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In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37, ESV).
Decades ago, I memorized Romans 8. Initially, I thought, “This chapter looks like a Chinese menu.” (Editor’s Note: This isn’t the most sophisticated theological explanation of Romans 8!)
Chinese menus contain soooo many items — things like Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chop Suey, and not only Chow Mein but Lo Mein too. Being raised in the steak and potato Midwest, what in the world is Beef with Snow Pea Pods?
Too many unknown menu choices!
Romans 8 includes items like no condemnation, led by the Spirit, adoption as children of God, the Spirit praying for us, Jesus praying for us, and all creation waiting for the revealing of the sons of God. And. . . how do we define predestination?
Lots of difficult theological topics in Romans 8!
Whereas we may get confused by a Chinese menu and go to Chick-fil-A™ instead, there is a simple and reasonable OG (Old Guy) method for reading Romans 8.
I call it the Victory Method. Romans 8 defines our success in Jesus more than any other chapter in the Bible.
- The Spirit helps our weakness (v. 26)
- All things work together for the good (v. 28)
- If God is for us, who can be against us? (v. 31)
- How will He not graciously give us all things? (v. 32)
- Who shall separate us from the love of God? (v. 35 & 39)
We must feel victorious after reading these verses.
Many years back, I read verse 37 and thought, “Wow, we are more than conquerors; that’s the key to understanding Romans 8! After reading each verse, even if I don’t understand the verse, I’m going to say, ‘That’s how I get victory!’”
Let’s try it. . .
- There is no condemnation — that’s how we get victory (v. 1)
- The law of the Spirit of life has set us free from sin and death — that’s how we get victory (v. 2)
- The Spirit of God dwells in us — that’s how we get victory (v. 11)
- For we did not receive a Spirit of fear — that’s how we get victory (v. 15)
- We don’t consider suffering worth comparing with future glory — that’s how we get victory (v. 18)
- The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words — that’s how we get victory (v. 26)
- Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us – that’s how we get victory (v.34)
- We are predestined, called, justified, and glorified — that’s how we get victory! (v. 30)
Every sentence in Romans 8 explains and elaborates our victory in Jesus!
I confess that I like Wonton soup, though I’m not sure what’s in it. The same is true with Romans 8: we like it, and we get victory, though we may not understand exactly how.
Amen!
Let me know your favorite Chinese menu item!