The Question
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"What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us—who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Paul's epistles were written to be read, not merely by priests, or one class of people—but by all Christians. Every believer, therefore, should carefully and frequently read God's word. Nor is reading enough: we should read with prayer; nor only pray—but exercise our thoughts, our common sense, on what we read. Paul expected the Romans to do so, and to be able to draw just conclusions from the truths he placed before them. He therefore appeals to them, and says, "What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us—who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
The Question: "What shall we say to these things?" Paul referred in general to the sufferings the Lord's people endured—and to the supports they enjoyed. Through much tribulation they were entering into the kingdom—but they found that strength was given them equal to their day. But, in particular, he refers to: their deliverance from the law of sin and death, which fettered, harassed, and kept them in bondage—and their being now under the favor of God, and at peace with him; to the indwelling and gracious operations of the Holy Spirit, helping their infirmities, teaching them to pray, and supplying them with all needed consolations; to their recognition as the children and heirs of God, and of their joint-heir ship with the Lord Jesus Christ; also to their predestination to holiness on earth, as preparatory to their perfect happiness in heaven.
It is, then, as if he had said, 'Seeing you are free from condemnation, by being delivered from the law; seeing you are renewed by the Spirit, and have the Comforter dwelling in your hearts; seeing you are recognized as the children and heirs of God; and seeing you were predestined to holiness and happiness—what shall we say? How do you treat these solemn and important truths? Do you believe them? Have you confidence in their reality? Do you trust in them, and expect God to act towards you in accordance with them?
They are to feed your faith, support your minds, and comfort your hearts. Do you meditate upon them? Mere reading of Scripture truth does but little good—without meditation. By reading we gather the grain; but by meditation we thrash it out, prepare it for food, and feed upon it. Collecting the grain, looking at the grain, examining the grain—will not feed us; it must be made into bread and be actually eaten. So hearing or reading the word will not feed, support, or strengthen the soul—without meditation.
Do you apply it or appropriate it to yourselves? This we should do. We should seek to claim every promise, to appropriate every doctrine, to enjoy every privilege, and to perform every precept.
Are some free from condemnation? then I will seek to be free too. Have the Lord's people the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, working in them, comforting and supporting them? then I will not rest without enjoying the same blessing. Are believers God's children and heirs, and do they know and enjoy it? then I will seek to possess the same privilege. Do other Christians know their election of God, and their predestination to everlasting life? then I will not only believe the doctrine—but I will make my calling and my election sure.
If we do so, we shall draw sweet and hallowed comfort from God's word; we shall be happy, rejoicing in the Lord always; we shall be courageous, and even glory in tribulation, and fearlessly face every foe; we shall acquire confidence, strong confidence in God—so that, however rough our road, however trying our path, we shall walk by faith, and be able to say with our apostle, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Such treatment of God's truth will excite gratitude and draw forth the praises of our hearts. We shall love him, because he first loved us; and we shall praise him for his loving thoughts, gracious purposes, glorious promises, and the invaluable privileges which he has conferred upon us!
It will preserve us from sin; for how can we indulge in sin against a God so good, so infinitely gracious, so plenteous in mercy, so abundant in goodness and in truth?
It will urge us to duty, and help us in duty. We shall be prepared for every good work: nothing prepares us for good works, assists us in doing good works, or urges us to abound in good works—like the comfort, the confidence, and the gratitude which flow from the right use of our privileges. "What shall we then say to these things?"
The Conclusion: "IF God is for us—-who can be against us?" The "if" does not suppose a doubt—but expresses certainty. It is used by the reasoner, not by the doubter; and is the same as if he had said, "SINCE God is for us—who can be against us?" God IS for his people—this was settled in the everlasting covenant, which is ordered in all things and sure. It is plainly revealed in the promises, in which God engages to be with us, and to do for us exceeding and abundantly above all that we ask or think. It is proved in the experience of all the Lord's people, from the beginning of the world until now. If we are believers—then God is ever with us, God is always for us. He is on our side; he is our ally. He says, "Fear not: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward."
Who, then, can be against us? MEN may—men will. It may be, great men—men in power—men influenced by prejudice—the very last men we would have expected. But what then? Can they injure us? Ponder well Peter's question: "Who is he who will harm you, if you are followers of that which is good?"
SATAN, and all influenced by him, will be against us. Therefore it is said, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood—but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." But though that old serpent, the devil, deceives the whole world—yet Christians overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; and the God of peace will bruise Satan under our feet shortly.
If the Lord be for us, we may rejoice and say, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" Malice he may have, cruel he may be—but where is his power? If God is for us, he will be with us.
Think, then, of his omniscient eye observing and discovering every foe, every purpose, every plan. All things are open and naked before him.
Think of his omnipotent arm dispersing, crushing, or converting every foe. Who can withstand him?
Think of God's loving heart sympathizing with all his people, always and in all circumstances, and how can you doubt or fear? With the eye of God upon you, and watching all your foes; with the arm of God made bare and his hand lifted up to defend you; and with the heart of God yearning over you in tenderest love—who can injure you? who can destroy you? The Lord will take your part with those who help you, and will oppose himself to all who would harm you. Who, then, can be against you? Believe this—and be happy.
Believers must have TRIALS. This is God's appointment, and it is needful for them. Tribulation lines the way to the kingdom. FOES will awaken fears: this is natural, and many believers are very timid. But every foe is limited; he cannot go beyond the word of the Lord to do less or more. Fear must not be encouraged. God forbids it; every promise is opposed to it. One portion of God's word ought to be enough to prevent it. As to Israel, so to you that word speaks: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before you; and shall say, Destroy them!"
God being for us, we may be confident. With David we may sing, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my heart, of whom shall I be afraid?"
Every view of God as our covenant God—as a God in Christ—is calculated to disperse our fears and inspire us with courage:
If we look upon him as our Judge, he is satisfied; for all the claims of law and justice are met.
If we view him as our Friend, he cares for us; and his care is tender, constant, and unwearied.
If we consider him as our Father, he loves us, and loves us with an infinite, eternal, unchanging love!
As Judge, Friend, and Father, he is our Defence, and, as such, controls all things for our welfare: "The Lord is our defence, and the Holy One of Israel is our king."
If God is for us, ought we not to be peaceful, contented, and happy? But God is for us; how, then, can we justify our anxiety, worry, and uncomfortable frame of mind? With one of old we may say, however numerous our foes, when we see our brethren inclined to fear or faint: "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him; for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles."
Beloved, do you daily live realizing the cheering fact that God is for you—that God is with you? It is your privilege to do so; and if you do, you will glorify his dear name, magnify his rich grace, and honour his sovereign mercy. You will be a match for Satan, live above the world, and overcome the corruptions of your own heart. God is either everything to you—or he is nothing. You look to him for all, and trust him notwithstanding all—or you do not make a God of him. He is pledged to his people; he is engaged to them. He will fulfil every word to them; he will make all his goodness pass before them. He will prove his love to them, display his power in dealing with them, and rejoice in every opportunity of doing them good.
Blessed, forever blessed be the Lord, for his great love, free grace, abounding mercy, and precious, precious promises! Holy Spirit, in all times of weakness, in all seasons of sorrow, when fears arise, when Satan harasses, when providence appears to frown—then, O then, whisper to my soul, "God is for you! God is with you!"
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