WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.300 In Romans chapter 5 and verse 1, we read these words, 00:00:03.700 --> 00:00:11.740 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:18.580 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. 00:00:19.140 --> 00:00:23.719 And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 00:00:24.519 --> 00:00:25.740 Let us pray. 00:00:26.580 --> 00:00:28.980 Our Father in heaven, we thank you for your word. 00:00:29.460 --> 00:00:33.520 Your word which testifies that you are for us and not against us. 00:00:33.980 --> 00:00:37.980 Your word that testifies that Jesus now is God with us, 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:41.880 and that the Holy Spirit has now come to dwell in us. 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:46.200 Our Father, we pray that we would hear your voice speaking to us, 00:00:46.400 --> 00:00:51.740 that we would heed your voice, and that we would trust you and follow you wherever you go. 00:00:52.120 --> 00:00:54.900 We thank you for the word of God. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:57.000 We thank you for the people of God. 00:00:57.000 --> 00:01:00.100 And we thank you for the work of the gospel, 00:01:00.719 --> 00:01:04.879 that work that is taking place in each of the lives of your people, 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:10.460 and that work which is reaching people who are not yet trusting in Jesus. 00:01:10.939 --> 00:01:12.840 So we bring our prayers before you. 00:01:12.939 --> 00:01:16.240 We thank you for this access that brings us into your presence, 00:01:16.240 --> 00:01:21.140 that we have through Jesus this peace with you, our God, 00:01:21.140 --> 00:01:25.700 and this access through faith into the grace in which we now stand. 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:28.019 We pray for our church family. 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:30.659 We pray for everyone connected to it. 00:01:30.980 --> 00:01:36.439 We pray for each individual member of that family and each of their individual families. 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:38.900 Lord, you know them each one and you love them. 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:43.319 It's our prayer that they would know your blessing and presence in their lives. 00:01:43.319 --> 00:01:47.899 We pray for everyone involved in the work of ministry. 00:01:48.459 --> 00:01:53.259 We thank you for the service that Kellen provides every week with the music. 00:01:53.739 --> 00:01:56.919 We thank you for James' preaching and teaching ministry. 00:01:57.459 --> 00:02:00.979 And we pray that he and Vicki would have a good break over the summer. 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:05.979 For Sebastian and Casper, that as a family, they might know your presence and encouragement. 00:02:05.980 --> 00:02:13.400 And for each one of us, might we all have a time of rest and refreshment with our families, with friends, 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:17.020 and that you would comfort us and encourage us and strengthen us. 00:02:17.420 --> 00:02:22.379 As we pray for our church and our church family, we pray too for our community. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:27.860 We pray for the city of Edinburgh, the nation of Scotland, the peoples of this world. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:33.240 As we realize the great blessing that it is that you are for us, 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:38.980 and that we have access to you through Jesus, that we are now at peace with you. 00:02:39.420 --> 00:02:45.620 We ask, Lord, that your word would go forth, whether through the internet or person to person, 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:49.140 and that those who do not yet know would come to know. 00:02:49.360 --> 00:02:51.880 That those who have not yet heard would come to hear. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:58.460 And those who have not yet trusted would come to place their faith and trust in your Son, the Lord Jesus. 00:02:58.919 --> 00:03:04.719 So we give you thanks that you are with us, that you are in us, and that you are for us. 00:03:04.979 --> 00:03:08.120 And we ask, Lord, that you would remind us that in Jesus Christ, 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:11.979 we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:15.400 Because we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:20.960 Our reading today comes from Romans chapter 8, 00:03:20.960 --> 00:03:25.860 and we'll pick up reading at verse 18, and we'll read down to the end of the chapter. 00:03:29.120 --> 00:03:36.159 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:41.819 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:47.600 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, 00:03:48.020 --> 00:03:50.500 but by the will of the one who subjected it. 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:56.680 In hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay 00:03:56.680 --> 00:04:01.400 and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 00:04:02.060 --> 00:04:08.520 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:12.960 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, 00:04:13.240 --> 00:04:22.160 groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:28.800 For in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is no hope at all. 00:04:29.400 --> 00:04:31.819 Who hopes for what they already have? 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:36.139 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 00:04:36.540 --> 00:04:39.659 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:48.000 We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:52.680 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, 00:04:53.220 --> 00:04:57.779 because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. 00:04:58.300 --> 00:05:02.980 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 00:05:03.300 --> 00:05:06.199 who have been called according to his purpose. 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:12.339 For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, 00:05:12.339 --> 00:05:17.779 that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 00:05:18.619 --> 00:05:21.119 And those he predestined, he also called. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:23.459 Those he called, he also justified. 00:05:24.159 --> 00:05:27.739 Those he justified, he also glorified. 00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:31.179 What then shall we say in response to these things? 00:05:31.659 --> 00:05:34.359 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:05:34.539 --> 00:05:38.679 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:44.579 how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:49.220 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? 00:05:50.040 --> 00:05:52.100 It is God who justifies. 00:05:52.900 --> 00:05:55.340 Who then is the one who condemns? 00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:03.000 No one, Christ Jesus, who died, more than that, who was raised to life, 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:07.040 is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:10.500 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:06:11.100 --> 00:06:17.340 Shall trouble, or hardship, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:23.320 As it is written, for your sake we face death all day long. 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:25.920 We are considered a sheep to be slaughtered. 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:32.160 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:06:32.160 --> 00:06:37.760 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, 00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:43.180 neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 00:06:43.820 --> 00:06:47.200 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, 00:06:47.580 --> 00:06:54.060 will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:06:55.040 --> 00:06:55.580 Amen. 00:06:55.940 --> 00:06:59.700 And may God add his own blessing to this reading of his word. 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:05.699 Well, let's turn together to those words at the very end of Romans chapter 8, 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:08.860 where Paul says these remarkable words. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:09.740 He says, 00:07:10.039 --> 00:07:13.800 What then shall we say in response to these things? 00:07:14.339 --> 00:07:19.240 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:23.560 We might be inclined to say, 00:07:23.960 --> 00:07:26.879 it's not a particularly good time to be a Christian. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:31.620 The church is numerically small and is divided. 00:07:32.400 --> 00:07:33.740 There are cultural divisions. 00:07:33.980 --> 00:07:35.300 There are theological divisions. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:39.000 Some take the message of Jesus and add to it. 00:07:39.519 --> 00:07:42.439 Others take the message of Jesus and take away from it. 00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:48.379 Some try to make this message more palatable to the culture that surrounds it. 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:53.860 We can also say that the culture itself is not particularly sympathetic. 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:59.180 It's strangely tolerant of all things, 00:07:59.300 --> 00:08:02.819 but it seems completely intolerant to the Christian message. 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:06.360 So politically, socially, economically, 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:11.180 Christians and the Christian church are finding the going tough. 