1. In this verse David revealed one reason why the Lord is blessed -- He loads His people daily with benefits. 2. Later (Psalm 103:1-2), David touched on a very important responsibility that is given in connection with blessing the Lord -- "forget not all His benefits." 3. Our lesson is based on the information presented in Romans 8:18-39. 4. As we study these verses, "let us remember the Lord's benefits." Discussion: I. (vs.18-25) FIRST, THE LORD BENEFITS HIS PEOPLE WITH "HOPE"
A. Several statements identify this hope -- "eternal life." 1. Vs.18 mentions "the glory which shall be revealed in us." 2. Vs.23 mentions "the redemption of our body." B. Let us consider some information given in Romans 8 concerning "hope." 1. (vs.24a) "We are saved by hope." a. We have identified the "hope" under consideration -- "eternal life." b. We do not have eternal life now. 1) If we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. 2) "Hope" is based on the future -- it relates to things we cannot actually see at the present time. 3) God has promised eternal life, but He will not give it until the judgment. 4) We have to be patient while we wait for our hope to become a reality. 2. As we wait for our hope to become a reality, we will be tested. a. There are some unpleasant things in this life that we must endure. 1) (vs.22) The whole creation groans and travails in pain. 2) (vs.23) Christians groan within themselves. b. We must not allow these things to overcome us. c. They may make us "groan," but we must not allow them to defeat us. 3. If we maintain our hope, we will be able to face unpleasant experiences with "patience." C. "Hope" helps us to remain faithful to the Lord so we can receive the reward He has promised (Revelation 2:10). II. SECOND, THE LORD BENEFITS HIS PEOPLE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM TWO GREAT SOURCES
A. (vs.26-27) The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of those who are in Christ. B. (vs.34) Christ also intercedes on behalf of those who are in Him. III. (vs.28-30) THIRD, THE LORD BENEFITS HIS PEOPLE WITH KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD WORKS PROVIDENTIALLY FOR OUR GOOD
A. Please note that this blessing is only available to certain ones. B. Many Bible characters illustrate this Bible principle (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Noami and Ruth, Esther, etc). C. These men and women trusted God to take care of them (Hebrews 11:13-16). IV. (vs.31-33) FOURTH, THE LORD BENEFITS HIS PEOPLE WITH PROTECTION
A. (vs.31) "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Hebrews 13:5b-6) B. (vs.32) Since God gave His Son for us, won't He provide the things we need? C. (vs.33) Since God has justified us, who can possibly charge us with anything? V. (vs.35-39) FIFTH, THE LORD BENEFITS HIS PEOPLE BY NOT ALLOWING US TO BE SEPARATED FROM DIVINE LOVE
A. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of Christ? B. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of God? Conclusion:
1. Romans 8:18-39 is a special text of Scripture. 2. It shows how those who are in Christ enjoy special benefits, including hope, intercession from the Holy Spirit and Christ, God's providential working for good, protection, and love from Christ and His Father. 3. When we get into Christ, we gain access to these benefits (Romans 6:3-4).
