The Triumph of God's Love, Part 2 (Romans 8:31-39) | John MacArthur | GTYtv

To me, life is all about the truth. To me, life is all about the truth. >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, >> We've been moving phrase by phrase, verse by [music] verse, paragraph by verse by [music] verse, paragraph by verse by [music] verse, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter through paragraph, chapter by chapter through paragraph, chapter by chapter through these great truths. We in order to enjoy We in order to enjoy the prospects and the promises of our the prospects and the promises of our the prospects and the promises of our eternal salvation eternal salvation eternal salvation need to understand what Romans 8 need to understand what Romans 8 need to understand what Romans 8 provides for us and that is provides for us and that is provides for us and that is the triumph of our savior's love. This, the triumph of our savior's love. This, the triumph of our savior's love. This, I think, is the most precious of all I think, is the most precious of all I think, is the most precious of all promises promises promises that the Lord's love never fails because that the Lord's love never fails because that the Lord's love never fails because if I wasn't sure of that, I couldn't if I wasn't sure of that, I couldn't if I wasn't sure of that, I couldn't enjoy any of the benefits. It introduces enjoy any of the benefits. It introduces enjoy any of the benefits. It introduces two hypothetical questions. two hypothetical questions. two hypothetical questions. Number one, can God reject us?

can God reject us? Can God become so weary of us Can God become so weary of us Can God become so weary of us that he changes his mind? that he changes his mind? that he changes his mind? Can God say, "I've had about all I can Can God say, "I've had about all I can Can God say, "I've had about all I can take out of you. You're such a take out of you. You're such a take out of you. You're such a disappointment. disappointment. disappointment. You fall short so often. You bring You fall short so often. You bring You fall short so often. You bring reproach on my name. You are an reproach on my name. You are an reproach on my name. You are an embarrassment. embarrassment. embarrassment. You You are a problem to my church. You You are a problem to my church. You You are a problem to my church. You don't honor my word as you should. You don't honor my word as you should. You don't honor my word as you should. You stumble and fall into the same You stumble and fall into the same You stumble and fall into the same sinful patterns that you were stumbling sinful patterns that you were stumbling sinful patterns that you were stumbling and falling into years ago. and falling into years ago. and falling into years ago. I'm worn out picking you up and dusting I'm worn out picking you up and dusting I'm worn out picking you up and dusting you off. I'm weary of the mixed messages you off. I'm weary of the mixed messages you off. I'm weary of the mixed messages you send to the people who know you you send to the people who know you you send to the people who know you because sometimes you act like a because sometimes you act like a because sometimes you act like a Christian and sometimes you don't. Could Christian and sometimes you don't. Could Christian and sometimes you don't. Could God just say, "I really can't take God just say, "I really can't take God just say, "I really can't take anymore. anymore. anymore. I'm I'm cancelling your eternal life. Or I'm I'm cancelling your eternal life. Or I'm I'm cancelling your eternal life. Or the second question would be this. The the second question would be this. The the second question would be this. The hypothetical hypothetical hypothetical possibility is that we reject God. That possibility is that we reject God. That possibility is that we reject God. That we say, look, we say, look, we say, look, I've been hanging in there as a I've been hanging in there as a I've been hanging in there as a Christian doing my part Christian doing my part Christian doing my part and I don't really get the answers to my and I don't really get the answers to my and I don't really get the answers to my prayers that I would like.

prayers that I would like. prayers that I would like. Does Does marriage have to be so Does Does marriage have to be so Does Does marriage have to be so difficult? Does my husband have to be difficult? Does my husband have to be difficult? Does my husband have to be such a jerk? such a jerk? such a jerk? Do I have to struggle at work? Do I have Do I have to struggle at work? Do I have Do I have to struggle at work? Do I have to fight to fight to fight the people close to me that should love the people close to me that should love the people close to me that should love me but make life difficult? me but make life difficult? me but make life difficult? And why all the illnesses and the And why all the illnesses and the And why all the illnesses and the diseases? diseases? diseases? And I've prayed for a long time. And I'm And I've prayed for a long time. And I'm And I've prayed for a long time. And I'm weary, God, of your failure to step in and make my life what I think it should and make my life what I think it should be. be. be. if you really loved me. So those are the if you really loved me. So those are the if you really loved me. So those are the two hypothetical possibilities that God two hypothetical possibilities that God two hypothetical possibilities that God gets tired of us and rejects us or we gets tired of us and rejects us or we gets tired of us and rejects us or we get tired of him and reject him. Well, get tired of him and reject him. Well, get tired of him and reject him. Well, the answers are in this section starting the answers are in this section starting the answers are in this section starting in verse 31. And that's why the question in verse 31. And that's why the question in verse 31. And that's why the question is posed. What then shall we say to is posed. What then shall we say to is posed. What then shall we say to these things? And first Paul poses the these things? And first Paul poses the these things? And first Paul poses the question, question, question, can God can God can God reject us? Look at that first part of reject us? Look at that first part of reject us? Look at that first part of the second half of verse 31. God is for the second half of verse 31. God is for the second half of verse 31. God is for us.

