WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.500 The Bible reading is from Romans chapter 8, verses 28 to 39. 00:00:08.599 --> 00:00:13.419 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good. 00:00:13.759 --> 00:00:16.699 For those who are called according to his purpose, 00:00:17.280 --> 00:00:22.100 for those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, 00:00:22.620 --> 00:00:25.859 in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 00:00:26.359 --> 00:00:29.699 And those whom he predestined, he also called. 00:00:30.120 --> 00:00:32.539 And those whom he called, he also justified. 00:00:33.039 --> 00:00:35.859 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:00:36.740 --> 00:00:39.799 What then shall we say to these things? 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:43.100 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:00:43.659 --> 00:00:47.539 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, 00:00:47.820 --> 00:00:52.039 how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 00:00:52.539 --> 00:00:55.760 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:57.840 It is God who justifies. 00:00:58.539 --> 00:00:59.500 Who is to condemn? 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:01.939 Christ Jesus is the one who died. 00:01:02.159 --> 00:01:03.799 More than that, who was raised. 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:05.719 Who is at the right hand of God. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:08.719 Who indeed is interceding for us. 00:01:09.519 --> 00:01:12.140 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:01:12.599 --> 00:01:17.879 Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 00:01:18.539 --> 00:01:19.379 As it is written, 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:22.359 For your sake we are being killed all the day long. 00:01:22.759 --> 00:01:25.159 We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:31.319 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:01:31.319 --> 00:01:48.399 For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers 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. 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:53.359 Okay, well we are going to look at Romans chapter 8 verse 28 to 39 now. 00:01:54.359 --> 00:01:55.760 The last in this series and assurance. 00:01:56.180 --> 00:02:00.900 And just an old colloquialism to start with. 00:02:00.980 --> 00:02:01.840 Diamonds are forever. 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:02.880 That's what we are told. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:07.299 And Toyota Hiluxes are apparently indestructible. 00:02:08.519 --> 00:02:12.719 Now the problem with those sort of statements are that we all know there's no reality to them. 00:02:14.299 --> 00:02:18.840 I've seen many a Toyota Hilux, the worst for wear after a four wheel drive trip. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:21.840 So here's the question out of that. 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:25.419 Can we as Christians say we are forever? 00:02:27.199 --> 00:02:28.460 Christians are forever. 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:41.740 May I say as a Christian with absolute total confidence that nothing will keep me as a believer from getting home to heaven. 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:50.620 Now the problem again with that is that we know ourselves. 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:55.620 When I say something like that I immediately feel a fear beginning to rise within me. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:01.960 And perhaps the thing I fear most is myself. 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:10.020 I saw a guy wearing a t-shirt once which I thought was just me. 00:03:10.319 --> 00:03:12.180 The t-shirt said determination. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:16.740 The thing I get just before doing something really stupid. 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:20.960 And I actually thought that is me. 00:03:22.100 --> 00:03:26.640 My determination is just to do that which pleases the Lord. 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:28.779 And honors him. 00:03:29.939 --> 00:03:33.739 But so often followed by the very opposite. 00:03:33.859 --> 00:03:34.259 By sin. 00:03:35.619 --> 00:03:37.639 Saying or doing something stupid. 00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:39.979 Which dishonors God. 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:41.359 Or at the other extreme. 00:03:41.839 --> 00:03:44.259 Thinking that some religious action I can do. 00:03:44.359 --> 00:03:46.179 Will actually make me more acceptable to God. 00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:53.060 And so I think with some justification I fear myself in that respect. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:56.460 If it's down to me. 00:03:57.080 --> 00:03:59.000 To guarantee I'm going to get to heaven. 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:02.600 But I also fear what others might do to me. 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:07.860 Now of course most of what I have to experience from others is just on the minor end of the scale. 00:04:08.120 --> 00:04:08.520 Ridicule. 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:11.620 People seem to think that because I'm a Christian. 00:04:11.820 --> 00:04:14.140 Then I'm either admitting to being totally stupid. 00:04:14.580 --> 00:04:16.280 Or emotionally deficient. 00:04:18.500 --> 00:04:22.400 But then there's the more passive aggressive hostility. 00:04:22.660 --> 00:04:24.379 Being marginalized by neighbors. 00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:26.780 The wider family. 00:04:26.779 --> 00:04:29.099 And that hurts. 00:04:30.039 --> 00:04:33.459 And then there's the more extreme stuff that I've never had to experience. 00:04:33.679 --> 00:04:35.199 And hopefully never will have to experience. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:36.159 But people. 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:40.099 Christians around the world are experiencing right now as we sit here in the comfort of this room. 00:04:40.519 --> 00:04:41.159 Torture. 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:42.119 And execution. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:45.719 Simply for the sake of being Christians. 00:04:50.779 --> 00:04:53.759 Last week we looked at verses 17 and 18. 00:04:53.759 --> 00:04:59.199 And 17 and 18 promise us future glory. 00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:00.899 Suffering now. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:02.620 But glory in the future. 00:05:02.719 --> 00:05:04.560 That is to be in home in heaven. 00:05:04.860 --> 00:05:06.800 With Christ and like Christ. 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:12.159 Complete renewal. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:17.959 But again you see it all seems a bit too good to be true. 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:22.899 When the reality so often for each one of us is. 00:05:22.899 --> 00:05:25.539 That we already almost feel defeated. 00:05:25.659 --> 00:05:28.299 Just looking into the challenges of living this coming week. 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:33.599 Let alone considering the challenges of a lifetime ahead of us. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:35.719 Of struggling to serve the Lord. 00:05:38.279 --> 00:05:38.719 So. 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:44.479 Could I be safe in the kingdom of God today. 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:48.560 And yet be lost. 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:49.680 Or rejected. 00:05:50.200 --> 00:05:50.560 Tomorrow. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:52.480 Or next week. 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:53.060 Or next month. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:53.640 Or next year. 00:05:57.800 --> 00:06:01.140 Can I truly say with absolute confidence. 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:03.800 That I will persevere. 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:04.759 As a Christian. 00:06:04.759 --> 00:06:09.939 Well my friends. 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:11.939 I'm delighted to be able to tell you this morning. 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:14.519 And to share with you the fifth point of reference. 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:16.379 We've been talking about reference points for assurance. 00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:18.899 Is the answer is yes. 00:06:22.519 --> 00:06:24.579 Because God guarantees. 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.240 My security. 00:06:26.360 --> 00:06:27.019 Your security. 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:27.819 As a Christian. 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:32.519 I can be absolutely sure. 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:34.360 I will persevere. 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:37.219 Because. 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:40.040 God promises to preserve me. 