Risk persecution for Christ’s sake, “for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). We risk life now that we may gain it forever.

The basis of that demand for sacrifice and risk is the absolute, God-given assurance that in the end there is no ultimate risk. God demands a life of intentional sacrifice (Philippians 2:4-8), and he demands risk for the gospel-in smaller ways of dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), and possibly in the bigger way of martyrdom (Luke 14:26).

If you know what you will suffer, it’s called sacrifice, not risk. Paul also informs us that all who live godly WILL suffer persecution.īut we also have His unfailing assurance that the blood of Christ has overcome sin, the world, and the devil, and that every single circumstance of our individual life, as well as the global, satanic plans of the enemy are all working together for God's glory and for the eternal good of ALL who are called according to the purposes of God - which is to be conformed to the image of His Son.Risk is “an action that exposes you to the possibility of loss or injury.” (“Risk Is Right” in Don’t Waste Your Life, 79.) “Possibility” is a key word. Indeed, the Lord Jesus Himself reminded us that in this fallen, groaning world we will suffer tribulation. We may have to face difficulties and dangers, and be called upon to experience tragedies, disappointments, persecutions, and even death. Our Heavenly Father also groans in His Spirit at the evil that has befallen His perfect creation.īut God ordained His redemptive plan in the eternal council chambers of heaven before the foundation of the world - a good plan, a perfect plan where Christ will be all in all, a plan which will certainly come to fruition because God is working His purpose out in every situation of our lives, whether those circumstances are good or evil. We groan in our mortal bodies in concert with the groaning creation. We are been ransomed from death and destruction and rescued from defeat and decay, for Christ has won the victory on our account, by grace through faith in Him.īut for a little while, we live in a fallen world and are affected by the ravages of sin. This reassuring chapter reminds us that we are free of God's judgement and condemnation because we are in Christ and we are released from the curse of the law, slavery to sin, and Satan's accusations. A plan where God is working all things together for His own glory and for the eternal good of all who trust Him as Saviour (those that are called according to His purpose, for we are all part of His perfect plan). That plan is a good plan, a perfect plan, a plan which will come to fruition when Christ is all in all. God ordained His redemptive plan and purpose in the eternal council chambers of heaven before the foundation of the world.

John piper on romans 8