1. Irrational Fear: Several years ago, a freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair with a scientific survey that he conducted. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of a chemical known as "Dihydrogen monoxide" because:
1. It can cause excessive sweating and vomiting.
2. It is a major component in acid rain.
3. It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state.
4. Accidental inhalation can kill you.
5. It contributes to erosion.
6. It decreases the effectiveness of automobile brakes.
7. It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients.
Then he asked 50 people if they support a ban of this particular chemical.
43 said yes; 6 were undecided; and only one knew that the chemical is ... water. (2 molecules of Hydrogen/ 1 of oxygen); When you know the answer, the question seems silly. You might become afraid of water… that is… IF you didn’t know any better. But when you know better, the fear seems irrational.
2. It is easy for us to develop an irrational fear of God and forget how much He cares for us and how much He has done for us.
3. Romans 8:31-39
. . . . 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I. If God Is For Us We Have Victory (Romans 8:31):
A. No Enemy Can Defeat Us Romans 8:31-32; 38-39
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. This includes accusations – Satan is the “Accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10)
2. This includes attack – Ephesians 6:10-11, 16 (note “all)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
3. Signs of Defeat
• Discouragement
• Apathy
• Compromise
• Works of the Flesh not Fruit of the Spirit
• Hate instead of Love
• Fear instead of Courage
B. No Trouble Shall Distract Us (Romans 8:35-36)
In 1846 former president John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke. Although he returned to Congress the following year, his health was clearly failing. Daniel Webster described his last meeting with Adams: "Someone, a friend of his, came in and asked about his health. Adams answered, 'I inhabit a weak, frail, decayed tenement; battered by the winds and broken in upon by the storms, and from all I can learn, the landlord does not intend to repair.'"
1. What are your biggest troubles?
2. Tendency to Run in times of trouble – James 1:2-4
C. No Good Thing is Diverted from Us (Romans 8:32)
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
1. Grace and Generosity of God
2. Take care as spoiled Americans not to misuse this – not
D. No Gain is Too Distant from Us Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
1. More than conquerors through Jesus Romans 8:33-34
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
2. More than conquerors through His work within us Romans 8:26-28
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. . . .
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
II. If God Is For Us We Are More Than Conquerors by (Romans 8:37):
A. Preparation
1. “Day of Preparation” in Feasts also to meet trials
2. Plan ahead to remember God loves/cares/unlike any other
B. Perseverance
1. [The “runner’s high” comes when they get their second wind. They have to keep running through the pain and discomfort to get there.
2. Hebrews 12:1-3
C. Prayer
1. More than a shopping list
2. Presence of God – “Seek His face, then His hand.”
D. Providence – Joseph in Egypt Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. “You sold me, but God sent me.”
1. Jesus’ Victory in Gethsemane; Cross; Tomb
2. Gives Victory to Us – Death and Sin
3. Every day Victories