us. us. The assumption here is that God is for The assumption here is that God is for The assumption here is that God is for us. us. us. How do we know that? Look at verse 32. How do we know that? Look at verse 32. How do we know that? Look at verse 32. He meaning God who did not spare his own He meaning God who did not spare his own He meaning God who did not spare his own son son son but delivered him over for us all. How but delivered him over for us all. How but delivered him over for us all. How will he not also with him freely give us will he not also with him freely give us will he not also with him freely give us all things? Amazing statement. The all things? Amazing statement. The all things? Amazing statement. The greatest proof of God's greatest proof of God's greatest proof of God's promise to keep us is what he sacrificed promise to keep us is what he sacrificed promise to keep us is what he sacrificed to get us. to get us. to get us. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So the first question is would God >> So the first question is would God >> So the first question is would God become weary of us? become weary of us? become weary of us? Would he Would he Would he let go of us? Would he cancel our let go of us? Would he cancel our let go of us? Would he cancel our salvation? salvation? salvation? And Paul's answer from the greater to And Paul's answer from the greater to And Paul's answer from the greater to the lesser is verse 32. He gave his the lesser is verse 32. He gave his the lesser is verse 32. He gave his greatest gift, he will give the lesser greatest gift, he will give the lesser greatest gift, he will give the lesser gifts to sustain what the death of his gifts to sustain what the death of his gifts to sustain what the death of his son purchased. Well, if um there's son purchased. Well, if um there's son purchased. Well, if um there's nothing nothing nothing we can do to cause God to reject us, can we can do to cause God to reject us, can we can do to cause God to reject us, can someone else come along? let's say someone else come along? let's say someone else come along? let's say and convince him that we are an and convince him that we are an and convince him that we are an embarrassment embarrassment embarrassment that his reputation would be protected that his reputation would be protected that his reputation would be protected if he didn't have to identify with us.

if he didn't have to identify with us. if he didn't have to identify with us. If he just cut us off, we wouldn't bring If he just cut us off, we wouldn't bring If he just cut us off, we wouldn't bring a blight on his lovely name. a blight on his lovely name. a blight on his lovely name. Could someone come to God and say, "God, Could someone come to God and say, "God, Could someone come to God and say, "God, you're really you're really you're really you're really you're really you're really giving up giving up giving up your credibility your credibility your credibility by holding on to John MacArthur. by holding on to John MacArthur. by holding on to John MacArthur. He's an embarrassment. [snorts] He's an embarrassment. [snorts] He's an embarrassment. [snorts] You You'd You You'd You You'd You'd be better off to disconnect with You'd be better off to disconnect with You'd be better off to disconnect with him. Could somebody else come and do him. Could somebody else come and do him. Could somebody else come and do that? Listen to Isaiah 50 that? Listen to Isaiah 50 that? Listen to Isaiah 50 verse 7. verse 7. verse 7. For the Lord God helps me. Therefore, For the Lord God helps me. Therefore, For the Lord God helps me. Therefore, I'm not disgraced. I'm not disgraced. I'm not disgraced. [clears throat] Therefore, I have set my [clears throat] Therefore, I have set my [clears throat] Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will face like flint, and I know that I will face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He who vindicates me is not be ashamed. He who vindicates me is not be ashamed. He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us near. Who will contend with me? Let us near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up to each other. Who has a case stand up to each other. Who has a case stand up to each other. Who has a case against me? Let him draw near to me.

against me? Let him draw near to me. against me? Let him draw near to me. Behold, the Lord God helps me. Behold, the Lord God helps me. Behold, the Lord God helps me. You want to make a case against me? You want to make a case against me? You want to make a case against me? You're going to have to get through him. You're going to have to get through him. You're going to have to get through him. Who will bring a charge against God's Who will bring a charge against God's Who will bring a charge against God's elect? elect? elect? Well, who would want to do that? Well, who would want to do that? Well, who would want to do that? Satan, Satan, Satan, in the case of Job, in the case of Job, in the case of Job, Satan in the case of Joshua, the high Satan in the case of Joshua, the high Satan in the case of Joshua, the high priest in Zechariah 3. Satan in priest in Zechariah 3. Satan in priest in Zechariah 3. Satan in Revelation 12:10, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 12:10, the accuser of the brethren who is the accuser of the brethren who is the accuser of the brethren who is before God, what does it say? Night and before God, what does it say? Night and before God, what does it say? Night and day, relentlessly indicting us. Relentlessly bringing the case against Relentlessly bringing the case against us to God. Same kind of case he brought with regard Same kind of case he brought with regard to Job. to Job. to Job. Will God hear that charge? Will God hear that charge? Will God hear that charge? Can somebody successfully verse 33 bring Can somebody successfully verse 33 bring Can somebody successfully verse 33 bring a charge against God's elect?

