The second half of Romans 8 reminds me of Coach Lamendola. His genius was in his ability to motivate and encourage. After an accomplishment, he told me, “You did that, and no one will ever be able to take that away from you”. In my life, and probably hundreds of others, he converted a loser mentality into a leader. Today’s lesson is about transforming victims into victors. The apostle Paul has already taught that all of mankind has fallen short of God’s perfection. He also diagramed how the death and resurrection of Christ defeated sin, but we are not merely spectators. Paul hints of “the glory that will be revealed in us”. All of heaven and earth watch and wait “in eager expectation”, knowing that “creation was subjected to frustration”. The first step to victory is to identify the real enemy. Satan divides and distracts while we point and blame one another. Sin is the source of all frustration. Satan has been defeated, but we are living in the meantime. Eternity awaits, “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay”. For now, we watch “the whole creation… groaning as in the pains of childbirth”. Speaking to believers, Paul adds, we “groan inwardly” as we eagerly wait for “the redemption of our bodies”. We represent Christ to those around us. The second key to victory is groan inwardly, and praise outwardly.
Individually we are subject to this same futility as creation. But Paul offers encouragement, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. He begins with prayer. Paul reminds us, “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans”. Prayer is our most powerful tool, yet we often ignore it. The third step for victory is to show up ready. Paul exhorts believers that God “searches our hearts”, and at the same time, “the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God”. Great teams are built on a culture of accountability and unity. Paul says that “in all things God works for the good”, not just for my good, but for all who are “called according to His purpose”. We are to be “conformed to the image of His Son”. The fourth step of victory is unity under authority.
The chapter closes with a wonderful reminder of the power of love. Paul asks rhetorically, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” The obvious answer is no one. Paul then prepares us for the battle by focusing our priorities. “It is God who justifies”. God alone is holy and God alone makes us righteous. He then asks, “Who then is the one who condemns?” This time he answers enthusiastically, “No one”. The fifth step of victory is to tune out the doubters. We are much more than just forgiven. Paul says that “Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us”. Our redeemer cheers for us! Paul then asks his timid teammates, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” His focus is on the unfailing love of Christ. Paul lists the challenges we face in life, and then he presents a new perspective, “in all these things we are more than conquerors”. The sixth step to victory is knowing that trials produce endurance. Finally, Paul settles any lingering fear of losing. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus”. I remember my fear before walking into my first day of practice. I did not know what to expect, but my coach brought us together and made us a team. My friend, the door is open wide. If you are frustrated and tired of losing, perhaps it is time to enter in and submit to the authority of Christ. His victory was won for you, and no one will ever be able to take that away from you.