Goal:
To realize that God has always been and will continue
to be adequate for each of us despite the nature of our life and
earthly difficulties we endure.
Scripture Basis:
Romans 8
References:
Packers "Knowing God", chapter 22
The Back Door:
What do you hope for? or let me ask it another way,
do you "long" for anything?
One of the most common reasons for anxiety is when
one comes to understand that he cannot ensure that which he desires
for himself, or for another, will actually come to be. This is
where anxiety and longing make themselves known. (Discuss with
students.)
Students Teach Students:
Lets turn to the 8th Chapter of Romans. The book
of Romans is a cornerstone of Biblical doctrine. Many consider
it a course on doctrine in itself. The 8th chapter is perhaps
the high point of the book. It sets for the concept of the "Power
of the grace of God".Read the following passages and see
that God is powerful enough to;
Paul's also tells us here of 4 gifts God gives us.
He gives;
The last section of the chapter, verses 31-39 challenge
us for a response to this message.
| What, then, shall we say in response to this? 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, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31 (NIV) |
| And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28 (NIV) |
Summary:
Is God adequate for you? Is He adequate for those
you love? your spouse ,your children? Is He adequate enough for
your children even if He decides to "refine" them in
jail or through terminal illness ? Is he adequate for you when
you are unemployed? Is he adequate when you hurt over a failed
relationship?
If not, think on this .. God is so adequate that
you can never need more than He can supply. You may want more,
but what He supplies will always be sufficient for the present
and ultimately no good thing will be withheld from you. Remember,
this is not your real life. Your real life is yet to come. It
is merely a short time in which learn to love the Lord and others.
Rom 8:28 tells us God works for us in all things but we often
have the habit of thinking we will be the first exceptions.
When you find yourself sad of frustrated, try saying
the following ,
| This is not my real life. God is my true father, heaven is my real home, Jesus is there right now preparing my inheritance and today has brought me one day closer to it. (Ref. I Peter 1:3-5) |