DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: Romans 8:31 – What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
As we look at our scripture today we have to take a pause and evaluate what it means; what’s it significance? Well if you just read this out of the blue, you may not get what the writer has intended for you….or maybe you will. Nevertheless, there are three (3) strong points (among many others) that I want to address as we meditate on this portion of God’s word.
First we have to consider the context. Context is extremely important in reading, understanding and gaining pure application for your life from the bible. We live in completely different times then when the bible was written. We’ve advanced from an agricultural (back then) period of time to a technological (now/current) period of time. Things are different, but the beauty of the bible still makes everything relevant and present tense; meaning it is absolutely beneficial in today’s times! It is ageless! With that being said, the context of this scripture is in the framework of Paul helping the people understand how gracious and merciful God has been with his Spirit and Son for our benefit – to have salvation and tackle life’s problems with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. The frame is that as we believe in Christ we are free from condemnation, we receive God’s Spirit to guide us and we have been chosen to be a part of God’s family. As this scripture comes into focus we see that Paul’s position is related to the evidence he’s presented. The idea is that if God has done all of this for you and I, we should have no concerns with anything that tries to come against us in this life. God has gone above and beyond to show us that he has our backs – even giving us his Son! Do you now think that he’s not in it for the long haul just because you got some bills that have come up all of a sudden? Now he’s not on your side because you’re being talked about? Now he’s forgotten about you because you don’t have any food in the cupboards? NO, NOT AT ALL! God is all in and as you’ve accepted your new life in Christ, you should be as well!
The second point we have to consider is the application of the text. Application here would be based off of the context of what has been presented. We find out the all-out love, devotion and commitment that God has made to us and it should have us in heavy thought about what our response should be to such acts. From the mind, prospective and devotion of a believer in Christ, the results should look like power or confidence. Now neither the power nor confidence would suggest anything that is physical or from you, however it would be or should be solely rooted in God’s word! Application says that I have nothing to fear in living out God’s principles and trusting in him because he’s given every reason to do so. You walk in the confidence that his word is real, living and active and meant to better your life – not take away from it. The Christian applies the teachings with freedom and knowledge of what is to come against them but also with the hope of what will be attained through faithful perseverance because God is absolutely for us now and nothing can come against one of God’s children and be successful!
Lastly, we have to consider the seriousness of the text. It’s always great to look at the happy side of the coin but we must always turn it over to make sure we’re getting the whole picture. The seriousness of this text has spiritual implications all over it. It first should be addressed that the scripture is intended for the believers in Christ Jesus; those how have accepted Him and are anxious awaiting His return. Next on the list would be how serious are we about maturing in our faith in Christ? Let’s be honest, no one just starts out completely understanding everything in the bible or what exactly to do. We learn, we grow, and we mature in the faith. It becomes real to us and as it does we make the steps to getting areas in our lives more in-line with God’s word because we know it’s real and we have matured. Obviously last would be if we believe at all. No one who believes in anything will just stick around and not do anything to help further the cause – in the lives of others or themselves. Do you still have a strong sense of worry? Are you easily swayed by the trials of life to give up on God? Have you not believed in the scripture in particular?
There is soooo much more that could be discussed in this but we pray that this light introduction shifts things in you to get back on track with embracing God and his plan. Let’s totally throw caution to the wind with regard to worldly circumstances. We all have them but they shouldn’t be the influence that makes us run from God. NOTHING SHOULD! If you are chosen by God, you are a conqueror and we have work to do! We have the most powerful entity ever on our side, what’s stopping you from moving forward as He would lead you? Think about it…. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!