Questions and promises

This evening we will look at some questions (really rhetorical questions) and promises from Paul in Romans 8:31-37.

Paul asks the question:  "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

The thought is that no matter what you face on a daily basis - God is for you (In fact, I encourage you as you read this to stop and say out loud, "God is for me."

God is for me.  God is for you. 

Paul asks the questions:  "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also along with him, graciously give us all things?" 

God not only will protect you with his constant love - but He will provide for you as well.

God graciously gives us all things (I encourage you at this point to stop and remember that if God solved your greatest problem, which is your eternal salvation (with his death on the cross), how much more will he take care of your car payment!  Your health!  Your mortgage!  Your job search!

Paul asks the question:  "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies."

If you are feeling accused today - those accusations do not come from God.

They come from the enemy, Satan, whose name means, "Slanderer."

Yet know this:  when you are accused by the devil, it is God who stands as your defense attorney.

(I encourage you at this point to stop and rebuke the accusations of the enemy and dwell in the presence of the unconditional love of God).

Paul asks the question:  Who is he that condemns Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."

Satan may be screaming negative thoughts in your ear - but Jesus (at the same time) stands in heaven praying for  you.  Right now.

(I encourage you at this point to stop and realize that Jesus is praying for you).

Finally, Paul asks this question:  "Who shall separate us form the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

To separate means to place a wedge between and was also used as a synonym for "amputate."

There is absolutely nothing that can get in the way of the Lord loving us.

(I encourage you at this point to stop and dwell in the thought that God's love for you is unconditional.)

I guess you can consider these "simple thoughts" but yet at the same time they are complex thoughts that will brighten up your day.

Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.