Introduction: 1. As we ask, seek, and knock for opportunities to teach the Gospel, we must be prepared to show people how to get into Christ. 2. The Bible contains 2 passages that teach us how to get into Christ. a. We studied one of the passages in Galatians 3 this morning -- we talked about "why and how we get into Christ." b. This evening we are studying the other passage in Romans 6 -- in our lesson we are concentrating on "how and why we get into Christ." 3. Before we show from Romans 8 why we should get into Christ, let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. THE INSTRUCTIONS IN ROMANS 6 THAT TEACH US HOW TO GET INTO CHRIST
A. The process whereby we get into Christ is explained in Romans 6:3-7. B. When we are baptized into Christ we are made free from sin, and we are able to walk in newness of life. C. This harmonizes perfectly with Galatians 3:26-28. D. With this information before us, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. 5 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD GET INTO CHRIST (Romans 8:18-39)
A. (vs.18-25) Those who are in Christ have "hope." 1. Several statements identify this hope as "eternal life." a. Vs.18 mentions "the glory which shall be revealed in us." b. Vs.23 mentions "the redemption of our body." 2. The Bible has much to say about the hope of eternal life. a. We learn from Titus 1:2 that God promised it "before the world began" -- His promise is dependable because God "cannot lie." b. This hope is available to everyone, but only certain people have it. c. When we get into Christ by being baptized into Him, we have the hope of spending eternity with Him in heaven. 3. Let us notice some additional information given in Romans 8 concerning "hope." a. (vs.24a) "We are saved by hope." 1) We have identified the "hope" under consideration -- "eternal life." 2) Do we have it now? a) No, if we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. b) "Hope" is based on the future -- it relates to things we cannot actually see at the present time. c) God has promised eternal life, but He will not give it until the judgment. d) We have to exercise "patience" while we wait for our hope to become a reality. b. As we wait for our hope to become a reality, we will be tested. 1) There are some unpleasant things in this life that we must endure. a) (vs.22) The whole creation groans and travails in pain. b) (vs.23) Christians groan within themselves. 2) We must not allow these things to overcome us. 3) They may make us "groan," but we must not allow them to defeat us. c. If we maintain our hope, we will be able to face unpleasant experiences with "patience." B. Those who are in Christ receive assistance from 2 great sources. 1. (vs.26-27) The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of those who are in Christ. 2. (vs.34) Christ also intercedes on behalf of those who have gotten into Him. C. (vs.28-30) Those who are in Christ know that God works providentially for their good. 1. Please note that this blessing is only available to certain ones. 2. Many Bible characters illustrate this Bible principle (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Noami and Ruth, Esther, etc). D. (vs.31-33) Those who are in Christ have protection. 1. (vs.31) "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (see Hebrews 13:5b-6) 2. (vs.32) Since God gave His Son to die for us, won't He provide the things we need? 3. (vs.33) Since God has justified us, who can possibly charge us with anything? E. (vs.35-39) Those who are in Christ cannot be separated from divine love. 1. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of Christ? 2. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of God?
Conclusion:
1. From Romans 6 we learn how to get into Christ -- we are baptized into Him. 2. From Romans 8 we learn why we should get into Christ -- those who are in Him enjoy some special blessings: a. hope b. intercession from the Holy Spirit and Christ c. God's providential working for good d. protection e. love from Christ and His Father. 3. If you will get into Christ, you will have access to these blessings.
