may think is somewhat deserving, and yet is not sure if it is acceptable and lovable. Problem, then, when suffering comes. If in your estimation have been living a fairly good life and suffering comes – feel great anger toward life and God. Feel deserve better and can lead to tremendous bitterness. On the other hand, if not living a good life and suffering comes, may feel great guilt, feeling you are some type of failure and that God has rejected you. If, however, properly understand Gospel known that deserve to be eternally lost but by mercy never get what deserve – This eliminates self pity. On other hand, know God could not be punishing us for our sins since Jesus already paid price for our sins and God does not take two payments! This assures us that whatever suffering we are receiving is not retribution, but instruction.
2. Remember who you are in Christ in the Midst of Trials.
a. v.37 – “overwhelmingly conquerors” – superconquerors! Christian, you may have trouble enough getting out of bed in the morning, but the Bible says you are a super hero!
b. Illust – Have you ever watched the movie “Facing the Giants”? Starts off very discouraged. Football team begins with 3 losses. Coach goes to the Lord. Went to the team. Told wanted their very best. Big player on the team. Very discouraged. Coach wanted best. Blindfolded, on hands and knees with player on back. “Death Carry” – see how far can carry. Goes as far as can. Every time ready to quit, coach spoke to kid, encouraging, crawling beside him. Finally, when could not go any further, kid beyond self. Coach told to take off blindfold. In the end zone! (50 yds.)
C. Applic: Who can defeat you? No One! And even when don’t know how far gone or how much further have to go, God is right there with you.
IV. Who Can Separate You When You Are Loved by God? Vv. 38-39
A. Finally, Paul drives home the point of confidence by asking the question:
1. “Who can separate you/me from the love of God?”
- vv. 38-39 Look at the list of what Paul considers as possibilities in separating us from the love of Christ. Pretty ominous list. Life/death; spiritual powers; things around us or unforeseen future, nor distances. Nor any other created thing. Why? Because we are loved by the CREATOR! The creation is subject to the Creator! What are you afraid of? Anything in this world or outside of this world? About covers it! You don’t need to. Why? Because God loves you, Christian.
2. Christian, in Christ there is no condemnation! There is no obligation! There is no frustration! And there is no Separation!
B. As a Saint you Are Also a Citizen of Christ’s Kingdom.
1. Illust- Illustration: In October 2005, Moses Bittok celebrated an experience he had waited a lifetime to achieve: He became a U.S. citizen. That alone would have been enough to give the native Kenyan the happiest day of his life, but it was just a prelude. On the way home from the Des Moines, Iowa, federal building, Bittok stopped at a gas station to see the winning numbers in the Iowa state "Hot Lotto Game." He was surprised to find out that he had won $1.8 million. "It’s almost like you adopted a new country and then they netted you $1.8 million," said Bittok. "It doesn’t happen anywhere—I guess only in America." (Source: "It Wasn’t All Bad," The Week (October 7, 2005) Do you want to see something really amazing? As soon as a person accepts Christ, he or she is given citizenship in the KOG, and guaranteed a heavenly reward.
2. Paul points us to the cross in two ways. First, in 8:37 he says that “we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” He uses the aorist (past) tense, not the present. This points us back to the greatest demonstration of love ever given, where the Father delivered over His beloved Son on our behalf (John 3:16). Second, in 8:39 Paul says that the love of God “is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The cross shows the love of the Son of God, who willingly laid down His life for us (John 10:18; 15:13)
a. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (The Unsearchable Riches of Christ [Baker], p. 219) wrote, “Indeed, our chief defect as Christians is that we fail to realize Christ’s love to us.” He added (p. 223), “How important it is that we should meditate upon this love and contemplate it! It is because we fail to do so that we tend to think at times that He has forgotten us, or that He has left us.”
b. But how is it possible that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love? It is possible because of what Paul said earlier: God showed that He was for us by not sparing His own Son but delivering Him up for us all. And if God gave His Son up for us all, “how will he not also with him graciously give us all things.
Conclusion: When Dr. Jim Boice, the long-time minister at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, was dying from liver cancer in 2000, he wrote a hymn based on the words of Romans 8:38–39. At the end of each stanza, which was written in question form, Dr. J. M. Boice gave the triumphant refrain, “Nothing. Hallelujah!” The final verses were particularly personal: “We face death for God each day; what can pluck us from his way? Let God’s people ever say, ‘Nothing.’ Hallelujah!” (S. Lucas, “Nothing, Hallelujah”, Ligonier)