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:13.500 They are not in the ascendancy. 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:14.939 They are not the powerful. 00:08:15.480 --> 00:08:16.459 They are not the movers. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:17.600 They are not the shakers. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:19.500 And if we're honest, 00:08:19.660 --> 00:08:22.819 it looks like things might get worse before they get better. 00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:25.819 Now, if Walter Cronkite, 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:29.600 the famous CBS anchorman for CBS News, 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:30.220 were to say, 00:08:30.960 --> 00:08:32.200 and that's the way it is. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:33.879 City of Rome, 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:35.720 57 AD, 00:08:36.320 --> 00:08:37.200 long time ago. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:40.180 But that description sounds very contemporary. 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:41.900 It sounds very much like today. 00:08:42.400 --> 00:08:44.160 It's not an easy time to be a Christian. 00:08:44.820 --> 00:08:47.560 The culture in which we live professes to be tolerant, 00:08:47.900 --> 00:08:49.920 but in practice is rarely tolerant. 00:08:50.560 --> 00:08:53.100 The Christian church is not strong or numerous. 00:08:53.800 --> 00:08:55.160 And there are divisions, 00:08:55.280 --> 00:08:56.259 we have to be honest. 00:08:56.840 --> 00:08:59.360 So it seems like the going is tough, 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:01.220 and it's going to get tougher 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:04.220 in this process, 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:06.540 or in this life of following Jesus. 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:09.060 But what we're told here, 00:09:09.680 --> 00:09:11.340 as we begin with these words, 00:09:11.540 --> 00:09:13.080 God being for us, 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:14.980 what shall we say if God is for us? 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:15.860 Who can be against us? 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:18.420 And this passage continues by telling us 00:09:18.420 --> 00:09:20.440 that we are more than conquerors 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:23.460 through Christ who loved us. 00:09:23.980 --> 00:09:26.400 Now, we find this very difficult to accept. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:29.180 We can find it easy to accept 00:09:29.180 --> 00:09:31.120 that the Christian faith is marginalized. 00:09:31.800 --> 00:09:33.620 We can find it easy to accept 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:35.640 that the society is not sympathetic, 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:38.539 and that the Christian church is not vibrant, 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:40.059 and that individual Christians 00:09:40.059 --> 00:09:41.580 are not particularly strong. 00:09:41.799 --> 00:09:44.419 But sometimes we find it very difficult 00:09:44.419 --> 00:09:48.480 to accept when something positive is said. 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:51.519 I was listening to Radio 4 a few weeks ago, 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.539 and a psychiatrist was on, 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:56.120 and they said that 00:09:56.120 --> 00:09:58.139 for every one negative thing 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.399 we hear about ourselves, 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:01.539 it takes at least five positives 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:02.879 to balance that out. 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:04.860 Now, you might be inclined 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:06.240 to discount Radio 4. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:07.720 I encourage you not to. 00:10:07.799 --> 00:10:10.120 It's one of my favorite sources of news. 00:10:10.419 --> 00:10:11.460 You might be inclined 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.579 to discount modern psychiatry 00:10:13.579 --> 00:10:15.240 and your liberty to do so. 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:16.539 But just to give you 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:17.579 an interesting perspective, 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:19.759 the secular psychiatrist 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:21.379 said about five to one, 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:23.240 whereas Christian counselors 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:24.540 suggest that that number 00:10:24.540 --> 00:10:25.379 is much higher, 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:27.440 that the Christian needs to hear 00:10:27.440 --> 00:10:29.000 at least seven positives 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.620 for every one negative. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.920 So as followers of Jesus, 00:10:32.920 --> 00:10:34.440 we're far more likely 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:36.620 to believe negative things 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:37.520 about ourselves, 00:10:38.060 --> 00:10:40.080 negative things that others might say. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:42.740 We might believe the negative rhetoric 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:45.160 that the culture or the society 00:10:45.160 --> 00:10:46.660 has to say about us. 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:50.419 But Paul has something positive to say. 00:10:50.899 --> 00:10:51.980 And because we believe 00:10:51.980 --> 00:10:53.639 that the Bible is God's word, 00:10:53.899 --> 00:10:56.039 God has something positive to say. 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:57.579 He wants us to hear it. 00:10:57.919 --> 00:10:59.199 He wants us to believe it. 00:10:59.339 --> 00:11:01.100 And he wants us to live 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:03.500 in the light of this truth. 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:05.379 Because if we live 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:08.600 as those who are more than conquerors, 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:10.179 if we live as those 00:11:10.179 --> 00:11:12.199 for whom God is for them, 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:13.339 not against them, 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:15.720 our lives will be transformed. 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:18.120 Our church will be transformed. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:19.519 Our testimony, 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:20.660 the words that we say 00:11:20.660 --> 00:11:21.899 and the life that we live, 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:23.560 will be transformed. 00:11:24.160 --> 00:11:25.920 Because the alternative is, 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:27.460 we hear the negative 00:11:27.460 --> 00:11:29.680 and we live accordingly. 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:32.500 We hear those words of failure. 00:11:33.180 --> 00:11:34.240 And strangely enough, 00:11:34.720 --> 00:11:37.300 we find ourselves living as failures. 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:39.120 We find ourselves 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:40.040 not living as conquerors, 00:11:40.700 --> 00:11:42.220 but living as those who are conquered. 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:44.139 Not living as victors, 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:45.200 but living as those 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:46.519 who are vanquished. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:48.800 So whatever you might think 00:11:48.800 --> 00:11:49.480 this morning, 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:51.279 or whatever you might feel, 00:11:51.800 --> 00:11:53.200 now your thoughts are important 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:54.920 and your feelings are important, 00:11:54.920 --> 00:11:56.840 but I want to say this, 00:11:57.300 --> 00:11:59.060 that what God has to say 00:11:59.060 --> 00:12:00.200 about you 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:02.040 is more important 00:12:02.040 --> 00:12:03.639 than what the society 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:05.040 has to say about you, 00:12:05.300 --> 00:12:06.360 than what the culture 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:07.660 has to say about you, 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:10.139 and even what you have to say 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:11.299 about you. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:14.319 So when we look at the Bible, 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:16.379 particularly the New Testament, 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:19.199 there are two great redemptive events. 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:21.319 The first is the incarnation, 00:12:22.339 --> 00:12:24.039 that great word Emmanuel, 00:12:24.579 --> 00:12:26.600 God is with us. 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:29.559 The second great redemptive event 00:12:29.559 --> 00:12:31.600 is the Pentecost event, 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:33.459 the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:37.000 And that means that God is in us. 00:12:37.780 --> 00:12:39.580 We are temples of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:42.320 Jesus comes to dwell among us. 