Romans Chapter 8 is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and assurance. The Apostle Paul provides a profound understanding of the Christian faith, focusing on the victory we have in Christ. There’s a powerful message encapsulated in verse 31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
In this post, we’ll explore the power and assurance that comes from having God on our side, which the Bible says is true of all those who call Jesus Lord. We’ll share some biblical truths that remind us of the ultimate victory we have through Christ’s finished work. With every step, we will uncover the strength and confidence that emerges when we trust in God’s promises.
So, join us as we embark on this journey of exploring the reality that nothing can stand against us when God is for us. Get ready to embrace victory in Christ and discover our Heavenly Father’s unwavering support and love.
On the pavement of this world, we encounter challenges and obstacles that can leave us feeling dejected. The same has been true of every God-follower since just east of Eden. During these times, we must remember that the war has been won and God is the victor.
Victory, in a spiritual context, goes beyond just overcoming difficulties – it’s about experiencing the power and presence of God in our lives. And it’s about reflecting the God we’ve known to a watching world, even in the face of intense hardship. The Bible teaches that trials and tribulations have the power to refine our character and to transform us into the image of his Son, if we cooperate.
James 1 exhorts us:
“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything (James 1:2-4).
Victory for the Christian, then, is redefined. It doesn’t mean pleasant circumstances all or even much of the time. The Author and Perfecter of the faith promised us,
“In the world you will have trouble and suffering. But take courage – I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
But through these troubles we have the opportunity to know him better. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expressed a desire to know Christ better not only through his resurrection but also through his suffering.
“My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10).
When we walk in this newly defined victory, we understand that the battles we face are not ours alone and that they are infused with supernatural purpose. We endeavor to behave like Jesus did when he faced enemies and opposition. The Almighty God fights for us and no doubt foils many attacks aimed at us, but he also provides the strength and guidance we need to reflect his character as we overcome. This assurance allows us to face challenges confidently, knowing that we have an unfailing source of support whether or not God chooses to change our circumstances in the way we hope.
One of the greatest assurances we have for walking in victory is the presence and power of God. Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of God’s power displayed in the lives of his people, bringing about miraculous victories. From the parting of the Red Sea to the walls of Jericho tumbling down, from the answering of Hannah’s prayer for a child to Elijah’s calling down fire from heaven, these stories remind us that nothing is impossible when God is for us.
The pages of the Bible are filled with stories of victory through God’s intervention. One such example is the story of David and Goliath. Against all odds, a young shepherd boy defeated a giant warrior because he had unwavering faith in God. This story reminds us that it’s not about our strength or abilities but about trusting in the power of God.
Another example is the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Despite their doubts and fears, God provided for them every step of the way. He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, ensuring their safety and guiding them to the promised land. This story teaches us that even in the wilderness seasons of our lives, God is faithful to lead us to victory.
When Jesus walked the earth, he intervened in people’s lives according to their requests and their measure of faith. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and commanded nature several times. The gospel of Mark records this beautiful interaction with a blind man named Bartimaeus:
“They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many scolded him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man and said to him, ‘Have courage! Get up! He is calling you.’ He threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man replied, ‘Rabbi, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go, your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road” (Mark 10:46-52).
God’s promises to be present with us through difficult times are equally encouraging.
Isaiah recorded these hope-filled words straight from the mouth of God:
“When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer” (Isaiah 43:2-3).
King David, also, wrote of God’s presence with us through dangerous terrain:
“Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me, in plain sight of my enemies.You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full (Psalm 23:4-5).
Knowing that God is always with us gives us the confidence to meet any situation. We can find comfort in His promises, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we are in Christ, we can be assured that we are never alone in our battles. Indeed, “he is sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).
Fear and doubt are common emotions we experience when facing challenges or feeling alone. However, when we are in Christ and know God is for us, we can overcome these potentially paralyzing emotions. The Bible reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The Scriptures are replete with admonitions against fear:
“When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. Do not be afraid of sudden disaster or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the Lord will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap” (Proverbs 3:24-26).
“Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31).
When we find ourselves doubting, we should be honest with God about our feelings. He already knows them, so there is little use in us pretending faith when we’re faltering. We can, however, ask him to help our unbelief! Consider this honest, desperate man who encountered Jesus on the dusty roads of ancient Israel:
“If you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24).
