August 7
Lesson 10
MORE THAN CONQUERORS
DEVOTIONAL READING: 1 John 4:7–16
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:28–39
ROMANS 8:28–39
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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KEY VERSE
What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
—Romans 8:31
TOWARD A NEW CREATION
Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms
LESSONS 8–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Tell how believers are “more than conquerors” through Jesus.
2. Suggest some challenges that seek to separate Christians from the love of Christ, and tell why they cannot succeed.
3. Make a statement of faith in Christ, expressing confidence in Jesus’ ability to keep him or her in the love of God.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Everything Happens for a Reason?
B. Lesson Background
I. No Chaos of Purpose (ROMANS 8:28–30)
A. Working for Good (v. 28)
B. Proceeding to Glorification (vv. 29, 30)
II. No Disconnect from Love (ROMANS 8:31–36)
A. Nothing Spared (vv. 31, 32)
When God Is for Us
B. No One Condemns (vv. 33, 34)
C. Nothing Separates (vv. 35, 36)
III. No Defeat by Foes (ROMANS 8:37–39)
A. Our Overwhelming Victory (v. 37)
Of Pain and Conquest
B. God’s Conquering Love (vv. 38, 39)
Conclusion
A. Undefeated
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Fortuna (Latin) Fawr-too-naw.
Tychicus Tick-ih-kuss.
Tyche (Greek) Too-kay.
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What Do You Think?
What are appropriate and inappropriate ways to use verse 28 when counseling a fellow Christian who is in distress?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding job loss
■ Regarding a health crisis
■ Regarding a death in the family
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
What was a negative situation in your life where things ultimately turned out God’s way despite circumstances and people arrayed against you?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding a personal crisis of temptation
■ Regarding a family crisis
■ Regarding a church issue
■ Other
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Visual for Lesson 10. Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you pose the question that is associated with verses 38, 39.
The hypothetical yet real-world possibilities are sweeping. Can we be separated from Christ’s love by the hard times of tribulation and the distress that comes with them? No. Can our persecutors cause Christ to withhold His love for us? No. What about the lack of food for daily sustenance? No. How about a lack of clothing that is necessary for warmth and self-dignity? No. Can personal danger and a threat of death undo Christ’s love for us? No.
The final image, the sword, is perhaps the most terrifying since it is the brutal weapon of soldiers and the instrument of execution for Roman citizens. Paul himself will die by the sword about 10 years after he writes this letter. But we can be sure he never doubts the love of Christ, even as the blade touches his neck.
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What Do You Think?
How can the threats of verse 35 actually serve to draw us closer to God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ When we are threatened personally
■ When fellow Christians are threatened
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What Do You Think?
How do you deal with opposition for being a Christian?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In family relationships
■ In work/school situations
■ From the political arena
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
How can you live a more victorious Christian life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ During spiritually “up” times
■ During spiritually “down” times
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