READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The first half of Romans 8 describes how believers are to live by the Spirit, ending with the truth that “we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom. 8:17). Is our hope for this glory strong? Does it carry us back to God when pain and suffering are upon us? How do we live confidently in hope amidst pain?
Paul was transformed from a persecutor to one who was persecuted. Yet, he was able to declare: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (vs 18). The second half of Romans 8 elaborates on how he was able to have such confident hope.
Paul acknowledges PAIN in his hope (Romans 8:17-27)
Both pain and hope are real to Paul. What is our response to pain? Do we become totally miserable? Do we run away? Phil. 3:8 is Paul’s declaration about the cost of discipleship: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ”. He is confident that in spite of pain and suffering, he will gain freedom and glory in Christ. All that God has created is good but through man’s sin, the whole creation is groaning. This groan is a deep and indescribable pain. However, we are not alone in our suffering. The Spirit helps us through wordless groans and unuttered words. The Holy Spirit empowers and ministers to us. The Christian discipleship of suffering is to recognise that God uses all circumstances to set our hearts for the eternal and not for temporal things. Our groaning may stem from global conflicts, climate change, diseases and a host of other challenges the world faces. God reminds us to focus on the future glory rather than present suffering.
Will you acknowledge pain and yet hope in the Lord?
Paul embraces God’s PLAN for those who love Him (Romans 8:28-34)
The often-quoted vs.28 is meant for true believers. The trials do not disappear, but in spite of such trails, God works for good. God does not cause evil or sin. The God of love and faithfulness works through these trials in our lives. Ps Clement testified that though he faced many setbacks in school, even while serving as worship leader, he trusted that God, and not his failures, would define his life. His testimony underscores God’s promise that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). The appeals that Paul makes in vs. 31-34 assure us that when we love God and choose to be in the company of “those who love Him”, we need not worry about our salvation. For God is involved in each step of the way.
Will we embrace God’s plan and allow Him to define His goodness in our lives?
Paul’s PRECIOUS truth (Romans 8:35-39)
God “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (vs.32). Jesus, who died for us and intercedes for us, does not give up on us. Through His unchanging nature of love, absolutely nothing (our faithlessness, foolishness, poor decisions, a pandemic, a lost job, a broken relationship, and so on) will separate us from God’s love.
Will you live out the precious truth of the Gospel?
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Recall the circumstances in that you felt confident in faith and hope as a Christian.
- How did it motivate you as a disciple of Christ in action and deed?
- Reflect on Romans 8:18-39. What were the situations that accompanied your groanings?
- In your prayer life, were you encouraged to groan inwardly even when you do not have the words for the situation? Take a few minutes to talk to God and allow the Spirit to intercede if words are not present.
- Consider what it means to be loved by God even in tough and difficult seasons of your life.
- Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, but do we always love Him? What is hindering you from following Christ in your daily walk?
- Commit to the Lord areas of your life that might be separated and strayed away from God.
- Take some time to pray and seek Him in the next steps of your discipleship so that you might seek greater trust and confidence in God’s love for you.
