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Romans 8: Unconditional Love
In our imperfections, how does God still love us?
Author’s Thoughts
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Romans 8:1 When it’s our nature to hear and obey God, we don’t have to feel condemned. That’s because we’re not living to satisfy our flesh, but we’re seeking to be led by the Spirit.
King James
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
What do you think worries most people?
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Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit, which brings life in Jesus Christ, is the changing of our desires, where we are fully committed to pleasing him. This frees us from worry about penalties for violating God’s rules and regulations.
King James
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
How much help is the advice: “Don’t worry”?
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Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit, which brings life in Jesus Christ, is the changing of our desires, where we are fully committed to pleasing him. This frees us from worry about penalties for violating God’s rules and regulations.
King James
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
What path should we follow in growing our relationship with the Lord?
Author’s Thoughts
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Romans 8:3 The Law wasn’t enough to change our fleshly desires, so God sent his Son, embodied in human flesh, capable of sin. Living without sin, Jesus exposed the destructive nature of sin and showed how people can walk in the Spirit and not be driven by fleshly needs.
King James
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
How do we know when our behavior is “right”?
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Romans 8:4 The kind of righteous behavior that the Law requires is fulfilled when our desires entirely follow what pleases the Spirit, so we’re not doing anything from a fleshly initiative.
King James
Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
In what ways do fleshly needs differ from spiritual needs?
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Romans 8:5 Those who are concerned about fleshly needs will be driven by desires that are different from the desires of those who care more about satisfying their spiritual needs.
King James
Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
How do we focus our minds upon the Lord?
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Isaiah 26:3 The Lord gives perfect peace to those who keep their minds fixed upon him, who completely trust him.
Psalm 1:1–2 God blesses people who refuse evil advice, avoid the path of wrongdoers, and shun the manner of scoffers, but delight in the Lord and want the Lord’s will all the time.
Romans 8:6 When we set our minds on the needs of the flesh, our relationship with God is severed, and we die. But when we set our minds on what God wants to work in us, we find life and peace.
James 1:8 Those who can’t make up their minds are unstable in all their decisions.
James 4:8 Move closer to God, and he will move closer to you. Wash your hands of wrongdoing and purify your hearts with good motives. Don’t live a double-life, but have a single focus upon what the Lord wants.
King James
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Under what circumstances might we justify going our own way?
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Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right but ends in death.
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous wisely avoid the house of the wicked, for God will bring that house down.
Romans 8:7 hat’s because our fleshly desires take us on our own, independent ways—in direct opposition to God’s desire to always have us dependent upon him. When we choose any direction other than what God wants, we cannot be following what God knows is best for us.
James 1:14 People are tempted when their desires take them in a direction different from where God would have them go.
King James
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Why can’t God be pleased with what we decide is good?
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Matthew 7:22–23 “On Judgment Day, many will say, ‘Lord, didn’t we prophesy, cast out evil spirits, and do many wonderful deeds in your name?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you disobedient lawbreakers.'”
Romans 8:8 Obviously, those who want to make their own, independent decisions about what is best for them cannot please God.
King James
Matthew 7:22–23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
How can we know when we’re hearing and following the direction of the Holy Spirit?
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John 16:13 “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.”
Romans 8:9 But true Christians aren’t driven by fleshly desires—not if the Holy Spirit dwells within them—leading them to do what is right. If we’re not doing what is right, we’ve not made him Lord of our lives. In that case, we should question what is driving our decisions.
Galatians 5:16–17 Let me make this perfectly clear: if you listen to God’s Spirit within, you will seek to please him and to benefit others, not to satisfy your selfish desires. If your self-serving motives oppose what the Holy Spirit wants to do, you will live in conflict, not fulfilling the purpose you feel called to.
Galatians 6:8 Plant seeds to satisfy your self-serving desires, and you’ll harvest corruption. But plant seeds to satisfy the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you’ll gain eternal life.
King James
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Galatians 5:16–17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
If the power of the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, what’s the most we might expect him to do in us? What hinders us from getting there?
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Romans 8:11 If the Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, is dwelling in us, then our fleshly bodies will experience abundant life in the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 Like someone looking into a mirror, when we see the Lord in the glory of the new contract, we become more like him, being changed from glory to greater glory by the work of his Spirit.
Philippians 3:20–21 We are citizens of Heaven, not this world, so we look to our deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our earthly bodies to heavenly glory through his power over all things.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, we may be God’s children, but we don’t yet know what we will become. But the more of him we see, the more we’ll want to be like him, for we shall see how great he really is.
King James
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
2 Corinthians 3:18 As we focus on the Lord’s presence and write for his glory, all who give themselves to the craft are changed into his image, rising from one publishing success to the next as the Holy Spirit keeps working in our lives.
