BIBLE STUDY – FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018.
THEME FOR THE YEAR: “UNLIMITED RICHES OF GOD’S GRACE” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
TOPIC: MORE THAN CONQUERORS
TEXT: ROMANS 8:28-39
AIMS:
- To enable us understand that as Christians, we are Soldiers in a battle field.
- To help us understand that in Christ we are Victorious
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible teaches that as believers in Christ Jesus, we have a number of enemies which war against us as long as we live. And it is obvious that life here on earth for the Christian is a battleground, many who come to Christ today are victims of the mistaken notion that salvation marks the end of trials and temptation. But the fact is that, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour marks the beginning of a great spiritual conflict. As Christian Soldiers, we are often confronted with one challenging situation from time to time. It could be persecution, tribulation, hard times, lack, sickness, frustration, joblessness, bankruptcy, etc. It is precisely for this reason the Apostle Paul later moves on in Romans 8:28-39 and discusses God’s great plan of salvation and His love for us and giving us assurance of victory through our Lord Jesus Christ over our enemies. To conquer therefore means to be victorious over an adversary. To be “more than a conqueror” is not just achieving victory, but to be overwhelmingly victorious. In other words God will surely grant us Victory over our adversaries.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
- In what ways have the enemies Paul listed in verse 38 -39 threatened our faith and especially the Church of God John 10: 10
- Romans 8:28 says “All things works for the good of those who love God” how can you explain this to a sister who lost her job? Prov. 3: 5 -6, Isaiah 41: 10
- Romans 8:35 seem to be of the view that nothing shall separate us from the love of God, why do many believers give up their faith in time of challenges. Compare Heb. 11: 8 and Josh. 1: 9.
- According to Paul, in Romans 8: 37, in what sense are we more than conqueror. 1 John 5: 4 -5, 1 Corinth. 15: 57, 1 John 4: 4.
CONCLUSION
It is important for us to know that the Christian race is not a bed of roses, it is a battlefield and so God expects us to grow spiritually as soldiers. 2 Timothy 2:4 says “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer” God has promised to take care of His people, therefore things just don’t happen haphazardly to a Christian without any reason or purpose. God is in control and therefore we needs to exercise our faith in Him, Paul reminds us that no one or nothing can separate us from God’s love. Rom.8:38-39, even the most difficult of circumstances, because with Jesus on our side we shall surely conquer. James 1:12 “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”
TALK BACK
MEMORY VERSE: Romans 8:37 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.