This week we conclude Romans 8, which is often regarded as one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. In verses 31-39, we are reassured that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” No danger or distress, or even death, can keep Jesus from coming and saving us from ourselves. Through Him, we are conquerors over such things. But what if we were “more than conquerors?” Is there an additional faithful way to think of this text other than Jesus conquering those things to get to us? No, there are actually (at least) two other ways. So let’s talk about it.

Romans 8:31-39

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 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? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 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. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. In Romans 8:35 and 8:38-39 there are two lists of things that could come between us and God. But they cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, because in various ways Christ has been with us since our birth, Jesus’ birth, and our re-birth. While this is reassuring, it is still helpful to be mindful of the things that can make us feel like we are separated from Him. Discuss how the below things have presented themselves in your life. In what ways have they potentially left you feeling separated from God?

• Grieving a loss (death)

• Professional success (height)

• Stress (tribulation, distress)

• Financial problems (nakedness, famine)

• Your own mortality (danger)

• Political uncertainty (rulers)

2. Close in prayer, asking God to bring this scripture to mind the next time you are faced with any of the above.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 8 together.

2. In vv. 26-27 we learned that the Holy Spirit intercedes (stands in) for us. Who else stands in for us according to v. 34? _ _ _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _

3. Read vv. 35-36; we are asked a question: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” List the seven things that it says will not separate us from Jesus’ love.

4. Read vv. 38-39. What else are we to be certain of that will never separate us from God’s love? List those 10 things.

5. Will Jesus ever stop loving us? Never! Will Jesus ever leave us? Never! Read Hebrews 13:5-6 for assurance. Pray out loud together and thank our God that His love never fails or lessens.