We can always turn to God’s Word for reassurance as well. The promises he has given us are a source of hope and encouragement. Like the old hymn says: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.” By meditating on God’s promises and speaking them over our lives, we can replace fear and doubt with faith and confidence.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10).
Trusting in God’s plan for our lives is essential to walking in the victory he desires for us. We may not always understand why specific challenges come our way, and we may not always feel like he is for us, but we can trust that God has a purpose for everything. His plans for us are good, and he promises to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
When we trust in God’s plan, we surrender our desires, agendas, and even our understanding. We acknowledge that His ways are higher than ours, and His thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This level of surrender allows us to experience true victory as we align ourselves with God’s perfect will for our lives.
Prayer and worship are powerful tools for strengthening our faith and walking in the knowledge that if he is for us, no one can be against us. Through prayer, we communicate with God, pouring out our hearts and seeking His guidance. In these moments of intimacy with Him, we can find peace and clarity.
“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Worship, on the other hand, allows us to focus on the greatness of God. As we lift our voices in praise, we are reminded of His faithfulness and power. Worship shifts our perspective from our problems to the one who is able to overcome them all. It refreshes our faith and fills us with the confidence we need to walk in victory.
Psalm 103 is a perfect template for praising God by rehearsing who he is and all the wonderful things he’s done.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul. With all that is within me, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. Do not forget all his kind deeds.
He is the one who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases,
who delivers your life from the Pit, who crowns you with his loyal love and compassion,
who satisfies your life with good things, so your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
The Lord does what is fair, and executes justice for all the oppressed.
The Lord revealed his faithful acts to Moses,his deeds to the Israelites.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love.
He does not always accuse and does not stay angry.
He does not deal with us as our sins deserve; he does not repay us as our misdeeds deserve.
For as the skies are high above the earth, so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers.
As far as the eastern horizon is from the west, so he removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers.
For he knows what we are made of; he realizes we are made of clay.
A person’s life is like grass. Like a flower in the field it flourishes, but when the hot wind blows, it disappears, and one can no longer even spot the place where it once grew.
But the Lord continually shows loyal love to his faithful followers and is faithful to their descendants, to those who keep his covenant, who are careful to obey his commands.
The Lord has established his throne in heaven; his kingdom extends over everything.
Praise the Lord, you angels of his, you powerful warriors who carry out his decrees and obey his orders.
Praise the Lord, all you warriors of his, you servants of his who carry out his desires.
Praise the Lord, all that he has made,in all the regions of his kingdom.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.”
The abundant life Jesus promised requires obedience and surrender to God’s will. When we obey his commands and follow his guidance, we position ourselves to abundantly receive what it means for God to be for us. Obedience is not always easy, but it is necessary to experience the fullness of victory God has in store.
Jesus himself said,
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice—I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built” (Luke 6:46-47).
Surrender is closely linked to obedience. It’s about relinquishing our desires and submitting to God’s plans. When we surrender to Him, we acknowledge He is in control and knows better than we do. These acts of submission come with a promise from the book of James:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Walking in victory is not meant to be a solitary journey. God created us for community, and the support of others plays a crucial role in our pursuit of victorious living in Christ. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and prayer support.
King Solomon, the person the Bible calls the wisest on earth, said these things about the importance of community:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
“Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Through fellowship with the family of God, we can share our struggles and victories, finding strength in knowing that we are not alone. Together we can lift each other up, offering support and speaking truth into one another’s lives. Community helps us navigate life’s challenges and reminds us that we are part of a larger body, united in our pursuit of victory in Christ. Again the Apostle Paul instructs us:
“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
The promise “If God is for us, who can be against us?” is not just a comforting statement but a powerful declaration of faith. It reminds us that no matter what we face, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. It is a call to live boldly, secure in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Understanding the victory we have in Christ should spur us to live radically for the sake of the gospel. God calls us to make disciples of all nations, proclaim his excellencies, and share his love with those around us no matter the cost. If he is for us, we have nothing to fear in living out his purposes.
We pray these truths will inspire you, deepen your faith, and fortify your resolve to live according to the victory that’s yours!
