What Shall We Say?
Gtoctr/ss041507
Key Scripture: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJV)
More than any other bible character, the Apostle Paul identifies with the everyday earthly plight and struggles of the common Christian. Throughout his writings he continues to bear his humanity, frail and fragile as it may be, yet he consistently presents himself clothed in the purpose and power of God.
He paints a picture of the life of a believer: In the world but not of the world.
Being in the world we as believers face the similar difficulties, hardships and disappointments others face who are without Christ. The difference is that we are secure and secured with Christ because we are not of the world but have been born again, born of God.
The doctrine which this Apostle to the Gentiles espouses gives a clear picture of our place both here in this world and in eternity. While we are alive in this world, yet we are citizens of the
We are encouraged to live above the common fray of humanity, loving God more than we do ourselves and loving others as much as we do ourselves.
We are further instructed to not judge others, argue, dispute or debate things which gender strife or hold ourselves out as better than our neighbors. The same God Who saved us is reaching out through us to save others. We help by pointing out the hidden way to Christ and not by pointing out the obvious way to hell.
It is clear that God intends for us to live among those who do not know Him as witnesses of the grace, mercy and forgiveness He shows to all who call upon His Name. It is by our life choices and our testimony that we encourage others to follow us as we follow Christ.
Like in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas were in their midnight hour wrongfully imprisoned for their faith, when they sang praises to God, ‘The prisoners were listening’. Others are watching us today.
Even though all things have been put under the feet of Jesus we do not now see all things under His feet, but we, as believers, do see Jesus. This is what makes the difference.
Hebrews 2 NKJV
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
Jesus said in John 16:33 that as long as we are in this world we will face troubles but that we should not be depressed by these troubles since He had already overcome them for us. This is what Hebrews 2:9 means when it says that Jesus tasted death for everyone.
It is conceivable that at some point in our life we will face difficulties, disappointments, tragedy, turmoil … troubles: Spiritual troubles, physical troubles, financial troubles, relationship troubles, troubles on the job, with school work, sickness, setbacks and even temporary defeat.
2 Corinthians 4 KJV
8 ¶ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Its not what we go through that makes or breaks us but rather how we go through it.
Lets turn in our bibles to the book of Romans, Chapter 8.
Romans 8 NKJV
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
31 ¶ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are more than conquerors in every situation and over every trouble of life. God has commanded by His Word that all things work together to the true and eternal benefit of those who love Him.
Put your life, faith and trust in God. He knows the way and He will see you through. If God is for you who can be against you?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Cast all your care on the Lord, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
