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Romans 8:31 - Winners In Christ.

Romans 8:31: Winners In Christ.

Romans 8:31 (NKJV) What then shall we say to these things? If 
God is for us, who can be against us?  

Romans 8:31 (NIRV) What should we say then? Since God is on our 
side, who can be against us? 

WORD STUDY

If God is for us. is better translated, "Since God is for us." 
[MacArthur SB] 

COMMENTARY

Paul closes his teaching about the believer's security in Christ 
with a crescendo of questions and answers for the concerns his 
readers might still have. The result is an almost poetic expression of 
praise for God's grace in bringing salvation to completion for all who 
are chosen and believe - a hymn of security. [MacArthur SB re vss. 
31-39] 

A joyous conclusion to the argument that Paul has carefully 
unfolded throughout the preceding chapters. The opposition of unbelievers 
and Satan will never succeed, since God is for us (v. 31). [ESV SB 
2008 re vss. 31"39]  

What greater comfort can there be than that we are under the 
care of an infallible, unwearied, and righteous governor! infallible 
because of his infinite wisdom, unwearied because of his 
incomprehensible omnipotency, and righteous because of his unbounded goodness and 
holiness. Charnock, Stephen: The Complete Works of Stephen Charnock, B.D. 
1: P54 [Classical SB] 

ILLUSTRATIONS

   A few years ago my daughter was invited to a laser tag 
birthday party. She was little, and the laser tag vest and gun were huge, 
which made it hard for her to play. The first time through, she didn't 
do well at all. She was an easy target for the more experienced 
players, and she got shot - a lot! She was pretty discouraged, but before 
the next round started, one of the dads handed me a vest and said, 
Go get em, Dad. I got the message. 
   I followed close behind my daughter and picked off any kids 
foolish enough to come near her. By the end of the round, the kids knew 
that she was no longer an easy target. Her daddy was there, and he 
was not to be messed with. It was awesome. Her score that round 
vastly improved, bringing a big smile to her face. 
   When we go into the arena alone, it's easy to get picked on, 
singled out, and told that we are destined to fail. But when we go into 
battle with our heavenly Father's protection and covering, everything 
changes. Not only do we have a chance to stay alive, we have a guaranteed 
win. 
   Thank you, Father, for fighting for me, keeping me safe, and 
helping me come through as a victor. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate 
Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker] 

   Rock climbers are a unique group of people. Some of them are 
extremely adventurous and like to climb without the aid of a rope. Others 
are a little more cautious and climb with the security a rope 
provides. This added confidence helps them scale the most difficult 
surfaces, even those that jut out and require them to hang over empty 
space.  
   In many ways, going through tough times is like climbing a 
sheer rock face. Trying to get through these times without God is like 
climbing without a rope. In Romans 6-8, Paul makes Christians aware of 
the "rope" that God extends to all his followers. That rope is God's 
promise to never let anything separate us from his love. As you read, 
take hope in God's rope.  
   Like Paul, we face hardships in many areas of life. We may be 
unemployed or working under strenuous conditions. Some may be punished for 
doing right. Others may be going through a debilitating illness or 
even facing death. These experiences, or the idea of having to face 
them, often cause us to fear that God has abandoned us or no longer 
loves us. But the truth is that nothing can separate us from Christ's 
love. The fact that he died for us proves it, and this promise reminds 
us.  
   When you experience doubt about God's constant love for you, 
remember Paul's experience. Then reread and meditate on Romans 8:31-39. 
Consider memorizing verse 38: "Nothing can ever separate us from God's 
love." Do not think that your troubles somehow mean the end of his 
love. You can always feel totally secure that he loves you and will be 
with you. [The One Year Through the Bible Devotional by Dave 
Veerman] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone " nothing! 
When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible 
world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix 
your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your 
trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely 
through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the 
present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to 
grasp for future gifts when today's is set before you! Receive 
todays gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its 
depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me. (Rom. 8:31; 2Co. 4:18; Gen. 
16:13-14) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   I, the creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What 
more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are 
not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your 
part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.  
   It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it 
is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts 
to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you 
desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. 
Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of 
your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem 
to My Presence and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord! 
(Rom. 8:31, 32; Mic. 7:7) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]  

CLOSING THOUGHT

God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is 
made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything 
else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself 
is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our 
spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is 
just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without 
bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart 
from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. C. S. 
Lewis in Mere Christianity  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com