a charge against God's elect? a charge against God's elect? Answer, Answer, Answer, God is the one who justifies. Literally, God is the one who justifies. Literally, God is the one who justifies. Literally, God the one justifying. God the one justifying. God the one justifying. No, he cannot condemn and justify at the No, he cannot condemn and justify at the No, he cannot condemn and justify at the same time. same time. same time. The case against believers The case against believers The case against believers and against their justification may be and against their justification may be and against their justification may be fought fought fought by Satan, but to no avail by Satan, but to no avail by Satan, but to no avail because we are covered with the because we are covered with the because we are covered with the righteousness of Christ righteousness of Christ righteousness of Christ who bore our sin. [clears throat] Satan who bore our sin. [clears throat] Satan who bore our sin. [clears throat] Satan can bring all the accusations he wants. can bring all the accusations he wants. can bring all the accusations he wants. God will never condemn those God will never condemn those God will never condemn those whose condemnation was paid in full by whose condemnation was paid in full by whose condemnation was paid in full by his son. his son. his son. say, "Well, wait a minute. say, "Well, wait a minute. say, "Well, wait a minute. We haven't heard from the son. We haven't heard from the son. We haven't heard from the son. What's he got to say about this?" What's he got to say about this?" What's he got to say about this?" Verse 34. Who is he who condemns? Christ Verse 34. Who is he who condemns? Christ Verse 34. Who is he who condemns? Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What if he says, "I'm fed up.

What if he says, "I'm fed up. What if he says, "I'm fed up. I'm embarrassed by these vacasillating vacasillating Christians who bear my name." Could our Christians who bear my name." Could our Christians who bear my name." Could our Lord Jesus turn against us? Lord Jesus turn against us? Lord Jesus turn against us? The answer comes Christ. Jesus The answer comes Christ. Jesus The answer comes Christ. Jesus [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] is he who died. is he who died. is he who died. Point one, Point one, Point one, he paid the full price for our sin. He he paid the full price for our sin. He he paid the full price for our sin. He died. died. died. He can't condemn us. He was condemned He can't condemn us. He was condemned He can't condemn us. He was condemned for us. for us. for us. He was delivered over to death on He was delivered over to death on He was delivered over to death on account of our transgressions back in account of our transgressions back in account of our transgressions back in chapter 4 verse 25. Not only that, chapter 4 verse 25. Not only that, chapter 4 verse 25. Not only that, who was raised, which means who was raised, which means who was raised, which means the father the father the father was fully propitiated, fully satisfied was fully propitiated, fully satisfied was fully propitiated, fully satisfied that Christ paid that Christ paid that Christ paid the full and complete price for the sins the full and complete price for the sins the full and complete price for the sins of the elect. and raised him from the of the elect. and raised him from the of the elect. and raised him from the dead for our justification, dead for our justification, dead for our justification, signifying that his death signifying that his death signifying that his death accomplished accomplished accomplished our eternal salvation.

our eternal salvation. our eternal salvation. Would Christ turn on us? No. He died in Would Christ turn on us? No. He died in Would Christ turn on us? No. He died in our place. Would he turn on us? No. He our place. Would he turn on us? No. He our place. Would he turn on us? No. He was raised by the father validating the was raised by the father validating the was raised by the father validating the efficacy of his death. Thirdly, he is at efficacy of his death. Thirdly, he is at efficacy of his death. Thirdly, he is at the right hand of God. the right hand of God. the right hand of God. He is at the right hand of God. He's He is at the right hand of God. He's He is at the right hand of God. He's been exalted to heaven to the father's been exalted to heaven to the father's been exalted to heaven to the father's right hand. As Psalm 110 verse1 says, right hand. As Psalm 110 verse1 says, right hand. As Psalm 110 verse1 says, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a right hand until I make your enemies a right hand until I make your enemies a foottool." foottool." foottool." Christ Christ Christ died died died a substitutionary death that pleased a substitutionary death that pleased a substitutionary death that pleased God. God raised him from the dead. God God. God raised him from the dead. God God. God raised him from the dead. God exalted him to his right hand which exalted him to his right hand which exalted him to his right hand which validates the efficacy of his work on validates the efficacy of his work on validates the efficacy of his work on the cross. That's not all. There's a the cross. That's not all. There's a the cross. That's not all. There's a fourth feature. He is now at the right fourth feature. He is now at the right fourth feature. He is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. Christ hand of God interceding for us. Christ hand of God interceding for us. Christ won't turn against us.

