INTRODUCTION:

       A.  From time to time we all need motivation.

            1.  Motivation is that drive that forces us to continue in the face of
                 opposition, no matter how great or how small it may be.

       B.  One of the greatest needs of the Christian is to have an awareness that
            God has given us motivation to help us when we come under any
            opposition.

       C.  If we are doing what God has commanded us, and living in the way that
             we should, we will suffer in some way.

            1.  Suffering does not always mean stripes, death, or scars.

       D.  Notice the context coming up to this point:

            1.  Salutation - 1:1-7.

            2.  Thanksgiving - 1:8-15.

            3.  Thesis - 1:16-17... (Gospel).

            4.  Universal Condemnation - 1:18-3:20.

                 a.  Pagan condemned - 1:18-32.

                 b.  Moralist condemned - 2:1-16.

                 c.  Jew condemned - 2:17-3:18.

            5.  Justification by faith - 3:21-5:21.

            6.  Sanctification - 6:1-8:17.  NOTE:  8:17b.

       E.  There will always be suffering when righteousness prevails.

       F.  We need some kind of motivation to help us endure the sufferings of
            the day.  Today, let's notice 5 things that Paul lays down to motivate the
            brethren at Rome to suffer with Christ, and to continue their service no
            matter how great the suffering becomes.
 

   I.  The Good Always Out-Weighs The Bad... 8:18-25.

       A.  Encouraged by the glory to be given to us - v.18.

            1.  We misunderstand Glory.

                 a.  Examples:  streets of gold, gates of pearl, mansions, etc.

            2.  The marks of sin will be erased from the earth - v.20-22.
    
                 a.  God vindicates the name of His people.

            3.  The marks of sin will be erased from our bodies - v. 23-25.

                 a.  We have something to hope for.

       B.  You suffer if the need be, but you remember that no matter how bad it
             gets, the good is far better.

  II.  We Have Help "Now" In Our Weakness - God The Holy Spirit -
       8:26-27.

       A.  HE communicates to the Godhead the things that man is not capable
             of saying.

       B.  HE communicates things that man doesn't know he has a problem with.

       C.  What God says is that "I UNDERSTAND" what you are going through.

            1.  SONG:  "My Jesus Knows"

                 a.  Came to this earth to know.

                 b.  Hebrews 2:14 - shared in flesh and blood to defeat Satan.

                 c.  Hebrews 4:15 - "tempted in all points like as we..."

                 d.  Our Jesus knows because he has been here.

 III.  God's Providence Is Working In Our Behalf - 8:28-30. 

       A.  God's providence is working behind the scenes to work things out for
             our good.

            1.  Example:  A "Master Weaver"  works behind the work of a young
                 man who is trying to learn to weave and makes his mistakes work
                 out to a beautiful pattern.

       B.  God says, "Hang on.  I can take the worst that they can do to you and
             work it out for your good."

       C.  Bad in itself happening to a person is not good.

            1.  God is able to take that bad and make it good.

            2.  Example:  The CROSS.

       D.  No matter what they do, you will be glorified.

  IV.  Judgment Is In Our Behalf - 8:31-34.

       A.  When God comes in the day of judgment, who will be able to bring a
            charge against you to keep you out of heaven?

            1.  Not the FATHER... v.31-33.

                 a.  He is working in our behalf (some think differently).

                 b.  He gave His Son in order to give us all things.

            2.  Not the SON... v.34.

                 a.  He died for us.

                 b.  He arose for us.

                 c.  He ascended for us.

       B.  YOU are the only thing that will keep you out of heaven.

   V.  You Can Make It - 8:35-39.

       A.  No matter what happens to you, don't you get the idea that Jesus does
             not love you.

            1.  God's people have always had to suffer - v.36.

       B.  We are more than conquerors.

       C.  The only thing that can come between you and Jesus is that you do not
             live the tenor of your life toward his service.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Have you fallen back into the world because you thought that there was
             no motivation to serve God.

       B.  Realize today that everything is working in your behalf.

       C.  God will take care of you, just be FAITHFUL.

            1.  Don't forget that we MUST have suffering.