We Are Worth It
May 12, 2019 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: God loves us so much that nothing can separate us from Him.
Focus Passage: Romans 8:31-39
Supplemental Passage: Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)
Introduction: About a week ago, I posted “For my friends who have been going through the ringer lately: don’t give up! Keep going! Don’t let the devil win! God is in control!” on FaceBook. I did this with some specific friends in mind. I had such an overwhelming response that I posted it in a couple of pastor groups, too. In all of those groups, people responded with things like “wow. I really needed that right now. thanks.” That got me thinking. We all need to know that! So, with that in mind, I’ve expanded those thoughts into an entire message of encouragement for those who have been going through the ringer lately. Don’t give up! Keep Going! Don’t let the devil win! God is in control!
I. God Is For Us
a. He did not spare His own Son
b. SINCE God is for us, does it even matter who is against us?
c. The world is certainly against us, but what does that matter?
II. Nothing Can Separate Us
a. If we are in Christ Jesus, God no longer condemns us, but justifies us!
b. That does not mean difficult things won’t happen to us. Look at verses 35 and 36
c. Even those difficult things may happen, they won’t separate us from God
III. God Values Us
a. Illustration of a Twenty dollar bill (or any other denomination). Take one out and ask who wants it. Let the volunteer come up. But before giving it to them, wad it up, stomp on it, throw it down, abuse it a little and ask if they still want it. Ask them why they still want it. Emphasize that even though it has been abused, it hasn’t lost its value. Relate that to us. (let them have the money)
b. If God values us, isn’t that all that matters?
Application/Invitation: Have you been feeling defeated lately? Have the burdens of the world gotten you down? The Bible says that we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS! Wow! MORE THAN CONQUERORS! That is incredible! Since God is for us, does it even matter who can be against us? Give up the thoughts of defeat and claim the victory that is yours through Jesus Christ! He has already won the battle!
