(5) Christ loves us (vv. 35-39). In Romans 8:31-34 Paul proved that God cannot fail us, but is it possible that we can fail Him? Suppose some great trial or temptation comes, and we fail? Then what? Paul deals with that problem in this final section and explains that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ.
To begin with, God does not shelter us from the difficulties of life because we need them for our spiritual growth (Rom. 5:3-5). In Romans 8:28 God assures us that the difficulties of life are working for us and not against us. God permits trials to come 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 think that He will desert us? Of course not! Instead, He is closer to us when we go through the difficulties of life.
Furthermore, He gives us the power to conquer (Rom. 8:37). We are “more than conquerors,” literally, “we are superconquerors” through Jesus Christ. He gives us victory and more victory! We need not fear life or death, things present or things to come, because Jesus Christ loves us and gives us the victory. This is not a promise with conditions attached: “If you do this, God will do that.” This security in Christ is an established fact, and we claim it for ourselves because we are in Christ. Nothing can separate you from His love! Believe it–and rejoice in it!
A review of this wonderful chapter shows that the Christian is completely victorious. We are free from judgment because Christ died for us and we have His righteousness. We are free from defeat because Christ lives in us by His Spirit and we share His life. We are free from discouragement because Christ is coming for us and we shall share His glory. We are free from fear because Christ intercedes for us and we cannot be separated from His love.
No condemnation! No obligation! No frustration! No separation!
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
- What was Paul’s message to the believers in Romans 8:1-39? How does this relate to Romans 7?
- What is the believer’s new relationship to the law?
- What are the four spiritual freedoms summarized by Wiersbe? How do these freedoms affect your life?
- What three statements did Paul make that add up to “no condemnation”? Do you live as if this is true?
- What are the four contrasts mentioned concerning freedom from defeat?
- What is the root of sin? In what area of your life do you see most evidence of this?
- According to Romans 8:18-30, who is “groaning”? When will the groaning end?
- What can truly give believers freedom from discouragement?
- How can you prove that there will be no separation between the believer and the Lord?
- How can you personally apply one or more of these freedoms to the way you view your life with God?