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:44.900 The Spirit is poured out at Pentecost, 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:46.660 and now the Spirit takes up 00:12:46.660 --> 00:12:49.280 residence in the human heart. 00:12:50.180 --> 00:12:51.759 Now John Wesley put this together 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:52.600 so helpfully. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:52.980 He said, 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:56.160 if any doctrines within the whole compass 00:12:56.160 --> 00:12:57.759 of Christianity 00:12:57.759 --> 00:13:00.980 may be properly termed fundamental, 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:03.040 they are doubtless these two. 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:05.219 The doctrine of justification 00:13:05.219 --> 00:13:06.879 and that of the new birth. 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.299 The former, 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.579 relating to that great work 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:12.139 which God does for us, 00:13:12.559 --> 00:13:14.620 and in forgiving our sins, 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:15.620 the latter, 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.019 to the great work 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:19.219 which God does in us. 00:13:19.839 --> 00:13:21.959 In renewing our character, 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.219 renewing our lives. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:26.299 So now we turn to Paul, 00:13:26.299 --> 00:13:28.779 and he wants to focus on these words, 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:30.639 God for us. 00:13:31.199 --> 00:13:32.219 Remember the incarnation? 00:13:32.220 --> 00:13:33.860 God with us. 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:35.139 The Holy Spirit? 00:13:35.660 --> 00:13:36.660 God in us. 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:39.200 Now the atoning work of Jesus. 00:13:39.800 --> 00:13:41.580 The work of Jesus on the cross, 00:13:41.920 --> 00:13:43.920 God for us. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.840 What shall we say? 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:46.940 How can we respond? 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:47.140 God? 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:49.240 In many ways, 00:13:49.320 --> 00:13:50.980 I teach theology, 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:53.760 and theology is an attempt 00:13:53.760 --> 00:13:55.040 to say something, 00:13:55.380 --> 00:13:57.260 to say something in response 00:13:57.260 --> 00:13:58.380 to these things, 00:13:58.600 --> 00:14:00.440 to say something in response 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:01.760 to what God has said, 00:14:01.880 --> 00:14:03.800 and to say something in response 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:04.740 to what God has done. 00:14:05.060 --> 00:14:06.740 Whatever we say is inadequate, 00:14:07.280 --> 00:14:09.800 but God has something to say to us. 00:14:10.160 --> 00:14:11.160 He wants us to hear it. 00:14:11.400 --> 00:14:12.580 He wants us to believe it, 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:14.280 and he wants us to live 00:14:14.280 --> 00:14:16.820 in the light of these truths. 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:19.379 God is for us. 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:20.840 If God is for us, 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:21.860 who can be against us? 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:23.639 Who is this us? 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:26.840 This us is that great numberless 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:28.420 group of people 00:14:28.420 --> 00:14:29.639 from the past, 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.139 the present, 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.160 and even into the future. 00:14:31.520 --> 00:14:32.660 From all different places, 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:34.220 all different cultures. 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:35.460 They're Jews. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.420 They're Gentiles. 00:14:36.520 --> 00:14:36.940 They're poor. 00:14:37.060 --> 00:14:37.520 They're rich. 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.480 They're northern. 00:14:38.640 --> 00:14:39.120 They're southern. 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:39.740 They're eastern. 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:40.460 They're western. 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:43.759 They are all different kinds of people 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:45.419 from all different kinds of places. 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:46.179 They're young, 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:46.940 and they're old, 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:47.539 and they're rich, 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.860 and they're educated. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:49.519 They're illiterate. 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:50.419 Whatever it might be. 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:52.580 But what I want you to see 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:54.519 is as we read this passage, 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.700 the Apostle Paul is using 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:57.759 an illustration. 00:14:58.299 --> 00:15:00.039 He's using a courtroom illustration 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:03.220 to illustrate this point. 00:15:04.060 --> 00:15:06.340 And he asks us three questions. 00:15:06.340 --> 00:15:07.780 And he, 00:15:08.180 --> 00:15:08.940 in so doing, 00:15:09.040 --> 00:15:09.780 he mirrors 00:15:09.780 --> 00:15:11.120 what is happening 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.460 in a criminal case. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:14.379 Because in a criminal case, 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:15.759 someone is in the dock. 00:15:16.300 --> 00:15:18.340 And the case will begin 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:21.139 with some form of accusation, 00:15:21.300 --> 00:15:22.620 some form of charge. 00:15:23.060 --> 00:15:24.280 He has done that. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:25.820 She has done that. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.160 Then the course, 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:29.000 the case will take its course, 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:30.280 and either the person 00:15:30.280 --> 00:15:30.800 is acquitted 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:31.660 and found innocent 00:15:31.660 --> 00:15:32.160 and dismissed, 00:15:32.160 --> 00:15:33.280 or the person 00:15:33.280 --> 00:15:34.139 is found guilty, 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:34.960 in which case 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:36.280 they are judged 00:15:36.280 --> 00:15:37.340 or condemned. 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:38.460 So you see, 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:39.879 a charge moves, 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.800 if accurate, 00:15:41.060 --> 00:15:42.340 to condemnation. 00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:44.519 And then condemnation 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.580 would then move 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.720 to some form 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.660 of separation. 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:50.879 So if a guilty person 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:51.920 is fined, 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:52.840 that means 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.920 some of their money 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:55.519 is separated from them. 00:15:55.920 --> 00:15:57.280 If a person 00:15:57.280 --> 00:15:58.000 is in prison, 00:15:58.100 --> 00:15:59.759 I work as a prison chaplain, 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:01.100 so I encounter 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:02.639 prisoners all the time. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:04.139 If somebody is in prison, 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.179 they are separated 00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:06.159 from their home. 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:07.000 They are separated 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:07.980 from their loved ones. 00:16:08.679 --> 00:16:10.159 And in a capital case, 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.919 where capital punishment 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:12.759 is allowed, 00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:14.960 the guilty party, 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.019 the condemned party, 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:17.240 could be separated 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.639 from life itself. 