LIVING IN HIS LOVE - Romans 8:18-39 Living The Gospel Everyday - Part 7 02/23/25 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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. (ESV) Romans 8:18–39 ESV Greek to English: Justify -δικαιόω (dikaioó) to declare righteous, to acquit, to be made right Declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, not based on the individual's merit but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Separate - χωρίζω (chórizó) divide, separate, create space, physical separation, relational division, or spiritual departure. Sure - -πείθω (peithó) To persuade, to convince, to trust, to have confidence in a truth or course of action (also used as: obedience that comes from being convinced) Good - ἀγαθός (agathos) intrinsically good, good in nature, good whether it be seen to be so or not, the widest and most colorless of all words with this meaning, intrinsic goodness that aligns with God's nature and His will. Love - ἀγάπη (agapé) love, benevolence, good will, esteem Usage: Agapé is a term used in the New Testament to describe a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It is the highest form of love, often associated with the love of God for humanity and the love that believers are called to have for one another. Unlike other Greek words for love, such as "eros" (romantic love) or “philia (brotherly love), agapé is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of the will, characterized by a commitment to the well-being of others God is with US and reaching towards US(v. 18-30) Knows life can be hard and filled with pain - do not lose HOPE Meets us at our point of weakness Helps us pray to him Searches Gods mind and makes it known Works things out according to His will God’s LOVE remains - Always there (v.31-39) Are you Confident? Actions and Events, Life/Death, Authorities, Time, Distance, Any Created Thing So what is keeping you from His Love __________________________ Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God Own it and Act on it (Confident ) I will believe the truth Facts: I have been bought for a price (sacrificial death of Christ), redeemed (resurrection of Christ) forgiven and justified (by faith), adopted, set apart, filled with the Holy Spirit, and in relationship with God eternally. Conclusion: I AM LOVED I will accept God Loves me I will not try to control God’s thoughts and feelings - I am Loved I will trust His plan for me My past and current issues will not control my direction - I am Loved I will obey His commands for me My feelings will not dictate how how I act today - I am Loved Will you allow God’s Love to seep into your soul, set you free from condemnation, transform your life moving forward, give you life for today and hope for the future, and trust Him finally by living the life He has called you to live? Or do you still need proof?