Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril… I. CHRISTIANS ARE CONQUERORS. 1. At their first conversion, when through grace they obtain deliverance from the power of darkness and unbelief. 2. When grace gains the ascendancy, and particular corruptions are weakened and subdued. Growing Christians are going on conquering and to conquer. Partial advantages give assurance of a final conquest. 3. At a throne of grace. God fulfils their requests, and often exceeds them, as He did those of Solomon. 4. Over the afflictions and trials of the present life, and such as they are called especially to endure for Christ's sake. 5. In a dying hour. The victory then obtained is great and glorious, complete and everlasting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). II. CHRISTIANS ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS. 1. They conquer those enemies which none besides can conquer, and which to all others would be invincible. They overcome those powers of darkness which have overcome the world. Those who have obtained the greatest victories are often the slaves of the basest lusts. But the Christian triumphs over himself; and while he is waging war with the corruptions that are in the world, he is no less successful in his opposition to that depravity which reigns within. They conquer that by which all are conquered, even death; thus they lead captivity captive. 2. The means by which they overcome are such as enhance the glory of their conquests. When kings go forth to battle, they muster the host, calculate their numbers, and oppose force to force. But in the Christian warfare, "it is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." "I can do all things," said Paul, " through Christ who strengtheneth me" (Psalm 18:29; Isaiah 30:1; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 10; Revelation 12:11). 3. The manner in which they overcome makes them more than conquerors. They are sure of success beforehand, which no other combatants are. They also conquer in a little time. The sound of an alarm is quickly followed by the sound of triumph. The conflict may continue as long as life; but what is our life? It is but a vapour. Besides, continued resistance will weaken the hands of our enemies and strengthen ours, so that the conquest shall be easy, and obtained with little loss. A victory is often dearly purchased; but the Christian loses nothing that is worth retaining; he gains by every battle. 4. The victory obtained is over and above measure, as the word signifies. The victory is exceedingly great and glorious, far beyond what is accomplished in any other warfare. It is not like a drawn battle, in which both sides may claim the advantage; the defeat is total, and the enemy is "swallowed up in victory." We must remember, however, that all our successes are owing to Him that hath loved us (Psalm 41:4; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 John 4:4).Improvement. 1. Let not believers be dismayed at any opposition they may meet with (Psalm 27:1-3). 2. The most successful Christian should take heed of pride and self-sufficiency. Let him say with the apostle, "Not I, but Christ who dwelleth in me." (B. Beddome, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? |
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