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:44.139 Those two words go really inseparably together. 00:06:44.899 --> 00:06:45.959 I will persevere. 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:47.879 Because God will preserve. 00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:52.139 That's our fifth reference point for assurance. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:52.939 Now. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:55.300 When I say that God guarantees our security. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:56.500 Then that raises another problem. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:58.579 Because we're pretty wary of security. 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:00.240 Of guarantees these days. 00:07:00.240 --> 00:07:00.600 Aren't we? 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:03.879 We've all come across guarantees. 00:07:03.879 --> 00:07:05.100 Where in the fine print. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:06.060 We suddenly find. 00:07:06.819 --> 00:07:09.219 The very time we need to use the guarantee. 00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:10.980 There's an exclusion clause. 00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:12.219 There's a circumstance. 00:07:12.219 --> 00:07:13.699 That isn't covered by the guarantee. 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:19.719 So the question again becomes. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:21.740 Can we trust God's guarantee? 00:07:23.019 --> 00:07:25.839 Or are there hidden exclusion clauses? 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:27.399 Are there some circumstances. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:29.639 That God anticipates. 00:07:29.980 --> 00:07:30.399 Where he says. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:30.800 Well no. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:33.100 The guarantee doesn't work in that situation. 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:39.579 Well let's have a look at the terms of God's guarantee. 00:07:39.779 --> 00:07:40.159 This morning. 00:07:41.159 --> 00:07:42.420 And this is the guarantee. 00:07:42.959 --> 00:07:45.279 That God is working for your good. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:47.300 And his purpose. 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:50.659 In every circumstance of life. 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:51.420 Now again. 00:07:51.639 --> 00:07:53.219 See how those two dovetail together. 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:54.339 Your good. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:55.560 His purpose. 00:07:58.120 --> 00:07:59.959 In every circumstance of life. 00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:01.860 Picking up at verse 28 to 30. 00:08:01.860 --> 00:08:04.439 I had a brief run through these last week. 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:05.800 So. 00:08:06.839 --> 00:08:09.139 They sort of form a link. 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:10.659 Between these two sections of scripture. 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:13.339 Verses 28 to 30. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:14.519 Just listen to how it reads. 00:08:14.519 --> 00:08:15.519 Verse 28. 00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:18.060 And we know. 00:08:18.279 --> 00:08:19.139 We know. 00:08:19.479 --> 00:08:21.459 That for those who love God. 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:24.060 All things work together for good. 00:08:24.439 --> 00:08:26.899 For those who are called according to his purpose. 00:08:27.039 --> 00:08:28.039 And those who love God. 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:29.500 Are those called according to his purpose. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:32.759 For those whom he foreknew. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:35.740 He also predestined to be conformed. 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:36.740 To the image of his son. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:39.179 In order that he might be the first fruits. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:40.019 Among many brothers. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:42.460 And those whom he predestined. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:43.379 He also called. 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:45.240 And those whom he called. 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.259 He also justified. 00:08:47.059 --> 00:08:48.419 And those he justified. 00:08:49.100 --> 00:08:50.279 He also glorified. 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:57.079 God guarantees. 00:08:57.240 --> 00:08:57.939 We will preserve. 00:08:58.600 --> 00:08:59.240 Persevere. 00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:01.699 Because he will preserve us. 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:05.039 God's project. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:05.740 Salvation. 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:06.860 Is the ultimate. 00:09:07.079 --> 00:09:07.980 Start to finish. 00:09:08.179 --> 00:09:08.860 Package deal. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:10.379 That's what I'm calling it this morning. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.299 If you're a visitor. 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:12.539 You can be following the outline. 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:13.439 On the back of your bulletin. 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:15.459 It's God's ultimate. 00:09:15.819 --> 00:09:17.000 Start to finish. 00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:18.379 Package deal. 00:09:18.379 --> 00:09:22.220 At every step. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:23.159 Of the way. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:24.939 In every circumstance. 00:09:24.939 --> 00:09:25.700 Of life. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:27.659 We're told here. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:28.939 That the Lord. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:29.700 Is working. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:31.059 For the good of his children. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:33.939 And according to his own purpose. 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:38.340 God will not. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:39.360 Be satisfied. 00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:41.059 Nor will he rest. 00:09:42.139 --> 00:09:43.659 Until he brings us home. 00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:46.960 A start to finish. 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:48.120 Package deal. 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:49.240 That we call salvation. 00:09:50.340 --> 00:09:51.399 Picture salvation. 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.480 As a. 00:09:52.480 --> 00:09:53.340 A chain. 00:09:54.019 --> 00:09:54.919 With five. 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:56.159 Massive. 00:09:56.940 --> 00:09:58.000 Inseparable links. 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:00.580 So strong. 00:10:00.679 --> 00:10:01.600 They can never be broken. 00:10:03.560 --> 00:10:04.779 That join us. 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.600 Inseparably. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:06.080 To God. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:06.460 Forever. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:09.620 Truly indestructible. 00:10:10.600 --> 00:10:11.100 Truly. 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:11.580 Forever. 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:13.720 Let's look at these links. 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:14.700 Link one. 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:16.299 It says here. 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:17.039 God foreknew. 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:17.740 Knew his people. 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:18.240 Now there's lots. 00:10:18.319 --> 00:10:19.179 That could be said about that. 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:20.599 There's lots of arguments to and fro. 00:10:21.079 --> 00:10:21.459 But. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:23.139 At the very least. 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:24.219 It's the language. 00:10:24.419 --> 00:10:25.639 Of marriage commitment. 00:10:26.219 --> 00:10:27.459 Where God declares. 00:10:27.699 --> 00:10:28.259 That in turn. 00:10:28.439 --> 00:10:29.980 That in eternity past. 00:10:29.980 --> 00:10:30.980 Even before our physical universe. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:33.820 Even before our physical universe existed. 00:10:35.200 --> 00:10:35.680 God. 00:10:35.680 --> 00:10:37.279 For his own sake. 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:39.720 Set his love upon his people. 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:40.480 Determined. 