What God Has Done

Date: December 11^th, 2011

Text: Romans 8:1-4
Preached by: Pastor Van Morris

Introduction

Having explained the frustrating reality that, Christians are not completely free from sin’s presence in their life (Romans 7), Paul goes on to declare in Romans 8:1 that there is therefore now no condemnation…In Romans 8:2-4 Paul explains how God accomplished this.

What God Has Done Involved God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Vs. 1-4)

Paul mentions each member of the Trinity in verses 1-4.  The work of salvation was planned/initiated by God the Father; carried out by God the Son; and applied to us by God the Holy Spirit.

What God Has Done the Law Could Not Do. (Vs. 3)

The Law cannot put us in right standing before God; the law cannot justify us, cannot sanctify us and cannot see to it that the righteousness which it demands is fulfilled in us, nor can it save us.  What God has done is to justify us, not by law but by grace (through the death of Christ); and He is sanctifying us (making us more like Jesus) not by the law, but by giving us His Spirit to dwell within us.

What God Has Done Required an Incarnation. (Vs. 3b)

The only difference between Christ’s flesh and ours is this – he is sinless, we are sinful.  The condemnation that our sins deserve was poured out on Jesus.  Therefore, He condemned sin in the flesh.  Illustration: Isaiah 6:1-8.  How did Isaiah move from “Woe is me” to “Send me”?  Was it by something Isaiah did, or something God did?

Application Questions

1.     Review Romans 7:18.  Paul says “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”  How is this inner conflict apparent in my own life?

2.     Identify and discuss the differing aspects of salvation attributed to the three members of the Trinity in Romans 8:1-4.

3.     When I consider the effort required by God to secure my salvation, what does that tell me about my sin?  About God’s grace?  How am I moved to worship God differently as a result?

4.     Consider Isaiah 6:1-8.  How is the transition from “woe is me” to “send me” apparent in my own life?  How do I need to respond today to God’s grace?

5.     How does the truth of this passage affect how I minister to others in need?

Let Me Hear

Reading
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God,
For the word of the Lord will stand forever;
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
For he will speak peace to his people.
(adapted from Isaiah 40 & Psalm 85)

Response
Give me ears to hear your voice, O Lord.
May my heart be inclined to your word
And my mind be fixed on your ways.
Let me not listen to the voice that fails,
or pay heed to the words that falter,
But let me stand on that which stands forever,
Your Word.  Amen.

God’s Declaration – No Condemnation!

Date: December 4^th, 2011

Text: Romans 8:1
Preached by: Pastor Van Morris

Introduction

Satan’s primary temptation strategy is to try and make those who are in Christ forget what God has declared about them so that they evaluate their standing before God by some other criteria.

Romans 8:1 – Is True in Spite of What Paul Had Done

Acts 26:9-11

Before being converted Paul actively opposed Jesus, locking up many of the believers in prison, participating in their executions, and persecuting them unmercifully.  Yet Paul, being in Christ Jesus, was not subject to condemnation for his sin.

Romans 8:1 – Is True in Spite of What I Have Done

There is most likely a particular sin that Satan uses to paralyze you.  He holds it up and says, “You can never be forgiven for doing this.  You are still under condemnation for it.”  David asked God to not remember the sins of his youth (Psalm 25:7).  God’s answer to Satan’s accusations and David’s prayer is Romans 8:1.

Romans 8:1 Is True In Spite of the Realities of Romans  Chapter 7

Romans 7:13-25

Though the Christian does not perfectly manifest in practice what is true of them in principle, and they experience a daily battle against  indwelling sin, sometimes experiencing failure, God’s declaration is still true.

Application Questions

1.     What’s the “scandal of grace” when Romans 8:1 is compared to Acts 26:9-11?

2.     Explain the basis for God’s declaring us innocent in Christ (e.g. 2 Cor. 5:21)?

3.     Without being too specific about the particular sin, how do Satan’s accusations affect you?  In light of Romans 8:1, how will you respond differently in the future?

4.     If experiencing failure in our Christian walk does not bring condemnation, what might be a more appropriate response to our sin (e.g. 1 Jn. 1:9, 2 Cor. 7:10)?  

5.     Develop a Gospel “tweet” (i.e. 140 characters or less) and post it on the group’s facebook page.