Outline.
1. Who can be against us?
2. Who can accuse us?
3. Who can alienate us?
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing three important ideas which should give each of us hope and certainty regarding our present lives; and hope of eternity. Our text is encapsulated in some very important promises. First, the chapter begins with: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1. Further, we are advised: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together,” Romans 8:14-17. Finally, Paul writes: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28. Paul will affirm three things that permit us to know that this statement is true regarding our position in Christ.
2. First, he assures: “that if God be for us, no one can be against us?" Notice: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” See Romans 8:31-32. If you believe as I, that He is in complete control of all things, then nothing which happens in our lives is by chance; but either ordered, directed, or permitted, and overseen by His watchful eyes. Some see life like Jacob: "All these things are against me," Genesis 42:36. But the saint knows that “if God be for us, nothing can be against us!” Jesus had to remind Pilot: "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it was given thee from above," John 19:11. We must then conclude, God is still in control; and he shall take care of me, mine, thine and thee.
3. Second, he advises: “if God be for us, no one can accuse us?” Notice: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us,” Romans 8:33-34. The evil one can no longer accuse us, nor can anyone else. God is on our side; He has called us into His glory. Paul declares: "He hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation," Acts 17:26. To His people Israel in Babylon Jehovah said: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected (hope in your latter) end," Jeremiah 29:11. Jehovah had thoughts to peace and hope for His people after their return from exile. Sin and disobedience lead them into captivity; but God’s love will forgive and return them once again to the city of Jerusalem; the holy city of God.
4. Finally, he affirms: “if God be for us, no one can alienate us?” No one can separate us from the love of Christ. He writes: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:35-38. David admonishes us in the Psalms: “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me,” Psalms 56:11. Nothing is able to separate us from the “love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.” For there abideth, “faith, hope and charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity,” 1 Corinthians 13:13.
BODY OF LESSON
I WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
A. God's providence. First Paul asks: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" This statement looks back to the proceeding verses, Romans 8:28-30. Where the text outlines the providence of God: "For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose," Romans 8:28. Notice:
1. First, the basis of God's providence is our returned love for Him. Out of the abundance of our love; or His knowledge of it, He provides for; and is at work to ensure that every eventuality of life will turn out to our good, in our favor, to our edification, and strengthening.
a. The promise here is not that everything that happens to us will be good; but, that whatever the event, God will work out of it good in our lives. It was not good that Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt; but God worked good of it to him, Israel and the nation of Egypt.
b. Hear Joseph words to his brothers: “Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life…And, to preserve… posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance,” Genesis 45:4-7.
c. Jehovah was able to work good to all, as a result, of the wrong Joseph’s brothers had done to him. We have God’s promise to work to our good everything that may occur in our lives. Our God is able!
2. Further, it doesn't appear all things are good; which comes upon us, tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, perils or sword! But we are not forgotten, nor have we been abandoned. Paul says it like this: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed," 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. God is on our side in all things that might come into our lives. Hear David: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” Psalms 34:19. We thank thee, O’ Lord!
3. Finally, Paul writes: "For I reckon that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," Romans 8:18. For God will work all things out to our good!
B. God's purpose. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren," Romans 8:29. Notice:
1. First, here is another reason why we can be certain God is on our side. We have been called according to his purpose! That is, that we might conform to the very image of Jesus Christ in all purity and godliness.
2. Further, as Christ took on our likeness; and willing humbled himself on our behalf. Our heavenly Father has purposed that we take on His likeness; and be lifted up in his glory. As a result of our love and obedience to His call of grace and mercy through the gospel of Christ.
3. Finally, Peter: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us to his glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust," 2 Peter 1:3-4. Peter stresses:
a. We have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness.
b. We have been called unto His glory and virtue.
c. We are given exceeding great and precious promises.
d. We are made partakes of the divine nature (the image of Christ).
e. The apostle Paul reminds us:
1) First, that "We have put one the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him," Colossians 3:10.
2) Further, "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," Ephesians 4:24.