won't turn against us. won't turn against us. He intercedes for us as a merciful and He intercedes for us as a merciful and He intercedes for us as a merciful and faithful high priest. faithful high priest. faithful high priest. In John 11:42, he said, "I know, Father, In John 11:42, he said, "I know, Father, In John 11:42, he said, "I know, Father, that you always hear me." that you always hear me." that you always hear me." I can't resist reading a few verses out I can't resist reading a few verses out I can't resist reading a few verses out of John 17 that take us right into his of John 17 that take us right into his of John 17 that take us right into his intercession. intercession. intercession. Verse 13, John 17. This is Christ's Verse 13, John 17. This is Christ's Verse 13, John 17. This is Christ's intercession. intercession. intercession. Now I come to you and these things I Now I come to you and these things I Now I come to you and these things I speak in the world so that they may have speak in the world so that they may have speak in the world so that they may have my joy made full in themselves. I have my joy made full in themselves. I have my joy made full in themselves. I have given them your word. This is Christ in given them your word. This is Christ in given them your word. This is Christ in his intercessory work. I've given them his intercessory work. I've given them his intercessory work. I've given them your word and the world has hated them your word and the world has hated them your word and the world has hated them because they're not of the world even as because they're not of the world even as because they're not of the world even as I am not of the world. I do not ask you I am not of the world. I do not ask you I am not of the world. I do not ask you to take them out of the world but to to take them out of the world but to to take them out of the world but to keep them from the evil one. They're not keep them from the evil one. They're not keep them from the evil one. They're not of the world even as I am not of the of the world even as I am not of the of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth. Your world. Sanctify them in the truth. Your world. Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the word is truth. As you sent me into the word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world, I also have sent them into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes, I sanctify world. For their sakes, I sanctify world. For their sakes, I sanctify myself that they themselves also may be myself that they themselves also may be myself that they themselves also may be sanctified. I do not ask on behalf of sanctified. I do not ask on behalf of sanctified. I do not ask on behalf of those uh alone, but for those also who those uh alone, but for those also who those uh alone, but for those also who believe in me through their word, those believe in me through their word, those believe in me through their word, those who come in generations after the who come in generations after the who come in generations after the apostles, that they may all be one, even apostles, that they may all be one, even apostles, that they may all be one, even as you, Father, are in me and I in you, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us and the that they also may be in us and the that they also may be in us and the world may believe that you sent me. The world may believe that you sent me. The world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I've

glory which you have given me, I've glory which you have given me, I've given to them that they may be one just given to them that they may be one just given to them that they may be one just as we are one. I in them and you in me as we are one. I in them and you in me as we are one. I in them and you in me that they may be perfected in unity so that they may be perfected in unity so that they may be perfected in unity so that the world may know that you sent me that the world may know that you sent me that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you have loved and loved them even as you have loved and loved them even as you have loved me. Father, love them the way you love me. Father, love them the way you love me. Father, love them the way you love me. me. me. Christ isn't going to turn on us. He Christ isn't going to turn on us. He Christ isn't going to turn on us. He died in our place. died in our place. died in our place. He was raised by the father for having He was raised by the father for having He was raised by the father for having accomplished our eternal redemption. accomplished our eternal redemption. accomplished our eternal redemption. He was exalted to the right hand of God, He was exalted to the right hand of God, He was exalted to the right hand of God, triumphant in his death, triumphant in his death, triumphant in his death, and he now ever lives to intercede for and he now ever lives to intercede for and he now ever lives to intercede for us. us. us. God will not God will not God will not turn on us. turn on us. turn on us. Satan cannot affect Satan cannot affect Satan cannot affect a change in God's commitment. a change in God's commitment. a change in God's commitment. Christ would never ever turn on us Christ would never ever turn on us Christ would never ever turn on us because he accomplished everything to because he accomplished everything to because he accomplished everything to secure our everlasting salvation.

