Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Dec. 23, 2001, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

FOR US

By Michael D. O’Neal                      Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                      Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-38

Text: Romans 8:31

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Introduction: The title for tonight’s message consists simply of the two words found in verse 31, “for us.”

For some people, it is hard for them to sing from the heart at Christmas, “tis the season to be jolly.” Even some of God’s people, people who have been born again by the Spirit of God, have a hard time getting through the holidays without a lot of negative emotions.

I am convinced that our main problem is our THINKING. We don’t meditate on the right things we were are attacked by Satan, by unclean spirits, by people, or simply by everyday difficulties — bad health, financial losses, sad memories, and disappointments.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8 that we are to think on the right things. Tonight I want to help you with that. I want you to think about what God has done, is doing, and shall do “FOR US.”

I’m going to give you a number of scriptures tonight. You won’t have time to turn to them all, but I pray that God will use them to get your thinking going in the right direction this week.

YOU ARE SPECIAL TO THE LORD!

Consider what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do for you!

I. THE SCRIPTURES WERE WRITTEN FOR US

Romans 4:23-24 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

A. For loving

• They express the love of God for us.
• They are given for us to love the Lord and His word.

B. For learning

• Not all of the Bible is TO us or ABOUT us, but it is all FOR us to learn.
• Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
• It’s profitable for US:
• 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

C. For living

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

II. THE SON OF GOD DIED FOR US

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:32 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?

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

A. Jesus bore our sins for us

B. Jesus became cursed for us

C. Jesus bought our redemption for us

D. Jesus broke the bonds of death, hell, and the grave for us

III. THE SAVIOR ENTERED HEAVEN FOR US

Hebrews 6:19-20 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

A. He split open the veil

B. He secured our eternal redemption

C. He SAT DOWN as our High priest

• Priests on earth stood daily, never sitting down

IV. THE SPIRIT OF GOD INTERCEDES FOR US

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

AS DOES THE SON:

Romans 8:34 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.

When the devil accuses us to God the father, when we fail to do as we should, we have heavenly intercessors! — The Son of God and the Holy Ghost!

A. Consider their past experience

• Jesus has never lost a case!
• He knows the law!
• He knows the Judge!

B. Consider their passion for our cause

• Jesus loved you enough to die for you! He’s on your side!

C. Consider the promise

• John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

D. Consider the price

• No charge!
• It is a gift!

V. THE SKY IS GOING TO OPEN FOR US

Look at the “for you”s in these verses:

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

A. We have a glorious hope

• Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

B. We have a grand house in heaven

• “a place for you”
• “many mansions”

C. We should have glad hearts

• “Let not your heart be troubled”

GLORY TO GOD!
LOOK AT ALL THAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU!
LOOK AT ALL THAT GOD IS DOING FOR YOU!
LOOK AT ALL THAT GOD WILL DO FOR YOU!
LET’S CHEER UP!
LET’S LOOK UP!
LET’S DOING SOMETHING FOR HIM!!!