3) Finally, "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly," 1 Corinthians 15:49.
f. We have escaped the corruption of the world through lust. Paul instructs the Galatians: “(Christ) who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father,” Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
C. God's plan. "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified," Romans 8:30. Notice:
1. First, "And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," 1 Corinthians 6:11. Notice also Ephesians 1:4-6.
2. Further, this declaration is a lot different than presented by some of the religious groups. Paul declares the only thing God has predestined (determined beforehand) is that we "should conform to the image of His Son," Romans 8:29a. The message is not that some would be saved and others lost. We are predestined (God has fore determined) that we (those He called; those He justified; and those He glorified) should be conformed to the very image and likeness of Christ. As Christ took on the earthly; God has pre-determined or predestinated that we should take on the “image of the heavenly.” That we should “put off the corruptible for incorruption; put off the mortal for immortality” when our “change is come” at the appearance of Jesus Christ our Lord, 1 Corinthians 15:48-57.
3. Finally, that “He might be the firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29b. Here Paul speaks of the firstborn, Gr: prototokos, “meaning, the firstborn of man or beast; of Christ, the firstborn of all creation,” Colossians 1:15; Colossians 1:18.
a. Christ’s resurrection and triumphant overcoming of death and hell, is a promise to all that conform to His image, that we shall in like manner be raised to the same glory and honor, Revelations 1:17-18.
b. Paul says: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself,” Philippians 3:20-21. Our tabernacle though it was “sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body…Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterwards that which is spiritual,” 1 Corinthians 15:44-46; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Peter 1:13-15.
c. John writes: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” 1 John 3:2.
d. Paul again: “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly,” 1 Corinthians 15:48-49. Illustrate: The First Man Adam; The Second Man the Lord.
e. Illustrate: The resurrected body. We shall be just like Jesus, Luke 24:36-43. We shall be glorified in the heavens, with Christ, Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:2-4.
D. God's provision. Now with a burst of assurance and praise Paul asks: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
1. First, we have seen God's providence, His purpose and plan for our life; now let’s notice His provision to bring about his plan. Listen to Paul: "He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things," Romans 8:32. You question God’s love and grace; you wonder about His providence; His purpose and plan for our lives? You question His promises? Look at His provisions for our salvation. He gave His only Son. He delivered Him up for us all!
2. Further, "But God commendeth...much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life," Romans 5:8-10.
3. Finally, John: "Greater love hath no man than this...Henceforth I call you not servants: for a servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made know unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," John 15:13-16.
4. Illustrate: Abraham’s gift of his son. He freely gave God his only son, the son of promise, Genesis 22. Let’s notice the similarity of Abraham’s gift of his son unto God, as a type of Christ. Notice:
a. He spared not his only son, Isaac.
b. He delivered (offered) up Isaac, to God.
c. He withheld not his son Isaac, from God.
d. He obeyed the voice of God.
e. How shall he not freely give God all other things!
f. When he gave Isaac his only son unto God.
g. Because of this act of faith and obedience:
1) All nations of the earth shall be blessed.
2) He had obeyed the voice of God:
a) Offer thy son, thy only son unto me, Genesis 22:2.
b) You have not withheld thy son from me, Genesis 22:12.
c) You have done this thing, Genesis 22:16.
d) You have obeyed my voice, Genesis 22:16-18.
E. God's pleasure. Paul continues, "How shall he (God) not with him freely give us all things?" See Romans 8:32b. If he gave his Son for you; why shouldn't he give unto us all other things? Since we have now become his sons and daughters, through Jesus Christ, who freely gave his life that we might become His prize possession; and the completion of his divine plan and purpose? We need only to ask in prayer! Notice:
1. First, Jesus said: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint," Luke 18:1. Pray for deliverance; justice and for vindication; but not for vengeance! Don’t lash out; cry out! Don’t die out; cry out! Luke 18:2-8 Read if time permits. There is power in prayer. Illustrate: Elias Prayer, James 5:17-18.
2. Further, Pau writes: "Be anxious four nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God," Philippians 4:6-7.
3. Finally, Jesus again: "Ask and it shall be given you,” Matthew 7:7-8.
4. Illustrate: A good Father, Matthew 7:9-11. He knows what your needs are; He will provide for your good. Our problem is, that we ask of Him not in faith, and “ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lust,” James 1:6-8; James 4:3. We will consider next, that the Holy Spirit intercedes to God on our behalf, but only in the things that are according to the will of God, Romans 8:26-27.