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:42.279 To enjoy intimate. 00:10:42.680 --> 00:10:44.240 Unbroken relationship with him. 00:10:44.300 --> 00:10:45.340 That's God's purpose. 00:10:46.139 --> 00:10:48.039 From before time began. 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:48.139 Amen. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:51.639 Now go to the other end of the chain. 00:10:52.839 --> 00:10:53.959 Link number five. 00:10:54.559 --> 00:10:55.279 Where it says there. 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:56.639 End of verse 30. 00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:58.939 That God also glorified. 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:00.319 These same people. 00:11:02.579 --> 00:11:03.459 God's purpose. 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:04.659 Was to have a people. 00:11:04.959 --> 00:11:05.839 That would honor him. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:06.620 And. 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.819 Be an intimate relationship with him. 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:09.559 End of the link. 00:11:09.939 --> 00:11:10.559 God does it. 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:10.620 Amen. 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:10.799 Amen. 00:11:15.539 --> 00:11:16.839 And that end link there. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:17.300 The glorified. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:18.060 That's the language. 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:19.460 Of a royal coronation. 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:20.500 Ceremony. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:22.780 Declares that in eternity future. 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:25.500 His people will actually experience. 00:11:25.580 --> 00:11:26.280 And enjoy. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:27.780 In full. 00:11:28.300 --> 00:11:29.019 The perfection. 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:30.860 Of the glory of Jesus Christ. 00:11:31.240 --> 00:11:32.240 Being united with him. 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:33.560 Perfectly like him. 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:34.860 Enjoying all the things. 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:35.899 That he currently enjoys. 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:44.540 But notice that God does everything else. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:45.040 In between. 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:45.840 As well. 00:11:46.300 --> 00:11:46.780 Link to. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:48.720 For those whom he foreknew. 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:49.280 He also. 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:50.360 Predestined. 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:51.860 To be conformed. 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:52.800 To the image of his son. 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:57.420 God plans. 00:11:57.960 --> 00:11:58.360 Specifically. 00:11:59.300 --> 00:12:00.519 To save his sinful people. 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:01.700 Now God doesn't just say. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:03.820 I love you. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:05.820 I'll listen over. 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:06.420 Armageddon. 00:12:06.660 --> 00:12:07.620 Kept repeating to me. 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:08.879 Don't just say you love me. 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.220 Show you love me. 00:12:10.420 --> 00:12:11.320 Demonstrate you love me. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:12.860 Well this is exactly. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:13.560 What God does. 00:12:13.900 --> 00:12:14.980 Not just saying. 00:12:14.980 --> 00:12:16.399 He's set his love on us. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:18.120 But he demonstrates that love. 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:19.279 By actually having a plan. 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:20.480 A specific plan. 00:12:20.980 --> 00:12:21.860 And pathway. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:25.879 To bring his people home. 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:27.639 He does everything. 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:29.659 He plans to do everything necessary. 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:32.419 To become father to his people. 00:12:33.219 --> 00:12:35.379 Rather than judge of his people. 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.279 Link three. 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:41.860 The language of creation. 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:44.399 So it conformed to the image of his son. 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:46.180 In order that he might be the first fruits. 00:12:46.180 --> 00:12:46.980 Among the brothers. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.300 And those he predestined. 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:50.259 He also called. 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:56.779 God's spirit intervenes. 00:12:58.220 --> 00:13:00.159 Breathing new life into people. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:02.680 People who are dead because of sin. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:04.800 Quite literally calling us. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:06.360 And bringing us to Christ. 00:13:07.320 --> 00:13:08.460 In real time. 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:11.740 Having created both the ability. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:13.900 And the desire to relate to God. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:16.120 As he wishes to relate to them. 00:13:16.280 --> 00:13:16.700 His people. 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:24.040 And link four. 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:26.259 Those he called. 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:27.879 He also justified. 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:30.600 Is his courtroom language. 00:13:30.840 --> 00:13:31.460 In that word. 00:13:32.180 --> 00:13:33.400 Declaring that God has done. 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:35.560 Everything legally necessary. 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:36.940 In the death of Christ. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:39.300 To provide for the resumption. 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:41.260 Of unrestricted relationship. 00:13:43.780 --> 00:13:45.580 So that scans eternity. 00:13:45.900 --> 00:13:47.700 That chain of salvation. 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.120 Start to finish. 00:13:49.680 --> 00:13:50.780 Salvation package. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.600 Now friends. 00:13:54.680 --> 00:13:56.100 We just need to pause for a moment. 00:13:56.700 --> 00:13:58.200 And feel the security. 00:13:59.020 --> 00:14:00.080 God is offering us. 00:14:00.300 --> 00:14:00.640 In these. 00:14:00.760 --> 00:14:01.500 In this verse. 00:14:02.380 --> 00:14:03.780 In these five links. 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:07.199 God's plan. 00:14:07.339 --> 00:14:07.860 Is thorough. 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:11.600 It starts in eternity past. 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.980 And is completed in eternity future. 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:17.839 There is nothing left to chance. 00:14:19.319 --> 00:14:20.860 He moves towards his people. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:22.779 He foreknows them. 00:14:22.819 --> 00:14:23.339 He loves them. 00:14:23.459 --> 00:14:24.240 Sets his love on them. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:26.759 He makes the pathway. 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:28.720 He does everything necessary. 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:29.279 Legally. 00:14:29.579 --> 00:14:31.000 To bring us into relationship with them. 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:32.340 And he brings us home. 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:33.779 To be like Christ. 00:14:33.960 --> 00:14:34.399 Finally. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.600 As we were created to be. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.659 There is nothing. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.100 Left to chance. 00:14:41.860 --> 00:14:42.799 There is nothing. 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:43.220 In this. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.220 Start to finish. 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.159 Salvation. 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:45.860 Package deal. 00:14:45.940 --> 00:14:47.039 That is left to you and me. 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:51.259 Our salvation. