Jump Start # 1501

Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

  Our verse today is selected from the wonderful Romans 8 section where Paul affirms the continuality of God’s love for us. Our verse follows three important thoughts.

First, the Holy Spirit helps our weakness. He intercedes for us.

Second, God causes all things to work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.

Third, God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

That leads straight to the expression in our verse, “What then shall we say to these things?” These things are amazing. They are powerful principles. They demonstrate God’s love for us. They are proof that God is for us.  Our verse is the first of a series of questions. Paul asks, “If God is for us, who is against us?” Later Paul asks, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?” Then, “Who is the one who condemns?” Then, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?”

Who, who, who. If God is for us, who is against us? I could think of some that would be against us.

Isis is against us, both as a nation, but more so because we are Christians. Atheism is against us. Liberal theology and liberal politics are against us. If given their way, there would be no mention of God, anywhere. They would be just fine if churches were shut down. They see religion as a scam and are irritated that churches do not pay taxes. They want a one direction freedom of speech. They want their voice to be the only voice that is heard.

But more than all that, it is Satan who is against us. Revelation 12 reveals that he has gone to make war with those who hold to the testimony of Christ. Paul, in this question and in this verse, isn’t really looking for a list of those who are against us. That’s not the intention nor the direction of the passage. It doesn’t matter who is against us. It doesn’t matter what they throw at us. For, as long as God is for us, it really doesn’t matter. The battle belongs to the Lord. As long as God is for us, the others will lose. There is no defeating God.

Now, that’s a great thought for us to focus upon today. God is for us. God is on your side. God wants you to win. God is behind you. You have the help of Heaven on your side. You do not battle alone. You do not journey alone. Even through those dark valleys of the shadow of death, Thou art with me, is what the Psalmist declared. God is for us.

This means, God is for your family. God is for you raising your children under His direction. God wants you to pour yourself into shaping those little hearts and teaching those little minds. Teaching them manners, respect, honesty and how to worship God is something that God is for. He will bless you in what you are doing. Don’t get tired and feel like quitting. You can’t. God needs you to help those little ones. If you don’t, who will?

This means, God is for your marriage. God is for you and your mate growing closer to Him and together walking in righteousness and holiness. God is for transparency in your relationship. God is for trust, honor and love in your relationship. God wants your marriage to make it. There are days that we can push each other’s buttons and irritate each other. There are times when all we see are the faults of the other, but God wants you to introduce grace, forgiveness, kindness and love into that relationship. He is for your marriage.

This means, God is for you making it to Heaven. That’s what God wants. But between now and that time, God is for you to walk in holiness. God wants you to be like Jesus. That means God is for you adjusting your attitude. Co-workers, the way some drive, even our family can make us a sour, grouchy and  a complaining mess. We can ruin every moment because of the pity party that we want to hold for our self. We can feel cheated and overlooked. We can be jealous of others. There are some days we don’t even like ourselves. God is for you. God is for you shedding your light into the world. God is for you making a difference in someone’s life. God is for you turning a gossipy conversation around to something useful and helpful. God is for you lifting the load that someone else is carrying. God is for you shedding a little sunshine in the life of another. God is for you inviting your friend to church services. God is for you defending His word in a kind way. God is for you doing the right thing. When God is for you, He will help you. He will open doors for you. He will give you opportunities.  God did that for Paul. When God closed the door to Asia, He opened the door to Macedonia. God did that for the rich man. He gave him opportunity to make a difference in Lazarus’ life. The rich man ignored that chance and he died apart from God.

God is for you. God is for you making it. God is for you doing what is right. What a great thought that is. So many of us grew up with wonderful parents. They sat in the stands while we played sports. They came to our concerts and shows. They were our biggest fans. They were there when we graduated. They were there when we got married. They always wanted us to do well. God is for you, and in a way even greater and deeper than what your parents ever were.

Do you have a challenge before you? Is there a person that you want to talk to about Jesus but you are afraid? Remember, God is for you. Is there someone that you need to talk about their behavior but you are a bit afraid? Remember, God is for you. Is there a teacher that is mocking the Bible and you just know that you need to say something? God is for you. Is there someone bullying another, even spiritually and you know that you need to step in? God is for you.

God is for you doing right. Who is against us? It doesn’t matter. God is for us.

Now, that ought to put some step into your walk today!

Roger