In Christ: United

Matt Williams | Oct 17, 2021 | Watch in español

Study Guide

In this passage, Paul reminds us of the assurance of our salvation and sanctification. No matter the depth of our pain and suffering, we are "more than conquerors" through Christ who loves us and gave himself for us. Whatever this life brings, we can endure with real hope trusting that God is, and will always be, for us and for our good.
Application

  1. Paul has total confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. The cross is evidence of this assurance. Do you live with this kind of confidence? Why or why not?

  2. Asking, “How can a good God allow bad things to happen?” is a legitimate question, but it’s important to realize we wouldn’t even recognize pain if there was no standard of goodness in the person of Jesus. Have you ever questioned the goodness of God because of suffering? Were you able to draw closer to him during that time? Why or why not?

  3. Consider memorizing Romans chapter 8. What other step could you take to embed this truth deep in your soul?

Key Points

  • God is for us, and he delights in us. Nothing can change that. We know this is true because he suffered real loss in sacrificing his Son for us.

  • God’s idea of good and what feels good to us are often very different things. Like a child who trusts their parent’s better judgment, we ought to trust that our Father knows what’s best for us.

  • Because God pronounces us righteous, no one can condemn us, and neither are we free to condemn ourselves.

  • God’s love is more powerful than anything in the realm of creation. Nothing he created could be more powerful than he is, and there is nothing in the universe that threatens his care and love for those who belong to him

  • In Christ, our story ends in victory, no matter what trials or hardships this life holds.

Other Scripture References

Hebrews 7:23-25

Psalm 44

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39