secure our everlasting salvation. secure our everlasting salvation. Okay. Okay. Okay. What about the other hypothetical? What about the other hypothetical? What about the other hypothetical? Could a believer reject God? Can you Could a believer reject God? Can you Could a believer reject God? Can you really deconstruct? really deconstruct? really deconstruct? Can you really say, "I'm done with Can you really say, "I'm done with Can you really say, "I'm done with Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. I'm worn out with it." You hear this so I'm worn out with it." You hear this so I'm worn out with it." You hear this so often. You know, I was raised in some often. You know, I was raised in some often. You know, I was raised in some kind of rigid Bible environment and kind of rigid Bible environment and kind of rigid Bible environment and I didn't get my questions answered and I I didn't get my questions answered and I I didn't get my questions answered and I don't like the direction that that life don't like the direction that that life don't like the direction that that life was taking me and was taking me and was taking me and I don't want anything to do with that. I don't want anything to do with that. I don't want anything to do with that. I I grew up maybe in a Christian family I I grew up maybe in a Christian family I I grew up maybe in a Christian family at some point affirmed my faith in at some point affirmed my faith in at some point affirmed my faith in Christ, but I've changed my mind. Christ, but I've changed my mind. Christ, but I've changed my mind. So the question is starting in verse 35, So the question is starting in verse 35, So the question is starting in verse 35, could a believer reject God? The could a believer reject God? The could a believer reject God? The question comes, who will separate us or question comes, who will separate us or question comes, who will separate us or what will separate us from the love of what will separate us from the love of what will separate us from the love of Christ? Now it's our turn. Would we walk Christ? Now it's our turn. Would we walk Christ? Now it's our turn. Would we walk away? away? away? Can life become so difficult, so Can life become so difficult, so Can life become so difficult, so disappointing, so tragic, so defective, disappointing, so tragic, so defective, disappointing, so tragic, so defective, so unfulfilling, so unfulfilling, so unfulfilling, so troublesome so troublesome so troublesome that we say, look, I've had enough.

that we say, look, I've had enough. that we say, look, I've had enough. Is that possible? Is that possible? Is that possible? Well, Paul says, let's check a few Well, Paul says, let's check a few Well, Paul says, let's check a few things. Could um tribulation do that? things. Could um tribulation do that? things. Could um tribulation do that? That's the Greek word phipsis That's the Greek word phipsis That's the Greek word phipsis which basically means pressure affliction outward difficulty accusation affliction outward difficulty accusation rejection bodily harm uis rejection bodily harm uis rejection bodily harm uis it in Latin it's like flailing it in Latin it's like flailing it in Latin it's like flailing um like um like um like wood and leather whips wood and leather whips wood and leather whips lashing lashing lashing very common word. It even appears in the very common word. It even appears in the very common word. It even appears in the agrarian environment when speaking about agrarian environment when speaking about agrarian environment when speaking about separating chaff from wheat, beating separating chaff from wheat, beating separating chaff from wheat, beating the grain. the grain. the grain. Can life just be so difficult Can life just be so difficult Can life just be so difficult that we that we that we reject reject reject Christ?

Christ? Christ? Outward difficulty Outward difficulty Outward difficulty or maybe distress. Second word inward or maybe distress. Second word inward or maybe distress. Second word inward difficulty difficulty difficulty stenoria it it means narrow stenoria it it means narrow stenoria it it means narrow narrow space hemmed in no way out narrow space hemmed in no way out narrow space hemmed in no way out can can can can I become in my own mind can I become in my own mind can I become in my own mind so unfulfilled and so desperate so unfulfilled and so desperate so unfulfilled and so desperate that I don't see any way out and I can't that I don't see any way out and I can't that I don't see any way out and I can't find fulfillment that I would turn away from Christ. that I would turn away from Christ. Or maybe let's be more direct, Or maybe let's be more direct, Or maybe let's be more direct, persecution. persecution. persecution. Abuse. Literally, the word means abuse. Abuse. Literally, the word means abuse. Abuse. Literally, the word means abuse. Physical, mental abuse at the hands of Physical, mental abuse at the hands of Physical, mental abuse at the hands of Christ haters. Would that do it? Would that do it? or famine, starving to death perhaps or famine, starving to death perhaps or famine, starving to death perhaps because of that persecution, because of that persecution, because of that persecution, deprivation, nakedness also associated deprivation, nakedness also associated deprivation, nakedness also associated with persecution.