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:20.199 So with you, 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:20.799 very briefly, 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.439 I want to look at 00:16:21.439 --> 00:16:23.000 this magnificent passage 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:24.179 that may be precious 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:24.939 to many 00:16:24.939 --> 00:16:26.319 whom I'm speaking to, 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.319 but I'm aware 00:16:27.319 --> 00:16:27.980 that some 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.659 may never have read it before, 00:16:29.860 --> 00:16:30.799 or may have never 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.860 considered it before. 00:16:31.860 --> 00:16:33.379 But I want you 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:33.980 to hear 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.500 what God has to say 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:37.120 concerning those 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:38.460 for whom 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.320 he 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:40.639 has done 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:41.460 this great work. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:42.659 Those for whom 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:43.919 he is on their side. 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:45.820 Because the first question, 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:47.159 we see this, 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.360 that if God is for us, 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.419 who can be against us? 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.440 He who did not 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.440 spare his own son, 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.440 but gave him up 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:54.740 for us all, 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:56.360 how will he not also 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.399 along with him 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:58.399 graciously give us 00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:59.060 all things? 00:16:59.680 --> 00:17:00.220 So you see, 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:01.300 the Apostle Paul 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:02.019 is saying that 00:17:02.019 --> 00:17:04.480 in Jesus Christ, 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.700 God has given us 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.819 the most precious 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:08.059 gift he could give. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:10.120 And if he has given us 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:10.920 this gift, 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:12.440 the life of his son, 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:13.600 the death of his son, 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:14.539 the resurrection 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:15.440 of his son, 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:17.140 there is no limit 00:17:17.140 --> 00:17:19.240 to what he will do. 00:17:19.620 --> 00:17:20.640 There is no limit 00:17:20.640 --> 00:17:21.740 to what he will give. 00:17:21.799 --> 00:17:23.120 Because if he gives 00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:24.200 that which is greatest, 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.600 and if he gives that 00:17:25.600 --> 00:17:26.660 which is most precious, 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:30.100 he will be not likely 00:17:30.100 --> 00:17:31.580 to give any other gift 00:17:31.580 --> 00:17:34.320 or provide any other need. 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:35.900 So the first question 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:37.259 we see is in verse 33, 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:40.400 who will bring any charge 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.640 against those 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.740 whom God has chosen? 00:17:43.320 --> 00:17:45.180 So Paul is the great preacher, 00:17:45.620 --> 00:17:47.620 and he uses these 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:48.560 rhetorical devices, 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.519 question and answer. 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:51.060 So you hear a question, 00:17:51.060 --> 00:17:51.680 and you're brought 00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:52.580 into the talk. 00:17:53.040 --> 00:17:53.800 Who's going to bring 00:17:53.800 --> 00:17:54.400 a charge? 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.580 Who's going to bring 00:17:55.580 --> 00:17:56.480 a charge against 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.300 God's people, 00:17:57.440 --> 00:17:58.160 God's elect? 00:17:58.540 --> 00:17:59.380 And he goes on 00:17:59.380 --> 00:18:00.940 to answer, he says, 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:04.280 it is God who justifies. 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:06.840 So you might say 00:18:06.840 --> 00:18:07.720 there are many charges, 00:18:07.820 --> 00:18:08.360 and there might be 00:18:08.360 --> 00:18:09.580 many charges that are true. 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.519 There are many things 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.140 that I've done, 00:18:11.300 --> 00:18:11.880 said, or thought 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:13.240 that are wrong 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.519 and are culpable. 00:18:15.340 --> 00:18:17.900 But if God has justified, 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:19.880 Paul is saying 00:18:19.880 --> 00:18:20.940 there's no charge. 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:23.019 No charge can be made. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:24.839 No charge can stand. 00:18:25.379 --> 00:18:27.920 No charge can be prosecuted. 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:28.420 Why? 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:30.279 Because another has been 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:32.039 prosecuted in our place. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:33.859 Another has been charged 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:34.639 in our place. 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.559 And another, 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.759 ultimately, we see, 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:37.759 has been punished 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.720 in our place. 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.599 So if you're tuning in today 00:18:40.599 --> 00:18:41.859 and you're not yet a Christian, 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:43.339 you might know very little 00:18:43.339 --> 00:18:44.339 about the Christian faith, 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:46.859 the message of the Bible 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:48.960 is predominantly a message 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:50.339 concerning God 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:51.539 and his son. 00:18:52.179 --> 00:18:53.279 That God sent his son 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.079 into this world 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:55.220 to live, to die, 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:56.179 to rise again 00:18:56.179 --> 00:18:57.879 so that you and I 00:18:57.879 --> 00:18:58.919 could have life. 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:01.619 Jesus describes this 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.879 as life that is abundant 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:04.059 in John chapter 10, 00:19:04.359 --> 00:19:04.959 verse 10, 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.379 and life that is eternal 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:07.679 in John chapter 10, 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.539 verse 28. 00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:10.659 So life is on offer. 00:19:11.319 --> 00:19:13.399 But the reality of life 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.039 is this, 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.939 that we are guilty. 00:19:16.459 --> 00:19:17.939 We do things that are wrong. 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.200 We see things that are wrong. 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:20.500 We think things that are wrong. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:21.240 So therefore, 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.680 this idea of being charged 00:19:22.680 --> 00:19:23.120 connects. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:23.440 And we think, 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.840 well, there's much 00:19:24.840 --> 00:19:26.620 that I can be charged with. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.279 But Paul says, 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:30.059 who will bring any charge 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:31.200 against those 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.000 whom God has chosen? 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:32.740 Who can do it? 00:19:33.340 --> 00:19:34.320 The answer, of course, 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.460 is no one. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:38.420 No one can bring that charge. 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.080 Why? 