"WHY?" - Romans 8
2/20/00
Romans 8:1, 15-39
One of the unpleasant realities of the human existence is the fact that there are many more questions than answers.
Adolph Hitler - 6 million Jews? Why?
Lenin, Stalin - 30 million+. Why?
Charles Manson
Ted Bundy
Jeffrey Dahmer
Columbine?
Divorce, infidelity, children break our hearts w/ foolish choices.
Loved ones reject the gospel.
Miscarriages? Why?
Jason - Cancer. Why?
Jack Goebel - heart. Why?
Carla - Why?
Elaine Westaby - Why?
Bernice Hegman - Why?
Johnny Hecker, 19 - Why?
Unequivocally and positively - I DON'T KNOW!!!
I can but refer you to the one who does know!
Romans 8 - Theme, the security of the believer, as stated in vs. 1.
The rest of the chapter is exultation in the truth of this concept. In the midst of illustrating this truth, one of Paul's contentions is that affliction, suffering, trials, tragedies, difficulties - are not inconsistent with Sonship in God's family, but rather serve to remind us of the awesome depths of His love for us.
I. Suffering is part of our inheritance with Christ. Vs. 15-17
A. Christ is the heir of all things - Ps. 2:8, Heb. 1:2
B. We are co-heirs with Him. Rom. 8:17 (Acts26:18, Titus 3:7, Eph. 1:11)
C. Our inheritance is ultimately realized in heaven. I Pet. 1:4
D. We enter into His glory through suffering. Vs. 17, Phil. 3:10
II. Suffering Is Not Inconsistent With My Standing as a Son of God. 18-27
A. Because it pales in significance with the glory it produces.18-23
All of physical creations groans under the curse, as do we. We long for the
time when God Himself shall wipe away all tears and there will be no more
pain, sorrow, heartbreak, disappointment, but the very reality of those
unpleasant aspects of life will make the glory that much more glorious.
I Pet. 1:5-7, II Cor. 4:6-18
ILLUS: Child birth
B. Because we are sustained by hope. Vs. 24,25
Hope has a thick skin and will endure many a blow; it will put on patience as a vestment, it will wade through a sea of blood, it will endure all things if it be of the right kind, for the joy that is set before it. Hence patience is called "patience of hope," because it is hope that makes the soul exercise patience and long-suffering under the cross, until the time comes to enjoy the crown. JOHN BUNYAN (1628-1688)
C. BECAUSE WE ARE SUSTAINED BY THE INTERCESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. VS.26-28
III. SUFFERING WORKS GOD'S PLAN VS. 28
IV. SUFFERING PRODUCES GOD'S PURPOSE 28-30
V. SUFFERING CANNOT SEPARATE ME FROM GOD'S LOVE. 31-39
He Maketh No Mistake
My Father's way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray, My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead For He doth know the way.
Tho' night be dark and it may seem That day will never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see, My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll simply trust And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift And plain it all He'll make.
Through all the way, tho' dark to me, He made not one mistake.
-A. M. OVERTON
