God has a purpose for you, and He wants to bless you richly. Do you believe that? His desire is for you to fear Him and keep His commandments (cf. Eccl. 12:13). In our modern age, this specifically means that God wants you to become a Christian and then live a faithful Christian life. For those who are willing to live for God, great blessings are promised.
What are some of the benefits of living a faithful life as a child of God? Let us look to Romans 8 for some answers. Romans is a challenging book in many ways, but it is well worth our time and intellectual effort. It has been said before, in an effort to encourage study, that "if you get Romans, then God will get you."
Romans, prior to chapter 8, can be boiled down to the following synopsis:
And now, when we get to chapter 8, I believe what we have is a listing of the benefits of being a faithful Christian. This lesson is good for Christians and non-Christians to hear. Christians, it is good for us to be reminded of what we have in Christ. This will help us make it through the tragedies and challenges of this world. Understanding the riches we have in Christ will help us live joyfully. To those of you who are not yet in the body of Christ, this lesson is good for you to hear in order to encourage you to make that step toward and into Christ so that you also can enjoy these eternal benefits.
1. BEING A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN MEANS I AM ACQUITTED (Rom. 8:1-13).
Notice the phrases in this section that prove this:
Under sin, we are condemned, we are spiritually dead, we are in bondage to Satan, we have turmoil in our lives, and we have big problems to come in the life beyond. All of humanity is under a death sentence! All are condemned to die because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23). But, some will be acquitted--those who are in Christ!
Imagine that you're in court and have been charged with a crime punishable by a hefty fine--$1 million. You can't pay the fine so you'll have to go to prison, but wait! The judge, after making the ruling, steps down and pays the fine for you! You're now free, even though you were guilty! That's what salvation in Christ is like.
Christians, how ought we to act, knowing we have been acquitted or freed from condemnation even though we're guilty? We ought to praise God every day of our lives. We ought to glorify the one who saved us. We ought to live in a way which He desires. We ought to be about doing good in His name. We ought to tell others about how they can receive this acquittal as well.
Those of you who are not yet Christians, do you want this blessing? Do you want to be acquitted of the guilt and punishment of your sins? Then you need to come to Christ today.
2. BEING A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN MEANS I AM ADOPTED (Rom. 8:14-25).
Notice the phrases in this section that prove this:
An adopted girl was once asked to define the word adoption. She said, "It's when someone loves you so much they ask you to come and live with them." Under sin we are outside of the family of God. We have none of the family benefits or blessings, no home, no security, no fellowship, and no inheritance. But God loves us and wants us to come and live with Him! Under His righteousness we can have fellowship with Him now and also in heaven forevermore.
Christians, how ought we to act, knowing we have been adopted by God into His family? We ought to praise God every day of our lives. We ought to glorify the one who saved us. We ought to live in a way which He desires. We ought to be about doing good in His name. We ought to tell others about how they can receive this adoption as well.
Those of you who are not yet Christians, do you want this blessing? Do you want to be adopted into God's family? Then you need to come to Christ today.
3. BEING A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN MEANS I AM ASSISTED (Rom. 8:26-28).
Notice the phrases in this section that prove this:
Under sin, we have no advocate, no helper, and no one to be by our side--we are alone. That's a sad and scary thought, isn't it? Now consider this illustration for a moment: Suppose you were lost in a dark forest with dangers lurking everywhere and you have lost all hope of finding your way out. How wonderful would it be for a guide to come along? A guide who knows the right paths to take, who dispenses with all of the dangers that could hurt you, and who provides for your every need! To have a guide like that in those circumstances would be pure joy and peace. Likewise, to have the assistance of God, as described in the Scriptures, should give us tremendous joy and peace.
Christians, how ought we to act knowing we have this kind of assistance in our lives through the Spirit of God? We ought to praise God every day of our lives. We ought to glorify the one who saved us. We ought to live in a way which He desires. We ought to be about doing good in His name. We ought to tell others about how they can receive this assistance as well.
Non-Christians, do you want this? Would you like to have the assistance of God's Spirit that the Bible promises? Then you need to come to Christ today.
4. BEING A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN MEANS I AM ASSURED (Rom. 8:29-39).
Notice the phrases in this section that prove this:
Under sin, we are condemned. God is not for us when we are living in sin. In that condition we have many charges held against us. We are defeated and have no positive assurances at all. But things are different in Christ! Children of God enjoy many wonderful assurances from their Father (e.g., victory through Jesus, God's faithfulness, His love, a heavenly home, etc.).
Christians, how ought we to act knowing we have the great assurances from the Almighty? We ought to praise God every day of our lives. We ought to glorify the one who saved us. We ought to live in a way which He desires. We ought to be about doing good in His name. We ought to tell others about how they can receive this assurance as well.
Friends, even if our day is filled with troubles, trials, and tragedies, God is still in control. We're safe in His hands, so to speak. Although there is great uncertainty in this realm with struggles and storm clouds everywhere, God is still in control. We are safe in His hands!
Those of you who are not currently Christians, don't you want the assurance of eternal life? If so, then you need to come to Christ today. And how does one do that, you ask? You need to repent of your wickedness, confess your faith in the Lord, and be immersed in water for the remission of your sins (cf. Luke 13:3; Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 2:38). Then you must live faithfully for God until death (cf. Rev. 2:10). If we can help you get right with God, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for listening, and may the Lord bless you as you strive to do His will.