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:52.299 Is God's plan. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:53.419 From eternity past. 00:14:53.940 --> 00:14:55.100 To eternity future. 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:57.240 And God finishes. 00:14:57.540 --> 00:14:58.180 What he starts. 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:03.980 But there is more. 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:04.700 If we look back. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:05.680 Now to verse 28. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.139 A bit Irish. 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:08.220 Doing the verses back to front. 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.200 But it works better that way. 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:09.440 I think. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:10.759 Verse. 00:15:10.920 --> 00:15:12.279 God's promise in verse 28. 00:15:12.800 --> 00:15:14.740 In every circumstance of life. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.360 God is working. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.540 To his plan. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:21.960 Now. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:23.080 What is his plan? 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:24.139 Well his plan. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:24.720 Let's say again. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.360 As I said earlier. 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:26.720 You're good. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:28.379 And ultimately. 00:15:28.820 --> 00:15:29.320 You're glory. 00:15:31.660 --> 00:15:33.180 For his own name's sake. 00:15:40.660 --> 00:15:41.840 We know that. 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:43.500 For those who love God. 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:46.100 All things work together for good. 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:48.020 For those who are called. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:48.879 According to his purpose. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:49.379 Last week. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.120 I tacked those on. 00:15:50.140 --> 00:15:51.200 At the end of the last passage. 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.440 Because it was talking about suffering. 00:15:53.420 --> 00:15:54.320 Incredible suffering. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:56.620 Will befall us as Christians. 00:15:58.020 --> 00:15:59.380 We're locked into this life. 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:00.640 This world. 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.680 That's tearing itself apart. 00:16:01.760 --> 00:16:02.240 But one day. 00:16:02.300 --> 00:16:02.920 We'll be renewed. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:06.860 And in that context. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.020 All things. 00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:10.180 Work together. 00:16:10.320 --> 00:16:10.900 For your good. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.520 For our good. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:12.160 For my good. 00:16:14.260 --> 00:16:15.100 God's purpose. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.740 Your good. 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:18.060 And ultimately. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:19.200 Our glory. 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:19.480 Our glory. 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:20.480 God's purpose. 00:16:24.060 --> 00:16:24.840 Now our problem. 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:25.120 Of course. 00:16:25.159 --> 00:16:25.940 Is that we can't see. 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.700 The big plan. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.159 Of God. 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.180 We can't see the whole plan. 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.420 All we can see. 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.120 And feel. 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:33.120 Are the things. 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.100 That knock us around. 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:35.120 On a daily basis. 00:16:35.899 --> 00:16:36.740 And there are plenty. 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:37.340 Of those things. 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.159 On a weekly basis. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.879 On a daily basis. 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:41.440 So our focus. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:42.700 Is sort of stuck here. 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.940 In the detail. 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:44.420 On a week. 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:45.279 Week by week. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:46.180 Day by day basis. 00:16:46.179 --> 00:16:47.439 Because God's big plan. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:47.939 Is eternal. 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:51.479 And so we sometimes fear. 00:16:51.839 --> 00:16:52.219 As we. 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:53.259 We just get stuck. 00:16:53.339 --> 00:16:54.159 In the trials. 00:16:54.239 --> 00:16:54.879 And tribulations. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.839 Of any given day. 00:16:55.879 --> 00:16:56.239 Or week. 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:57.219 We fear. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.000 That we're abandoned. 00:16:58.799 --> 00:16:59.279 We fear. 00:16:59.359 --> 00:17:00.279 That we're alone. 00:17:00.359 --> 00:17:01.399 In the struggle of life. 00:17:01.959 --> 00:17:02.959 But not so. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.359 In fact. 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:09.919 God is at work. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.699 We're told here. 00:17:10.879 --> 00:17:12.839 In every single circumstance. 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:13.839 Of your life. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:14.899 And mine. 00:17:15.699 --> 00:17:16.579 For your good. 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:17.519 And for mine. 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.559 Now what is that good? 00:17:22.639 --> 00:17:23.979 Well it's making us. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.759 A little bit more like Christ. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.079 Like Jesus. 00:17:27.459 --> 00:17:28.779 Every single. 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:30.699 In every single circumstance. 00:17:30.699 --> 00:17:31.319 Of life. 00:17:32.439 --> 00:17:33.279 In other words. 00:17:33.679 --> 00:17:34.979 God's actually working now. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.519 As he promised. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:37.279 To prepare us for glory. 00:17:38.359 --> 00:17:40.939 And what we get. 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:42.419 What we trip up on. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:43.019 As the. 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:44.019 The difficulties. 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:44.699 And challenges. 00:17:44.699 --> 00:17:45.399 Of living through. 00:17:45.479 --> 00:17:46.159 A given day. 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:48.379 Is actually God. 00:17:48.479 --> 00:17:49.399 Working for good. 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.219 In our lives. 00:17:50.939 --> 00:17:51.959 His big plan. 00:17:52.419 --> 00:17:53.659 If we could have seen it. 00:17:53.919 --> 00:17:54.199 And we're. 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.399 We've been told it here. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.399 Is for our good. 00:18:02.539 --> 00:18:04.219 And that's the life experience. 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:04.759 Detail. 00:18:04.879 --> 00:18:05.479 That we looked at. 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:05.939 Last week. 00:18:05.979 --> 00:18:07.139 In verses 17 and 18. 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:08.259 Suffering. 00:18:08.359 --> 00:18:09.379 And glory together. 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:11.059 Suffering now. 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:12.199 Glory then. 00:18:16.619 --> 00:18:17.399 Now we need to. 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:18.399 Again pause. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.939 And let this settle into your mind. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.219 Because. 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.740 There's a mood across. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.479 Christian circles. 