Unshakeable Assurance: God's Love and Sovereignty

 

Summary

In this evening's reflection on Romans 8:31-39, we delve into the profound assurance of God's unwavering support for His people. The Apostle Paul, in his characteristic style, presents a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize the certainty of our salvation and the security we have in Christ. He begins by asking, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This question is not posed in doubt but as a declaration of the absolute power and sovereignty of God over any adversarial force. Paul assures us that no power, whether earthly or spiritual, can thwart God's purpose or separate us from His love.

Paul's method is both pastoral and theological, aiming to provide comfort and assurance to believers. He systematically addresses potential objections and challenges to the doctrine of salvation, demonstrating that God's love and purpose are unchangeable. The Apostle's argument is not merely academic; it is deeply pastoral, designed to strengthen the faith of believers and to assure them of their eternal security in Christ.

The passage also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification and assurance of sonship. The Spirit's presence in us is a guarantee of our ultimate glorification, preparing us for the glory that awaits. Paul emphasizes that our sufferings and trials are part of this preparation, and they cannot separate us from the love of God. Instead, they serve to confirm our identity as children of God and heirs of His promises.

In conclusion, the Apostle Paul invites us to reflect on the overwhelming evidence of God's love and power in our lives. He challenges us to live with the confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This assurance is not based on our strength or ability but on the unchanging nature of God's purpose and His commitment to His people.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Sovereignty and Assurance: The assurance of our salvation is rooted in the sovereignty of God. If God is for us, no power can stand against us. This is not a denial of the challenges we face but a declaration of God's ultimate authority and power over all things. [24:23]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a guarantee of our sanctification and ultimate glorification. Our trials and sufferings are part of God's preparation for the glory that awaits us, confirming our identity as His children. [29:15]

- The Certainty of God's Love: God's love for us is unchanging and eternal. No external force or circumstance can alter His love or His purpose for us. This assurance is the foundation of our faith and hope. [32:38]

- Facing Adversity with Confidence: While we face real and formidable adversaries, our confidence lies in the fact that God is on our side. The power of our enemies is insignificant compared to the omnipotence of God. [36:22]

- Living in the Assurance of Salvation: The doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints assures us that our salvation is secure in Christ. This is not a theoretical truth but a practical reality that should fill us with confidence and joy. [49:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Romans 8:31-39
- [01:40] - New Subsection in Romans 8
- [03:21] - Summing Up the Doctrine
- [06:10] - Apostle Paul's Method
- [09:12] - Positive and Negative Assertions
- [12:18] - Addressing Objections
- [15:49] - Five Key Questions
- [19:13] - Four Challenges to Doctrine
- [22:08] - First Challenge: God's Power
- [25:30] - God's Way of Salvation
- [28:24] - Role of the Holy Spirit
- [31:18] - Suffering and Glorification
- [34:12] - Facing Adversity
- [37:11] - God's Omnipotence
- [43:23] - Assurance in Scripture
- [47:15] - Conclusion and Call to Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:31-39
- Psalm 23:4
- Isaiah 40:28-31

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Observation Questions:

1. What rhetorical questions does Paul use in Romans 8:31-39 to emphasize the certainty of our salvation? How do these questions serve to reassure believers? [16:07]

2. According to the sermon, how does Paul address potential objections to the doctrine of salvation in Romans 8? What is his method for dealing with these objections? [09:55]

3. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives serve as a guarantee of their sanctification and ultimate glorification, according to the sermon? [29:15]

4. What examples from the Old Testament are used in the sermon to illustrate God's unwavering support for His people? [38:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty and support, as discussed in Romans 8:31-39, impact a believer's perspective on facing adversities and challenges in life? [36:22]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit's role in our lives confirms our identity as children of God? How does this assurance affect our daily walk with Christ? [30:32]

3. The sermon emphasizes that God's love is unchanging and eternal. How does this understanding shape a believer's faith and hope, especially during difficult times? [32:38]

4. How does the sermon address the concept of the final perseverance of the saints, and what practical implications does this have for believers' lives? [49:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent challenge or adversity you faced. How did the assurance of God's sovereignty and support influence your response to that situation? [36:22]

2. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you become more aware of His presence and work in your daily walk with Christ? What steps can you take to cultivate this awareness? [29:15]

3. Think about a time when you doubted God's love for you. How can the truths from Romans 8:31-39 help you combat those doubts and strengthen your faith? [32:38]

4. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust in God's unchanging love and purpose. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and live with greater confidence in His promises? [32:38]

5. How can you apply the concept of the final perseverance of the saints to your spiritual journey? What changes might you need to make to live with the assurance of your salvation? [49:33]

6. Reflect on the examples of God's support from the Old Testament mentioned in the sermon. How can these stories inspire you to trust in God's protection and provision in your own life? [38:52]

7. Consider a person in your life who may be struggling with understanding God's love and assurance. How can you share the message of Romans 8:31-39 with them in a way that is encouraging and supportive? [49:33]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty Secures Our Salvation
The assurance of our salvation is deeply rooted in the sovereignty of God. When Paul asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" he is not expressing doubt but affirming the absolute power and authority of God over any adversarial force. This is a declaration that no earthly or spiritual power can thwart God's purpose or separate us from His love. The challenges we face are real, but they are insignificant compared to the omnipotence of God. Our confidence in salvation is not based on our strength but on God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. [24:23]

"For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you remind yourself today that God's sovereignty is greater than this challenge?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Journey
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our sanctification and ultimate glorification. His presence in our lives is a guarantee of our identity as children of God and heirs of His promises. Our trials and sufferings are not meaningless; they are part of God's preparation for the glory that awaits us. These experiences confirm our identity and strengthen our faith, assuring us of the Spirit's work within us. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our growth in Christ. [29:15]

"And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did you sense the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance during that time?


