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Call to worship: John 20:1-18

Text: Romans 8:31-39

Summary:

What shall we say to Paul's exposition of the Gospel? If God is for us, who can be against us? In one sense, anything in all creation. But in the final sense, nothing at all. And that is the paradox of the Christian's and the Church's existence for Christ in this world. Though all Hell rage against us, we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. The grace of God and the cross of Christ are paramount to our assurance of spiritual and final invincibility. But have we considered Paul's 'more than that'? Have we realized what the resurrection of Jesus adds to the inevitability of our perseverance? How far does it extend that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who are 'believing,' and what does our risen King have to do with it? Everything in every way!

Main idea(s):

The resurrection of Jesus is the divine declaration that His intercessory work, on the cross and on the throne, has established and vindicated the Church's response to the Gospel: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Sermon Outline:

1. The answer of 'more than conquerors' to the Gospel. (8:31)
2. The logic supporting the answer of 'more than conquerors' to the Gospel. (8:32)
3. The place of Jesus' resurrection in the logic supporting the answer of 'more than conquerors' to the Gospel. (8:33-39)

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. 1: Read Romans 8:31-39. Pray, 'Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I may see wonderful things in Your Word.'
2. What are 'these things' in 8:31?
3. What does Paul offer as an answer to the question, 'what shall we say to these things?'
4. What's the logic of 8:32, and how does it support the Christian's eschatological invincibility?
5. Paul seems to parse out that logic in 8:33-39. What's the significance of his 'more than that' in 8:34? In other words, what's the significance of Christ's resurrection to His work on the cross and His ministry from the throne, and how then does this further substantiate and establish the great Gospel truth: we are more than conquerors?