00:18:22.479 --> 00:18:22.879 These days. 00:18:22.959 --> 00:18:23.959 It just robs us. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.679 Of this truth. 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:30.119 It says here. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.500 That in all things. 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:33.000 In all circumstances. 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:34.259 God is working. 00:18:34.439 --> 00:18:35.299 For our good. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:35.799 God. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:36.299 For our good. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:36.339 For our good. 00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:37.000 For our good. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:38.119 And for his purpose. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:43.359 And yet we hear so many Christians today. 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:45.659 Saying well God's in the good things of life. 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:48.779 But not in the bad things of life. 00:18:51.660 --> 00:18:55.740 I'm not sure which particular part of the Bible they're reading when they say that. 00:18:55.840 --> 00:18:56.180 But that's. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.980 That's a really strong view. 00:18:58.180 --> 00:18:59.300 Held by lots of people. 00:18:59.580 --> 00:19:00.920 Who would call themselves Christians. 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.039 Some Christians. 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:05.180 Some Christians would say that. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:09.060 Some Christians would teach that God is in my recovery and health. 00:19:10.300 --> 00:19:12.980 But not in my sickness and pain. 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.980 And where does that leave you? 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:18.880 If you're. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:19.340 If you're. 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:20.759 Struggling with a. 00:19:20.920 --> 00:19:22.120 A chronic illness. 00:19:28.340 --> 00:19:30.019 God is in my doing well. 00:19:30.920 --> 00:19:33.400 But not in my failures and sin. 00:19:36.080 --> 00:19:38.440 God heard my prayer when I get what I want. 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:42.600 But clearly hasn't heard me when I don't get what I want. 00:19:46.800 --> 00:19:49.320 I really couldn't live in a world like that. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:49.679 Friends. 00:19:49.679 --> 00:19:49.779 God. 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:55.839 Friends. 00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:57.059 The reality for you and me. 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:59.500 Is that we learn best. 00:19:59.919 --> 00:20:01.339 Through failures. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:04.200 We learn best. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:07.000 As the Lord in various circumstances. 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.599 Forces us. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:10.099 To confront our sin. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:13.139 Exposes ourselves to our own sin. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:15.720 We learn best then. 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:17.259 Far better than when we do. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:19.780 When life is chugging along really smoothly. 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.440 I'm learning this personally. 00:20:28.040 --> 00:20:29.020 Been learning it. 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:31.300 Severely over the last five years. 00:20:31.780 --> 00:20:32.460 As repeatedly. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:35.180 The Lord has taken me into places. 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:37.440 I would never choose to be. 00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:38.920 I would never choose to go. 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:39.900 In a million years. 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:41.080 I wouldn't have chosen to go there. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:44.900 But the Lord has repeatedly taken me into places. 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:47.039 Of incredible pain. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:49.580 Incredible insecurity. 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:52.039 That I might find my security in him. 00:20:52.039 --> 00:21:00.440 That I might have exposed myself. 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:02.139 My self-reliance. 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:06.159 My rotten concern for my own reputation. 00:21:06.379 --> 00:21:10.619 Even as I would appear to be concerned for God's reputation. 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.460 God's church. 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:15.740 That I'm setting my heart to. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.299 In a sense. 00:21:16.399 --> 00:21:17.399 Build my own kingdom. 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:20.240 Rather than setting my heart to honor the Lord. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:23.339 And the Lord takes us into circumstances. 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.240 Has taken me into circumstances. 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:26.599 To expose that. 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:31.480 Now what do I say about that? 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.440 Well. 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.900 Painful as it is. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.420 I say. 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:37.740 That. 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.500 All things. 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.359 Work together for good. 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:44.220 To those who love the Lord. 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.299 I couldn't say that on any given day. 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:51.519 But I can say that overall. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:59.259 Continues to be a really hard lesson to learn. 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:02.220 But I'm more able to remember now. 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:04.799 That not only is God with me. 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:05.960 In the mess of life. 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:08.539 But that he has taken me. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:10.039 Into the mess of life. 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:12.299 As the pathway. 00:22:13.119 --> 00:22:14.039 To glory. 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:16.000 Slow. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:17.000 But sure. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.039 But sure. 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.640 Renovation of me personally. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.740 From the inside out. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:22.619 Into that one day. 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:23.660 Beautiful structure. 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.259 That has. 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:27.640 Designed and built. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.680 By Jesus. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:30.079 Stamped on my forehead. 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:31.059 As opposed to the current. 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.200 Loser. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:34.039 Might appear to some. 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:34.099 Sin. 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.299 But notice. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.659 What it doesn't say. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:44.180 It doesn't say here. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:47.139 That all the things we experience. 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:47.759 Will be good. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.879 Or pleasant. 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.639 Or welcome. 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:56.619 Sin is never good. 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:58.779 Sickness. 00:22:58.879 --> 00:22:59.479 Disease. 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:01.099 Strained relationships. 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:02.159 Broken relationships. 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:02.839 Accidents. 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:04.079 Natural disasters. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.479 Those things are never good. 00:23:05.959 --> 00:23:07.239 They're always painful. 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:13.239 But God's promise is this. 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:16.359 That even these things. 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:19.059 Will be used for the good. 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.399 Of those who love him. 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:21.160 Friends. 00:23:25.780 --> 00:23:26.140 Friends. 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:28.840 This is why we can relax. 00:23:29.060 --> 00:23:30.759 In every circumstance of life. 00:23:31.840 --> 00:23:33.120 I don't mean by relax. 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.960 Being complacent. 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:34.920 I mean relax. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:37.460 In every circumstance of life. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:41.500 Not because it's good. 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.780 Or pleasant in itself. 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:46.259 But because it is purposeful. 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:51.140 Under God's hand. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.779 And in fact. 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:57.000 If I flip that around. 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.960 I would say again to you. 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.619 I couldn't survive. 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.359 I really couldn't survive. 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:04.400 In this world. 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.220 If there was. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.779 A single moment. 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.200 In a single day. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.900 Of my life. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.440 That I thought. 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:10.259 God wasn't in. 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.839 Life would just be too cruel. 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:16.459 Too pointless. 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:20.179 If that was where I was. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:26.079 God will use. 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.059 Sin. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:27.959 Failures. 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:28.859 Sickness. 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:29.659 Collapse. 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.579 Business ventures. 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:31.259 Accidents. 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.619 And even conflict. 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:33.839 In our own church family. 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.259 Yes. 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:35.000 Even conflict. 00:24:35.139 --> 00:24:35.939 In our own church family. 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.659 God will use. 00:24:36.659 --> 00:24:37.799 Every one of those things. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.759 And all those things. 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:40.959 To work for our good. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.439 And his purpose. 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:46.579 In making us like Christ. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.659 I guess the question then is. 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.359 Will we. 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:53.859 Will we welcome that? 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:57.720 Are we prepared to go down that pathway. 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.240 And learn? 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:01.299 Or do we just want to cut and run? 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.819 Well I can tell you. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.799 There's been many days. 00:25:04.859 --> 00:25:06.059 When I just wanted to cut and run. 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.679 I can tell you. 00:25:06.679 --> 00:25:07.059 I can tell you. 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.359 I can tell you. 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:08.059 I can tell you. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:08.440 I can tell you. 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:08.980 I can tell you. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.440 I can tell you. 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:09.480 I can tell you. 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:09.980 I can tell you. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.480 I can tell you. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.079 But even then. 00:25:11.159 --> 00:25:13.039 I believe the Lord has pulled me back in. 00:25:13.139 --> 00:25:14.220 By various agencies. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:16.460 And the council of various people. 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.980 He's pulled me back in. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.440 Say no. 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.980 This is where I want you to be. 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:26.200 This is where your good is being perfected in you. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:29.059 For my good is being perfected in you. 00:25:31.580 --> 00:25:34.039 Well let's press ahead now into verses 31 to 39. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:37.819 Where Paul lists four practical implications. 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:41.240 In the light of what I've just said in those verses 28 to 30. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:44.519 And he poses just four questions. 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:48.420 I just want to run through them as quickly as I can now. 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.660 First question. 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:51.279 Verse 31. 00:25:51.819 --> 00:25:53.140 Who is there to be afraid of? 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:58.040 Given that God's power is for us. 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:02.660 What then shall we say to these things? 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:06.440 If God is for us. 00:26:07.820 --> 00:26:09.200 Who can be against us? 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:17.380 Now one of the things I've seen through Romans 7 and 8. 00:26:17.560 --> 00:26:18.520 And I'm not too surprised. 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:20.480 But it does always surprise me still. 00:26:20.800 --> 00:26:22.759 Is that Father, Son and Spirit. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:24.460 Are so completely. 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.680 And individually. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.640 And collectively. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.460 Involved in salvation. 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:32.519 And so the question here. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.200 Is really saying. 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.240 If the Trinity. 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:36.000 If Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.180 Have my back. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.759 If Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:40.759 Have my perimeter defense covered. 00:26:43.119 --> 00:26:44.559 By day and by night. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.720 Then. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:50.480 I don't need to fear. 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:52.000 I don't need to fear the loneliest part of night. 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:58.160 Which for me is often when my fears are at their strongest. 00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:58.860 I don't need to fear. 00:26:58.860 --> 00:27:05.940 I don't need to fear the scariest confrontation. 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.560 With my own sins. 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:09.019 Seeing it face to face. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.540 And realizing what it is. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:17.960 I don't need to fear the intentions of family. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.400 Or in your case. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:20.580 Work colleagues. 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:24.680 Or others that you rub shoulders with in this world. 