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.559 Because Jesus 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:42.700 has taken the charge. 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:44.160 Jesus has stood 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:45.080 in our place. 00:19:45.600 --> 00:19:47.380 He has been declared guilty. 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:48.880 Remember those two charges 00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:50.280 that he was convicted 00:19:50.280 --> 00:19:52.280 of treason 00:19:52.280 --> 00:19:54.860 and he claimed to be a king 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:56.380 and he was accused of blasphemy 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.600 because he claimed to be God. 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:59.320 So he was accused 00:19:59.320 --> 00:20:01.240 of the most serious of crimes 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:03.100 and he was punished 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:04.240 and condemned 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.240 and was separated 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.420 from the land of the living. 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:11.140 So God is for us. 00:20:11.760 --> 00:20:13.280 So this charge, 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:14.600 charge number one, 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:16.100 who will bring any charge? 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:17.339 The answer is no one. 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:20.439 The second question, 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:22.459 who is he that condemns? 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:24.939 We see this in verse 30. 00:20:26.139 --> 00:20:27.539 Who is then the one 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.579 who condemns verse 34? 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:29.879 No one. 00:20:30.419 --> 00:20:31.679 Christ Jesus who died 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:32.639 more than that 00:20:32.639 --> 00:20:34.000 who was raised to life 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.879 is at the right hand of God 00:20:35.879 --> 00:20:38.359 and is also interceding for us. 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:40.199 So you move from a charge 00:20:40.199 --> 00:20:41.939 to a condemnation. 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:44.580 And the same problem exists 00:20:44.580 --> 00:20:46.400 because we are by nature guilty. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:49.820 So not only does the charge stick, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:52.080 but then the charge brings 00:20:52.080 --> 00:20:53.660 some form of condemnation. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.279 But Paul says, 00:20:54.360 --> 00:20:56.320 no, no charge will stand 00:20:56.320 --> 00:20:58.779 and no condemnation will happen. 00:20:59.220 --> 00:20:59.960 And why? 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:01.759 Why will no condemnation? 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:03.900 Because Jesus Christ, 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:05.120 Christ Jesus died 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:06.659 and he was raised. 00:21:06.979 --> 00:21:07.839 And more than that, 00:21:07.979 --> 00:21:10.899 he is at the right hand of God 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:13.399 and is interceding for us. 00:21:14.239 --> 00:21:14.779 You see, 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:16.859 it's all about Jesus. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:19.719 If we are united to Jesus, 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:21.539 if we are trusting in Jesus, 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:24.119 then all that pertains to him 00:21:24.119 --> 00:21:25.159 pertains to us. 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.159 His innocence, 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:26.859 his righteousness, 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:27.559 his goodness, 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:29.139 his obedience 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:31.119 becomes our innocence, 00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:31.979 our righteousness, 00:21:32.239 --> 00:21:32.979 our justification, 00:21:32.979 --> 00:21:34.019 our obedience. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:36.639 And all that pertains to us 00:21:36.639 --> 00:21:37.740 goes to him. 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:38.920 Our guilt, 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.339 our shame, 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:41.720 our failures, 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.700 all those negative things 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.619 that we are inclined 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:45.980 to believe about ourselves 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:47.680 go to his account. 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:49.500 He pays the price. 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:52.240 So who will make a charge? 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.059 No one. 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:54.879 Who will condemn? 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.220 No one. 00:21:56.879 --> 00:21:58.119 No charge can stand 00:21:58.119 --> 00:22:00.039 and no condemnation can stick. 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.619 Jesus died. 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:03.579 He rose. 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:05.839 He's seated at the right hand of God 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.759 and right now 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:08.879 he is praying for us. 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:11.099 Sometimes we don't pray for ourselves, 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:13.519 but he is praying for us. 00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:16.119 And the third question 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:17.240 that is asked 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:18.480 is in verse 35, 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:20.240 who shall separate us 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.420 from the love of Christ? 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.779 So that's the third question. 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:25.099 The charge. 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:26.339 Who can charge? 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.039 No one. 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:28.279 Who will accuse you? 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:28.900 No one. 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:30.019 Who can condemn? 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:30.900 No one. 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.600 Who will separate? 00:22:33.140 --> 00:22:33.880 No one. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:35.000 And nothing. 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:37.060 And the whole list here 00:22:37.060 --> 00:22:39.060 is just quite a remarkable list. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:41.560 Because the apostle tells us, 00:22:41.580 --> 00:22:42.019 he says, 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:44.060 shall trouble or hardship 00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:44.860 or persecution 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.800 or famine 00:22:45.800 --> 00:22:46.680 or nakedness 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:47.920 or danger or sword. 00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:50.519 All these external 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:52.140 and internal problems. 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:53.640 All these challenges 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.460 and difficulties. 00:22:55.040 --> 00:22:55.700 And he says, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:57.120 will they separate you? 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:58.519 And you might be inclined 00:22:58.519 --> 00:22:58.839 to say, 00:22:58.899 --> 00:23:00.000 yes, they will. 00:23:00.419 --> 00:23:01.619 There are many hardships 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:02.639 and many trials 00:23:02.639 --> 00:23:03.599 and many troubles 00:23:03.599 --> 00:23:05.199 and they are far greater 00:23:05.199 --> 00:23:05.919 than I am. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.479 And they are far greater 00:23:07.479 --> 00:23:08.299 than we are. 00:23:08.699 --> 00:23:11.039 They are far more powerful 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:12.500 and far stronger 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.599 than we could possibly be. 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:14.979 So our inclination 00:23:14.979 --> 00:23:15.919 is to agree 00:23:15.919 --> 00:23:17.299 that these enemies 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:19.000 are many and varied. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.439 But, 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:23.359 if Christ has died 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:25.139 and if Christ has risen 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:26.940 and if he is praying, 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:27.980 then the answer 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.020 to this third question 00:23:29.020 --> 00:23:30.080 is the same as the answer 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:31.300 to the first two questions. 