Lesson 42 April 10, 2002

Ø 8:32 Here's Why! The Provision that makes the statement of 31b a reality

The logic here is that the greater gift includes the lesser!

The greater gift = provision of the cross

The lesser gift = daily provision to get us to His goal for us!

The same God who is for us is the one who did not spare His own Son;

Everything that you need to fulfill His plan for you, leading to being conformed to the image of His Son, that's the all things here, and they are given freely, graciously. 2 Pet 1:3

Ø 8:33 Paul answers the question raised in the last phrase of vs:31.

Who will bring a charge against God's elect?

It was God who justified you when you believed in Christ.

Therefore any accusation will be thrown out of court.

Ø 8:34 Who is the one who condemns?

You, as a believer, have the Triune God on your side and you should have no question why Paul will say what he does in the rest of the chapter, especially vs:37.

Ø 8:35 Paul's final question! [and a most profound one]

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

- Paul lists 7 areas, types of things that the Christian might experience in our life;

#1 tribulation qli/yij (thilipsis) quite a broad word for pressure

#2 distress stenocwri,a( (stenochoria) was used to define a narrow space; things are closing in on us, are putting the squeeze on us;

#3 persecution diwgmo.j (diogmos) [vb. Diwkw (dioko) idea of pursuit, to chase after with a view to harm;] pursuit by ones enemies;

#4 famine limo.j (limos) deprivation of food;

#5 nakedness gumno,thj (gumnotes) idea is that of being totally destitute; extreme poverty;

#6 peril ki,ndunoj (kidunos) Paul's peril list 2 Cor. 11:26-27

#7 sword ma,cairaÈ (machaira) Acts 12:1-2; Heb 11:37;

Observations:

1. Throughout the history of the C/A, in most generations, these types of experiences were quite common.

2. These things were often brought about by the worlds hatred of truth, of what the believer stood for.

3. Modern Christianity, today's Christianity bears little resemblance to the Christianity of the N.T.

4. These things listed here are included in the "all things" of vs:28 and the "all things" of vs:32, the provision to deal with and fulfill God's purpose for your life!

5. The emphasis of the N.T., especially of Paul in his epistles, is on what we think not on what we feel.

6. There is no security, no assurance to those who do not believe God's Word!