with persecution. with persecution. And then just a general word, peril, And then just a general word, peril, And then just a general word, peril, danger, danger, danger, being exposed to treachery. being exposed to treachery. being exposed to treachery. Being in a in a culture where Being in a in a culture where Being in a in a culture where your life is threatened because of your life is threatened because of your life is threatened because of hostility hostility hostility or even a sword. or even a sword. or even a sword. Macaria Macaria Macaria meaning death. meaning death. meaning death. Could any of these things cause me to Could any of these things cause me to Could any of these things cause me to turn my back on my savior? turn my back on my savior? turn my back on my savior? And oh, by the way, that that list of And oh, by the way, that that list of And oh, by the way, that that list of seven seven seven were very personal to Paul because they were very personal to Paul because they were very personal to Paul because they were all part of his biography. Paul had were all part of his biography. Paul had were all part of his biography. Paul had all of that in honestly mega doses. He all of that in honestly mega doses. He all of that in honestly mega doses. He chronicles that chronicles that chronicles that all his suffering, beaten with rods and all his suffering, beaten with rods and all his suffering, beaten with rods and whips and shipwrecked and all the things whips and shipwrecked and all the things whips and shipwrecked and all the things he told the Corinthians. Was that enough he told the Corinthians. Was that enough he told the Corinthians. Was that enough to turn him against the Lord?

to turn him against the Lord? to turn him against the Lord? It was to be expected. It was to be expected. It was to be expected. Quoting Psalm 44 Quoting Psalm 44 Quoting Psalm 44 36, he adds, "Just as it is written, 36, he adds, "Just as it is written, 36, he adds, "Just as it is written, [clears throat] for your sake we are [clears throat] for your sake we are [clears throat] for your sake we are being put to death all day long. We were being put to death all day long. We were being put to death all day long. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. considered as sheep to be slaughtered. considered as sheep to be slaughtered. Now, that's where you see the personal Now, that's where you see the personal Now, that's where you see the personal touch. I lived through all this. This is touch. I lived through all this. This is touch. I lived through all this. This is not hypothetical. This is my own not hypothetical. This is my own not hypothetical. This is my own experience. And I'm here to tell you, experience. And I'm here to tell you, experience. And I'm here to tell you, I've been through it all. I've felt the I've been through it all. I've felt the I've been through it all. I've felt the powers of the pressure powers of the pressure powers of the pressure and the distress and the persecution and the distress and the persecution and the distress and the persecution and the hunger and the hunger and the hunger and the nakedness and the cold and the and the nakedness and the cold and the and the nakedness and the cold and the danger danger danger and the sword which eventually flashed and the sword which eventually flashed and the sword which eventually flashed in the sun and severed his head from his in the sun and severed his head from his in the sun and severed his head from his body. And it's to be expected body. And it's to be expected body. And it's to be expected and all of it. All of it All of it for your sake. Verse 36.

for your sake. Verse 36. for your sake. Verse 36. So it's all happening to me because I'm So it's all happening to me because I'm So it's all happening to me because I'm connected to you. connected to you. connected to you. Th this wouldn't be happening to me, Th this wouldn't be happening to me, Th this wouldn't be happening to me, Paul is saying, if I didn't represent Paul is saying, if I didn't represent Paul is saying, if I didn't represent you. I was willing to take up my cross you. I was willing to take up my cross you. I was willing to take up my cross and follow. I'm not sure I understood and follow. I'm not sure I understood and follow. I'm not sure I understood what it was going to mean. This is a a what it was going to mean. This is a a what it was going to mean. This is a a lot to bear. Could this do it? lot to bear. Could this do it? lot to bear. Could this do it? No. Verse 37. But in all these things But in all these things we overwhelmingly we overwhelmingly we overwhelmingly conquer, conquer, conquer, not in our own strength, but through him not in our own strength, but through him not in our own strength, but through him who loved us. We are hoopair nickelman, who loved us. We are hoopair nickelman, who loved us. We are hoopair nickelman, super conquerors, super conquerors, super conquerors, winners of a sweeping victory. Not not winners of a sweeping victory. Not not winners of a sweeping victory. Not not just a bare escape. just a bare escape. just a bare escape. Love triumphs. But it's not so much our Love triumphs. But it's not so much our Love triumphs. But it's not so much our love as if it could triumph love as if it could triumph love as if it could triumph independently. It's his love that holds independently. It's his love that holds independently. It's his love that holds on to us.

>> What does it mean to be a super >> What does it mean to be a super conqueror? I think it means two things. conqueror? I think it means two things. conqueror? I think it means two things. You not only You not only You not only do not find yourself separated from do not find yourself separated from do not find yourself separated from Christ, but you find that first of all, Christ, but you find that first of all, Christ, but you find that first of all, trials work to your greater good. trials work to your greater good. trials work to your greater good. Anytime you survive a trial and your Anytime you survive a trial and your Anytime you survive a trial and your faith is intact, that is a testimony to faith is intact, that is a testimony to faith is intact, that is a testimony to the validity of your true saving faith. the validity of your true saving faith. the validity of your true saving faith. But also, you find yourself But also, you find yourself But also, you find yourself strengthened. strengthened. strengthened. The trials that you have The trials that you have The trials that you have have a strengthening work. have a strengthening work. have a strengthening work. They allow you to strengthen others as They allow you to strengthen others as They allow you to strengthen others as our Lord told Peter. our Lord told Peter. our Lord told Peter. They increase your hatred of sin. They They increase your hatred of sin. They They increase your hatred of sin. They drive you to God. They help you recognize your weaknesses. They help you recognize your weaknesses. And that's why the Bible says trials And that's why the Bible says trials And that's why the Bible says trials perfect you. perfect you. perfect you. Trials work to your greater good. And Trials work to your greater good. And Trials work to your greater good. And secondly, they work to your greater secondly, they work to your greater secondly, they work to your greater glory.