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:33.120 No one will charge, 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.540 no one will condemn, 00:23:35.080 --> 00:23:36.060 and no one 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:36.720 and nothing 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.780 will separate us 00:23:37.780 --> 00:23:38.920 from the love of God 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:41.259 that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:43.220 No, in all these things 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:45.380 we are more than conquerors 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:47.920 through him who loved us. 00:23:48.860 --> 00:23:49.980 The apostle Paul 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:51.280 made up words 00:23:51.280 --> 00:23:52.280 in the Greek language 00:23:52.280 --> 00:23:54.500 to capture concepts 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:56.140 that the language itself 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:57.059 just couldn't capture. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:24:00.259 Now, the idea of a conqueror 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:00.920 was an idea 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:01.900 that the Romans had. 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.559 The Latin, 00:24:02.660 --> 00:24:03.140 the Roman, 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:05.440 and the Greek language 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:07.420 captured this idea 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:08.880 of one who was victorious. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.339 Alexander the Great, 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.900 Augustus Caesar. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:13.460 These were conquerors. 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:14.059 But Paul says, 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:14.359 no, no, 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:16.140 that's an inadequate word 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:17.079 to describe you 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:17.660 as a Christian 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.579 because you are more 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.500 than a conqueror. 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.140 So Jerome, 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.599 one of the early translators 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.200 of the Bible 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:24.099 into Latin, 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.740 he used a phrase, 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.180 he said, 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.859 what Paul is saying here 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.579 is that we are 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:30.640 over-overcomers. 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:31.400 You know, 00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:32.079 a conqueror 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.180 is one who overcomes. 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:35.519 But more than conquerors 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:37.779 is one who over-overcomes. 00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:38.839 You see, 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:40.279 it's difficult to express 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:41.140 in language 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:42.720 because it's such a big idea. 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.160 And you think of 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:45.759 all the dangers, 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.319 all the persecutions, 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:48.299 all the difficulties, 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:49.640 and then Paul goes on 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:51.759 to say in verses 38 and 39, 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.700 he said, 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.779 let me list out some more 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:55.339 if you want convincing here. 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:55.680 He said, 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.039 what about death 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:58.200 or life? 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:58.980 What about angels 00:24:58.980 --> 00:24:59.519 or demons? 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.440 What about the present 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.099 or the future 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:02.539 or any powers, 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.680 height or depth 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:05.039 or anything else 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.960 in all creation 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.539 will be able to separate us 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.500 from the love of Christ Jesus? 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.519 So what he's saying 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:11.140 is here's everything. 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.259 You want angels 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.819 and demons. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.500 You want height, 00:25:13.599 --> 00:25:14.200 you want depth. 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.960 You want the present, 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:16.779 you want the future. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:17.400 So he's saying, 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:19.339 let me tell you everything. 00:25:19.339 --> 00:25:21.399 Let me put into words 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:23.299 all the possible challenges, 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:25.159 all the possible difficulties, 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.339 all the potential pitfalls. 00:25:27.679 --> 00:25:28.919 Let me bring before you 00:25:28.919 --> 00:25:30.399 all the enemies, 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:32.000 real or imagined, 00:25:32.399 --> 00:25:33.759 all the dangers. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.619 Let me bring them 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:35.579 all together, 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.459 Paul says. 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:38.339 And let me ask this question, 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:39.939 can any one of these 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:41.319 or all of them together 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:42.980 separate you, 00:25:43.220 --> 00:25:44.079 separate me 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:46.059 from the love of God 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:46.899 that is in Christ Jesus, 00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:47.339 our Lord? 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.259 And the answer is 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:49.480 absolutely nothing 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:52.220 and absolutely no one. 00:25:53.159 --> 00:25:54.539 In the ancient world, 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:56.259 in the Roman Empire, 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:58.659 there was what was called 00:25:58.659 --> 00:25:59.720 a Roman triumph, 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.539 a great general 00:26:01.539 --> 00:26:03.079 or the emperor himself. 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.779 The Senate would pass 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:05.419 a resolution 00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:06.899 that for a day 00:26:06.899 --> 00:26:08.379 or sometimes three days, 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.119 there would be 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.539 a huge procession 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.759 through the city of Rome. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.299 And this procession 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:15.519 was closely choreographed. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:17.160 So you would have 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:19.460 the prisoners of war 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.660 and those captured 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.859 in battle, 00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:22.639 the slaves. 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:23.579 You would have 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:24.819 the spoils of war. 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.660 You would have 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.960 the conquering soldiers. