More Than Conquerors Rom. 8:37
INTRO.: There are some things in life we cannot change. We say we can’t do anything about the weather and perhaps this is so, but we can do things to make it easier to live with the weather we have. When its cold, we can put on a coat. When it rains, a raincoat helps. These things don’t change the weather, but enable us to survive and carry on our activities.
Jesus recognized this in His intercessory prayer for His disciples recorded in John 17:15. "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
Our Scripture passage indicates Christians must live in the midst of trials and sorrow, but they needn’t be overcome by it. We can be more than conquerors because we belong to God.
I. Our challenges, called "these things:"
A. Verse 35 contains a very comprehensive list:. Let’s look at the words
1. "Trouble" - pressure that burdens the spirit. We call it stress.
2. "Hardship" - literally "a narrow place." The world closing in on us.
3. "Persecution" - pursuit by the enemy. Active opposition.
4. "Famine" - deep physical need with no relief in sight.
5. "Peril" - danger threatening one’s very life.
6. "Sword" - violence, dissension. Even death or threat of death.
B. These things do happen to God’s people:
1. Paul quotes Ps. 44:22 to show God’s people have always been subject to these things.
2. We don’t need the Bible to tell us we have problems. We need it to tell us God knows and cares.
3. We have all known Christians who suffered terrible disasters. We can give examples.
C. The greatest danger is not in being hurt or killed, but in being separated from God.
1. We can bear almost anything if some loved one stands by us and gives support.
2. Nothing is worse than being alone in a time of disaster.
3. But, to be separated from God is to be separated from the very source of life and happiness.
4. Job is a great example. He lost everything he had except his connection to God. That brought him through all his disaster.
II. Our Savior: "Him that loved us."
A. He loved us and died for us: Eph. 5:2
1. His sacrifice is the supreme proof of His love.
2. He is Captain of our salvation. A leader who doesn’t ask His people to do what He wouldn’t do Himself. Heb. 2:10
3. In all our distress, we need to center our focus on Jesus. He will get us through.
4. ILLUS.: The Master’s Face" Out of My Treasure II" p. 16
B. He gives us hope of glory. Rom. 8:18
1. The soul will triumph as long as there is hope of a better future.
2. God has great things in store for us to make us forget all the suffering and tribulation of life.
3. It seems God put sorrow and suffering in this world so we would hope for something better and turn to Him for salvation. Rom. 8:19-25
C. He is our assurance God will give us "all things." 32
1. This means all that pertains to life and godliness.
2. Since God went so far to give His Son, we know He will not allow us to lack for anything else.
3. He promises to live within us, intercede for us, and raise us from the dead.
III. Our victory: "more than conquerors:"
A. God promises overwhelming victory through faith.
1. Verses 38, 39 list the most powerful ideas and forces we could face in this life.
2. Yet, they are powerless against the love of God for His children.
3. No matter what comes our way, we may be sure of the ultimate victory through Jesus. "I have overcome the world." Jn. 16:33
B. The victory comes only through the love of God.
1. Our enemies and trials are much too powerful for us alone.
2. ILLUS.: Poem: "Jesus and I"
C. God has always given His people victory:
1. In the worst tragedy to date, Noah won the victory because he found grace in the Lord’s eyes.
2. All the evil world was destroyed, but God’s people survived to start over again.
CONC.: Story of Sennecherib’s army. II Chr. 32:1-20 and II Kings 19. The king of Assyria came against Jerusalem with an enormous army. He had enjoyed many victories against other nations. He was confident. God’s prophet Isaiah and His king, Hezekiah were more than conquerors because God gave them the victory. God will always be with His people.
In all of life’s struggles, remember, the victory has already been won for you. God is on your side and, ultimately, you will enjoy victory with Him. We serve a mighty God.
Jesus and I
I cannot do it alone; The waves run fast and high,
And the fogs close chill around;
And the light goes out in the sky.
But I know that we two shall win in the end-Jesus and I
I cannot row it myself;
my boat on the raging sea.
But beside me sits another
who pulls or steers with me.
And I know that we two shall come into port;
His child and He.
Coward and wayward and weak;
I change with the changing sky.
Today so eager and brave,
tomorrow not caring to try.
But He never gives in so we two shall win;
Jesus and I
Dan Crawford