They're going to the benefits of those They're going to the benefits of those trials are going to show up in heaven. trials are going to show up in heaven. trials are going to show up in heaven. Listen to first Corinthians, I'm sorry, 2 Corinthians 4:7. I'm sorry, 2 Corinthians 4:7. I know you know this is very familiar. I know you know this is very familiar. I know you know this is very familiar. For a momentary light affliction is For a momentary light affliction is For a momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of producing for us an eternal weight of producing for us an eternal weight of glory. So the weight of our glory is glory. So the weight of our glory is glory. So the weight of our glory is connected to the affliction here. Our connected to the affliction here. Our connected to the affliction here. Our momentary light affliction relatively momentary light affliction relatively momentary light affliction relatively speaking is producing for us an eternal speaking is producing for us an eternal speaking is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all weight of glory far beyond all weight of glory far beyond all comparison. So in what way are you an comparison. So in what way are you an comparison. So in what way are you an conqueror? You not only conquer by conqueror? You not only conquer by conqueror? You not only conquer by sustained love to the Lord because he sustained love to the Lord because he sustained love to the Lord because he sustains his love for you, but the trial sustains his love for you, but the trial sustains his love for you, but the trial works to your greater good, which works to your greater good, which works to your greater good, which instead of weakening you, makes you instead of weakening you, makes you instead of weakening you, makes you stronger and it increases your eternal stronger and it increases your eternal stronger and it increases your eternal glory.

glory. glory. Now, the Corinthians weren't weren't Now, the Corinthians weren't weren't Now, the Corinthians weren't weren't particular models of virtue models of virtue or obedience. They had their issues, or obedience. They had their issues, or obedience. They had their issues, didn't they? didn't they? didn't they? But whatever victory they had over these But whatever victory they had over these But whatever victory they had over these kinds of assaults increased their strength and added to increased their strength and added to the eternal weighting the eternal weighting the eternal weighting [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] for them in heaven. Just an Old Testament passage comes to Just an Old Testament passage comes to mind as we kind of wrap up. Isaiah mind as we kind of wrap up. Isaiah mind as we kind of wrap up. Isaiah 41:10. 41:10. 41:10. Do not fear, Do not fear, Do not fear, for I'm with you. for I'm with you. for I'm with you. Do not anxiously look about you, Do not anxiously look about you, Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen for I am your God. I will strengthen for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you. you. Surely I will help you. you. Surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my Surely I will uphold you with my Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. righteous right hand. righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you Behold, all those who are angered at you Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored. Those who will be shamed and dishonored. Those who will be shamed and dishonored. Those who contend with you will be as nothing and contend with you will be as nothing and contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.

will perish. will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you You will seek those who quarrel with you You will seek those who quarrel with you but will not find them. They'll but will not find them. They'll but will not find them. They'll disappear. Those who war with you will disappear. Those who war with you will disappear. Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. be as nothing and non-existent. be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds For I am the Lord your God, who upholds For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, "Do your right hand, who says to you, "Do your right hand, who says to you, "Do not fear. I will help you." Do not fear, not fear. I will help you." Do not fear, not fear. I will help you." Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel, I you worm Jacob, you men of Israel, I you worm Jacob, you men of Israel, I will help you, declares the Lord. And will help you, declares the Lord. And will help you, declares the Lord. And your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. So there's no possibility that God is So there's no possibility that God is going to stop loving us and there's no going to stop loving us and there's no going to stop loving us and there's no possibility that we're going to stop possibility that we're going to stop possibility that we're going to stop loving him. loving him. loving him. As enduring as his love for us is, As enduring as his love for us is, As enduring as his love for us is, that's how enduring our love for him is that's how enduring our love for him is that's how enduring our love for him is because the love that we give to him is because the love that we give to him is because the love that we give to him is that love which comes from him shed that love which comes from him shed that love which comes from him shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. >> So the sum of it all, >> So the sum of it all, >> So the sum of it all, I'm convinced. Are you I'm convinced. Are you I'm convinced. Are you >> that neither death >> that neither death >> that neither death the greatest enemy, the gates of Hades, the greatest enemy, the gates of Hades, the greatest enemy, the gates of Hades, nor life, nor life, nor life, that covers it all that covers it all that covers it all with all its dangers and difficulties. with all its dangers and difficulties. with all its dangers and difficulties. Nor angels Nor angels Nor angels probably thinking of hypothetically good probably thinking of hypothetically good probably thinking of hypothetically good angels. No good angel can alter anyone's angels. No good angel can alter anyone's angels. No good angel can alter anyone's salvation or would want one to do that. salvation or would want one to do that. salvation or would want one to do that. Nor principalities perhaps he had in Nor principalities perhaps he had in Nor principalities perhaps he had in mind evil angels who would want to do mind evil angels who would want to do mind evil angels who would want to do that but can't. that but can't. that but can't. And just in general, And just in general, And just in general, neither life nor death, nor neither life nor death, nor neither life nor death, nor good angels, nor evil angels, and that good angels, nor evil angels, and that good angels, nor evil angels, and that takes care of the spiritual realm, nor takes care of the spiritual realm, nor takes care of the spiritual realm, nor things present here and now, nor things things present here and now, nor things things present here and now, nor things to come in the future.

