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“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). In every sports contest, the players desire to go undefeated. Whether they do so or not, will depend upon them, i.e. their athleticism, strength, endurance, skills, health, coaching, opponents, etc. In sports, human ability determines the outcome. In the spiritual battle between God and Satan and good and evil, divine power is available to secure the victory over sin and death. Because of God’s power, any human being that loves Him and follows Him can stand in the victor’s circle.
The Contrasts.
God is for us. But, Satan is against us. Jesus is our friend. Satan is our enemy. Jesus is our Advocate (I John 2:1-2). Satan is our adversary (I Pet. 5:8-9). Through Christ we can be victorious (I Cor. 15:56-58). Following Satan will lead to defeat (Rev. 20:15).
The Choices
Choose up sides. When we were young and wanted to play softball, we chose up sides. We picked among several players to be on separate teams. We always wanted the best players on our team so we would have the greatest opportunity to win the game. God is: all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing, all-good and all-just. Satan is “all evil.” Now, who would you want on your team? Not only consider the players, but consider the positions. Whose side are you on? (Ex. 32:26). You must be for God! Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). God is the best player and being on His team is the best place to be.
The Confidence
God will accomplish His purposes and His promises (Rom. 8:28-30). He can bring us to glory (Matt. 19:26). With God on our side and we on His, we cannot be defeated! Paul explains the power of love in binding us to the heart of God in Rom. 8:35-39. He asks, “who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Does he refer to Christ’s love for us or our love for Christ? Obviously, he refers to our love for Christ in this verse (v. 35). God’s love for us is absolute. Paul mentions 17 things in the next few verses all of which could affect our love for Christ but would not impact God’s love for us. Later, Paul mentions the love of Christ for us (v. 37). God’s love for us and our love for Him makes us inseparable. If we are inseparable, then we are undfeatable! “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!” We have the power to prevail.
The Crown
Earlier in Romans 8:29-39, Paul wrote, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firsborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Paul speaks of the redeemed. To be glorified is to possess eternal life. Yes, God can bring us to the ultimate goal of the Christian life. That goal is life with Him forever!