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Nuggets of Truth From Romans 8

Nuggets of Truth From Romans 8

By: Pastor Barry Kerner

 

This morning a friend texted me that he had been meditating on Romans 8 and asked what “Nuggets of Truth do you glean” from this chapter. After rereading this chapter that Paul wrote to the Romans and thinking about it for a while I came to the conclusion that it is a huge understatement to say that Romans 8 inspires confidence and faith.

Opening with the bold declaration that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8 is a source of great comfort for every Christian. From beginning to end, it reminds us that nothing can separate the children of God from His love.

This chapter is filled with promises like these that give us these truths to hold on to in disruptive moments like COVID-19.

 

There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

In Christ, we are forgiven and free from guilt. We can live in loving relationship with God because of what Jesus did on our behalf. There is no need for us to be anxious for anything when we are rooted in the love of God.

 

If God is for us who can be against us?

If we are in Christ, we need not be afraid. If the God of the universe is with us, it doesn’t matter who or what is against us. That He is for us is all that matters. And, it’s important to believe deep down that God is for us. After all, He sent His one and only Son to rescue us and His Holy Spirit to comfort, guide and protect us.

 

Both the Holy Spirit and Jesus are interceding for us.

In Romans 8, the apostle Paul at one point tells us that the Spirit of God intercedes for us and at another point, that Jesus is doing the same. Can you visualize the Spirit and Son both praying and working on your behalf? That is how much God is for you and your family. This should inspire great confidence as we pray and go about our daily lives.

 

We are more than conquerors through Christ.

There is victory in Jesus. But, not only are we conquerors according to Paul, we are more than conquerors. What is meant for evil and destruction in our lives God can turn around for our good. The resurrection of Jesus is a more than conqueror moment. And in Ephesians, Paul writes that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us who believe. The concept of “more than conquerors” reminds me of Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you will prosper.” Victory is ours!

 

Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

This is good news! God is love and He persistently seeks us. Paul goes into great detail to describe how we cannot get away from the love of God nor can anything or anyone take God’s love from us. Whether it is a crisis or our own sin and shortcomings, the love of God pursues us. In Ephesians 3, Paul writes a powerful prayer that God would enable us to somehow comprehend how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the love of God is for us. His love is a love that is so vast that it is beyond knowing in its entirety. Allow the love of God to wash over you. No matter the circumstance, He loves you and is seeking you.

 

In all things, God works together for good for those who love Him.
Of course not all things are good. And the crisis we are in is not good in most ways. People are sick, some have died, and many may lose their jobs or businesses. Schools are closed and families are stressed. This promise reminds us there is nothing that can happen to us that is beyond God’s ability to turn it into good for our benefit. Very often, times of suffering turn into defining moments in our lives that bring out the best in us. They help to transform us so that we conform more to the image of Christ. They allow us the opportunity to pursue a different path that draws us nearer to God. Look for the good and what God might be doing in the midst of this time of uncertainty.

 

God is life-giving.

Paul tells us that if we are living in relationship with God and guided by the Spirit of God, we will have life and peace. Knowing God, following Jesus, and allowing His Holy Spirit to dwell within us fills us with life. We celebrate that in the midst of darkness and despair we can still be fully alive. Our mission as followers of Christ is to find ways to breathe life into others, even though we may be suffering ourselves. The Romans were amazed at the early church because in times of suffering they risked their lives to serve others. We can use this opportune time to share the life God has given us with others.

 

What do you think about as you go about your day? Every moment of every day you and I have the freedom to think about whatever we want. Our minds may fill with worries, gossip, or sports scores. Our thoughts may cultivate anger, lust, compulsive working, people-pleasing, or depression. Or we can “Be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:1) in God’s Word, letting it diagnose us (Hebrews 4:12), wash us (Ephesians 5:26), and give us life (Genesis 1, Matthew 4:4).

 

Truly, the thoughts that you choose to dwell on are the most important factor in how you feel and what you say and do. Ultimately, your thinking determines the kind of person you become. The Proverb is true: “As a person thinks in his heart that’s who he or she becomes” (Proverbs 23:7, paraphrase).

 

The renewing your mind begins with God’s Word. Romans 8 is an amazing chapter of the Bible which can help rejuvenate your soul. It is full of God’s life-giving promises for disciples of Jesus. It teaches us how to tap into the electric current of God’s Spirit and resurrection life. Eighteen times the Holy Spirit is named in this one chapter! The other 15 chapters of Romans only name the Spirit 10 times.

 

All Christians should work to encourage others? But, how good are you at pumping yourself up? What if your self-talk sounded like Romans 8? You’d be so alive with the Holy Spirit, full of grace, and free to be who God made you to be! Meditate on these verses gathered from Romans 8 and you’ll be amazed at the results!

 

Try renewing your mind on these words from Romans 8 by joining with God and saying these promises from Him to yourself (fill in your name where the blanks are):

 

  • There is no condemnation for ________, who is in Christ Jesus (vs. 1)

 

  • The Spirit has set _______ free from sin and death (vs. 2)

 

  • The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in and is energizing ________ (vs. 11)

 

  • _______ is led by God and thus is a child of God (vs. 14)

 

  • _______ can call God “Abba” or Daddy! (vs. 15)

 

  • Through Christ _______ is an heir of God, inheriting divine blessings (vs. 17)

 

  • _______’s body will be redeemed, set free and made whole (vs. 23)

 

  • The Spirit helps _______’s weaknesses with intercessions from deep inside (vs. 26)

 

  • All things work together for the good of ________ who loves God and is called according to his purpose (vs. 28)

 

  • God takes initiative to know, guide, call, justify, and glorify _______, helping _______ to become more and more like Jesus (vs. 29-30)

 

  • If God is for _______ then who can be against _______? (vs. 31)

 

  • In all things _______ is more than a conqueror through Christ’s love (vs. 37)

 

  • Nothing – absolutely nothing! – can separate _______ from the love God that is in Christ (vs. 38-39).

 

I encourage you to read Romans 8 and reflect on these truths. Take time to mediate and allow them to saturate your heart and mind. I pray that you come to the realization today that these promises are true and they are for you?