Focus Passage: Romans 8:35-39 (Key verse – 37)
Supplemental Passage: John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Introduction: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” - Declaration of Independence
Happiness vs Joy, too many people go to church to try to be happy and are often discourage and confused by the outcome. Joy comes from knowing and doing the will of God through Jesus Christ.
I. Satan is a liar (Matt 8:44 He … does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”)
a. We listen to him
b. We allow his lies to separate us (in our minds) from the love of God
II. We are adopted children of God (John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,)
a. We are not bound to Satan’s lies
b. We can know the Truth and the Truth will set us free
III. Because of Jesus, we are more than conquerors (vs 37)
a. We can have joy in suffering, victory in defeat, riches in poverty, hope in despair,
b. Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
c. 1Jn 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Invitation: Stop listening to Satan and believing his lies. Start listening to God and believing His Word!
