THE LOVE OF CHRIST
Romans 8:35-39 

Introduction:     In the Book of Romans we have discovered that all are sinners. In the first three chapters we step into God’s courtroom and find all are guilty and we have no excuse. Then enters Jesus! In Him we are Justified, Sanctified, and Glorified! – saved forever more! Romans chapter 8 begins with “no condemnation” and concludes with “no separation.” There is no separation for the believer because of the love of Christ. The love of Jesus is:

I.           UNDAUNTED BY ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES (V.35)

“Who” the circumstance may be a what but it is caused by a who!

            A.        Secure At All Times

Eternal Security

            B.         Endures All Things

“Tribulation” = a stick used to separate chaff from the wheat (Illus: is the world beating or crushing you today?) Also became known in the 1st century as pressure (as in a vice). You may never be stoned as Steven and feel the pressure of the rocks that crush your body, but there are all kinds of nervous pressures in life – family pressures, financial pressures, emotional pressures, but there is no pressure that the devil can throw at you that can sever that cord of love that holds you to the heart of God!

“Distress” = narrow (a constricted place). Have you ever felt all hemmed in? (Illus: the love of Christ can get in a thimble or any nook and cranny the love of Christ can get anywhere). So the circumstance of distress cannot separate us the love of Christ.

“Persecution” = is more subtle today than in the 1st century. Persecution doesn’t drive us away for the Lord it drives us to the cross!

“Famine” = a lack of food cannot separate us from the love of Christ He’s the Bread of Life. (Illus: manna from heaven to feed the believer in the midst of the famine).

“Nakedness” = the lack of the basic needs of life. The Bible tells us that we’re clothed in His righteousness (in the glory of God).

“Peril or sword” = the threat to our lives. None of these things can separate us from God!

 

II.         UNHINDERED BY HUMAN WEAKNESS (VV.36-37)

I cannot get myself saved and I cannot keep myself saved. (Illus: God shut the door of the Ark ). It’s God that gets me saved and it’s God that keeps me saved!

            A.        Christ’s Love Enables Us To Stand (v.36)

Super sheep – sheep are not powerful (see the picture - we are like sheep thrown to the wolves). We don’t have to be powerful because standing behind this little ‘ol sheep is a big Shepard! So I can stand – why, because I’m strong? No because He is strong!

            B.         Christ’s Love Empowers Us To Persevere (v.37)

Our strength is not our human ability our strength is in the fact that the love of Christ possesses the believing sinner and manifests in your body the power and the authority of Jesus Christ! I’m not just a sheep I’m more that a conqueror. (Illus: why are we more than conquerors? - Because ours is a supernatural victory and because of the length of the warfare v.36 …all the day long)

 

III.       UNINTERRUPTED BY SPIRITUAL ADVERSARIES (VV.38-39)

There are so many fears today. Faith and fear cannot occupy the same heart! The Christian heart can be free from fear when we understand who we are in Jesus Christ! First we must be persuaded that God’s Word is true!

            A.        The Extremes Of State – death or life

Can death? No death ushers us into the presence of God. (2 Cor 5:8) “…to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

Can life? No Jesus’ promise is (Mat 28:20) “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

            B.         The Extremes Of Power – angles or principalities and powers

Can Angles? No (Heb 1:14 ) "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Can principalities and powers? No (Eph 6:12 ) "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Equipped with the armor of God we can put them to flight.

            C.        The Extremes Of Time – things present and to come

Can things present? No for He is the I AM, the One who dwells eternally in the present.

Can things to come? No because He is the coming one!

            D.        The Extremes Of Space – Heights or depths

Can heights or depths? No because He has plumbed the deepest depth for us and scaled the highest height and is enthroned on the highest pinnacle in glory.

 

Conclusion:       No foe can daunt us and no fear can haunt us. The end result of all this is the blessed assurance that in Jesus we are forever protected and secure come what may in life or death! Thank God for the love of Christ!