Blessings That Enable Us to Live Happily Ever After (Romans 8:18-39)
Introduction:
1. This morning we showed from 1 Thessalonians 5:16, as well as other passages, that "God's people are to live happily ever after." 2. In Romans 8:18-39 we read about 5 special blessings available to those who are in Christ. 3. It is important for us to study these blessings carefully because they will enable us to live happily ever after.
Discussion:
I. (vs.18-25) THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST HAVE "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. The Bible has much to say about the hope of eternal life. 1. We learn from Titus 1:2 that God promised it "before the world began" -- His promise is dependable because God "cannot lie." 2. This hope is available to everyone, but only certain people have it. a. (Ephesians 2:12) Those who are outside of Christ have no hope. b. Thankfully, Jesus shed His blood so we can have it (Ephesians 2:13). 3. When we get into Christ we have the hope of spending eternity with Him. C. Let us notice some additional 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. Do we have it now? 1) No, if we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. 2) "Hope" is based on the future [things we cannot actually see now]. 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 difficulties with "patience." D. "Hope" helps us to remain faithful to the Lord so we can receive the reward He has promised (Revelation 2:10).
II. THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST RECEIVE 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 have gotten into Him.
III. (vs.28-30) THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST KNOW THAT GOD WORKS PROVIDENTIALLY FOR THEIR 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) THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST HAVE 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) THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST CANNOT 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. We have considered 5 blessings available to those who are in Christ. 2. These blessings will enable us to live happily ever after.
