Being More Than A Conqueror

Being more than a conqueror

Romans chapter 8:26-8:39

Introduction- This was birthed by prayer and ideas from some contributors of Sermoncentral.

Romans chapter 8

We have been in a series about living the abundant life for 4 weeks, that ended last week, but the thought is continued this morning.

Understanding how “all things” work for our good and living like a conqueror may not be said that way, but they are the thoughts that people play out in their minds everyday.

Who wouldn’t want to live victorious? Right?

Who would not want to understand why bad things happen to good people? (Just me I know)

Illustration-

Mark Smith in an article in Readers Digest said the following: like many high school seniors, my son was filling out college-scholarship applications. One form asked for extracurricular activities. He answered “Wrestling”. The next question requested position held. He answered: “pinned mostly.”

How many have felt like they live a life like you are continually being pinned to the mat and just waiting to be counted out?

God says that there is more to life than just waiting to be counted out!

Romans chapter 8:26-8:39

Apostle Paul understood persecution!

Apostle Paul understood the power and grace of God working in His life.

(Which most people never experience)

He went from persecutor of the church to an advocate of the church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Paul understood that if God was on your side, in your corner, navigating your life, that nothing could defeat you….even if you were going through trials and hardships.

This , same Apostle says: Romans chapter 8:1-

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ, He has set you free!

God tells us- (the believers), that we can be more than conquerors!

Not only conquerors, but MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

because all the promises hinge on the fact that we are the children of God,

BEING A BELIEVER DOES HAVE SOME BENEFITS.

accepting the gift of salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit

But instead we our lives like a scene from a peanuts cartoon.

Illustration-

In a scene from Charlie Brown, Lucy says to Charlie Brown, Sometimes, I feel like we are not communicating. You, Charlie Brown, are a foul ball in the line drive of life. Your often in the shadow of your own goal post. You’re a miscue. You’re a 3 putts on the 18th green. You are a 7-10 split in the tenth frame. You have dropped a rod and reel in the lake of life. You’re a miss free throw. You are a shank with a 9 iron, a called third strike, a bug on the windshield of life. Do you understand? Have I made myself clear?

Let me make myself clear!

We should know who we are in Christ.

We are those who love Him (Jesus)

We are the called out ones. (disciples)

We are the ones called to His purpose

We are the ones who desire to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are the sons/ daughters of God- that because of Jesus Christ will have the awesome privilege of spending eternity with Him.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Do you really grasp the truth behind that?

The world throws garbage at us…. Everyday…..every opportunity they get

If we are going to be more than conquerors , which is God’s desire for us, we need to digest this verse.

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (repeat) That is the verse I want to sink in this morning!

Here are the nuggets from that verse: (write these down)

1. God promises here is certain- We know!

We don’t just have hope- We know that God is in control.

Life is uncertain, but God is certain and all His promises are true.

I don’t know when I am going to die, but I know that as a believer, that I am secure with Him.

2. God promises are complete. “That all things!”

We know that all things!.....

Proverbs 16:4- “The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose.”

God said to Satan: Have you considered my servant Job?

God allowed Satan to do some things- but God was always in control.

Job did not see the whole picture, but God did.

All things means that we do not always see the whole picture, when we think we should, but trust that God has got it covered.

God will use all things to fulfill His purpose in your life and my life.

Just me?

How many have seen what seemed like a hopeless situation turn into something good?

All things include the trials, pitfalls we deal with in our lives. The smart thing is to avoid the pitfalls we cause ourselves by poor decisions we make in our life.