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:29.259 I don't need to fear their ability to hurt me as a Christian. 00:27:33.600 --> 00:27:34.500 Verse 32. 00:27:36.080 --> 00:27:37.420 What will be denied. 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:41.039 Given what has already been supplied in Christ. 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:45.960 He who did not spare his own son. 00:27:47.120 --> 00:27:48.779 But gave him up for us all. 00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:53.139 How will he not also with him graciously. 00:27:53.899 --> 00:27:55.099 Give us all things. 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:58.559 A father who presents. 00:27:59.160 --> 00:28:03.000 A $900,000 Ferrari as a gift to his child. 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:06.019 Is hardly going to jump up and down. 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:07.200 And rant and rave. 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:09.200 Over $100 worth of petrol. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:09.480 Is he? 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:13.899 And yet that's so often. 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:15.899 What we think and feel as Christians. 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:20.360 Here's what the Lord has given us already in Christ. 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.759 And then somehow or other we think. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:26.519 That he won't just supply the extra few bits and pieces. 00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:27.220 That's required. 00:28:27.540 --> 00:28:29.420 To make us feel the love of Jesus. 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:31.180 And to keep us on the track. 00:28:31.800 --> 00:28:32.640 And bring us home. 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:41.320 God's not going to hold back. 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:43.560 The things we need to be his children. 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:46.539 Having already invested so much. 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.779 To make us his children. 00:28:51.919 --> 00:28:52.539 And yet. 00:28:52.919 --> 00:28:54.279 How often and how regularly. 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.720 Do we convince ourselves. 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:58.059 That God is neither caring. 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.679 Nor generous towards us. 00:29:02.339 --> 00:29:04.220 That somehow or other God's blind. 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:06.379 To the things I need on a day by day basis. 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:07.839 Or worse still. 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.279 We actually convince ourselves. 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:10.859 That in serving Jesus. 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:12.259 Somehow or other I'm missing out. 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:13.419 On the good things of life. 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:16.720 And that's the same old story. 00:29:16.879 --> 00:29:18.279 That got Adam and Eve to start with. 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:18.679 Isn't it? 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:22.399 That God's not being up front with us. 00:29:22.419 --> 00:29:23.740 He's got something better over there. 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.899 He's trying to hide from us. 00:29:25.419 --> 00:29:26.500 And keep us here in misery. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:28.819 Oh my friends. 00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:30.619 How do we get to think those things? 00:29:30.619 --> 00:29:31.619 We need to take God. 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:36.399 We need to take God at his word. 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:38.779 Like a great parent. 00:29:38.919 --> 00:29:39.759 We can trust. 00:29:40.479 --> 00:29:42.759 That if something is good for us. 00:29:43.199 --> 00:29:44.959 Then it will be given to us. 00:29:48.199 --> 00:29:51.000 And that also includes hard times. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:52.000 Disappointments. 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.099 Disappointments. 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:54.940 Challenges. 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:57.539 Why are they good for us? 00:29:58.539 --> 00:30:03.099 Because they strip us bare of our own abilities and resources and self-confidence. 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:05.960 And they put our focus back on Christ. 00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:08.759 Third question. 00:30:09.360 --> 00:30:12.240 Who will bring a legitimate charge against us? 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:14.019 Verses 33 and 4. 00:30:14.120 --> 00:30:19.180 Especially given that Jesus has already wiped clean our slate. 00:30:20.180 --> 00:30:23.100 And dealt with all charges against us. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:27.140 Verses 33 and 34. 00:30:27.140 --> 00:30:31.700 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:30:33.540 --> 00:30:35.460 It is God who justifies. 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:44.000 See the Lord did not cut any corners. 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:47.240 Or engage in any cover up. 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:49.700 When it come to our salvation. 00:30:49.820 --> 00:30:52.640 When it come to doing everything legally required. 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:55.240 To turn us from enemies into friends. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:58.660 There will be nothing that will come back in the future. 00:30:58.759 --> 00:30:59.839 To embarrass the Lord. 00:31:00.500 --> 00:31:01.240 And say well actually. 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:02.059 No. 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:03.039 You forgot this. 00:31:03.620 --> 00:31:04.440 You overlooked that. 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:11.519 There will be no new evidence uncovered. 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:14.319 That means we will have to face a retrial. 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.640 In the future. 00:31:16.019 --> 00:31:17.599 We hear it all the time in our society. 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:19.740 But not so with God. 00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:23.960 There is nothing that can be used there for to blackmail us. 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.859 And Satan will try and do that. 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.900 But there is nothing. 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.380 Not our own sin. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.740 Not our conscience. 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:33.519 Not our family and work colleagues. 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:35.519 Satan has nothing real on us. 00:31:35.779 --> 00:31:38.180 He will try and convince us that he has got heaps on us. 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.900 But he has got nothing on us really. 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:41.980 Because Christ has dealt with it all. 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:47.259 The demands of justice have been fully satisfied. 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:48.880 In the death of Christ. 00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:52.360 And this fact. 00:31:52.540 --> 00:31:55.020 Is constantly made known in heaven. 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:58.560 As Jesus constantly reminds God the Father. 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:00.140 And the whole of the heavenly assembly. 00:32:01.100 --> 00:32:02.960 By the looks of his hands. 00:32:03.840 --> 00:32:05.020 I've done it all. 00:32:07.540 --> 00:32:08.680 It is finished. 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:11.460 And finally then. 00:32:12.340 --> 00:32:14.860 Who can separate us from God? 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:17.120 35 onwards. 00:32:21.840 --> 00:32:24.480 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:32:25.519 --> 00:32:26.660 Shall tribulation? 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:28.460 Distress? 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:30.620 Persecution? 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:32.380 Famine? 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:34.640 Nakedness? 00:32:35.060 --> 00:32:35.460 Danger? 00:32:35.840 --> 00:32:36.160 Sword? 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:36.200 Lord. 00:32:36.600 --> 00:32:37.080 As it was written. 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:39.420 For your sake we have been killed all the day long. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:42.000 We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 00:32:43.840 --> 00:32:44.279 No. 00:32:45.180 --> 00:32:47.320 In all these things we are more than conquerors. 00:32:47.540 --> 00:32:48.560 Through him who loved us. 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.980 For I am sure. 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:54.200 That neither death nor life. 00:32:55.100 --> 00:32:56.180 Nor angels. 00:32:56.540 --> 00:32:57.220 Nor rulers. 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.800 Nor things present. 00:32:58.960 --> 00:32:59.860 Nor things to come. 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:00.620 Nor powers. 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:01.240 Nor height. 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:01.880 Nor depth. 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:03.140 Nor anything else. 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:04.300 In all of creation. 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:06.720 Nor. 00:33:07.440 --> 00:33:07.840 Nor. 00:33:07.840 --> 00:33:10.220 Nor will be able to separate us from the love of God. 00:33:10.800 --> 00:33:12.320 In Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:20.340 There will be many times in life when we face tough situations as Christians. 00:33:21.360 --> 00:33:23.380 Some of those through no fault of our own. 00:33:23.380 --> 00:33:27.820 Even in those situations. 00:33:28.760 --> 00:33:33.420 We do not need to fear that we will not persevere. 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:36.860 Because God will be preserving us. 00:33:37.260 --> 00:33:39.320 In the midst of those very situations. 00:33:40.640 --> 00:33:44.020 Think of the worst torture that a Christian has ever endured. 00:33:45.620 --> 00:33:49.240 Think of the most powerful spiritual forces of evil in the universe. 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:54.940 None of those things will be able to overpower or erode God's love from us and commitment to us. 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:58.240 Yes they might take our life and hasten us into heaven. 00:33:59.359 --> 00:34:03.620 But they will never erode God's love or commitment to us. 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:12.759 Now we know only too well that most marriages come to grief over a slowly, over a long period of time. 00:34:13.299 --> 00:34:16.219 As the initial love and commitment just gets eroded. 00:34:16.719 --> 00:34:19.279 One hurt, one disappointment at a time. 00:34:21.139 --> 00:34:23.739 Until abandonment is the outcome. 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:27.619 Could the same happen with God's love for us? 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:33.339 After all, I mean he's experienced so many hurts, so many disappointments from us. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:36.859 He has put us back on our feet so many times. 00:34:37.339 --> 00:34:39.559 He lives with the mess that we create all the time. 00:34:41.880 --> 00:34:44.059 But God's love is totaled. 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:45.319 God's love is unconditional. 00:34:47.019 --> 00:34:48.779 God's love will never ever waver. 00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:50.179 Let alone fail. 00:34:52.679 --> 00:34:54.039 So there we have it my friends. 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:59.559 God's reference points to ensure we can navigate the truth of assurance. 00:35:00.320 --> 00:35:03.599 Assurance of salvation and be totally confident in being saved. 00:35:07.679 --> 00:35:14.059 Romans 8 starts in the context of Paul's desperate question in chapter 7. 00:35:14.219 --> 00:35:20.019 Who will rescue me from that terrible, relentless battle against sin as a Christian? 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:21.559 Who will rescue me from it? 00:35:21.559 --> 00:35:28.820 We've pointed to the objective work of Christ on our behalf as a rescue. 00:35:28.960 --> 00:35:32.579 We're pointed to the defining and renewing work of God's spirit within us. 00:35:33.440 --> 00:35:35.079 Confirming we are God's children. 00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:39.519 We're pointed to God's ongoing activity in our lives. 00:35:40.099 --> 00:35:42.960 Having adopted into his family as beloved children, 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:48.519 he is now working for our good and the achievement of his purpose in salvation. 00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:51.800 Father, Son, and Spirit. 00:35:55.320 --> 00:35:57.559 And this is the essence of assurance. 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:07.019 If we're looking at the battle with sin within us from the perspective of our own resources, 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:13.579 from the perspective that I could do well enough in this battle to earn acceptance before God, 00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:18.579 then the response must be, 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:21.739 wretched creature that I am. 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:29.659 But, 00:36:30.019 --> 00:36:35.159 if that same battle is seen from the perspective of God's plan and purpose, 00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:36.519 and God's grace, 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:41.099 then the conclusion must be, 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:45.179 I am convinced that nothing can separate me 00:36:45.179 --> 00:36:48.059 from the love of God in Christ. 00:36:52.699 --> 00:36:53.219 Now, 00:36:53.679 --> 00:36:56.539 I'll address mainly those here this morning who are Christians. 00:36:56.659 --> 00:36:58.099 Let me have two sentences now, 00:36:58.500 --> 00:37:00.259 if you're not yet a Christian here this morning. 00:37:00.260 --> 00:37:03.300 Our life, 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:04.040 our world, 00:37:04.120 --> 00:37:05.080 is so fragile. 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:07.540 It really is. 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:11.920 Every one of us, 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:12.440 deep down, 00:37:12.500 --> 00:37:14.480 is looking for some sort of security, 00:37:15.600 --> 00:37:16.960 some sort of reference point, 00:37:17.380 --> 00:37:20.400 by which we can navigate life with confidence. 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:23.720 Knowing that we are ready 00:37:23.720 --> 00:37:25.760 for the life after this life. 00:37:25.760 --> 00:37:29.420 I present to you this morning 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:33.280 the challenge to think about the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:33.280 --> 00:37:36.740 being that pathway you are in your heart looking for. 00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:40.500 I can only tell you from my experience 00:37:40.500 --> 00:37:42.460 that 00:37:42.460 --> 00:37:45.100 I get out of bed in the morning 00:37:45.100 --> 00:37:47.820 only because of the confidence 00:37:47.820 --> 00:37:50.060 that whatever happens on that day 00:37:50.060 --> 00:37:52.540 is actually for my good 00:37:52.540 --> 00:37:55.440 and under the umbrella of God's care and love for me. 00:37:55.760 --> 00:37:57.860 I don't know 00:37:57.860 --> 00:37:59.160 whether I'll see 00:37:59.160 --> 00:38:00.300 the end of the day 00:38:00.300 --> 00:38:01.400 at the start. 00:38:03.200 --> 00:38:04.280 Life is so fragile. 00:38:05.240 --> 00:38:06.300 But what I do know 00:38:06.300 --> 00:38:07.620 is whatever happens 00:38:07.620 --> 00:38:08.420 at the end of that day 00:38:08.420 --> 00:38:10.960 and if it means my death, 00:38:11.040 --> 00:38:12.080 I will see the Lord Jesus 00:38:12.080 --> 00:38:13.240 and be with him forever. 00:38:14.220 --> 00:38:15.180 And that's the security 00:38:15.180 --> 00:38:17.360 that I think every person 00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:18.620 is looking for in this world 00:38:18.620 --> 00:38:20.840 and I beg you to consider it this morning. 00:38:21.800 --> 00:38:22.440 Let me pray. 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:27.000 Lord, we thank you 00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:28.720 that you're so kind to us 00:38:28.720 --> 00:38:32.220 in giving us absolute confidence 00:38:32.220 --> 00:38:32.860 and assurance 00:38:32.860 --> 00:38:35.460 in what you're doing for us, 00:38:35.720 --> 00:38:37.380 what you have done for us 00:38:37.380 --> 00:38:39.019 and what you're continuing to do in us. 00:38:39.960 --> 00:38:41.820 Help us, Lord, to luxuriate 00:38:41.820 --> 00:38:43.700 in that assurance. 00:38:44.760 --> 00:38:46.579 Not to be self-centered, Lord, 00:38:46.579 --> 00:38:50.219 but then to be so confident 00:38:50.219 --> 00:38:53.539 in the loving nature of your Father 00:38:53.539 --> 00:38:55.119 that we want to respond to you 00:38:55.119 --> 00:38:57.440 in a way that's pleasing 00:38:57.440 --> 00:38:58.340 and honoring to you 00:38:58.340 --> 00:39:00.079 as we seek to live 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:01.139 and serve you 00:39:01.139 --> 00:39:02.400 day by day. 00:39:02.920 --> 00:39:03.360 Amen. 00:39:03.360 --> 00:39:03.460 Amen.