We continue our study of the Letter to the Christians in Rome 2000 years ago. We have noted that Romans Chapters 6-8 describe who Christians are.
Rom 6:8-14 Alive in Christ and alive with Christ!
Rom 6:15-7:6 Christians are slaves to Righteousness!
Rom 7:7-8:17 Christians have 2 natures in conflict.
Last week we noted from Rom 8:17-25 Christians are “living in Hope of Glory”!
Today, we will note from Romans 8:26-31 that God continues to work for the Christian. Of course, a Christian is one who believes that God already did a miraculous work through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ saves the Believer from the eternal judgment of God, because God and Jesus did worked. Jesus died and was buried for the Believer’s sin. The Gospel of course will not be good news if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead and will soon return to bring personal glory to all Believers! Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of the Christian!
But as Christians eagerly expect and anticipate the glory of God with Jesus’ return, God continues to work for them. Please open your Bibles to Romans 8. But before reading our passage for today, let us together pray our commitment to God’s Word, the Bible.
Romans 8:26-31…..
Let us remind ourselves (show salvation chart) that Christians are saved from the eternal judgment of God because of their belief in the cross of Jesus Christ. But as Christians still living here on earth, they are being saved, being changed to be more and more like Jesus Christ.
And according to God’s Word, Christians will be completely saved, glorified, when Jesus returns to earth.
And so, here’s a question: Do Christians have any weaknesses as they live on earth waiting for the return of Jesus Christ??
If Christians are already perfect while still here on earth, why does God talk about sanctification, the changing of the Christian? While still here on earth, Christians have weaknesses! Of course Romans 8:26 affirms that Christians have weaknesses. What weaknesses can we note from our passage?
Rom 8:26b – Christians are weak in praying!
God tells Christians to pray without ceasing and most Christians will tell you that they need help with their prayer life. Do we have a loving God who understands us? God knows Christians are weak in praying so God gave them the Holy Spirit to intercede for them!
Has this ever happened to you? You get so busy with life and with many things not associated with God, then all of sudden you realize God’s presence? The Holy Spirit will intercede for the Christian in prayer.
And what else are Christians weak in? Look again at v27…
The Holy Spirit will intercede in praying but also in doing God’s will!
Romans 8:27 – Christians are weak in doing God’s will!
If you asked a Christian today, “do you know God’s will for your life right now?” - maybe half could give an answer. But if you asked the Christian, “are you doing God’s will in your life right now?” – could even half be able to answer yes?
I don’t think so!
But because God is a loving God, the Holy Spirit will help the Christian with God’s perfect will!
As a matter of fact, what do we read in v28?
God is so loving, perfect, and powerful; God works in ALL things for the good of the Christian!
God has done everything for the Christian and continues to do work for the good of the Christian. It is God’s will that everything go well for the Christian! This is why we all need to memorize this truth from Romans 8:31b…..
It is God’s desire that everything goes well for the Christian, but let me ask a question. Does God’s desire always happen?
Turn with me briefly to 1 Timothy 2:3…………
It is God desire for all people to be saved! Is everyone saved just because God desires it?
In the same way, just because it is God’s desire for everything to go well for the Christian, will it automatically happen? Just because God has given us everything for life and godliness, does this mean there is no effort needed by the Christian? Go back with me to Romans 8:12-14…….
The Holy Spirit will intercede for us but we need to yield to the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit may be interceding for us but if we are so focused on our selfish flesh, we grieve the Holy Spirit’s work. Ephesians 4:30-32 is a help to us; And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
And so, look again at Romans 8:31…….
God is for us! God is at work for us! And what is to be the result of God’s work for us? Look back to v29……
God is at work conforming us to the likeness of Jesus Christ!
Let us conclude by asking 2 simple questions; write down your answers:
1. Do I want God to be doing miraculous work on me?
If your answer is yes then believe and accept Jesus Christ as your only Savior and God and God will miraculously save you from eternal judgment and give you God the Holy Spirit to live in you!
If your answer is no to this question, you will be judged along with all evil forever and ever!
I pray that we all say yes to God to do miraculous work on each one of us!
2nd question: Do I desire to be more and more like Jesus Christ?
What is Jesus Christ like you might ask?
Here some descriptions of Jesus Christ in the New Testament: Jesus Christ is the Advocate, the Anointed, the Atoning Sacrifice for Sins, the Author and Finisher of Faith, the Author of Eternal Salvation, the Author of Life, the Beginning and End, the Beloved Son, the Blessed Hope, the Bread of God, the Bread of Life, the Bright and Morning Star, the Chief Cornerstone, the Chief Shepherd, the Chosen of God, the Deliverer, the Eternal Life, the Faithful and True, the Faithful Witness, the Fullness of the Godhead, the Good Shepherd, the Head of the Church, the Heir of all things, the Holy and Righteous One, the Horn of Salvation, the I AM, the Image of God, Immanuel, the Judge, the King of Kings, the Lamb of God, the Light of the World, the Lion of Judah, the Living Bread, the Living Stone, Lord of All, the Mediator, the Only Begotten Son, the Passover Lamb, the Power of God, the Prince of Life, the Resurrection and Life, the Righteous One, the Spiritual Rock, the Teacher, the Temple, The First and the Last, The Life, The Truth, The Way, the True Bread From Heaven, the True Light, the True Vine, the Wisdom of God, the Word of God, and the Word of Life!
Why would one not want to be like Jesus Christ?
God wants us to be just like Jesus Christ and God is doing His part!
God is at work right now for the Christian. What must we Christians do?
Simply, Christians must yield to God the Holy Spirit. God is the Potter; Christians are the clay! Are we yielding to God’s work in us or are we resisting?
How do we yield to God the Holy Spirit?
1. Always confess your sins and repent from them!
2. Study God’s Word and worship Jesus daily!
3. Say no to sin and yes to God’s Word!
4. Pray, Pray, Pray!