Philippians 3:20–21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
If Christians are under no obligation to please themselves instead of God, why do they do it?
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Romans 8:12–13 My Christian friends, we live under no obligation to serve the needs of our flesh. If our fleshly needs control our desires, we walk away from God, toward death. But if we are sensitive to our spiritual needs and follow—as best we know how—what pleases God, we will live forever.
King James
Romans 8:12–13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Since we define God’s children as those who are guided by the Holy Spirit, how might we view people who consider themselves Christian but are not guided by the Holy Spirit?
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Romans 8:14–15 All those who are guided by the Holy Spirit are God’s children, but not as slaves obeying out of fear. You are God’s adopted children, who seek to please him.
King James
Romans 8:14–15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
How would you describe the difference between pleasing God out of fear versus love?
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Romans 8:14–15 All those who are guided by the Holy Spirit are God’s children, but not as slaves obeying out of fear. You are God’s adopted children, who seek to please him.
King James
Romans 8:14–15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
In what ways can we know we are part of God’s family?
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Romans 8:16 God’s Spirit confirms in our human spirit that we are his children.
King James
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
What are the benefits of being a member of God’s family?
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Romans 8:17 If we are his children, then we share his riches with Christ. Enduring hardships, we will also share in his glory.
King James
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
How can we gain a better perception of the glory that awaits God’s people in eternity?
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Romans 8:18–19 No suffering in this age would be considered with any significance if we could see the magnitude of glory that will be eternally revealed in us. We eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s plan, when we will be like him.
King James
Romans 8:18–19 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
What can we do to see the benefits of the pain and suffering that is unavoidable in our life on Earth?
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Romans 8:20–21 In the meantime, we are subject to limitations that bring us to faith and trust in him, knowing that we will, in the end, be delivered from death to live as his children in complete freedom.
King James
Romans 8:20–21 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Write the question.
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Romans 8:22–23 Like a woman in labor, in intense pain about to give birth, we are crying out, groaning for his Spirit to bring us forth—adopted children of God whose flesh is free from sin.
2 Corinthians 3:18 Like someone looking into a mirror, when we see the Lord in the glory of the new contract, we become more like him, being changed from glory to greater glory by the work of his Spirit.
King James
Romans 8:22–23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
2 Corinthians 3:18 As we focus on the Lord’s presence and write for his glory, all who give themselves to the craft are changed into his image, rising from one publishing success to the next as the Holy Spirit keeps working in our lives.
What have you had hope for but no longer need to hope, because God has answered your prayer?
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Romans 8:24 We are saved by this hope, but if we had this expectation in our grasp, it wouldn’t be hope, would it?
King James
Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
What is the benefit or liability for waiting for something that God has chosen not to give?
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Isaiah 40:31 Those who put their trust in the Lord as they work will find strength in him. They will be like eagles, soaring upward when they spread their wings. They will be like the runner who runs the full distance without getting tired. No matter how far they walk, they won’t become exhausted.
Romans 8:25 If we continue to hope for what we do not yet have, then we will patiently persevere.
Hebrews 10:36 We can be thankful for delays that bring patience, because endurance is essential for receiving God’s promise.
King James
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Why might we be thankful for our weaknesses?
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Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit will help us in our weaknesses. For example, we don’t always know the Lord’s will and what to pray for, but the Spirit prays through us with groaning that English words cannot express.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 But God said no. “My grace is sufficient,” he said. “In your weakness, your dependence upon me makes you strong.” Therefore, I will boast of this affliction if it makes the power of Jesus Christ alive in me. I take pleasure in weakness, insults, and hardships. Persecuted, frustrated, suffering for Christ’s sake, I am thankful for my weakness that makes me strong in him.
King James
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
How do we benefit from God knowing the condition of our hearts?
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Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord says, “I have fully drawn up the plans I have for your lives. The details are laid out to complete something very good, not to harm you at all, but to give you hope for what comes in the end.”
Ezekiel 11:19 I will give you a new heart, a new spirit within. I will replace your self-centered insensitive heart with a God-sensitive spirit that cares for others like I do.
Romans 8:27 God, who sees our hearts, knows and agrees with what the Spirit is speaking on our behalf, because the petition is always according to his will.
1 John 5:14 We have this confidence in our Lord: he listens to everything we ask that matches what he wants to do.
King James
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
For those who don’t love God or aren’t working to fulfill his purpose, what should they anticipate in the future?
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Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who calls me master will enter the Kingdom of Heaven but only those who do the will of my heavenly Father. “
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will do what I tell you to do.”
Romans 8:28 All those who love God and are working to fulfill his purpose should know that all things will work together for good.
King James
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Romans 8:28 Rejections, unreturned calls, and ignored book proposals will all work for good for writers who love God and seek to communicate a message that pleases him.
