Romans 8:31 says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The “things” that Paul is referring to, are the truths he has just finished presenting about the gospel. What should we say about the fact that, “all things work together for the good of those who love” (8:28)? What should we say about the fact that, “the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness” (v. 26)? We should find strength! We should say that if all these things are true, which they are, then we have nothing to fear, because there is nothing and no one that could overcome our God. Paul’s rhetorical question invites reflection on everything he’s just said in Romans 8—especially the promises of no condemnation (verse 1), adoption as children of God, and the unshakable love of Christ. “These things” refers to the trials, sufferings, and spiritual truths Paul has outlined. Despite hardship, believers are secure in God’s love and purpose. “If God is for us” isn’t a conditional “if”—it’s more like saying “since God is for us.” It affirms that God actively supports, defends, and loves His people. “Who can be against us?” doesn’t mean we’ll never face opposition. It means no adversary can ultimately prevail when God is on our side. This is the source of strength for every believer in Christ. Because Christ died for you; because the Holy Spirit is inside of You; because God loves you, you have no reason to fear. When you feel weak, remember that God is strong. When you feel attacked, remember your protector is invincible. When you feel doubtful, remember that God has given you every assurance. If you have God on your side, no one else stands a chance.
1 CRONICLES12:17 David went out before them and declared to them, “If you have come to me with peaceful intent, to support me, my attitude will be one with yours, but if [you have come] to betray me to my foes when there is no violence in my hands, may the God of our ancestors see and punish.” Proverbs 14:15 “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Ephesians 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” Proverbs 4:26 “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely…”
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
WE MUST STRENGTHEN OUR PRAYER LIFE. LET US NOT ONLY PRAY TO GOD WHEN WE NEED SOMETHING, PRAY TO GOD WHEN ALL IS WELL ALSO, AND DON’T JUST PRAY FOR YOURSELF, PRAY FOR OTHERS. IT IS TIME NOW TO DEVELOP YOUR PRAYER LIFE. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
1 John 2:6 Those who say that they live in him must live the same way he lived. John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” 1 Peter 2:21 “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Luke 6:40 A student is no better than his teacher. But everyone who is well-trained will be like his teacher.
LET US STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
Deuteronomy 4:40 Obey his laws and commands which I’m giving you today. Then things will go well for you and your descendants. You will live for a long time in the land. The LORD your God is giving you the land for as long as you live. 1 Timothy 6:6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous that blessings will come to them. They will taste the fruit of their labor. Proverbs 13:21 “Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.” Jeremiah 7:23 “Obey my voice… that it may be well with you.”
ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. LIVE GODLY AND BE BLESSED BY GOD.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Union with Christ “I have been crucified with Christ…” – This expresses a mystical but real identification with Jesus in His death. – The believer’s old self—bound by sin and the law—has died with Christ. – It echoes Romans 6:6, where Paul says our “old self was crucified with Him.” New Identity and Life “…and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – The Christian life is not self-powered but Christ-powered. – This speaks to a new identity: not just improved behavior, but a transformed being. – It’s a radical shift from self-reliance to Christ-dependence. Faith as the Operating Principle “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” – Faith isn’t just how we begin the Christian life—it’s how we continue it. – This faith is active trust in Jesus, not mere intellectual assent. – It’s a daily surrender to His presence and guidance. Personal Love and Sacrifice “…who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Paul makes it deeply personal: Christ didn’t just die for “the world,” but for me. – This underscores the intimate, sacrificial love of Jesus. – It’s the foundation of Christian assurance and motivation. Transformation, Not Modification – This verse isn’t about self-help or moral improvement. – It’s about death and resurrection—a total reorientation of life. – The Christian doesn’t just follow Christ’s example; Christ lives in them.
Deuteronomy 11:26–28 Today I’m giving you the choice of a blessing or a curse. You’ll be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I’m giving you today. You’ll be cursed if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God, if you turn from the way I’m commanding you to live today, and if you worship other gods you never knew. REMEMBER, Your future hinges on your choices. Obedience to God’s commandments will bring blessing—prosperity, peace, and divine favor. Disobedience, especially idolatry, will bring curse—loss, hardship, and separation from God.
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
(WE ARE NOW BEGINNING A STUDY IN THE BOOK OF GALATIANS) THE BOOK OF GALATIANS INTRODUCTION This is probably the very first of Paul’s letters that have survived to become part of the New Testament. It may have been written as early as AD 48. Paul first stayed in Galatia because he was ill (4:13–15). The people were very kind to him, and received the gospel willingly. But now they have been visited by Jewish teachers with a different message. These teachers distort the gospel by insisting that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Jewish law. Paul quickly sees the danger. If this teaching catches on, it will destroy the gospel. The Jews are adding an extra requirement to simple faith in Christ. They want the Galatians to show their Christian difference in the same ways that Jews have shown their Jewish difference—by circumcision, sabbath-keeping and food laws. Paul argues that faith in Jesus and his death on the cross is all that is needed for salvation. It was faith, not circumcision, which put Abraham right with God. Being circumcised, keeping the sabbath and eating Jewish food can’t possibly add to what Jesus has already done! Paul says that we are saved from sin and death and judgment by God’s grace. Abraham was the first person to trust God’s promises—promises which the whole human race is invited to share. Those who have the same faith as Abraham are his true descendants. Race, sex and status don’t matter. God doesn’t see Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and those who are free. He sees faith. He sees those who belong to Jesus. He sees his children.
WE HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF GALATIANS TO BE INTERESTING. WE INVITE YOU TO STAY WITH US AS WE BEGIN OUR STUDY OF GALATIANS. ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Human beings are created accountable to God for their actions.
Matthew 12:36 “I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins will die. A son will not be punished for his father’s sins, and a father will not be punished for his son’s sins. The righteousness of the righteous person will be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be his own. Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE TAKING TOO MUCH TIME CHECKING HOW SOMEONE ELSE IS LIVING WHEN THEY NEED TO BE CHECKING HOW THEY ARE LIVE THEIR OWN LIFE. REMEMBER YOU ARE GOING TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR LIFE, NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE. THINK ABOUT IT.
Scripture is rich with reminders that God is a present and loving helper to His children. Here are a few powerful verses that speak to His care and support: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Romans 8:28 “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.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Matthew 7:11 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Each of these verses paints a picture of a God who is not distant or indifferent, but deeply involved in the lives of His children—guiding, strengthening, and providing.
LET US NOT FORGET THAT OUR GOD LOVES US, OUR GOD IS WITH US, AND OUR GOD TAKES CARE OF US.
Union with Christ
New Identity and Life
Faith as the Operating Principle
Personal Love and Sacrifice
Transformation, Not Modification