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:27.519 You would have 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.259 the officers 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.180 and the generals. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.619 And then at the end 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:32.039 of this great triumph, 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:33.359 this great parade, 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.480 you would have 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.859 the conquering general. 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:38.059 And he would receive 00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:38.900 the acclamation 00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:40.240 of the whole city. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.620 the triumph 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:42.680 would wind its way 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:44.279 through the streets 00:26:44.279 --> 00:26:44.880 of Rome 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:46.160 so that everyone 00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:47.059 could see 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:48.220 what a conqueror 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.539 really looks like. 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:50.700 So if you were 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.599 a Roman Christian 00:26:51.599 --> 00:26:52.720 in 57 AD 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.839 and Paul talked 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:55.039 about a conqueror, 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:55.880 you would have 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.859 an image in your mind 00:26:56.859 --> 00:26:57.220 and you say, 00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:58.059 I know what that 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.799 looks like. 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:00.200 Paul says that 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:01.660 is an inadequate image 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:02.799 to describe yourself. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.620 Now a Christian 00:27:04.620 --> 00:27:05.980 would never naturally 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:06.720 think of themselves 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.640 as a conqueror. 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:08.859 They would more likely 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:09.659 think of themselves 00:27:09.659 --> 00:27:11.159 as one who is conquered, 00:27:11.659 --> 00:27:12.859 one who is vanquished, 00:27:12.979 --> 00:27:13.639 one who is not 00:27:13.639 --> 00:27:15.199 at the end of the procession 00:27:15.199 --> 00:27:16.279 receiving the honor, 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.299 but one who is 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:18.599 at the front of the possession 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:20.059 a slave 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:21.779 or a prisoner of war. 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:24.119 But the Apostle Paul says 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:25.719 to you and to me, 00:27:25.919 --> 00:27:27.019 if you're a follower of Jesus, 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:28.099 this is who you are. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:30.500 This is what God says about you. 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:32.379 Now if you have anything else 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:33.319 to say about you, 00:27:33.859 --> 00:27:35.000 you have to accept 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:37.579 that if God says something 00:27:37.579 --> 00:27:38.779 and you say something else, 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.619 there's somebody wrong here 00:27:40.619 --> 00:27:41.679 and God's never wrong. 00:27:42.219 --> 00:27:43.439 So if this is God's 00:27:43.439 --> 00:27:44.419 estimation of you 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.740 that you are more 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:47.399 than conquerors, 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.799 we are more than conquerors, 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.500 then his verdict 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.740 is the correct verdict. 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.819 It doesn't matter 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:53.759 what other people say. 00:27:53.979 --> 00:27:54.500 It doesn't matter 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.819 what we think about ourselves. 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:57.179 It doesn't matter 00:27:57.179 --> 00:27:58.159 what society, 00:27:58.319 --> 00:27:59.899 how society judges us 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:01.240 or grades us. 00:28:01.379 --> 00:28:02.740 But if we are 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:04.199 following Jesus, 00:28:04.659 --> 00:28:05.519 the one who died, 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.839 the one who rose, 00:28:07.159 --> 00:28:08.000 the one who's seated, 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:09.759 and the one who right now 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.480 is praying, 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.359 imagine that, 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.380 right now he's praying 00:28:13.380 --> 00:28:14.240 for his people, 00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:15.220 all of his people. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.759 He's praying for those 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.299 who are weak 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.240 that they'd be strengthened, 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:19.460 for those who are discouraged 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:21.039 that they'd be heartened. 00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:22.279 He's praying for those 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.940 who feel like giving up 00:28:23.940 --> 00:28:24.839 to persevere. 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:26.539 This is not about 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.920 what you are doing 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.460 for Jesus, 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:29.380 but let me tell you 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:31.440 what Jesus is doing for you, 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:33.119 has done for you, 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.220 and one day 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:36.180 will bring into completion. 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:38.560 God is for us. 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:40.440 God is with us. 00:28:41.100 --> 00:28:42.039 God is in us. 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.759 Nothing and no one 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.940 can stand against us. 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.820 No charge can stand. 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:49.240 No condemnation can be made. 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:51.980 And no separation will occur. 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:54.880 So if you're today 00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:56.299 struggling, 00:28:57.160 --> 00:28:58.480 maybe the way of following 00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:59.660 Jesus is a tough way, 00:29:00.320 --> 00:29:00.980 carry on. 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:02.960 Carry on because there's 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:03.600 no better way, 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.539 no better choice. 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:06.119 Turn to him 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:07.019 and ask for the help 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:07.500 and strength 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.779 because if he's sent his son, 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.960 he will send everything. 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.379 He will provide 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:13.339 all that you need. 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:15.240 And if you're not yet 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.039 following Jesus, 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:16.980 these are the terms 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.639 and conditions. 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:19.379 This is what he offers. 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:21.139 This is what he provides. 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:22.299 This is what he promises. 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:24.359 These are his guarantees. 00:29:25.139 --> 00:29:26.799 Because without Jesus, 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:29.399 every charge that is true 00:29:29.399 --> 00:29:30.159 will stand. 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:32.180 And every true charge 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:33.220 will ultimately bring 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:34.779 some condemnation 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:36.400 and ultimately separation. 