II WHO CAN ACCUSE US?
A. Secondly, Paul asks, "If God be for us." Who is it that could or would bring accusation against the righteous of God? Surely not our heavenly Father; for he hath justified us. Shall Jesus? No, for he died and rose to justify, and now lives to intercede on our behalf. Shall the Spirit? No, he helps in our prayers; and intercedes for us. Shall Satan? No, for the accuser of God's people has been cast down; and we have overcome the devil, and shall overcome all other adversaries. Notice:
1. First, Paul inscribes: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," Romans 8:1. Christ’s suffering, death, burial and resurrection were necessary that he might “put away sins and its condemnation forever,” Romans 8:2-4. Notice Paul again: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.
2. Further, John writes: "But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood," 1 John 1:7. Clearly, we are in need of cleansing as we walk and live in the Spirit.
3. Next, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:9.
4. Finally, David says: "God does not impute our sins to our account." Notice:
a. "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin," Romans 4:6-8.
b. Also, "Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offence, and was raised again for our justification," Romans 4:23-25.
c. David again: “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee,” Psalms 51:9-13.
B. The Father will not accuse us, or condemn us, for it was He that devised the plan to justify us. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth," Romans 8:33. Notice:
1. First, who will bring accusation to God against us? They cannot be successful, because God has purposed, planned, and provided for your salvation. It is He that hath justified you. He is on our side. You are his Elect, you are His chosen. He has called, justified, and glorified you!
2. Further, There can be no election apart from the obedience of faith and the blood of Jesus! Note: "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied," 1 Peter 1:2. Notice also, Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
3. Finally, it is God that justifieth. Ye are God's Elect. Note; "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remissions of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:24-26. Your heavenly Father will not condemn you.
C. Christ will not condemn. "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is raised again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us," Romans 8:34. Jesus was delivered up for our sins, and raised for our justification. Why would He condemn you? Seeing Christ also liveth to intercede on our behalf. For Christ, “who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us,” Romans 8:34. Notice:
1. First, "Who was delivered for our offence, and was raised again for our justification," Romans 4:25.
2. Further, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them," Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2.
3. Finally, He makes intercessions for us; after purchasing our eternal salvation, Hebrews 9:22-24; Hebrews 9:8-12; and Hebrews 10:12-14; Hebrews 10:17-18. Illustrate: Figure of the true.
D. The Spirit will not condemn thee. He also intercedes on our behalf. The word intercede, Gr: entygchanô; means, to intercede in behalf of another:—or to make intercession for another.
1. First, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered," Romans 8:26-27. (The Holy Spirit confers with; entreat (in favor or against):—deal with, and makes intercession on our behalf). He is our intercessor.
2. Further, "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Now this intercession which the Spirit makes in His contact is:
a. With groanings that cannot be uttered. The strength and fervency of those desires which the Holy Spirit works are hereby intimated. There may be praying in the Spirit where there is not a word spoken; as Moses prayed, Exodus 14:15, and Hannah, 1 Samuel 1:13. It is not the rhetoric and eloquence, but the faith and fervency, of our prayers, that the Spirit works, as an intercessor, in us. Cannot be uttered; they are so confused, the soul is in such a hurry with temptations and troubles, we know not what to say, nor how to express ourselves. Here is the Spirit interceding with groans that cannot be uttered. When we can but cry, Abba, Father, and refer ourselves to him with a holy humbled boldness, this is the work of the Spirit.
b. According to the will of God. The Spirit in the heart never contradicts the Spirit in the word. Those desires that are contrary to the will of God do not come from the Spirit. The Spirit interceding in us evermore alters our wills into the will of God. Jesus: “Not as I will, but as thou wilt,” Matthew 26:34.
3. Next, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father,” Galatians 4:4-7.
4. Finally, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together,” Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16-17.
E. Satan cannot condemn us. Behold, beloved he has been cast down, and can no longer appear in the presence of God to accuse the saints. Illustrate: Job and Satan Job 2:1-3; Job 2:6. Notice:
1. First, hear John: "And they overcome him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death," Revelations 12:9-11.
