We've been walking slowly through the book of Romans during the Adult Bible Class time at Cornerstone Free Church. It's been a wonderful study. Slow? Yes, but the discussion and questions forced me into the realization that there's no reason to rush this.
Romans 8 is arguably one of the greatest chapters in the whole of Scripture. There is so much meat, so much depth, so much to marvel at in the 39 verses of this chapter. From verse 28 to the end of the chapter, there is everything a Christian really needs to get him or her through any situation.
I've drawn from some truly rich resources to help shape my thinking on this book: Stott, Kistemaker, Lloyd-Jones, Piper. John Stott provides a great outline for the final section in his commentary on Romans in the Bible Speaks Today series. From Romans 8.28, he points out:
Five Unshakeable Convictions
1. God Works
2. God Works for the Good
3. God Works All Things for the Good
4. God Works All Things for the Good for Those Who Love God
5. God Works All Things for the Good for Those Who Are Called According to His Purpose
Then, in the next two verses, vv. 29–30, Stott lays out:
Five Undeniable Affirmations
1. Foreknown
2. Predestinated
3. Called
4. Justified
5. Glorified
The apostle begins verse 31 by saying, "What then shall we say to these things?" It's almost as if Paul has said all that can really be said about what God has done and promised to do for us in Christ Jesus. And yet, he can't cease; he must still find another way to say it again. This he does, in verses 31–39, some of the most glorious words in the Bible. Stott calls these:
Five Unanswerable Questions
1. Who can be against us?
2. Will God not graciously give us all things?
3. Who will bring any charge against us?
4. Who will condemn us?
5. What can separate us from the love of God?
One of the joys of teaching this section of Scripture is the tremendous joy I have in who God is, what He's done and all that is promised me in Christ Jesus in this passage. The class has been great. There are great questions. I've had a few not always agree with the teaching of foreknowledge or predestination, but otherwise, it's just been a time of great rejoicing for me.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I'd like to share some of the lessons learned from these points. It's a way to give thanks (since Thursday is Thanksgiving Day). It's a way to offer praise unto the Lord. I can also hope it's a way to inspire great confidence in the One in whom you believe.