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:38.460 So you need this Jesus 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:39.880 to stand for you. 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.360 You need this Jesus 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:42.460 to satisfy 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:44.640 God's righteous requirements. 00:29:45.120 --> 00:29:46.380 And you need this Jesus 00:29:46.380 --> 00:29:47.540 to stand with you, 00:29:47.800 --> 00:29:48.720 to encourage you, 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.440 to strengthen you, 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.240 to equip you, 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:51.600 and to enable you 00:29:51.600 --> 00:29:52.320 to stand. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.660 And to know that 00:29:53.660 --> 00:29:55.300 this image of a conqueror 00:29:55.300 --> 00:29:57.400 is an inadequate way 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.560 to describe you and me. 00:29:58.559 --> 00:30:00.480 We are far more 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:01.379 than a conqueror. 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.639 We are far greater, 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.220 far more powerful, 00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:05.740 far more secure. 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.859 All those great conquerors 00:30:07.859 --> 00:30:08.440 of the past 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:09.179 have been forgotten. 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:11.200 All their great victories 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:12.619 have long been forgotten. 00:30:13.179 --> 00:30:14.960 But every follower of Jesus 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:17.299 is guaranteed a place 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:18.099 in his kingdom, 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:19.379 in his family, 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.839 and in his house. 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.440 And I'm telling you today, 00:30:22.879 --> 00:30:23.940 not one of us 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:25.480 will be separated from him. 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:27.179 That's why we trust him. 00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:27.980 That's why we love him. 00:30:27.980 --> 00:30:29.420 That's why we follow him. 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:31.500 And that's why we believe in him. 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:32.720 Let me give you 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.680 one final illustration. 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:36.400 One of my great heroes, 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.259 I'll call him a hero, 00:30:37.360 --> 00:30:37.900 D.L. Moody, 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:39.259 evangelist at the end 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:40.700 of the 19th century. 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:42.099 He said this. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:43.019 He said, 00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:44.700 doctrines are all right 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.839 in their places. 00:30:46.319 --> 00:30:47.480 But when you put them 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.559 in the place of faith 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.240 or salvation, 00:30:49.400 --> 00:30:50.319 they become sin. 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.539 So you see, 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:53.279 we cherish the doctrines 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:54.000 of justification. 00:30:54.360 --> 00:30:55.559 We cherish the doctrines 00:30:55.559 --> 00:30:56.700 of adoption 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:58.659 or of reconciliation. 00:30:59.519 --> 00:30:59.839 He says, 00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:01.240 if a man should ask me 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:01.960 to his house 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:02.960 to dinner tomorrow, 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.339 the street would be 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:05.319 a very good thing 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:06.700 to take me to his house. 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:08.399 But if I didn't get 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:09.119 into the house, 00:31:09.159 --> 00:31:10.440 I wouldn't get any dinner. 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:11.599 Now, 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:12.339 a creed 00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:13.220 is a road 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:14.019 or a street. 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.619 It is very good 00:31:15.619 --> 00:31:16.779 as far as it goes. 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:18.099 But if it doesn't 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:19.240 take us to Christ, 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:20.460 it is worthless. 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:22.480 There is plenty 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.079 of theology. 00:31:23.640 --> 00:31:24.360 There is plenty 00:31:24.360 --> 00:31:25.039 of truths 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:25.900 about Jesus. 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:27.980 But if those truths 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:29.059 and that theology 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:30.660 and if these scriptures 00:31:30.660 --> 00:31:31.819 do not take you 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.460 to him, 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.420 they will be 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:34.700 of no benefit 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.240 to you. 00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.660 It is not enough 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.500 to know about him. 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:38.440 It is not enough 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:39.259 to admire him. 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:40.319 It is not enough 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:41.059 to gaze 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:42.640 at a distance. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.279 But the scriptures 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.059 are intended 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:45.900 to bring you 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:46.519 to Jesus. 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.000 The gospel 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:48.819 is the power 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:49.299 of God 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:50.079 unto salvation 00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:50.779 for all 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.319 who believe. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.720 And for those 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.000 of us 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:54.079 who have believed, 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.019 the scriptures 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:55.519 are given 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.339 to strengthen us, 00:31:56.419 --> 00:31:57.240 to encourage us, 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.240 and to equip us. 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.919 Because I guarantee you, 00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:00.939 this week, 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:02.299 if you remind yourself 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.099 every day, 00:32:03.639 --> 00:32:05.000 I am more 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:06.579 than a conqueror 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:08.359 through Christ Jesus 00:32:08.359 --> 00:32:09.179 who loved me, 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.359 your life 00:32:10.359 --> 00:32:11.859 will be transformed 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.939 by the grace 00:32:12.939 --> 00:32:13.339 of God, 00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:13.960 by the power 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:14.419 of God, 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:15.159 by the presence 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:15.740 of God, 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:17.179 and by the indwelling 00:32:17.179 --> 00:32:19.000 spirit of Jesus Christ. 00:32:19.379 --> 00:32:19.960 So may God 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.579 bless you 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.799 and may his word 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:22.940 dwell richly 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:24.079 in your heart. 00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:25.380 Amen.