How do you think the way we see ourselves compares with how God sees us?
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Romans 8:29 Because God knew what we would become, he sent his Son to be the first example of what his family will be like.
King James
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
What is the difference between those who are called and those who are chosen?
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Matthew 24:14 “The good news of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the world for a testimony to all people. After that, the end will come.”
Romans 8:30 Seeing the desires of people’s hearts, he called all those who would listen, made them blameless in his sight, and revealed his glory in them.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn’t slow in keeping his promise, not like some people think. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, giving time for everyone to repent.
King James
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
What can God do in the lives of the willing versus the unwilling?
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Genesis 50:20 You intended to injure me, but God allowed your wrongdoing for a good purpose, to save all the people you see alive today.
Isaiah 1:19 When you desire what God wants and do what he says, you can enjoy his great rewards.
Romans 1:28 Since they don’t want to admit God’s existence, they develop perverted beliefs so they can do whatever indecency feels good to them.
Romans 8:30–31 Seeing the desires of people’s hearts, he called all those who would listen, made them blameless in his sight, and revealed his glory in them. What does all this mean to us? With God fighting for us, we cannot lose as long as we maintain our desire to please him.
2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from temptations. He also has punishment ready for the unjust on the day of judgment.
King James
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Romans 8:30–31 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
How do we distinguish our needs from our wants?
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Matthew 6:7–8 “When you pray, do not repeat empty words like the pagans, who think they will be heard because of their incessant babbling. Do not be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask.”
Romans 8:32 If God was willing to sacrifice his own Son for our sake, don’t you know he is eager to give us everything we need?
Philippians 4:19 Out of his glorious resources in Christ Jesus, my God will take care of everything you need.
King James
Matthew 6:7–8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What does “belonging to God” mandate about our behavior?
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Romans 8:33 Can anyone bring a charge of wrongdoing against those who belong to God? No. If we really are in his image, we will behave like him and will have his approval.
King James
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
If we feel condemned and the Lord isn’t the source of that condemnation, what is?
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John 8:10–11 Jesus stood. “Woman, where are your accusers? Is there no one here to condemn you?”
“No one, sir.”
“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Romans 8:34 Where does condemnation come from? We know it isn’t from God, because Jesus Christ died, rose from the dead, and is with the Father, continually interceding for us.
1 Corinthians 11:32 When the Lord judges and disciplines us, he saves us from being condemned with the world.
1 Timothy 3:16 Without a doubt, how to be God-like was a great mystery until we saw him in the person of Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh, perfect in spirit, seen of angels. A messenger to those who didn’t know God, he was believed by many in the world, and then he ascended into glory.
Titus 3:10–11 After the second admonition, reject divisive, argumentative people. By not showing love, their own sins condemn them.
1 John 3:20–21 If you feel guilt and shame, go to God who already knows everything about you—and he still loves you. My friends, as God changes us and we no longer condemn ourselves, then have we greater confidence in him.
King James
John 8:10–11 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord.
And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Titus 3:10–11 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
1 John 3:20–21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
Paul lists several things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ. He doesn’t say what can separate us. What might that be?
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Romans 8:35 Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? No affliction or tragedy, peer pressure or embarrassment, poverty or peril—not even the threat of death—was enough to make him change his commitment. Our love for him should have the same kind of commitment.
King James
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
What should our response to God’s love be?
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Romans 8:35–36 Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? No affliction or tragedy, peer pressure or embarrassment, poverty or peril—not even the threat of death—was enough to make him change his commitment. Our love for him should have the same kind of commitment. As the song writer said, Yes, God. For your sake we face the threat of death all the time, like sheep destined to be sacrificed.
Revelation 12:10–11 A loud voice from Heaven shouted, “Salvation and power has come through God’s dominion and Christ’s authority. Satan, who has been accusing the people day and night, is now cast down. The people have overcome Satan (1) by the sacrifice of the Lamb, (2) by giving their testimonies, and (3) by complete surrender to God’s will, even unto death.”
King James
Romans 8:35–36 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Revelation 12:10–11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
To what extent might Satan have power over our lives?
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Job 1:8 Job 1:8 God said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one on Earth is like him, a perfect and upright man who respects me and hates evil.”
Job 1:12 “Okay,” God said, “you can do as you please with his affairs, but you are not allowed to touch his body.”
Romans 8:37–39 No matter what happens, we have complete victory because of Christ who sacrificed himself for us. I am convinced that no force—not the promise of a better life—not the threat of death—not the command of angels, governments, or kings—nothing present or anything to come—no power from above or below can sever our relationship with God, which is through Jesus Christ our Lord.
James 4:7 Completely surrender your will to whatever God wants. Then your resistance to the devil is an absolute no, and he has no reason to hang around.
King James
Job 1:8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Romans 8:37–39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.