If God Be for Us… And He Is! Part Two

Romans 8: 31

The Christian life is more than a frolic; it’s a fight. It is not a playground; it is a battleground. 

Reassuringly God’s Word encourages us with great truths such as: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

This text assures us God is very busy in all things to bring the good from them. That is most reassuring regarding “things,” but how about people? That is where some of our biggest challenges arise. That was the source of Christ’s greatest hassles and it is ours.

Again God’s Word gives reason for being encouraged.

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

“Hey,” comes the response, “I can give you a long list.”

Ask a battered wife who can be against you and she can tell you in an instant.

Enquire of an abused child who is against you and without hesitation you get an answer.

Talk with single adults in a secular society and no doubt is left as to who is against them.

Observe virtually any secular entertainment program and you will see expressed a philosophy that opposes virtually every Christian virtue.      

Listen to an interview on MTV with Queen Latifah as she is asked about the sin of pride. “Pride is a sin?” she responds, “I wasn’t aware of that.”

Actress Kirstie Alley adds, “I don’t think pride is a sin … I think some idiot made that up.”

Pride, the original sin of Satan, is considered the standard for today. Scripture says, “The Lord detests the proud of heart.” (Proverbs 16: 5)

The text does not imply there will not be personal opposition in life. A better understanding is gained from a modern translation which renders it: “If God be for us what does it matter who may be against us?” (Norlie Translation)  Thus, those in Christ are depicted as being in a no lose position. It does not imply we won’t be opposed, resented, disliked, or even attacked. We will, but if everything is alright between us and the Lord what does it matter who opposes us?

Expect adversities, and expect the Lord to work in them.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1: 2 – 4)