No dimension of time can ever sever us No dimension of time can ever sever us from Christ. from Christ. from Christ. Nor powers plural in the New Testament Nor powers plural in the New Testament Nor powers plural in the New Testament refers to miracles, supernatural mighty refers to miracles, supernatural mighty refers to miracles, supernatural mighty works. There is no supernatural act that works. There is no supernatural act that works. There is no supernatural act that can sever us from Christ. No mighty can sever us from Christ. No mighty can sever us from Christ. No mighty power. And stretching even further, nor height, And stretching even further, nor height, that's an astrological term. Hoopsoma, that's an astrological term. Hoopsoma, that's an astrological term. Hoopsoma, it referred to a star at its zenith. it referred to a star at its zenith. it referred to a star at its zenith. Or baos, depth, when the star was at its Or baos, depth, when the star was at its Or baos, depth, when the star was at its lowest point, lowest point, lowest point, the height and depth of the universe. the height and depth of the universe. the height and depth of the universe. Nothing any place in life or death or Nothing any place in life or death or Nothing any place in life or death or the spiritual realm or in time or the the spiritual realm or in time or the the spiritual realm or in time or the future future future or in space from top to bottom, shall be able shall be able to separate us from the love of God to separate us from the love of God to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. John's preaching [music] and writing John's preaching [music] and writing John's preaching [music] and writing ministry has had a massive impact upon ministry has had a massive impact upon ministry has had a massive impact upon me. Not not only in terms of of [music] me. Not not only in terms of of [music] me. Not not only in terms of of [music] doctrine and theology, but also just the doctrine and theology, but also just the doctrine and theology, but also just the the gracious personality that he had, the gracious personality that he had, the gracious personality that he had, how truly humble he [music] was. how truly humble he [music] was. how truly humble he [music] was. >> He demonstrated genuine reverence for >> He demonstrated genuine reverence for >> He demonstrated genuine reverence for God. There was nothing hidden. God. There was nothing hidden. God. There was nothing hidden. What you [music] saw was who he was. the What you [music] saw was who he was. the What you [music] saw was who he was. the entire church in the big sense uh will entire church in the big sense uh will entire church in the big sense uh will benefit from the stands that John benefit from the stands that John benefit from the stands that John MacArthur took. He lived his life in MacArthur took. He lived his life in MacArthur took. He lived his life in [music] such a way that he he lived it [music] such a way that he he lived it [music] such a way that he he lived it to please Christ and no one else. He to please Christ and no one else. He to please Christ and no one else. He fought so many battles fought so many battles fought so many battles but what I remember is just a very kind but what I remember is just a very kind but what I remember is just a very kind man. John MacArthur in private man. John MacArthur in private man. John MacArthur in private conversations demonstrated to me his conversations demonstrated to me his conversations demonstrated to me his great concern [music] for every great concern [music] for every great concern [music] for every individual in the congregation and that individual in the congregation and that individual in the congregation and that meant the world to me. His model both of meant the world to me. His model both of meant the world to me. His model both of bravery and gentleness and compassion.

bravery and gentleness and compassion. bravery and gentleness and compassion. It's uh rare that you see that kind of a It's uh rare that you see that kind of a It's uh rare that you see that kind of a blend in one man but that man was John blend in one man but that man was John blend in one man but that man was John McCarthy. McCarthy. McCarthy. >> My life is richer because because I knew >> My life is richer because because I knew >> My life is richer because because I knew him. him. him. Heat. Heat.