This is the thirty-third in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Romans. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church on the morning of December 29, 2013. This message deals with the greatness of God, the victory gained through Him, and the issue of fear. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes and a study outline. Please note that the sermon notes are not a full transcript.
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SERMON NOTES:
Romans 8:31-39
v.31:
Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world.
1 John 4:4
v.32:
Why would God, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, not want to bless us immensely?
vv.33-34:
It is God who justifies, and only God can condemn.
Many people will make accusations and try to condemn you, but they have no authority.
We have Christ making intercession for us, therefore we don’t have to fear anyone’s condemnation. We are justified by God.
v.35:
Because we are justified by God, because God is the creator and He owns us (His creation), nothing that anyone can do can separate you from God’s love.
People may try, but they cannot do it.
John 10:28-29
v.36:
As followers of Christ, we are destined to suffer, at least some.
1 Peter 4:12
. . . but all is not lost.
v.37:
Christ has already given us the victory.
Though the path to victory is not always painless, victory is ours, through Christ!
vv.38-39:
God makes it very clear, here, that no one and nothing can separate us from God.
Because of that we don’t need to fear the things of this world!
2 Timothy 1:7
We only have one legitimate fear, and that is a fear of God.
Matthew 10:28
Luke 12:4-5
FEAR REALLY MEANS FEAR, AND FEAR OF GOD IS A GOOD THING!
Fear is a motivator for obedience:
Deuteronomy 8:5
Leviticus 19:14
Leviticus 25:17
Proverbs 16:6
2 Corinthians 5:10
Fear of God brings wisdom and knowledge:
Job 28:28
Psalm 111:10
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 9:10
Proverbs 15:33
A healthy fear of God does not immobilize us, it causes us to act.
A healthy fear of God breeds love, respect, and awe if God. It promotes worship, reverence and honor.
A healthy fear of God deepens and strengthens our relationship with Him.
A healthy fear of God means we don’t have to fear the world.
We don’t need to fear the world because we a secure in Christ.
No one or nothing can separate us from His love. We should take great comfort in that promise.
Its good and beneficial to have a healthy fear of the one who loves you so much.
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Posted on January 1, 2014
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