Day 3: The Unchanging Nature of God's Love
God's love for us is unchanging and eternal. No external force or circumstance can alter His love or His purpose for us. This assurance is the foundation of our faith and hope. In a world where change is constant, God's love remains steadfast. This truth provides us with a sense of security and peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Our faith is anchored in this unshakeable love, which empowers us to live confidently and joyfully. [32:38]

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have doubted God's love. How can you remind yourself today of His unchanging love and faithfulness?


Day 4: Confidence in the Face of Adversity
While we face real and formidable adversaries, our confidence lies in the fact that God is on our side. The power of our enemies is insignificant compared to the omnipotence of God. This truth encourages us to face adversity with courage and faith, knowing that God is our protector and defender. Our struggles are opportunities to witness God's power at work in our lives, reinforcing our trust in His ability to overcome any obstacle. [36:22]

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current adversity you are facing. How can you actively place your trust in God's power and protection today?


Day 5: Living in the Assurance of Salvation
The doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints assures us that our salvation is secure in Christ. This is not a theoretical truth but a practical reality that should fill us with confidence and joy. Our salvation is not dependent on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ. This assurance allows us to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure. We are called to live out this truth daily, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. [49:33]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live out the assurance of your salvation today in a way that impacts your interactions with others?

Quotes


What shall we then say to these things if God be for us who can be against us now those who are familiar with the original will know that some words have been sub been introduced here and rightly so these authorized translators were anxious that we should get the meaning but actually it's this what shall we therefore say would be better to these things if God for us who against us. [00:22:08]

The Apostle's object always was a pastoral one don't think of the Apostle Paul as an academic Theologian he never was that he was always primarily the pastor evangelist of course but his great characteristic is his pastoral interest he wasn't interested in Doctrine in an abstract manner there's nothing further removed from the Apostle Paul than that he was not just an intellectualist or a doctrin theologian. [00:07:21]

The New Testament never says anywhere that the Christian Life is an easy one any teaching that says that the Christian and get into a position in which he's got no Struggle No fight no difficulty at all that everything comes and he just sits back pass passively and watches it all happening is sheer heresy that isn't what we're being told at all there are terrible forces against us the World the Flesh the devil and all his forces. [00:35:22]

The Spirit guarantees that he's a proof of that he's the Assurance of that which is given to us and the whole point is that because we are Sons this ultimate thing is certain he then works that out like this that our likeness to Christ is a likeness in all respects that we suffer with him even as he suffered when he was in this well so are we having to yes but he is glorified so shall we be if we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together. [00:30:15]

The Lord is my light and my salvation Whom Shall I Fear the Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid there's no one to be afraid of it's monstrous it's ridiculous if you realize who the Lord is so he goes on in verse two and puts it like this when the wicked even my enemies and my foes Came Upon me to eat up my flesh they stumbled and fell I didn't it was they who stumbled and fell. [00:40:00]

The Spirit in us sanctifying us is a guarantee of our ultimate glorification but not only that he is also a guarantee to us of our sunship of our adduction into God's family you remember that in verses 14 15 16 that's the same point exactly the spirit guarantees that he's a proof of that he's the Assurance of that which is given to us and the whole point is that because we are Sons this ultimate thing is certain. [00:30:15]

The Apostle Paul is one of the most obvious you always does the same thing and he does it in the same way exactly it's always to me very fascinating to watch him doing it you can if you get to know him as you should know him you can prophesy as to what he's going to do and watch him here you see this is his method always he always first of all makes his positive statement of Doctrine he uh puts it before us in a number of grand assertions. [00:06:10]

The Spirit's presence in us guarantees that in other words sanctification is not an end in itself the ultimate object of sanctification indeed the primary object of sanctification is not just to give me some personal victory over sin it is to prepare me for the glory which is coming that's what's beveled this whole doctrine of sanctification that it's been isolated and looked at in a subjective manner the Apostle doesn't do that at all. [00:29:15]

The Lord of hosts is with us the god of Jacob is our refuge come is look at the works of the Lord what desolations he ha made in the earth he maketh Wars the season to the end of the Earth he breakthe bow and cut the spear in suer he burneth The Chariot in the fire be still shut up that's what it means stop talking give up give in and know that I am God I am exalted among the Heathen I will be exalted in the Earth. [00:43:23]

The Apostle's argument is not merely academic; it is deeply pastoral, designed to strengthen the faith of believers and to assure them of their eternal security in Christ. He systematically addresses potential objections and challenges to the doctrine of salvation, demonstrating that God's love and purpose are unchangeable. The Apostle's argument is not merely academic; it is deeply pastoral, designed to strengthen the faith of believers and to assure them of their eternal security in Christ. [00:07:21]

The Spirit in us sanctifying us is a guarantee of our ultimate glorification but not only that he is also a guarantee to us of our sunship of our adduction into God's family you remember that in verses 14 15 16 that's the same point exactly the spirit guarantees that he's a proof of that he's the Assurance of that which is given to us and the whole point is that because we are Sons this ultimate thing is certain. [00:30:15]

The Spirit's presence in us guarantees that in other words sanctification is not an end in itself the ultimate object of sanctification indeed the primary object of sanctification is not just to give me some personal victory over sin it is to prepare me for the glory which is coming that's what's beveled this whole doctrine of sanctification that it's been isolated and looked at in a subjective manner the Apostle doesn't do that at all. [00:29:15]

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Transcript
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