What Shall We Say To These Things?
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
1/30/2011 PM
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Text:
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Romans 8:31,32
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Psalters: |
308, 355, 127, 248 |
Confession of Faith |
- We are in a battle (in order to be a conqueror) against many forces.
- There are many causes of the sufferings of this presen time (18), internal groanings (23), and weaknesses (28).
- There are tribulations, i.e., stresses and presures in life.
- God does not promise a life free from problems; in fact, He promises tribulation (Acts 14:22).
- But “God be for us.”
- “If” is used to strengthen the statement, to enforce it.
- This “God” is the One of every perfection.
- What is the evidence that God is for us? He “spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us.”
- The evidence of God being for us is found in a real, historical event.
- It is something which God Himself did: He gave, gave up (spared not), delivered up.
- God did not withhold His Son.
- “Delivered Him up” is the language of bringing one to be judged, condemned, and punished.
- “For us all” is on our behalf and in our place.
- “Us” (“we” in verse 28) refers to Paul, the saints at Rome, and all those called according to His purpose.
- “Us all” means that God’s Son was delivered for the elect as a whole and for each one in particular.
- The fruits which result.
- With God for us, nothing can be against us.
- But all that which is against us is nothing before Him Who is on our side: our God is for us!
- On the contrary, each thing is used to work together for our good.
- “How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
- Paul reasons from the greater (God’s own Son) to the lesser (all things).
- More than a comparison: God further gives all things with the gift of His Son.
- “Freely” is graciously given.
- We are triumphant - more than conquerors - over every force and foe.