2. Further, Paul: "for we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," Romans 8:37. We have overcome the devil; and shall continue to be victorious.
3. Finally, Jesus: "Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life," John 5:24.
III WHO CAN ALIENATE US?
A. Then lastly the apostle asks: "If God be for us, who can alienate or separate us?" The word separate, Gr: chorizo, means to “to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away:—depart, put asunder, separate.” Paul asks:
1. First, “Can death, sword or any evil that man may devise, separate us from the love of Christ?” Christ’s love has transcended every barrier, crossed every line, encompasses every generation, includes every nationality, and covers every sin.
2. Further, Peter writes: " And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4:8.
3. Next, James: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins,” James 5:20.
4. Additionally, Paul: "And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity," 1 Corinthians 13:13.
5. Finally, when faith has seen us home, and hope shall be no more; love will abide forever.
B. Love has called us; it shall keep us, and forever provide for our necessities. Here abides a love that understands our weaknesses; that willingly forgives our sins and transgressions, which withholds all condemnation; and patiently awaits our total maturity in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is a love, which ever seeks our highest good. It is a love that never faileth. Regarding this love, Paul writes:
1. First, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
2. Further, “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God,” Ephesians 3:18-19. John: “We love Him, because he first loved us,”1 John 4:19.
3. Finally, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren,” 1 John 3:16; John 3:16; John 15:12-14.
C. Who shall separate us? Paul asks: "Who shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecutions, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter," Romans 8:35-36. Can the trials of life; the temptation that seems to triumph in my weakness alienates me from the love of Christ? Will God love me less; though in weakness I shame him or the church? Would he welcome me back with open arms, just as he did when I first obeyed the gospel? Will he love me less because of my sins? No, he will love me no less!
D. We are more than conquerors. "Nay, in all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," Romans 8:37. Notice:
1. First, trials may come, but we shall prevail. Accusations may be hurled, but we shall triumph. Death may claim us and our beloved; but love shall never fail. Our Lord’s words: "In the world ye shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world," John 16:33.
2. Further, John, "And this is the victory what overcometh the world, even our faith," 1 John 5:4.
3. Finally, "Ye are of God, little children and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world," 1 John 4:4. Illustrate: Robes of Victory, Revelations 7:9-17.
E. I am persuaded, I know. Hear Paul: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," Romans 8:38-39. Paul to Timothy: "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day," 2 Timothy 1:12.
CONCLUSION:
A. Outline.
1. Who can be against us?
2. Who can accuse us?
3. Who can alienate us?
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, he assured: “that if God be for us, no one can be against us?" Notice: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” See Romans 8:31-32. If you believe as I, that He is in complete control of all things, then nothing which happens in our lives is by chance; but either ordered, directed, or permitted, and overseen by His watchful eyes. Some see life like Jacob: "All these things are against me," Genesis 42:36. But the saint knows that “if God be for us, nothing can be against us!” Jesus had to remind Pilot: "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it was given thee from above," John 19:11. We must then conclude, God is still in control; and he shall take care of me, mine, thine and thee.
2. Second, he advised: “if God be for us, no one can accuse us?” Notice: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us,” Romans 8:33-34. The evil one can no longer accuse us, nor can anyone else. God is on our side; He has called us into His glory. Paul declares: "He hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitation," Acts 17:26. To His people Israel in Babylon Jehovah said: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected (hope in your latter) end," Jeremiah 29:11. Jehovah had thoughts to peace and hope for His people after their return from exile. Sin and disobedience lead them into captivity; but God’s love will forgive and return them once again to the city of Jerusalem; the holy city of God.
3. Finally, he affirmed: “if God be for us, no one can alienate us?” No one can separate us from the love of Christ. He writes: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:35-38. David admonishes us when he writes: “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me,” Psalms 56:11. Nothing is able to separate us from the “love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.” For now, there abideth, “faith, hope and charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity,” 1 Corinthians 13:13.
C. Invitation. "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11
E. Motivate. "With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: Save yourself from this untoward generation," Acts 2:40.
