God Is For Us
Romans 8:31-34 (ESV)
God's Everlasting Love
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation questions
What observations did you make from the passage? (The questions below are examples of observations from the passage.)
What four questions does Paul ask in this passage to build his argument?
What specific things does Paul list in verses 35 and 38-39 that are powerless to separate us from God's love?
What three roles of Christ are mentioned in verse 34 that secure our standing before God?
Interpretation questions
The argument in verse 32 moves from the greater to the lesser. Why is it significant that God's giving of His Son is considered the "greater" gift, and how does that logically assure us He will provide everything else we need?
If, as the passage claims, nothing can ultimately separate us from Christ's love, why do believers still experience feelings of condemnation, abandonment, or fear?
How does Christ's current activity of interceding for us at the right hand of God (v. 34) provide ongoing security for the believer?
Life Application questions
What life applications did you glean from the passage or from the message?
Since God is for you, how should that truth reshape your perspective on a specific opposition or challenge you are currently facing?
God gave his Son completely for sinners and promises to graciously give all things needed for life and faith. What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust this provision, feeling a sense of lack instead? What would it look like to trust His generosity in that area this week?
The truth that no charge can finally condemn means we can stop focusing energy on self-justification. Where do you most often try to justify yourself—through your accomplishments, status, or relationships? How can you actively rest in God's justification instead?
Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Is there a past failure, season of shame, or experience of rejection that you have allowed to make you feel distant from God's love? How does the resurrection prove that this cannot sever your connection to Him?
The call to follow Christ is a call to surrender everything, not holding a single hand back. What is one thing you have been consciously or unconsciously withholding from God's lordship? What is the first step in offering it completely to Him?